This resolution supports the designation of October 1 through October 7, 2023, as National 4–H Week and recognizes the important role of 4–H in youth development and education.
Maddy summarySRES 394 is a Senate resolution introduced on October 3, 2023, honoring the late James L. Buckley, a former U.S. Senator from New York (1971-1977) who died in 2023. The resolution expresses the Senate's sorrow at his passing and directs the Senate to communicate the resolution to the House of Representatives and Buckley's family, while calling for an immediate adjournment in his memory. This ceremonial resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it solely serves to commemorate Buckley's life and legacy.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates two grant programs to increase enrollment in federal broadband assistance programs. It provides funds to states to outreach to Medicaid/SNAP participants and low-income residents about the Affordable Connectivity Program and Lifeline (which offer discounted internet service), helping them apply and understand program rules. It also establishes grants for states to connect their benefit databases (like SNAP) with the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier, allowing automatic eligibility checks for these programs. The goal is to simplify enrollment for qualifying households who aren't currently using these broadband assistance programs.
Maddy summaryThis bill increases the tax deduction rate for volunteer drivers who transport people or goods for qualifying nonprofits. It changes the standard mileage rate from 14 cents per mile to a rate set by the Treasury Secretary (minimum: the standard business mileage rate), effective for 2023 tax returns. The change directly affects volunteer drivers for organizations described in tax code section 170(c), such as food banks or community service groups. This provides a higher tax benefit for their mileage expenses compared to the previous fixed rate.
Sustainable Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Services in the Home Act This bill permanently allows services relating to cardiac rehabilitation programs, intensive cardiac rehabilitation programs, and pulmonary rehabilitation programs to be furnished via telehealth at a beneficiary's home under Medicare.
Maddy summaryThe Nutrition CARE Act of 2023 amends Medicare Part B to cover medical nutrition therapy services for beneficiaries with eating disorders, which were previously excluded from coverage. It directly affects Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with eating disorders, including those from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups disproportionately impacted by these conditions. The bill requires coverage for services provided by registered dietitians or nutrition professionals following referrals from physicians or psychologists, mandating a minimum of 13 hours of care in the first year (including an initial assessment) and 4 hours annually thereafter. Coverage begins January 1, 2024, and applies specifically to eating disorders as defined by the Secretary using the DSM-5 criteria.
Maddy summaryThe PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2023 extends federal funding for research and care related to preterm births and low birthweight infants through fiscal years 2024-2028, replacing previous funding periods. It updates existing programs to include screening for and treatment of chronic conditions in infant care and requires the Health and Human Services Secretary to establish an interagency working group within 18 months. The bill mandates a National Academies study to assess financial costs of preterm birth (including neonatal ICU stays and long-term family expenses), factors influencing birth rates, gaps in public health support, and research strategies for prevention, with a final report due within 24 months. This legislation directly affects federal health agencies, healthcare providers, and families caring for preterm infants by advancing evidence-based improvements in care.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires federal agencies to adjust contract prices for contractors who suspended work due to government shutdowns (lapses in appropriations). It mandates that contractors receive reimbursement for reasonable costs incurred to pay furloughed or laid-off employees their standard wages during the shutdown, or to restore paid leave used during the shutdown. The reimbursement is capped at $1,442 per week (pro-rated for part-time work) and must be documented by contractors. It directly affects federal contractors and their employees who experienced pay disruptions during the 2023-2024 government shutdowns.
Maddy summaryThis joint resolution commemorates the fifth anniversary of the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was killed in 2018 at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. It calls on the Saudi government to ensure accountability for those responsible for his death, release individuals wrongfully detained (including activists and dissidents), lift travel bans on critics, and respect freedoms of assembly and expression. The resolution notes that the U.S. has already sanctioned 17 Saudi officials under the Global Magnitsky Act for their role in the murder. As a non-binding resolution, it urges the executive branch to pursue these actions without creating new legal obligations.
Maddy summarySRES 382 is a Senate resolution designating October 2023 as Filipino American History Month. It celebrates the history, culture, and contributions of Filipino Americans to the United States, including their roles in military service, healthcare, labor movements, and other fields. The resolution encourages public observance through educational programs and activities to honor their legacy. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new legal obligations or benefits.
