Sen. Amy Klobuchar

Maddy summarySRES 124 is a non-binding Senate resolution designating March 24, 2023, as "National Women of Color in Tech Day." It recognizes the contributions of women of color in technology and highlights their underrepresentation in STEM fields through a preamble citing historical figures and statistics. The resolution urges the public to observe the day, calls for increased diversity in tech through recruitment and retention efforts, and recommends strengthening partnerships with minority-serving educational institutions. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of systemic barriers and a call for greater inclusion in the technology sector.

Maddy summarySRES 117 is a non-binding Senate resolution urging the U.S. President and Secretary of State to work with Canada to prevent permanent nuclear waste storage in the Great Lakes Basin. It specifically addresses Canada’s proposal to build a deep geological repository near Lake Huron in South Bruce, Ontario, which the resolution states could threaten the Great Lakes’ water supply. The resolution cites the basin’s importance to over 40 million people relying on it for drinking water and highlights environmental risks from potential nuclear contamination. It calls for U.S. diplomatic engagement to ensure safe, non-threatening waste storage solutions that protect the shared water resource.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends U.S. foreign aid law to remove restrictions preventing federal funds from supporting abortion services as part of comprehensive reproductive health care. It directly affects U.S. international health programs and people in low- and middle-income countries who rely on U.S.-funded reproductive health services. The key provision explicitly allows foreign assistance funds to cover abortion services, training, and equipment for safe abortion care, alongside other reproductive health services. This changes how U.S. aid is allocated globally, aiming to increase access to safe abortion care in countries where it is legal.

Maddy summaryThe Next Generation Fuels Act of 2023 requires automotive manufacturers to design vehicles (starting with 2028 models) to operate with gasoline containing 10-25% ethanol (with 95+ research octane) and later 10-30% ethanol (with 98+ octane). It mandates fuel retailers to offer 95+ octane gasoline at certain outlets by 2027 and 98+ by 2032, with specific availability requirements for different retail outlet sizes. The bill also requires clear labeling at fuel pumps and on vehicles to inform consumers about fuel requirements and consequences of using lower-octane fuels. Additionally, it establishes new standards for gasoline composition, including limits on aromatic content and requirements for low-carbon octane additives.

Maddy summaryS.895, "Ellie’s Law," authorizes $10 million annually from fiscal years 2024 through 2028 for the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke to fund comprehensive research on unruptured brain aneurysms. The research must study a broader, more diverse patient population across age, sex, and race. This funding is supplemental to existing brain aneurysm research budgets, not replacing them. The bill directly supports federal research efforts to address a condition affecting an estimated 6.6 million people in the U.S., with the goal of improving understanding and management of unruptured aneurysms.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies U.S. tax code to boost research and development (R&D) investment by businesses. It allows companies to immediately deduct R&D costs (instead of amortizing them over 5 years) and expands refundable tax credits for small businesses, raising the annual credit cap from $250,000 to $750,000 by 2032. Small businesses with gross receipts under $15 million can now qualify for higher credit rates (up to 20% of R&D costs) and may exclude years with no R&D expenses when calculating credits. The changes apply to taxable years beginning after December 2022, directly benefiting R&D-focused startups and small businesses.

Maddy summaryS 858, the Cameras in the Courtroom Act, requires the Supreme Court to permit television coverage of all public court sessions unless a majority of justices vote to block it in a specific case. This directly affects the Supreme Court's procedures and the public's access to live court proceedings. The bill's key provision mandates that coverage be allowed by default, with the Court able to restrict it only if a majority determines it would violate due process rights in that particular case. The change would make Supreme Court proceedings more accessible to the public through television media.

Maddy summaryThis bill, the Short on Competition Act, creates a temporary importation program for prescription drugs during shortages and addresses limited market competition. It allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to authorize imports of drugs with the same active ingredient as a US shortage drug (from countries where it's approved) for up to 3 years, provided manufacturers commit to seeking US approval. It also defines "marginally competitive markets" (fewer than 5 competing drugs for a 10+ year old drug with expired patents), requiring the Secretary to treat such markets as shortages and expedite reviews or authorize imports. The bill mandates annual reporting on drugs authorized for temporary importation. It directly affects patients facing drug shortages, drug manufacturers, and importers seeking to address supply gaps.

Maddy summaryS 838, the Improving Access to Mental Health Act of 2023, increases Medicare coverage for clinical social workers. It raises reimbursement rates for their services under Medicare Part B from 75% to 85% of the psychologist fee schedule and removes barriers preventing coverage in skilled nursing facilities. The bill specifically expands Medicare coverage to include a defined set of clinical social work services (using specific HCPCS codes) for mental health diagnosis, treatment, and behavioral interventions. This directly affects Medicare beneficiaries, particularly older adults and people in skilled nursing facilities, by making it easier for providers to offer and bill for these mental health services starting January 1, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows federal appellate and district court judges to permit public media coverage (photography, recording, broadcasting) of court proceedings, subject to specific rules. Judges may deny coverage if it violates due process rights, and must obscure the identity of vulnerable witnesses (like crime victims, minors, or undercover officers) upon request or if safety is threatened. The law prohibits broadcasting jurors, attorney-client conferences, and requires judges to follow new guidelines for witness protection within six months. The district court media allowance expires after three years.