Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 to clarify and improve legal pathways for victims. It directly affects individuals exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune (1953-1987) who developed health issues, including latent or potential harm. Key changes include lowering the proof standard to show a causal link between contamination and health harm (requiring it to be "at least as likely as not"), updating residency requirements to 30 days, and revising attorney fee limits to 20% for pre-litigation settlements and 25% for court judgments. The bill also specifies jurisdiction in North Carolina courts and allows case transfers within the fourth judicial circuit. These technical corrections aim to streamline claims processing for existing and future victims.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the HIDTA program to strengthen efforts against fentanyl trafficking. It requires new annual reports detailing HIDTA-funded fentanyl seizures, trafficking patterns, and law enforcement data, directly affecting HIDTA programs and regional law enforcement. Key provisions include increasing annual funding to $333 million (2025-2030), adjusting prior funding levels, and directing the Attorney General to make prosecutorial resources available for fentanyl-related cases through temporary reassignment of U.S. attorneys. The law focuses on enhancing fentanyl prevention, seizure, and interdiction activities through data reporting, funding, and targeted prosecution resources.
Maddy summaryThe GEOTHERMAL Act of 2024 establishes a federal grant program to support the installation of networked geothermal heating and cooling systems. It authorizes $150 million for fiscal year 2025 and $120 million annually through 2029 to be distributed through state energy programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, municipalities, low-income housing developments, wastewater authorities, and utilities that can demonstrate these systems will reduce energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions. The grants can fund both system deployment and studies to identify suitable locations, with requirements for wage standards, apprenticeship programs, and prioritization of projects in disadvantaged communities. States must report on grant usage and outcomes, with 2% of funds reserved for Indian Tribes.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a Congressional Gold Medal to honor the "Hello Girls" - 223 women who served as Army Signal Corps telephone operators in WWI. They connected 26 million calls in France, worked 12-hour shifts under combat conditions, and were denied veteran benefits for 60 years despite wearing uniforms and facing combat hazards. The medal recognizes their pioneering military service, devotion to duty, and the decades-long struggle for recognition as soldiers. It directs the Treasury to strike the medal and place it in the Smithsonian for public display at institutions like the National WWI Museum.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 845) symbolically recognizes September 23-29, 2024, as "Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week" to honor institutions serving Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander students. It does not create new laws or funding but encourages higher education institutions to seek support for programs addressing the needs of these student communities. The resolution highlights that these institutions enroll 46% of all Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander undergraduates despite representing only 6.9% of U.S. colleges. It urges the public and organizations to observe the week with activities supporting these institutions' educational missions.
Maddy summarySRES 846 is a symbolic Senate resolution commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Americas being certified free of wild poliovirus by the World Health Organization on September 29, 1994. It honors the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), Rotary International, and the Pan American Health Organization for their role in eliminating polio from the region. The resolution encourages continued international funding and commitment to eradicating polio globally, noting that only Afghanistan and Pakistan currently face wild poliovirus transmission. This is a non-binding commemorative measure with no new policy or funding requirements.
Maddy summarySRES 848 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating September 23-27, 2024, as "National Hazing Awareness Week." It does not create new laws or requirements but formally recognizes the issue of hazing in college settings. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about hazing, which directly affects college students participating in campus organizations, as highlighted by statistics showing 55% of students in extracurricular activities reported experiencing hazing. The bill encourages nationwide observance through education and prevention efforts, emphasizing that awareness should extend beyond a single week.
Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes the federal grant program for swimming pool and spa safety under the Virginia Graeme Baker Act. It provides $2.5 million annually (2024-2028) to states, tribes, and qualified nonprofits to enforce safety laws and prevent drownings. Grantees must use at least 25% of funds to hire/train staff for safety inspections and drain cover compliance, with the remainder for public education on drowning prevention. The program prioritizes communities with higher drowning rates and requires detailed reporting on grant use and outcomes.
Maddy summaryThe AGE Act of 2024 creates a new tax credit for individuals who pay for care of elderly relatives. It allows a 20% credit on eligible eldercare expenses - such as medical care, personal assistance, home modifications, and respite care - up to $6,000 per year, reduced for higher-income taxpayers (starting at $120,000 AGI). To qualify, the elderly person must be 65+ and require daily living assistance, and be a qualifying relative (e.g., parent, in-law) or a household member. The bill requires taxpayers to provide identification details for both the care provider and the elderly person to claim the credit, and prevents double benefits with other tax provisions.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the tax code to require that clean fuel production credits only apply to fuels made from U.S.-grown raw materials (feedstocks), effective after December 31, 2024. It also extends the clean fuel production tax credit from 2027 to 2034. The policy directly affects clean fuel producers who currently use foreign-sourced raw materials, requiring them to source domestically to qualify for the credit. This change aims to support domestic agricultural and fuel production by making U.S. feedstocks a mandatory requirement for the tax incentive.