Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to Congress (1968-1982) and the first African American to seek a major party's presidential nomination (1972). The bill directs the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike a gold medal featuring Chisholm's image and name, which will be presented to her family by congressional leaders. After presentation, the medal will be displayed at the Smithsonian Institution for public viewing and research. The bill also authorizes the production and sale of bronze duplicates to cover costs. This is a commemorative measure honoring Chisholm's historic contributions to American politics and civil rights.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThe Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act (S. 91) authorizes the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to 60 diplomats who risked their careers and safety to save Jewish lives during the Holocaust. These diplomats, representing countries including Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, and others, issued visas and provided safe passage to Jews fleeing Nazi persecution despite strict orders from their home governments. The medal will be presented collectively to the next of kin of each diplomat, along with representatives from their home countries, and then permanently displayed at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. The act recognizes these individuals' bravery without implying they represent all who performed similar humanitarian acts during the Holocaust. The medal serves as a permanent tribute to their sacrifice and will be available for public display and research.
Maddy summaryThe End the Threat of Default Act of 2024 would repeal the statutory debt ceiling, a legal limit on how much the U.S. government can borrow. This change would eliminate the need for Congress to vote on raising the debt ceiling to avoid defaulting on government obligations like Social Security payments or military salaries. The bill also includes technical updates to other laws to remove references to the debt ceiling. The repeal would take effect 7 days after the bill is enacted.
Maddy summarySRES 925 is a Senate resolution honoring the late Senator Fred R. Harris of Oklahoma, who died on November 23, 2024, at age 94. The resolution expresses the Senate’s sorrow at his passing, requests that his family be notified, and directs the Senate to adjourn in his memory. It does not create new laws or affect any policies - it is a formal expression of respect for a former senator’s legacy.
Maddy summaryThe CASC Act establishes a network of National and Regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers to help communities and organizations address climate change impacts on natural and cultural resources. These centers will provide scientific expertise to Federal, State, tribal, and local governments, as well as universities and other partners, on climate adaptation strategies. The National Center, administered by the US Geological Survey, will coordinate with nine regional centers across the country that will work with local partners including Tribal Colleges, Historically Black Colleges, and Native Hawaiian organizations. The bill creates a five-year review process for regional centers to ensure they meet performance standards and continue receiving funding. The centers will focus on research, education, training, and sharing climate science to help decision-makers protect ecosystems, natural resources, and cultural heritage.
Maddy summaryThe Rural Residency Planning and Development Act of 2024 establishes federal grants to support new or expanded physician residency programs in rural areas. It directly affects rural hospitals, community health centers, tribal organizations, and medical training institutions by funding programs where residents train in rural settings for over 50% of their residency and focus on preparing doctors to practice in rural communities. The bill authorizes $15 million annually (2025-2029) for two programs: (1) grants to create rural residency programs, and (2) grants to provide technical assistance for program development. All funding must be used for residency training pathways focused on primary care, high-need specialties, or maternal health in designated rural areas.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 5453) updates federal law to grant tribal courts equal authority to issue search warrants for electronic communications as state courts, using tribal warrant procedures under the Indian Civil Rights Act. It expands tribal jurisdiction over drug trafficking offenses (including possession, distribution, or manufacturing of controlled substances) and firearms offenses (like illegal possession or use in crimes) within tribal lands. The bill defines these offenses using existing federal drug and firearm laws, clarifying tribal legal authority. It also adds tribal convictions for these offenses to the Bureau of Prisons' Tribal Prisoner Program eligibility. The bill directly affects tribal nations, their courts, and law enforcement by strengthening tribal sovereignty over specific criminal matters on reservations.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 922) designates October 2024 as "National Co-Op Month" and formally commends the cooperative business model across the United States. It recognizes how cooperatives - owned and controlled by their members (including farmers, workers, and consumers) - contribute to economic growth, job creation, and community resilience. The resolution specifically highlights cooperatives' roles in agriculture, utilities, housing, and finance, noting their impact on rural economies and local communities. As a symbolic gesture, it has no legal effect but aims to raise awareness of cooperatives' broader societal benefits.
Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes $500 million annually for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) program during fiscal years 2027 through 2031. It directly affects the federal program responsible for cleaning up and protecting the Great Lakes ecosystem, including addressing pollution, invasive species, and habitat restoration. The key provision adds a specific, multi-year funding level to the existing law, ensuring consistent financial support for ongoing restoration projects in the Great Lakes region.
Maddy summarySRES 909 is a non-binding Senate resolution designating November 21, 2024, as "National Rural Health Day." It formally recognizes the contributions of rural health care providers and the unique challenges faced by rural communities, including hospital closures and access barriers. The resolution celebrates rural health care workers and the millions they serve, while expressing the Senate's commitment to improving rural health care accessibility and affordability. This is a ceremonial designation with no new policy or funding changes.