Sen. Tina Smith

Maddy summarySRES 435 is a Senate resolution designating October 30 through November 4, 2023, as "National Veterans Small Business Week." It formally recognizes the contributions of veterans who own small businesses, highlighting their role in the economy (over 1.7 million veteran-owned businesses employing 2.9 million people). The resolution expresses support for veterans' entrepreneurship, encourages policies reducing regulatory burdens for small businesses, and thanks veterans for their service through business ownership. This is a symbolic recognition with no new legal requirements or funding.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses support for afterschool programs and the Lights On Afterschool event held on October 26, 2023. It recognizes the role of high-quality afterschool programs in providing safe, engaging learning opportunities for children, supporting working families, and strengthening community partnerships. The resolution does not create new policies, funding, or requirements - it is a symbolic gesture acknowledging the value of these programs. It was introduced by Senators Smith, Collins, Warren, Kaine, and Casey.

Maddy summaryThe Support Through Loss Act (S 3137) would provide eligible employees with 56 hours of paid leave per year to address pregnancy loss, unsuccessful assisted reproductive technology procedures, failed adoption or surrogacy arrangements, or medical events impacting pregnancy or fertility. This leave can also be used to care for a spouse or domestic partner experiencing these events. Employers with 5 or more employees would be required to provide this leave, with specific notice requirements and protections against discrimination for taking this leave. The bill also includes provisions for research and education on pregnancy loss through the Department of Health and Human Services, including $45 million annually for research on causes and treatments.

This resolution recognizes October 2023 as National Women's Small Business Month, honoring the role of women small business owners and entrepreneurs and encouraging the support and creation of women-owned small businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2854) requires the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to convey approximately 2.73 acres of land at Fargo National Cemetery in North Dakota to the city of Fargo, if the VA first acquires adjacent land. The city must pay the parcel’s market value (determined by a standard appraisal), and the proceeds will fund the National Cemetery Administration. The transfer is intended to improve visitor and volunteer experiences at the cemetery. The bill only applies to this specific parcel and does not mandate other land sales or agreements.

Maddy summarySRES 426 is a Senate resolution designating November 4, 2023 (the first Saturday of November), as "National Bison Day." It directly recognizes the cultural, historical, and economic significance of bison to Native American tribes, rural communities, and the U.S. ecosystem. The resolution encourages the American public to observe the day with ceremonies and activities, but it does not create new laws, funding, or obligations. This is a symbolic gesture acknowledging bison's role as the national mammal and its importance to tribal heritage and conservation efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases federal funding for Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) by raising the federal share (FMAP) by 10 percentage points for states during 2024-2025, capped at 95%. States must apply with plans to use these funds to increase wages and benefits for home care workers (like paid leave and hazard pay), reduce waiting lists for services, help people return from institutional settings, and cover related costs like equipment or training. Funds must supplement, not replace, existing state spending and be reported on by states by 2027. It directly affects states administering Medicaid HCBS programs, home care workers, and people receiving community-based care.

Maddy summaryThe Safe Schools Improvement Act (S 3105) requires states receiving federal education funding to mandate public elementary and secondary schools to adopt comprehensive anti-bullying policies. These policies must prohibit bullying based on protected characteristics like race, gender identity, disability, or religion, include annual parent/student notices, establish complaint procedures, and collect anonymized data on incidents. Schools must publicly report annual data on bullying frequency at the school and district levels. The law also requires states to submit biennial reports on implementation and triggers a federal evaluation to assess the policy's impact on reducing bullying. It explicitly states the law supplements, but does not replace, existing civil rights protections like Title IX.

Maddy summaryS. RES. 420 designates Betty K. Koed as Historian Emerita of the U.S. Senate, effective October 21, 2023, honoring her 25-year career as the Senate's first female Historian (serving from 2015-2023 after roles as Assistant and Associate Historian). The resolution recognizes her work preserving Senate archives, producing historical publications, and supporting educational programs about Senate history. It is a ceremonial honor with no policy changes or direct impact on legislation or constituents.

This resolution states that the Senate stands with Israel as it defends itself, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls on all countries to unequivocally condemn Hamas' war on Israel. The resolution also reaffirms the United States' commitment to Israel's security, supports emergency resupply and certain other types of assistance to Israel, and calls on the United States to lead an international effort to deprive Hamas of Iranian and other sources of funding and lethal assistance. Furthermore, the resolution states that nothing in it may be construed as a declaration of war or an authorization for the use of military force.