Sen. Jon Tester

Maddy summarySRES 405 is a symbolic Senate resolution expressing support for designating September 30, 2023, as "National Veterans Suicide Prevention Day." It does not create new laws or programs but formally recognizes the issue of veteran suicides and the need for prevention efforts. The resolution highlights that veterans account for a disproportionate number of adult suicides in the U.S. (with about 17 veterans dying by suicide daily, per VA data) and emphasizes support for families of veterans who die by suicide. It aims to raise awareness and encourage community engagement around veteran mental health, without implementing concrete policy changes.

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 summaryThe Road to Access Act of 2023 improves travel reimbursement for veterans using Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities. It extends the deadline for submitting travel expense claims from 90 to 180 days (with possible extensions), requires the VA to send written information about available benefits to veterans receiving care for the first time each year, and mandates clear explanations for denied claims along with resubmission or appeal options. The bill also creates new accommodations for veterans with service-connected disabilities at 50% or higher, disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act, those lacking reliable internet/mobile access, or those needing caregivers to submit claims. These changes ensure veterans can access reimbursement through paper or non-technology methods and require the VA to update its systems within two years to support these provisions.

Maddy summarySRES 365 is a ceremonial Senate resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the National Cemetery Administration (NCA), established by the 1973 National Cemeteries Act. It honors the NCA's work managing 155 national cemeteries and 34 memorial sites that provide free burial benefits - including gravesites, headstones, and memorial certificates - to over 4 million veterans and their families. The resolution recognizes the NCA's role in operating the Veterans Cemetery Grants Program (distributing over $1 billion to support state/tribal cemeteries) and its Veterans Legacy Program, which educates the public about veterans' service. This resolution does not create new policy or affect any specific group; it is a formal acknowledgment of the NCA's 50 years of service.

Maddy summarySRES 355 is a Senate resolution recognizing that Native American communities on federal reservations, Alaska Native villages, and Native Hawaiian communities face critical barriers to clean drinking water, with nearly half lacking reliable access. It affirms the Federal Government’s trust responsibility to address this issue and directly urges the executive branch to take concrete action. The resolution calls for creating an interagency task force to expedite water infrastructure projects, provide technical assistance to tribes for accessing federal funding, and ensure infrastructure development is not delayed by unresolved water rights disputes. It emphasizes that existing funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Inflation Reduction Act requires better support to be effectively implemented, without tying progress to water rights settlements. This resolution expresses the Senate’s policy stance but does not create new legal requirements.

Maddy summarySRES 208 is a Senate resolution designating November 12, 2023, as "National Warrior Call Day." It encourages U.S. citizens, particularly those connected to military service, to reach out to veterans through peer-to-peer conversations to support their mental health and transition from military life. The resolution highlights veteran suicide statistics (6,146 deaths in 2020) and emphasizes that isolation - exacerbated by the pandemic - increases risks for conditions like PTSD. It does not create new programs but urges public engagement to connect veterans with support systems. This is a symbolic, awareness-raising measure with no binding policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill renames the Food for Peace program after Peter O'Brien and makes key changes to how U.S. agricultural commodities are provided for international food aid. It prohibits using cash, vouchers, or food bought outside the U.S. for aid, limits non-commodity expenses to 50% of annual funds, and requires detailed annual reports on fund usage and program waivers. These changes directly affect U.S. agricultural exports and international food assistance programs administered by the U.S. government. The bill focuses on directing aid through U.S.-produced commodities while increasing transparency in how funds are spent.

Maddy summarySRES 238 is a symbolic Senate resolution (introduced June 6, 2023) expressing support for designating September 20 as National Service Dog Day. It recognizes service dogs that assist individuals with disabilities - including veterans with PTSD, mobility impairments, and other conditions - by highlighting their role in providing independence and health benefits. The resolution encourages public awareness of service dogs' history and impact, and requests the President issue a proclamation urging nationwide recognition of organizations that train and pair service dogs with disabled individuals. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or alter existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the tax code to exclude certain veterinary student loan repayment or forgiveness assistance from taxable income. It specifically applies to veterinarians participating in programs under the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 or similar state programs designed to increase rural veterinary access. The key change clarifies that financial assistance provided through these targeted programs is not considered taxable income for participants. This directly benefits veterinarians in rural areas who use these loan repayment options to practice in underserved communities.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment would give Congress and states the authority to regulate campaign contributions and spending, including setting limits and prohibiting corporations from spending money to influence elections. It explicitly protects freedom of the press by stating the amendment cannot be used to abridge it. If ratified by three-fourths of state legislatures, it would establish a new constitutional standard for campaign finance regulation.