Sen. Jon Tester

Maddy summaryS 2561 (Close the Revolving Door Act of 2023) prohibits former members of Congress and congressional staff from lobbying the government for a lifetime or 6 years after leaving office, respectively. It also bans registered lobbyists or foreign agents from joining congressional offices within 6 years of lobbying those offices. The bill creates a public database called "lobbyists.gov" to track lobbying activities and requires lobbying firms with multiple registered lobbyists to report employees who are former lawmakers or senior congressional staff. These provisions aim to increase transparency and limit the movement between lobbying firms and Congress.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act to prioritize projects that provide multiple environmental and community benefits. It requires at least 50% of annual funding to go toward "multibenefit works of improvement," defined as projects that provide two or more specific benefits like improved fish habitat, better water quality, water conservation, or flood-risk reduction. The bill ensures that at least 20% of project benefits directly support agriculture or conservation in rural communities, while establishing new definitions for terms like "water conservation" and "multibenefit work of improvement." It also creates new notification requirements for Congress regarding major projects exceeding certain cost thresholds.

Maddy summaryThe LEAD Act of 2023 establishes new accountability systems within the Department of Veterans Affairs to improve oversight, management, and transparency. It creates a new Office of Transparency, Engagement, Accountability, and Management (TEAM Office) to track recommendations from oversight bodies and an Office of the Medical Inspector to review healthcare quality and safety. The bill requires biennial employee surveys on accountability and management, creates a centralized database to track accountability actions and investigations, and strengthens whistleblower protections. These changes directly affect VA employees and aim to improve healthcare delivery and accountability across the Department.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2647, SHINE for Autumn Act of 2023) provides federal funding to improve stillbirth data collection, research, and education. It authorizes $5 million annually for states to collect stillbirth data using existing health records while protecting privacy, $1 million for developing standardized data collection guidelines and public educational materials, and $3 million for specialized training programs in perinatal pathology and stillbirth research. The bill directly affects state health departments, medical professionals (like obstetricians and pathologists), and families impacted by stillbirth through improved data systems and educational resources. Key provisions require standardized data reporting, consultation with affected families and healthcare providers, and mandatory reports on program progress within five years of enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a centralized online portal for appraisers and appraisal management companies (AMCs) to handle licensing, certification, and registration processes. It requires the Appraisal Subcommittee to establish a cloud-based system where users submit applications, pay fees, and complete background checks, while connecting state licensing agencies to access all relevant applicant information. The portal streamlines state agency access to education records, experience logs, and criminal history checks processed through the FBI, with states retaining final licensing authority. Fees for portal use are set to be revenue-neutral, and states may receive grants to connect their systems to the portal.

Maddy summaryThe Promotion and Expansion of Private Employee Ownership Act of 2023 aims to increase employee ownership in S corporations by making it easier for companies to adopt Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). Key provisions include extending tax deferral for sales of company stock to ESOPs, creating a Treasury Department office to provide technical assistance for ESOPs, and amending small business laws to ensure ESOP-owned businesses remain eligible for small business programs. The bill also establishes a dedicated Advocate for Employee Ownership within the Department of Labor to promote ESOP adoption, provide education, and help resolve disputes related to ESOPs. This legislation directly affects S corporations considering employee ownership transitions, their employees who would become partial owners, and small businesses that want to maintain eligibility for small business programs after an ESOP transition. The bill seeks to expand a model that studies show provides employees with retirement savings and greater job stability compared to traditional companies.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all U.S. Senators and Representatives (excluding the Vice President) to publish a monthly public schedule of their official activities. Each schedule must list daily hearings, meetings, or floor activities attended during the prior month, including general descriptions of participants or event topics, but excluding personal/campaign events, staff meetings, and unofficial appearances. Members may withhold information related to privacy, safety, national security, or sensitive whistleblower meetings. The requirement takes effect 180 days after the resolution is adopted, with schedules to remain publicly available on member websites for at least 30 days after Congress ends or the member's service concludes.

This resolution recognizes the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Department of Defense State Partnership Program and its outsized influence in developing and supporting enduring relationships around the world. The resolution also expresses deep gratitude for the service of members of the National Guard to the program.

Maddy summary# Summary of Proposed Election Reform Legislation This comprehensive legislative document outlines a wide-ranging election reform bill with multiple titles addressing various aspects of voting rights, election administration, and election integrity. Key provisions include: 1. **Democracy Restoration** (Title I): - Restores voting rights for citizens with criminal convictions (except those serving felony sentences in correctional institutions) - Requires states to notify individuals of restored voting rights upon completion of sentence or release from custody - Includes enforcement mechanisms for states to comply with the restoration provisions 2. **Voter Identification Requirements** (Title II): - Establishes a standardized system for voter identification requirements - Specifies acceptable forms of identification (including many government-issued documents) - Requires states to provide free identification documents to eligible voters - Includes funding ($5 million annually for 5 years) to cover costs 3. **Voter List Maintenance** (Title III): - Prohibits "voter caging" (using undeliverable mail to challenge voter eligibility) - Requires states to verify voter ineligibility using objective and reliable evidence - Limits removal of voters from registration lists to specific circumstances (death, permanent move) - Mandates notice requirements for voters removed from lists 4. **Election Integrity** (Title IV): - Prohibits interference with voter registration (Section 612) - Restricts removal of local election administrators to cases of inefficiency, neglect, or malfeasance - Prohibits harassment and intimidation of election workers - Bans deceptive practices in elections (false information about voting procedures, qualifications, or endorsements) The legislation aims to expand voting access while maintaining election integrity, with specific focus on eliminating barriers for people with criminal convictions, ensuring fair voter list maintenance, and protecting election workers from harassment and intimidation. It also includes provisions for enforcement through civil actions, criminal penalties, and reporting requirements.

Maddy summaryS 2477 (Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act) expands Medicare Part B coverage to include specific pharmacist services previously only covered when provided by physicians. It directly affects Medicare beneficiaries and pharmacists by allowing coverage for services like evaluating patients for COVID-19, flu, or respiratory illnesses, and addressing public health emergencies - provided pharmacists are licensed or operating under federal emergency authority. The bill establishes payment at 80% of the lesser of actual charge or 85% of physician payment rates (100% during federal emergencies) and prohibits balance billing for these services. It also clarifies that existing Medicare enrollment pathways for pharmacists remain available. This bill modifies Medicare Part B coverage under the Social Security Act without restricting current pharmacy reimbursement options.