Maddy summaryThe Forest Data Modernization Act of 2023 requires the USDA Forest Service to update how it collects and reports forest data, particularly focusing on forest carbon and land use. It mandates new data collection methods like timber product studies and nationwide woodland owner surveys, and adds specific requirements for tracking forest carbon (including soil carbon) and improving data consistency across reports. The bill also requires the Secretary to submit updated strategic plans every 5 years, detailing plans to integrate remote sensing technology, expand data collection for carbon stocks at multiple levels, and improve transparency. All collected data must remain publicly accessible while protecting confidential information about plot locations and individual woodland owners.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network program to increase annual funding from $10 million to $15 million for fiscal years 2024-2028, expanding support for farmers and ranchers facing mental health challenges. It adds crisis lines to the program's services and creates new referral pathways to connect individuals with certified community clinics, rural health centers, and other approved healthcare providers. The changes directly affect agricultural workers and their families by improving access to behavioral health counseling and wellness support. Key provisions include updated funding levels and expanded partnerships with specific healthcare facilities to ensure comprehensive mental health care.
Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week of May 14-20, 2023, as "National Police Week" to honor law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. It recognizes 444 officers killed in 2022 (including specific names listed in the resolution) and acknowledges 32 officers killed in 2023, while expressing support for law enforcement personnel. The resolution encourages the public to observe this week by honoring law enforcement officers and promoting awareness of their essential service. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new policy or alter existing laws.
Maddy summaryS 1654, the Credit Access and Inclusion Act of 2023, allows credit bureaus to include positive payment history for utility and telecommunications services in consumer credit reports. It directly affects consumers who pay utility bills (electric, gas) or telecom services on time, as well as utility and telecom companies that may now report these payments to credit bureaus. The bill permits reporting of payment performance under lease agreements for housing, utility payments, and telecom contracts, but only includes payment-related details - not usage data - and prohibits reporting late payments if a consumer is on a valid payment plan. A GAO study on the bill's impact is required within two years of enactment.
Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs to prevent, detect, and respond to foreign animal diseases like foot-and-mouth disease. It allocates $233 million annually from the Commodity Credit Corporation for fiscal years 2024-2028, broken into specific amounts: $10 million for prevention, $70 million for surveillance, and $153 million for rapid response. These funds directly support USDA’s animal health programs, benefiting livestock producers, agricultural markets, and food safety systems by strengthening disease preparedness. The bill updates previous funding levels and timeframes from the 2019-2023 period to cover the next five years.
Maddy summaryThis bill recognizes women who served in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps (1943-1948) as veterans for specific benefits. It amends veterans' law to count their service as "active duty" for eligibility to benefits under Chapters 23 and 24 of Title 38 (including headstones), excluding Arlington National Cemetery interment. The Secretary of Defense must issue honorable discharges to qualifying individuals within one year of the bill’s enactment and may create commemorative medals or plaques. It clarifies that recipients gain veteran status for these specific benefits but do not qualify for other VA benefits solely based on this service. The bill directly affects women who were honorably discharged from the Cadet Nurse Corps during WWII.
Maddy summaryThe SOAR Act amends the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to create a new "special recreation permit" system for outdoor recreation providers operating on federal lands. It establishes clear definitions, fee structures (either predetermined fees or a percentage of gross receipts), and streamlined processes including online applications. The bill creates transitional permits for outfitting and guiding services that can become long-term permits after meeting performance requirements, while providing mechanisms for surrendering unused visitor-use days. It also includes provisions to improve permitting efficiency, reduce administrative burdens, and clarify insurance and liability requirements for recreation service providers.
Maddy summaryS 1585, the Federal Law Enforcement Service Weapon Purchase Act, allows current or former federal law enforcement officers to purchase handguns retired from agency service. The bill authorizes officers to buy these retired handguns during a 6-month window after retirement, at fair market value based on the weapon's age and condition, provided they are legally permitted to own firearms under federal or state law. It directly affects federal law enforcement officers who served with agency-issued handguns and now wish to retain one. Key provisions include defined terms (like "retired handgun" meaning agency-surplus weapons), purchase limitations, and requirements for the General Services Administration to establish sale policies. This bill creates a formal process for officers to legally acquire service-issued handguns no longer needed by their agency.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a Congressional Gold Medal to honor the service of Army and Navy nurses who served during World War II. It directly recognizes approximately 73,000 nurses (including those who died in action or captivity) who provided critical medical care under combat conditions across 6 continents. The medal, designed by the Treasury Secretary, will be displayed at institutions like the Smithsonian, the Women in Military Service Memorial, and military museums. The bill is purely commemorative, with no new benefits or policy changes, focusing solely on formal recognition of their wartime contributions.
Maddy summaryThe SAFE Banking Act of 2023 creates a legal safe harbor for financial institutions that provide services to state-sanctioned marijuana businesses and hemp-related legitimate businesses. It prevents federal banking regulators from taking adverse actions against depository institutions for serving these businesses solely because they operate within state-legal marijuana frameworks. The bill also ensures income from legal marijuana businesses can be considered for qualifying for federally backed mortgage loans and requires updated guidance for suspicious activity reporting related to these businesses. These provisions aim to address longstanding banking access barriers for businesses operating within state-legal marijuana and hemp industries.