Maddy summaryThis Senate concurrent resolution (SCONRES 18) calls for the immediate release of Marc Fogel, a 62-year-old U.S. citizen and former teacher detained in Russia since 2021. It demands Russia release Fogel, who was sentenced to 14 years for carrying medical marijuana (legal in his home state of Pennsylvania) in his luggage, calling the sentence "unjust and disproportionate" compared to typical Russian penalties for similar nonviolent offenses. The resolution urges the U.S. government to press Russia for his release and condemns the detention of U.S. citizens for political reasons, also referencing other detained Americans like Paul Whelan. It focuses on humanitarian concerns, noting Fogel’s declining health and the State Department’s unheeded request for his release.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 92) seeks to block an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that established new greenhouse gas emission standards for fossil fuel power plants and repealed an earlier rule. It targets the EPA's specific rule (published May 9, 2024), which set performance standards for new/modified plants, emission guidelines for existing plants, and removed the Affordable Clean Energy Rule. The resolution uses a procedural mechanism under the Congressional Review Act to disapprove the rule, meaning it would prevent the EPA rule from taking effect. If passed, the rule would have no legal force, directly affecting how power plants regulate emissions under federal law.
Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 93) seeks to block a specific rule proposed by the Department of Commerce. It targets the rule titled "Revision of Firearms License Requirements" (published April 30, 2024, in the Federal Register), which would have changed requirements for firearms licenses. If passed, the resolution would prevent this rule from taking effect by invoking a congressional disapproval process under Title 5, U.S. Code. The resolution directly affects the implementation of the Commerce Department's proposed firearms licensing changes, not the licensing requirements themselves.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 94) seeks to block a proposed rule from the Department of Health and Human Services that would have changed regulations for the Unaccompanied Children Program. The rule, published in the Federal Register on April 30, 2024, aimed to update how unaccompanied alien children are placed, cared for, and provided services. If approved, this resolution would prevent the rule from taking effect, keeping existing regulations in place. It directly affects the federal program that handles minors entering the U.S. without parents or guardians. The bill does not change the program's operations but stops the proposed regulatory changes.
Maddy summaryThis resolution states that the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision (which overturned Roe v. Wade) does not affect women's legal right to access contraception. It clarifies that the Court explicitly limited Dobbs to abortion rights and affirmed that its ruling "should be understood to cast doubt on precedents that do not concern abortion." The resolution aims to prevent confusion by affirming that federal agencies must not change policies regarding contraceptive access based on Dobbs. It is a non-binding statement from the Senate, not a law, intended to reassure the public about existing contraceptive rights.
Maddy summaryS 4447, the "Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act," would require the FDA to prioritize review of applications for oral contraceptives intended for routine use (excluding emergency contraception or abortion-related drugs), potentially enabling over-the-counter access for adults 18 and older. It includes a fee waiver for these applications and maintains prescription requirements for individuals under 18. The bill also mandates a GAO study on federal funding for contraception across programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and Title X over the past 15 years. These provisions aim to streamline approval for accessible birth control while clarifying funding patterns.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 91) seeks to block a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) rule that set minimum staffing requirements for long-term care facilities (like nursing homes) and required transparency in Medicaid payments. If passed, it would cancel the rule (89 Fed. Reg. 40876), preventing it from taking effect under a specific congressional review process. The rule directly affects long-term care providers and Medicaid programs by imposing new staffing and reporting requirements. This resolution is procedural - it does not create new law but halts the implementation of the CMS rule.
Maddy summarySRES 722 is a Senate resolution expressing gratitude for the heroism of U.S. Armed Forces members who participated in the D-Day invasion at Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944. It commemorates the 80th anniversary of this pivotal World War II operation, which helped end the war, and commends the leadership and bravery of those who fought. The resolution requests the President issue a proclamation encouraging public ceremonies to honor veterans' sacrifices and recognizes France's efforts to preserve Normandy's historical sites as a UNESCO World Heritage site. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal effect but serves to publicly honor historical service and legacy.
Maddy summarySRES 724 designates May 2024 as "National Brain Tumor Awareness Month" through a symbolic Senate resolution. The resolution highlights statistics on brain tumor diagnoses, survival rates, and the disease's impact on children, teens, and young adults, while encouraging public awareness. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but urges support for research, better treatments, and honors those affected by brain tumors. The resolution directly affects public discourse and advocacy efforts, not specific individuals or programs.
Maddy summarySRES 705 is a ceremonial Senate resolution recognizing May 28, 2024, as the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Border Patrol. It commends the service of current and past Border Patrol agents, including honoring 155 agents who died in the line of duty. The resolution expresses support for improving working conditions and retention for Border Patrol agents but does not create new policies or affect any specific group through legislative action. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding effect on government operations or policy.