Maddy summaryThis bill, the "Back the Blue Act of 2023," strengthens federal protections for law enforcement officers by creating new criminal penalties for killing or assaulting them while on duty. It makes it a federal crime to kill or attempt to kill law enforcement officers, federal judges, or federally funded public safety officers (including firefighters and first responders) during official duties, with penalties ranging from 10 years to life in prison or death if the victim dies. The bill also establishes a new federal offense for fleeing interstate to avoid prosecution for killing law enforcement officers and adds a new aggravating factor for death penalty cases involving officers. Additionally, it expands law enforcement officers' rights to carry firearms in certain circumstances and limits federal habeas corpus relief for murder convictions involving law enforcement officers.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThe Campus Free Speech Restoration Act (S 1511) strengthens student free speech protections at colleges and universities receiving federal funding. It defines "expressive activity" broadly to include peaceful assembly, protests, distributing literature, and other First Amendment-protected speech, while prohibiting schools from restricting such activities through overly broad speech codes or "free speech zones." The bill requires institutions to clearly disclose their speech policies online and in student handbooks, establishes a complaint process for students who believe their rights were violated, and allows for loss of federal funding if institutions don't comply with the new standards. It applies to public institutions and private institutions receiving federal funds, with exemptions for religiously controlled schools.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands Medicare coverage to include pharmacist services in designated underserved areas. It directly affects Medicare beneficiaries in health professional shortage areas, medically underserved areas, or medically underserved populations, as well as pharmacists licensed to provide these services. Key provisions require Medicare to cover pharmacist services (like those typically provided by physicians) in these areas and set payment at 80% of the lesser of the actual charge or 85% of the physician fee schedule. The changes take effect January 1, 2024, and require new billing codes for pharmacists.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1503) bans the use of Department of Defense (DoD) funds or DoD facilities for adult cabaret performances. It prohibits the DoD from hosting, advertising, or supporting any performance featuring topless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dances, strippers, or male/female impersonators that appeals to prurient interest. The law directly affects DoD spending and operations, restricting where and how its budget can be used. It creates a clear definition of prohibited performances to ensure the ban applies consistently.
Maddy summarySRES 188 is a symbolic Senate resolution celebrating the 75th anniversary of Israel's founding on May 14, 2023. It formally recognizes Israel's establishment, reaffirms the U.S.-Israel partnership, and highlights shared democratic values, security cooperation, and diplomatic achievements like the Abraham Accords. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on individuals or legislation - it serves solely as a ceremonial expression of support. It was introduced by a bipartisan group of senators and passed without implementing new laws or funding.
Maddy summaryThe Promoting Free and Fair Elections Act (S 1398) prohibits federal agencies from using government funds to partner with non-profits for voter registration or mobilization activities on agency property or websites. It delays implementation of certain voter registration initiatives under Executive Order 14019 until agencies submit reports to Congress about their plans, with an exception for activities already permitted under the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. The bill also requires agencies to submit detailed reports within 30 days of enactment about their voter registration activities and amends the Higher Education Act to prevent work-study programs from being used for voter registration or mobilization. These provisions directly affect federal agencies, non-profit organizations collaborating with them, and institutions participating in federal work-study programs.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Independent Financial Technology Working Group, chaired by the Treasury Secretary, to research and address terrorist and illicit financial activities using new technologies like digital assets. The group includes federal agency representatives (Treasury, DOJ, DHS, State, CIA) and five private-sector members from fintech, blockchain, financial institutions, and research organizations. Key provisions require the group to develop regulatory proposals, submit annual reports to Congress on findings, and produce a final report after its 4-year term. The bill also mandates a presidential report within 180 days detailing digital asset risks to national security and a congressional briefing after two years. The Working Group terminates after four years, with ongoing activities allowed to complete.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. Department of Defense to develop a strategy for building an integrated maritime security capability in the Middle East, focusing on protecting allies from Iranian naval threats, piracy, and extremist groups. It mandates a 60-day strategy report to Congress detailing threat assessments, existing partnerships (like Combined Maritime Forces), efforts to integrate Israel, and intelligence coordination gaps. The bill also directs a 90-day feasibility study on funding this capability through contributions from Middle Eastern allies. The strategy and study directly affect U.S. military operations in the region and partner nations' security cooperation with the U.S. Navy.
Maddy summaryThe HELP Copays Act (S 1375) changes how health insurance plans calculate patient cost-sharing. It requires that discounts, financial assistance, or third-party payments (like drug manufacturer coupons) count toward a patient’s deductible, copayment, or out-of-pocket limit. This directly affects individuals enrolled in group or individual health insurance plans who receive such assistance. The bill amends the Public Health Service Act and Affordable Care Act to ensure these payments reduce the actual out-of-pocket costs patients face, rather than being treated as separate expenses.
Maddy summaryS.1295, the Federal Employee Student Debt Transparency Act, requires certain high-level federal employees to publicly disclose their student loan debt. Specifically, it mandates that Senior Executive Service (SES) employees and Schedule C appointees (confidential/policy roles) file annual reports by February 28 detailing all outstanding balances on federal student loans under the Higher Education Act. These reports, including total debt and names of non-compliant employees, must be submitted to Congress by May 1 each year. The bill creates a transparency mechanism for Congress and the public to track student debt among senior federal leadership, without altering debt relief policies or obligations.