Maddy summaryThe TREATS Act (S 3193) modifies federal rules to allow telehealth visits for initial evaluations when prescribing certain medications to treat substance use disorders. It directly affects patients seeking medication-assisted treatment and healthcare providers prescribing FDA-approved medications for addiction (in schedules III-V). The bill replaces the requirement for a mandatory in-person medical evaluation with an option for a telehealth evaluation using approved video or audio systems. This change applies specifically to prescriptions for addiction treatment medications, expanding access for patients in remote or underserved areas. The policy change streamlines the process without altering medication approval or coverage requirements.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill allows states to extend Medicaid coverage for children in foster care who receive treatment at qualified residential treatment programs (QRTPs). It creates a state option to maintain Medicaid eligibility during the period a child is in such a program while still under foster care supervision. States choosing this option would receive federal funding to cover medical assistance provided to these children, including services outside the treatment facility. The bill directly affects children in foster care placed in QRTPs, ensuring their Medicaid coverage continues without interruption during treatment.
Maddy summaryThe Project Safe Childhood Act (S 1170) modernizes a federal program to combat online child sexual exploitation and abuse by establishing a nationwide initiative requiring coordination among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. It mandates the Attorney General to develop best practices for investigating and prosecuting cases involving child sexual abuse material, with specific protocols for identifying victims and serious offenders. The bill requires each U.S. Attorney to create district-specific strategic plans for coordinating investigations and prosecutions, and authorizes $28.55 million annually for 2023-2028 to support these efforts. It also establishes an annual Safer Internet Day to provide public education about online safety and reporting mechanisms. This legislation directly affects law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and child protection services working to address online child sexual exploitation.
Maddy summarySJRES 47 is a joint resolution seeking congressional disapproval of a Department of Justice rule about home confinement for federal prisoners under the CARES Act. The rule, published in April 2023, would have established guidelines allowing the Justice Department to use home confinement as an alternative to prison for certain inmates during the pandemic. If passed, this resolution would cancel the rule, preventing it from taking effect. It follows the standard process under Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code, for Congress to reject agency regulations.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the U.S. to hold Chinese officials accountable for religious persecution through existing sanctions mechanisms, specifically targeting senior officials under the Global Magnitsky Act for violations like arbitrary imprisonment or forced labor against religious minorities. It requires the State Department to support programs protecting religious minorities in China and maintain China’s designation as a "Country of Particular Concern" for religious freedom under the International Religious Freedom Act. The bill also mandates diplomatic efforts to secure the release of religious prisoners and ensure humane treatment, including access to family, medical care, and religious practice while detained. Key provisions focus on U.S. policy implementation rather than direct changes to Chinese law, emphasizing existing tools to address religious freedom violations.
Maddy summarySJRES 42 is a resolution seeking congressional disapproval of a Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) rule that updated how discrimination complaints are processed in federal food assistance programs (like SNAP). The rule applied the Supreme Court's Bostock v. Clayton County decision - which prohibits workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity - to the handling of program discrimination complaints. If passed, this resolution would block the FNS rule from taking effect, preventing it from changing existing complaint procedures. The measure uses the Congressional Review Act process to overturn the rule without altering program benefits or eligibility.
Maddy summarySRES 435 is a Senate resolution designating October 30 through November 4, 2023, as "National Veterans Small Business Week." It formally recognizes the contributions of veterans who own small businesses, highlighting their role in the economy (over 1.7 million veteran-owned businesses employing 2.9 million people). The resolution expresses support for veterans' entrepreneurship, encourages policies reducing regulatory burdens for small businesses, and thanks veterans for their service through business ownership. This is a symbolic recognition with no new legal requirements or funding.
Maddy summaryS 3061 revokes a waiver determination submitted to Congress on September 11, 2023, related to certain U.S. sanctions against Iran. The bill directs that this waiver, which had allowed exemptions under specific sanctions laws, no longer has effect after the bill is enacted. It specifically targets waivers issued under provisions from the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act or the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act. This change would directly affect how those Iran sanctions are applied, reinstating the original restrictions without the temporary exemption.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends federal funding rules to support stillbirth prevention programs. It allows funds under the Social Security Act to cover evidence-based activities like tracking fetal movements, improving birth timing for high-risk pregnancies, smoking cessation support, and community home visits. The bill directly affects pregnant individuals, particularly those in higher-risk groups identified in the findings (such as Black mothers, those with medical conditions like diabetes, or those aged 35+). Key provisions update funding language to explicitly include stillbirth prevention research and programs, aiming to address disparities where stillbirth rates are significantly higher among certain demographics. The bill focuses on concrete policy changes to expand access to proven prevention strategies.
Maddy summaryThis bill blocks the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from enforcing or implementing a specific broadband internet regulation proposed in October 2023 (WC Docket No. 23-320). It directly affects the FCC, preventing it from using that rule or creating substantially similar rules without new legislation passed after the bill's enactment. The key mechanism is a legal prohibition requiring Congress to explicitly authorize any new rule on broadband internet access service, effectively halting the current regulatory path. This change impacts how internet service providers operate under federal oversight but does not alter current internet service terms or create new consumer protections.