Sen. Kevin Cramer

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 summaryS 2468, the PEACE Act of 2023, restricts how federal funds can be used for American history and civics education programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. It prohibits using these funds to support curriculum, teaching, or counseling that promotes or compels specific concepts related to race, including claims that the U.S. is fundamentally racist, that individuals bear inherent racism based on race, or that race determines moral character. The bill defines prohibited concepts as race stereotyping (assigning traits to a race), race scapegoating (blaming a race), or promoting ideas like inherent racial superiority. This directly affects schools and programs receiving federal funds for civics education, limiting what they can teach with those specific dollars. The policy change is a funding restriction, not a ban on teaching about race or history.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the Department of Defense from using military funds to cover travel, lodging, meals, or transportation expenses related to abortions for service members or their dependents, except in cases where the pregnancy endangers the mother’s life, results from rape, or results from incest. It also terminates a 2022 Department of Defense memo that allowed access to abortion-related care and bans using medical convalescent leave or administrative absences for abortion-related travel under the same limited exceptions. The bill directly affects active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their dependents who might seek abortion care. It modifies existing travel and leave regulations under U.S. Code titles 37 and 10 to restrict these benefits, aligning with existing federal law that limits abortion funding. The policy change removes prior allowances for abortion-related travel expenses and leave under military benefits programs.

Maddy summaryThe CRP Flexibility Act of 2023 (S 2412) allows farmers enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to cut hay during the primary bird nesting season under specific emergency conditions. It directly affects CRP participants in counties facing severe drought (D2 or higher on the U.S. Drought Monitor), experiencing at least 40% forage loss, or when the Secretary determines emergency use won't damage habitat. The bill amends existing rules to permit emergency haying "during or outside" the nesting season in these situations, replacing previous restrictions. This change provides flexibility for farmers to access forage during natural disasters while maintaining habitat protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Medicare coverage for obesity treatment. It allows more healthcare providers - including nurse practitioners, dietitians, and clinical psychologists - to offer intensive behavioral therapy for obesity, with requirements for coordination with primary care physicians. It also adds Medicare Part D coverage for FDA-approved medications used to treat obesity or manage weight in adults with related health conditions (like diabetes or high blood pressure). These changes directly affect Medicare beneficiaries with obesity, aiming to improve access to proven treatment options. The bill requires annual reports to Congress on implementation progress.

Maddy summaryThe ACRE Act of 2023 excludes interest income from certain loans from taxation for qualified lenders. It applies to loans secured by rural or agricultural real estate (including single-family homes in designated rural areas with a $750,000 principal limit) or aquaculture facilities. Qualified lenders include insured banks and certain entities owned by bank holding companies. The bill aims to reduce tax burdens on lenders providing rural credit, making such financing more financially viable. It takes effect for taxable years after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 461) updates eligibility rules for certain irrigation districts to access existing pumping power from the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program. It specifically adds districts located in a defined "test area" or within a 28,000-acre area analyzed but not developed under prior rules to the list of eligible recipients. Districts must enter into a contract with the Secretary of the Interior to receive power, subject to established terms and rates. The bill is procedural, modifying program eligibility without creating new funding or altering core program requirements.

Maddy summarySRES 301 is a Senate resolution expressing support for designating July 10 as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day. It honors the critical role of journeyman lineworkers in maintaining the U.S. energy grid 24/7, including during disasters and the pandemic, and commemorates Henry Miller, the first International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers president killed in the line of duty. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but encourages public recognition of lineworkers' contributions and sacrifices. It was introduced by Senators Cortez Masto and Cramer and adopted by the Senate on July 18, 2023.

Maddy summarySRES 269 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating July 22, 2023, as "National Day of the American Cowboy." It does not create new laws or affect specific groups, but encourages the general public to observe the day through ceremonies and activities. The resolution highlights the cultural significance of cowboys, citing their embodiment of values like honesty and work ethic, their economic contributions through ranching, and their role in American traditions and media. This is a ceremonial designation with no direct policy impact or funding changes.