Sen. Jeanne Shaheen

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes federal grants to improve mental health services in schools by targeting high-need schools (those with high poverty rates). It requires states to use funds to recruit counselors, psychologists, and social workers to meet specific staffing ratios: 250 students per counselor/social worker and 500 students per psychologist. States must provide 20% matching funds and prioritize schools with the greatest need, with annual reporting on progress toward these ratios. The bill authorizes $5 billion for fiscal year 2025 to support these efforts, aiming to increase access to school-based mental health care for students facing mental health challenges.

Maddy summaryThe State Trade Expansion Program Modernization Act of 2024 modernizes the Small Business Administration's STEP program, which helps small businesses expand their exports. The bill streamlines application processes, establishes predictable deadlines, allows for carryover of unused funds, and creates a new funding formula that prioritizes support for underserved businesses including women-owned firms and those in rural or low-income areas. It requires states to report on program outcomes using specific performance metrics related to new export markets and business types. The bill also mandates annual surveys of program participants and detailed congressional reporting on program effectiveness. These changes aim to make the program more efficient, transparent, and accessible to small businesses that have historically been underrepresented in international trade.

Maddy summaryThe GPA Act (S 4425) establishes U.S. sanctions against Georgian officials who obstruct Georgia's path to NATO and EU membership, including those involved in significant corruption or actions undermining Georgia's sovereignty. It requires the U.S. to review and potentially suspend foreign assistance to Georgia if the government continues policies that impede democratic development, such as the controversial "foreign agents bill" that restricts civil society. The legislation includes provisions to support Georgia's democratic institutions, free elections, and civil society while emphasizing U.S. support for Georgia's territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders. It also mandates reports on disinformation, political prisoners, and corruption in Georgia, reflecting U.S. concerns about democratic backsliding and Georgia's relationship with Russia. The act includes a sunset provision, expiring five years after enactment.

Maddy summaryThe BOLUSTER Act (S 4433) strengthens U.S.-European cooperation to deter Chinese military action against Taiwan. It requires the U.S. to consult with European governments on sanctions against China if Beijing engages in actions like occupying Taiwan territory, blockading the island, or supporting Russia's war in Ukraine. The bill mandates development of a humanitarian aid plan for Taiwan in case of invasion or blockade, and requires a report on the economic impact of a sustained Chinese blockade. It also calls for increased political and economic relations between Europe and Taiwan, including new trade agreements and diplomatic engagement. Additionally, the legislation establishes an expedited process for European countries to transfer military equipment to Taiwan.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to periodically review and update its definition of "small entity" for regulatory purposes. It directly affects businesses, organizations, and governmental entities subject to SEC rules who qualify as "small entities" under current definitions. The law mandates the SEC to conduct studies every 6 years (within 1 year of enactment, then every 5 years), report findings and recommendations to Congress, and adjust its rules based on the study results. Additionally, it requires the SEC to update all dollar thresholds in the definition annually using the Consumer Price Index to account for inflation.

Maddy summarySRES 697 is a commemorative resolution designating the week of May 12-18, 2024, as "National Police Week" in the U.S. Senate. It aligns with the 1962 law authorizing the President to designate this week, honoring law enforcement officers who have died or been injured in the line of duty. The resolution expresses support for officers, recognizes their service in protecting communities, and encourages public observance to honor their mission and sacrifices. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups, as it is purely ceremonial.

Maddy summarySRES 687 is a non-binding Senate resolution clarifying that United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 (1971) only addressed which government represented China at the UN, not Taiwan's sovereignty. It explicitly states the U.S. "One China Policy" does not accept China's "One China Principle" (which claims Taiwan as part of China) and rejects China's misuse of Resolution 2758 to pressure other nations into severing ties with Taiwan. The resolution opposes China's efforts to isolate Taiwan internationally by falsely conflating the UN resolution with its territorial claims. It reaffirms U.S. support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations where statehood is not required and urges partners to counter China's misleading narratives. This resolution does not alter U.S. policy but formally distinguishes between the UN resolution and China's political stance.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 692) designates May 7, 2024, as National Fentanyl Awareness Day to raise public attention about the dangers of counterfeit fentanyl pills. It highlights alarming statistics, including that illicit fentanyl was involved in 81% of drug-induced deaths among youth aged 14-23 in 2023 and that only 36% of teens were aware of fentanyl in fake pills. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but urges increased awareness and supports law enforcement efforts against counterfeit pills. It directly aims to educate families and young people about the risks of fake pills marketed as legitimate medications.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands eligibility for VA home loans to include National Guard and Reserve members who complete 90+ consecutive days of active duty training (excluding basic training) on or after June 2018. It directly affects Guard and Reserve service members who meet this training requirement but would not previously qualify as "veterans" for home loan benefits. The key provision amends the VA code to define "veteran" for home loan purposes to include these service members, adding them to the list of eligible borrowers under Section 3701(b)(8). This change allows qualifying Guard and Reserve members to access VA home loan guarantees without needing to transition to active duty or be formally discharged as veterans.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance plans to cover mental health and substance use disorder services without copays or deductibles for pregnant and postpartum individuals. It applies to in-network providers from pregnancy diagnosis through the first year after pregnancy ends, including telehealth services. The coverage affects all group health plans, individual insurance, and government health programs like FEHBP, with implementation starting two years after enactment. The law aims to reduce financial barriers to care during a critical health period, directly benefiting pregnant and postpartum patients.