Sen. Jeanne Shaheen

Maddy summarySRES 671 is a ceremonial Senate resolution supporting the designation of April 28-May 4, 2024, as "National Small Business Week." It honors small businesses and entrepreneurs across the U.S. for their economic contributions, noting they support over 62 million jobs through 33 million businesses. The resolution expresses the Senate's recognition of small businesses' resilience and role in strengthening local economies. As a symbolic gesture with no new policies or funding, it does not impose requirements or directly affect specific entities.

Maddy summarySRES 672 is a Senate resolution recognizing April 2024 as National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. It expresses the Senate's support for the month's goals, including raising public awareness about sexual violence, preventing assaults, improving support for survivors, and ensuring perpetrators are held accountable. The resolution specifically acknowledges the work of organizations like RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), local rape crisis centers, and professionals in law enforcement and healthcare who provide critical services to survivors. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or allocate funding but serves to highlight ongoing efforts to address sexual assault.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a comprehensive federal approach to improving care for women experiencing menopause and mid-life health challenges. It authorizes $25 million annually for NIH research on menopause symptoms and health impacts, $10 million for public health promotion activities, $10 million for awareness and education programs, and $10 million for training health professionals. The legislation creates Centers of Excellence in menopause care, funds evidence-based resources for health providers, and requires annual reports to Congress on progress and barriers to care. These provisions directly affect mid-life women, health care providers, medical training programs, and public health departments across the country. The bill aims to improve early detection, treatment, and management of menopausal symptoms and related chronic conditions through coordinated research, education, and care initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides financial assistance to timber harvesting and hauling businesses that suffer significant revenue losses due to major disasters (including insect infestations). Eligible businesses receive payments equal to 10% of their lost gross revenue during a 30-day period or quarter, if losses exceed 10% compared to the previous year. Funds must be used solely for operating expenses, and the program is authorized with $50 million annually for fiscal years 2024-2028. The payments are administered by the Secretary of Agriculture through the Farm Service Agency, with annual reports to Congress on recipients and amounts.

Maddy summaryS 4223, the Access to Birth Control Act, requires pharmacies that stock contraception to provide it without delay when requested, or immediately offer referral/transfer options if unavailable. It prohibits pharmacies from intimidating customers, misrepresenting availability, or refusing service based on personal beliefs, while allowing exceptions for no prescription, inability to pay, or professional clinical judgment. The bill targets pharmacies serving patients seeking FDA-approved contraceptives or related medications, aiming to address barriers like refusals reported post-Dobbs v. Jackson. Violations carry $1,000 daily civil penalties or allow private lawsuits for affected patients.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 3, 2024, as "National Space Day" to recognize the aerospace community's contributions to U.S. innovation, security, and scientific advancement. It does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges the industry's historical impact - such as NASA's Apollo missions, the James Webb Telescope, and GPS technology - as well as ongoing partnerships with government agencies, universities, and commercial entities. The Senate resolution specifically supports this date to highlight how aerospace achievements inspire STEM education and future workforce development. It is a symbolic gesture with no direct policy or financial effect on any group.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SRES 657) that formally recognizes April 26, 2024, as National Arbor Day and celebrates its 152th anniversary. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups - it simply acknowledges the historical significance of Arbor Day, which began in 1872 as a day to promote tree planting and environmental stewardship. The resolution encourages all Americans to participate in Arbor Day activities, such as community tree-planting events, to support urban forestry and sustainable forest management. As a procedural resolution, it has no legal effect beyond expressing the Senate's support for this annual observance.

Maddy summarySRES 655 is a Senate resolution passed on April 18, 2024, to honor the late Joseph I. Lieberman, a former U.S. Senator from Connecticut (1988-2013), following his death. The resolution recognizes his career, including his role in creating the Department of Homeland Security, establishing the 9/11 Commission, and advocating for civil rights and environmental protections. It directs the Senate to adjourn in his memory and transmit a copy to his family, expressing the Senate's sorrow and respect. This procedural resolution does not create new laws or affect policy, as it solely commemorates his legacy.

Maddy summaryS 4160, the POSTAL Act, prohibits the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from closing, consolidating, or otherwise eliminating processing and distribution centers in any state if the action would result in that state having no such facility or negatively impact mail delivery. This directly affects USPS operations and residents in states where mail processing centers might otherwise be closed or merged. The bill restricts the USPS from taking actions that would remove all processing centers from a state or disrupt local mail service delivery. It applies to specific facilities defined as central mail handling centers that distribute mail for designated service areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the U.S. lend-lease authority for defense articles to Ukraine through fiscal year 2026 (previously ending in 2023). It requires the Secretary of Defense, with the Secretary of State, to submit a report to Congress within 90 days of using this authority, detailing the specific defense articles provided to Ukraine or affected Eastern European countries and outlining a strategy for recovering and returning those items. The bill directly affects the U.S. government’s military support to Ukraine and its regional neighbors impacted by Russia’s invasion, while adding new transparency requirements for Congress. It modifies existing law without changing the core purpose of providing defense assistance.