Sen. Jeanne Shaheen

Maddy summarySRES 460 is a non-binding Senate resolution expressing support for the U.S. dollar as the global reserve currency and highlighting concerns about China's economic influence. It cites China's growing use of the renminbi in global reserves, its Belt and Road Initiative investments, and efforts to expand the digital yuan for cross-border trade. The resolution urges the U.S. to "protect" the dollar's status, monitor China's actions, and strengthen economic ties with allies. As a resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but formally states the Senate's position on these economic matters.

Maddy summarySRES 459 is a ceremonial Senate resolution recognizing November 2023 as National Native American Heritage Month and the Friday after Thanksgiving as Native American Heritage Day, as specified in the 2009 Native American Heritage Day Act. It does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges Native Americans' contributions to U.S. history, culture, and society through "appropriate programs and activities." The resolution highlights historical context, including Native American cultural preservation, military service, and influences on U.S. governance, without imposing obligations on any entity. It directly affects the general public by encouraging observance during November 2023. This is a symbolic gesture, not a policy change.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 458) is a symbolic expression of Senate concern, not a binding law. It denounces China's economic and political engagement in Latin America, citing its growing trade ties, infrastructure investments, debt financing, and media activities. The resolution urges increased U.S. investment and diplomatic engagement in the region while condemning Chinese state media operations and supporting countries that maintain ties with Taiwan. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups directly but reflects the Senate’s position on U.S. strategic interests in Latin America.

Maddy summaryThis bill redesignates the National Peer-Run Training and Technical Assistance Center for Addiction Recovery Support as a "Center of Excellence" under federal law. It adds new requirements for the center to support peer support specialists through professional development, integrate services into nonclinical settings, and bridge evidence-based practices with real-world applications. The bill establishes a 5-year pilot program (ending September 2028) to create regional centers of excellence, tailored to local needs, with a report to Congress recommending whether to make the program permanent or expand it. Funding increases from $1 million annually (2019-2023) to $2 million annually (2024-2028) for these initiatives.

Maddy summaryThe No Work with Adversaries Act of 2023 prohibits current and former U.S. military personnel who held specialized defense roles - such as in cyber operations, military equipment maintenance, or intelligence - from accepting employment with the governments of China or Russia. It targets positions involving critical military skills gained through U.S. service, including aviation, weapon systems, and defense acquisitions. The Secretary of Defense may grant temporary 5-year waivers for former service members if the employment won’t harm U.S. defense operations, but violations carry criminal penalties under federal law. The law requires written notice to affected individuals and applies to all such roles regardless of notice timing.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes funding for the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act program, extending the funding period from fiscal years 2019-2024 to 2024-2029. It directly affects law enforcement agencies and crime laboratories that process forensic DNA evidence to reduce backlogs. The key provision updates the timeframe for federal grants that help these agencies conduct DNA testing on unsolved cases. This ensures continued support for analyzing biological evidence in criminal investigations without creating new requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill would change the federal budget process from an annual cycle to a biennial (every two years) cycle. It revises deadlines for key budget actions, requiring the President to submit a biennial budget by February 1st of odd-numbered years and Congress to complete budget resolutions by May 15th. The bill updates numerous references from "fiscal year" to "biennium" throughout budget-related laws, requiring budget resolutions and appropriations bills to cover two consecutive fiscal years. This change would directly affect the President, Congress, and federal agencies, which would need to adjust their budget planning and reporting processes to align with the new biennial cycle starting in 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Natural Resources Conservation Service's (NRCS) existing snow survey and water supply forecasting program to cover the Northeastern United States. It specifically defines the Northeast as Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, and any additional states designated by the Secretary of Agriculture. The key provision requires the Secretary of Agriculture to extend this program's services to the newly defined northeastern region. This affects water resource management in those states, providing improved snowpack and water supply data for communities and agencies. The bill does not create new funding or alter existing program operations, only broadening its geographic scope.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) to submit detailed annual reports on program outcomes, including metrics like jobs created, new businesses started, capital secured, and participant demographics. It establishes a Data Collection Working Group to improve how SBDC data is gathered and analyzed, with a report due within 180 days of enactment. SBDCs may now use up to 10% of their budget for marketing their services, and the bill clarifies that fees from private partnerships don’t imply SBA endorsement. These changes aim to enhance transparency, data quality, and outreach for SBDCs serving small businesses nationwide.

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.