Maddy summaryThe Give Kids a Chance Act of 2023 amends FDA drug development rules to require new pediatric cancer studies for certain cancer drugs. It mandates that pharmaceutical companies conducting molecularly targeted cancer drug development must include pediatric studies designed to gather age-specific data on dosing, safety, and efficacy for drugs treating pediatric cancers. This applies to drugs with a single new active ingredient or combinations where each ingredient was previously approved for adult cancer treatment. The law requires FDA guidance within one year of enactment and includes reporting requirements to Congress on implementation progress and a GAO study on the policy's effectiveness. The changes apply to drug applications submitted three years after the bill's enactment.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySRES 353 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating the week of September 16-23, 2023, as "National Estuaries Week." It expresses the Senate’s support for raising public awareness about the ecological and economic importance of estuaries. The resolution highlights estuaries’ role in supporting jobs, economic output, and critical habitats, while acknowledging threats like pollution and habitat loss. This procedural resolution has no direct regulatory or funding impact - it serves solely as a formal acknowledgment of estuaries’ value.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Higher Education Act to provide student loan payment deferrals for borrowers who are survivors of sex-based harassment. It allows eligible borrowers to defer payments for up to 3 years (in 3-12 month periods) if they reduced their course load due to harassment and submitted documentation to a covered individual (like a Title IX coordinator or healthcare provider). The bill also waives the requirement to repay federal grants or loans if the borrower's interruption was due to harassment and they are already receiving the deferral. It defines "sex-based harassment" to include sexual harassment, dating/domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault as outlined in existing federal regulations.
Maddy summarySRES 351 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating September 25, 2023, as "National Lobster Day." It formally recognizes the cultural, economic, and culinary significance of lobster in the United States, highlighting its role in coastal communities, sustainability efforts, and traditions. The resolution encourages the public to observe the day through activities but does not create new laws, funding, or obligations. It directly affects no specific group or industry, serving only as a symbolic acknowledgment. This procedural resolution was introduced by Senators King, Collins, Shaheen, and others and adopted by the Senate on September 19, 2023.
Maddy summaryThe CARE for Moms Act aims to reduce maternal mortality in the United States by expanding healthcare access and addressing racial disparities. It provides $35 million annually for State-Based Perinatal Quality Collaboratives to improve maternal care, requires 12-month continuous Medicaid/CHIP coverage for pregnant and postpartum individuals (up from 60 days), and adds oral health services to Medicaid benefits. The bill also funds doula workforce development ($50 million for 2024) and establishes rural mobile health units ($10 million annually) to improve care in underserved communities. These provisions directly affect pregnant and postpartum women, with specific attention to reducing the disproportionately high maternal mortality rates experienced by Black women.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to hire the maximum number of new air traffic controllers each year from 2024 through 2028, based on the training capacity of the FAA Academy. It directly affects the FAA, which must set annual hiring targets aligned with its ability to train new controllers. The law does not change existing hiring rules but mandates that the FAA utilize its full training capacity each year for new controller hires during this period. It excludes certain individuals specified under federal law, but the core provision focuses on maximizing new controller recruitment within available training resources.
Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment would give Congress and states the authority to regulate campaign contributions and spending, including setting limits and prohibiting corporations from spending money to influence elections. It explicitly protects freedom of the press by stating the amendment cannot be used to abridge it. If ratified by three-fourths of state legislatures, it would establish a new constitutional standard for campaign finance regulation.
Maddy summarySRES 342 is a symbolic Senate resolution congratulating the Czech Republic and Slovak Republic on the 30th anniversary of their independence as separate nations. It specifically recognizes their substantial support for Ukraine in response to Russia's invasion, including military, humanitarian, and economic aid. The resolution highlights historical ties between the U.S., Czech Republic, and Slovakia, including shared democratic values, NATO cooperation, and their joint commitment to Ukraine. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new policies or obligations but serves as a formal expression of appreciation for these nations' contributions to transatlantic security.
Maddy summaryThe Veteran Families Health Services Act of 2023 provides fertility treatment and counseling services to active duty military members and veterans with infertility conditions, along with adoption assistance for veterans. It requires the Department of Defense to establish fertility preservation procedures before deployment or hazardous assignments, including cryopreservation and storage of reproductive genetic material at no cost to service members. The bill ensures these services are provided without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or marital status, with specific limits on in vitro fertilization (three completed oocyte retrievals, unlimited embryo transfers per medical guidelines). It creates coordination between the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure seamless transitions of care and adds adoption assistance with a limit of three covered adoptions. The legislation specifically covers veterans with service-connected disabilities affecting reproductive health, such as spinal cord injuries, military sexual trauma, or certain mental health conditions.
Maddy summaryThis bill ensures Coast Guard personnel receive continued pay and benefits during funding gaps specific to the Coast Guard, without requiring new appropriations. It directly affects all active-duty Coast Guard members (including reserves), qualified civilian employees, and contract workers who perform duties during such gaps. Key provisions mandate payment of military pay, death gratuities, funeral expenses, and housing allowances for dependents of service members who die on duty, using existing funding mechanisms. The law applies only when Coast Guard funding is delayed but Department of Defense funding is secured, preventing service disruptions during government shutdowns. It does not create new benefits but guarantees existing ones remain accessible during Coast Guard-specific funding lapses.