Sen. Margaret Wood Hassan

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill makes permanent a requirement that all states cover medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder in their Medicaid programs. It removes an expiration date (previously set for September 30, 2025), ensuring continuous coverage without a sunset clause. States must now certify compliance with this requirement at least every five years, rather than annually before a deadline. The policy directly affects all 50 states and the District of Columbia that administer Medicaid, maintaining existing access to MAT without new funding or program changes.

This resolution recognizes October 2023 as National Women's Small Business Month, honoring the role of women small business owners and entrepreneurs and encouraging the support and creation of women-owned small businesses.

Maddy summaryS. RES. 420 designates Betty K. Koed as Historian Emerita of the U.S. Senate, effective October 21, 2023, honoring her 25-year career as the Senate's first female Historian (serving from 2015-2023 after roles as Assistant and Associate Historian). The resolution recognizes her work preserving Senate archives, producing historical publications, and supporting educational programs about Senate history. It is a ceremonial honor with no policy changes or direct impact on legislation or constituents.

This resolution states that the Senate stands with Israel as it defends itself, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls on all countries to unequivocally condemn Hamas' war on Israel. The resolution also reaffirms the United States' commitment to Israel's security, supports emergency resupply and certain other types of assistance to Israel, and calls on the United States to lead an international effort to deprive Hamas of Iranian and other sources of funding and lethal assistance. Furthermore, the resolution states that nothing in it may be construed as a declaration of war or an authorization for the use of military force.

Maddy summaryS 3098 makes permanent a Medicaid program (Section 1915(l)) allowing states to provide medical assistance for individuals in Institutions for Mental Diseases (IMDs). It requires states to facilitate access to medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders regardless of treatment setting, and to establish evidence-based placement criteria and care standards for such individuals. States must also conduct a one-time assessment within 12 months of approval to evaluate treatment availability across care levels and medication-assisted treatment services. The bill directly affects Medicaid-enrolled individuals in IMDs with substance use disorders and the states administering their care.

Maddy summaryS. Res. 406 is a Senate resolution honoring the late Richard Clarence Clark, a former U.S. Senator from Iowa (served 1973-1979), who died in 2023. The resolution expresses the Senate’s sorrow at his passing, requests that the House of Representatives and Clark’s family be informed, and directs the Senate to adjourn for the day as a mark of respect. This is a purely commemorative measure with no policy or legal effect, reflecting the Senate’s collective tribute to a former member.

Maddy summaryS 3072 (Empower Charter School Educators to Lead Act) creates new pre-charter planning subgrants to support educator-led teams developing new public charter schools. It provides up to $100,000 per prospective applicant to teams led by educators with at least 4.5 years of school-based experience (including teaching or after-school programs) who have drafted a community need assessment for their proposed school. The bill reserves 5% of certain charter school funds for these subgrants, requiring states to administer them through entities verifying educator leadership and community need alignment. This directly affects new charter school developers and state education agencies managing grant allocations under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

Maddy summaryThe Air America Act of 2023 authorizes a one-time $40,000 payment to individuals who served for at least five years with Air America or its affiliated companies (1950-1976) or to their survivors, including widows, widowers, children, or dependents. Additional payments of $8,000 per full year beyond five years of service are provided for longer service periods. The total funding for these awards is capped at $60 million, with claims required to be filed within two years of implementing regulations. The Director of the Central Intelligence Agency administers the program, processing claims and issuing lump-sum payments to eligible individuals or their survivors.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring the late Senator Dianne Feinstein of California. It expresses the Senate's respect for her legacy through a formal statement and calls for the chamber to adjourn as a mark of tribute following her passing. The resolution details her historic milestones, including being the first woman to represent California in the Senate, chair multiple key committees, and advocate on issues like gun safety and conservation. It has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents, as it is purely commemorative.