Sen. Margaret Wood Hassan

Maddy summaryThe SITE Act (S 1869) has two main provisions. First, it requires Medicare to implement site-neutral billing for off-campus hospital departments by January 1, 2025, mandating separate unique health identifiers for these departments and requiring them to use these identifiers when billing. Second, it establishes a new program to fund graduate nursing education through "Hubs" at eligible hospitals, providing specific funding for training advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with annual position limits that increase over time (starting at 10,000 in 2026 and reaching 20,000+ by 2032). The bill also requires at least one-third of training to occur in ambulatory care settings and sets specific requirements for Hub selection and operation. These provisions directly affect hospitals, nursing schools, Medicare billing systems, and the training of APRNs.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies tax reporting rules for third-party settlement organizations (like payment processors) by raising the threshold for mandatory reporting. It exempts transactions where either the amount per transaction is under $10,000 or the total number of transactions in a year is under 50. This directly affects payment processors handling numerous small-value transactions, reducing their administrative burden. The change applies to transactions settled after December 31, 2022, and aims to simplify compliance with IRS reporting requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires federal agencies to annually identify and eliminate unnecessary programs or activities. Specifically, agency Chief Operating Officers must compile lists within 20 days of the presidential budget submission, flagging programs that are duplicative, defunct, or could be consolidated or administered more effectively by another agency. Agencies must publish these lists in designated program inventories and submit them to relevant congressional committees. The law aims to increase transparency and streamline federal operations through mandatory annual reviews, with OMB providing implementation guidance. It directly affects all federal agencies and their budget processes, without altering funding levels.

Maddy summarySRES 220 is a Senate resolution recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Department of Defense State Partnership Program. The resolution acknowledges the program's 30-year history of building security partnerships with 100 nations and expresses gratitude to National Guard members for their service in fostering these international relationships. It does not create new policy but formally honors the program's role in strengthening global security cooperation.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 209) is a symbolic Senate measure recognizing May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. It formally celebrates the historical contributions of these communities to the United States, highlighting their diverse cultural impact and achievements. The resolution does not create new laws or policies - it simply encourages the Senate to observe the month with recognition of these communities' roles in U.S. history. It follows longstanding tradition, as May was chosen to honor key milestones including the arrival of Japanese immigrants and Chinese laborers on the transcontinental railroad.

Maddy summaryThis bill would create a federal paid family and medical leave insurance program, providing wage replacement benefits for workers who need time off for family or medical reasons. Eligible workers would receive up to $4,000 per month (with a minimum of $580), calculated as 85% of the first $1,257 in monthly earnings, 69% of the next $2,243, and 50% of any amount above that. The program would be funded through 0.2% payroll taxes on both employees and employers, administered by the Social Security Administration. It would directly affect workers who meet income requirements, with benefits available for up to 60 caregiving days per benefit period.

Maddy summaryThe Affordability is Access Act of 2023 requires health insurance plans to cover over-the-counter contraceptives approved by the FDA without cost-sharing (such as copays or deductibles). It directly affects millions of people, especially those who rely on birth control but face cost barriers, including low-income individuals and people in contraceptive deserts. The bill clarifies that insurance coverage must include FDA-approved OTC contraceptives even without a prescription, and it mandates retailers to provide accurate information about these products without interfering with access. Retailers may refuse to sell the product if payment cannot be made, but they cannot block access or spread misinformation.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the use of "unlawful seclusion or restraint" in schools receiving federal funding, including mechanical, chemical, and certain physical restraints that pose risks to students. It requires schools to implement positive behavioral interventions instead of restraint, mandates staff training in crisis intervention, and establishes procedures for reporting and following up after restraint incidents. The bill requires states to create monitoring plans and collect detailed data on restraint use, with specific reporting requirements for schools and Head Start programs. Schools must provide immediate parent notification after restraint incidents and hold meetings to discuss prevention strategies. The bill applies to public schools, special education schools, and other federally funded programs, but does not affect private schools not receiving federal support or home schools.

Maddy summaryThe Dark Web Interdiction Act of 2023 creates new federal criminal offenses for distributing controlled substances through the dark web and establishes a Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement Task Force within the FBI. The task force, including representatives from multiple federal agencies like the DEA, ICE, and FBI, will focus on detecting, disrupting, and dismantling illicit marketplaces on the dark web that sell drugs and other illegal goods. The bill requires annual reports to Congress on the task force's activities, effectiveness, and a separate report on virtual currencies used in these transactions, with the task force set to sunset after five years.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends Medicare reimbursement rate increases for ground ambulance services through 2028. It adjusts specific payment percentages for ambulance providers: maintaining a 26.7% rate increase for "super rural" ambulance services and setting 4.3% and 3.4% increases for other ground ambulance services during 2025-2028. These changes directly affect Medicare beneficiaries using ground ambulance services and the ambulance providers who serve them, particularly in rural areas. The bill modifies existing Social Security Act provisions to adjust payment rates without altering Medicare eligibility or coverage rules. It provides temporary rate adjustments to help sustain ambulance service availability during this period.