Sen. Andy Kim

Maddy summaryThis bill requires federal agencies to adjust contract prices to reimburse contractors for paying employees during government funding lapses (e.g., shutdowns). It covers costs for furloughed, laid-off, or reduced-hour workers, or for restoring paid leave used during the lapse, with a weekly cap of $1,442 per employee. Directly affecting federal contractors and their employees who experienced work disruptions due to funding gaps, it mandates agencies to make these adjustments promptly after enactment. Contractors must provide proof of costs, and the Office of Federal Procurement Policy must report on implementation to Congress within a year.

Maddy summaryThe WIC for Kids Act expands eligibility for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) by adding new qualifying pathways. It allows children to qualify if they live in households where someone receives Head Start, Indian reservation food assistance, or Puerto Rico/Northern Mariana Islands nutrition block grants, and streamlines documentation by permitting states to use existing records. The bill extends certification periods for children from one to two years and automatically enrolls infants born to current WIC participants. This directly affects low-income families with children who qualify for related assistance programs but previously faced barriers to WIC access.

Maddy summaryHR 5680, the American Volunteering Corporation Act, creates a new federal agency to coordinate volunteer service programs nationwide and internationally. It transfers the Peace Corps (including its Director and assets) and the Corporation for National and Community Service (including its CEO and national service programs) under this new agency, with both reporting directly to the Administrator. The Administrator, appointed by the President with Senate approval, will oversee all operations previously managed by these separate entities. The bill updates legal references to reflect this structural change, consolidating oversight under one agency without altering program funding or core activities. This is a reorganization bill, not a new policy.

Maddy summaryHR 5681, the Pipeline to Service Act, creates a new program through the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to connect recent college graduates with federal jobs. It requires OPM to partner with colleges to offer career advising, resume training, and job search support on USAJobs.gov, with specific outreach to historically underrepresented communities. The bill also raises the minimum hourly pay for federal interns to $15 (adjusted annually by inflation), increases Presidential Management Fellows Program positions by 200%, and mandates annual public reporting on intern demographics and placement. This directly affects recent graduates seeking federal careers, particularly those from minority-serving institutions and community colleges, while requiring federal agencies to track diversity in hiring.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases annual funding for the Learn and Serve America program by appropriating $40 million for fiscal years 2024 and beyond. It expands eligibility to include school districts and consortia of school districts as direct applicants for grants, allowing them to lead service-learning programs. The bill requires 2-3% of funds to support tribal programs through the Bureau of Indian Affairs and allocates resources for 10 additional staff to manage program implementation. These changes aim to strengthen community service opportunities in schools through increased resources and broader participation.

Maddy summaryHR 5678, the Service Starts At Home Act, creates two programs to connect students with community service and local government opportunities. It authorizes $50 million annually for grants to states and local governments to fund paid internships for high school and college students in local government roles, requiring educational value and accommodations for challenges like childcare. It also allocates $100 million annually to fund state-administered scholarships: students must complete 100+ hours of volunteer service (e.g., with nonprofits or government agencies) to receive $1,000-$3,000 per year, with a maximum four-year award. The bill directly affects students (high school seniors and undergraduates) and local governments, while requiring states to prioritize renewal applicants and use funds for education costs. Funding is authorized for fiscal years 2024-2028.

Maddy summaryThe Supporting Armenians Against Azerbaijani Aggression Act of 2023 authorizes $30 million in U.S. humanitarian assistance for Armenians in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh affected by Azerbaijani military actions and blockade. It repeals a longstanding restriction on aid to Azerbaijan, allocates $10 million for military assistance to Armenia, and requires the U.S. government to develop a strategy protecting Armenians' rights in Nagorno-Karabakh. The bill also mandates a report on alleged Azerbaijani atrocities, authorizes $650 million for energy sector development in Armenia, and requires sanctions on Azerbaijani officials responsible for attacks and the blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Higher Education Act to require all U.S. colleges and universities receiving federal financial aid to create detailed anti-harassment policies covering physical, online, and institution-sponsored settings. It mandates policies prohibiting harassment based on race, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, religion, and other protected characteristics, including harassment via institutional email, computers, or electronic messaging. The bill also establishes a $50 million annual grant program to fund colleges developing prevention programs, victim support services, and training for students and staff on recognizing and addressing harassment. These policies and grants must comply with existing civil rights laws like Title IX but add specific requirements for reporting and prevention.

Maddy summaryHRES 720 designates the week of September 24-30, 2023 (and annually thereafter) as "Gold Star Families Remembrance Week" to honor families who have lost loved ones in military service. It specifically recognizes the sacrifices of families of fallen service members and veterans, and encourages Americans to observe the week through community service and celebrating the lives of those who died protecting the nation. This resolution is procedural and symbolic, with no new funding, regulations, or policy changes - only a formal designation to honor these families. It directly affects Gold Star families (those with members who died in military service) and the broader public through its call for observance.

Maddy summaryHRES 718 is a symbolic resolution supporting the designation of September 23, 2023, as "Bruce Springsteen Day" to honor the musician's contributions. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or groups, as it is a non-binding expression of congressional support. The resolution highlights Springsteen's career, his connection to New Jersey (where he was born), and his impact on American music and culture. It specifically recognizes his birthday as the designated day and his work addressing themes like working-class life and national unity. This is a ceremonial gesture with no legal or policy consequences.