Sen. Robert Menendez

Maddy summarySRES 394 is a Senate resolution introduced on October 3, 2023, honoring the late James L. Buckley, a former U.S. Senator from New York (1971-1977) who died in 2023. The resolution expresses the Senate's sorrow at his passing and directs the Senate to communicate the resolution to the House of Representatives and Buckley's family, while calling for an immediate adjournment in his memory. This ceremonial resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it solely serves to commemorate Buckley's life and legacy.

Maddy summarySRES 378 is a Senate resolution designating September 25-October 1, 2023, as "Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week." It recognizes the work of institutions that enroll at least 10% Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander students and highlights their role in serving over 46% of such students nationwide. The resolution encourages eligible institutions to seek federal funding and marks the 16th anniversary of the program established by the 2007 College Cost Reduction Act. It does not create new policies or funding but formally acknowledges these institutions' contributions to higher education.

Maddy summarySRES 377 is a non-binding Senate resolution recognizing Hispanic Restaurant Week (September 22-October 3, 2023) and honoring Hispanic restaurant owners and employees. It highlights that Hispanic individuals own 41,817 food service businesses (2020 Census) and represent 25.1% of restaurant workers, noting the industry’s role as a major economic driver and "training ground" for diverse workers. The resolution celebrates their contributions to the U.S. economy and acknowledges how the restaurant sector enables Hispanic workers to support families and pursue opportunity. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new policies, funding, or obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the import tariff on ferrosilicon from Russia and Belarus to 35% for products classified under HTS code 7202.21.50. It directly affects U.S. importers of these materials and aims to boost domestic ferrosilicon production by making foreign imports more expensive. The bill requires the U.S. Trade Representative to assess whether American producers can meet domestic demand before implementing such tariffs, including a 30-day public comment period on which products are made domestically and production capacity. It also extends the deadline for these tariff authorities from 2024 to 2025. The policy change focuses on altering trade duties to support U.S. manufacturing, not on direct subsidies or new programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes $30 million in 2024 humanitarian aid from USAID for Armenians in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh affected by Azerbaijan's 2020 war, 2022 attacks, and the Lachin Corridor blockade. It requires the State Department to develop a security strategy for Nagorno-Karabakh within 90 days and mandates a report on Azerbaijani atrocities committed during September 2022 and 2023 attacks. The bill also repeals restrictions on military aid to Armenia and authorizes $10 million in Foreign Military Financing for Armenia's defense. Additionally, it directs the President to impose sanctions on specific Azerbaijani officials responsible for attacks or the blockade, with possible national security waivers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires U.S. colleges and universities participating in federal student aid programs to create clear anti-harassment policies covering harassment based on race, sex, disability, religion, and other protected characteristics. These policies must specifically prohibit harassment occurring online (via emails, social media, or institutional networks), on campus, in dorms, and during school-sponsored activities. It also establishes a $50 million annual grant program to fund campus prevention programs, counseling services, and training for students, faculty, and staff on recognizing and addressing harassment. The law adds these requirements to existing federal protections under Title IX and the Civil Rights Act, without replacing them.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution symbolically designates September 2023 as "National Voting Rights Month" to raise awareness about voting rights history and current challenges. It recommends Congress pass specific voting rights legislation (like the Freedom to Vote Act and Democracy Restoration Act) and encourages public education on voting accessibility, registration, and historical voter suppression. The resolution has no binding effect on policy or funding - it serves as a symbolic recognition and call to action for voting rights advocacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires states to allow eligible voters to register or update their registration at polling places on election day for federal elections, starting with the November 2024 general election. It mandates that polling places provide the necessary forms for registration or changes, directly affecting voters and state election systems. States already without voter registration requirements for federal elections are exempt. The law includes a phased implementation for states needing time, requiring at least one compliant location per 15,000 voters in each jurisdiction before November 2026.

Maddy summaryThe REDUCE Act of 2023 imposes a gradually increasing tax on virgin plastic resin and single-use plastic products entering or sold in the U.S., starting at 10 cents per pound in 2024 and rising to 20 cents per pound by 2026. Manufacturers, producers, and importers of plastic resin will pay this tax, with exemptions for small businesses producing less than 10 tons annually. Revenue from the tax will fund a Plastic Waste Reduction Fund to support recycling infrastructure, marine debris cleanup, and environmental justice initiatives. The bill defines "covered items" as single-use plastic products like packaging, beverage containers, and food service items, while excluding certain medical and hygiene products. The tax will begin on January 1, 2024, with rates adjusted annually for inflation after 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits states from automatically removing voters from registration lists due to factors like not voting or not responding to mail. It requires states to use only objective evidence (such as death records or proof of permanent move out of state) for removals and mandates 48-hour notice to voters with reinstatement options. Voters who move within a state can update their address through election day to vote at their new location. The law directly affects registered voters and election officials who must implement these verification and notice requirements.