Sen. Ben Ray Luján

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act to specifically include the Cerro Pelado Fire (a 2022 wildfire in Sandoval County, New Mexico that reemerged from a prescribed burn). It establishes a dedicated "Office of Cerro Pelado Fire Claims" within FEMA to process and pay compensation claims for victims of this fire. The bill sets specific deadlines for claim processing (e.g., December 31, 2027 for initial actions, December 31, 2028 for final deadlines) and directs existing appropriations to fund these claims. It ensures victims of the Cerro Pelado Fire receive assistance through the existing federal program without creating new funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends deadlines for processing claims related to the 2022 Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon wildfires. It amends the existing fire assistance law to push key dates to December 31, 2027 (for regulations) and December 31, 2028 (for claim processing deadlines), giving FEMA more time to handle claims. It also adds a provision allowing FEMA to appoint temporary staff with certain career protections to manage the workload more flexibly. The bill directly affects wildfire victims who filed claims under this program and FEMA staff processing those claims. The changes are procedural extensions to ensure timely claim resolution without altering the underlying assistance program.

Maddy summaryThe Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act of 2023 reauthorizes and updates federal programs to address maternal mortality. It requires the CDC to annually share evidence-based best practices for preventing maternal deaths and complications with hospitals, state medical groups, and perinatal quality collaboratives. The bill also improves maternal mortality review committees by requiring them to include obstetricians/gynecologists and better coordinate with death certifiers to enhance death record accuracy. This reauthorization extends funding and program operations through 2028, directly affecting healthcare providers and public health agencies working on maternal health.

Maddy summaryS 1624, the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0, redirects civil monetary penalties from securities violations to fund pediatric research. It transfers fines collected from companies violating food, drug, supplement, and cosmetic regulations (under the Securities Exchange Act) into a dedicated NIH pediatric research fund. The bill amends the Public Health Service Act to require the NIH Director to coordinate pediatric research using these funds and avoid duplication of existing efforts. It also mandates a 4-year report to Congress detailing funded projects and advancements in pediatric research. This policy change directly affects the NIH, pediatric research initiatives, and companies subject to the securities penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires federal agencies to adjust contract prices for contractors who suspended work due to government shutdowns (lapses in appropriations). It mandates that contractors receive reimbursement for reasonable costs incurred to pay furloughed or laid-off employees their standard wages during the shutdown, or to restore paid leave used during the shutdown. The reimbursement is capped at $1,442 per week (pro-rated for part-time work) and must be documented by contractors. It directly affects federal contractors and their employees who experienced pay disruptions during the 2023-2024 government shutdowns.

Maddy summaryS 475 designates the Department of Veterans Affairs clinic in Gallup, New Mexico, as the "Hiroshi 'Hershey' Miyamura VA Clinic." The bill updates all official references to the facility to reflect this new name, effective upon enactment. This naming honors Hiroshi Miyamura, a Medal of Honor recipient who served in the 442nd Infantry Regiment during World War II and later operated a service station in Gallup. The change affects only the clinic's official designation and related documentation.

Maddy summaryThis bill replaces "Columbus Day" with "Indigenous Peoples’ Day" as the official federal holiday observed on the second Monday in October. It amends U.S. Code Section 6103(a) and updates all existing federal laws, regulations, and official documents to use the new holiday name instead of Columbus Day. The change directly affects federal government operations, including employee pay, public office closures, and official communications on that date.

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.

This resolution supports the designation of September 21, 2023, as National Teach Ag Day and recognizes the important role of agricultural education and the National FFA Organization in developing the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Head Start and Early Head Start programs to hire college students through federal work-study programs under the Higher Education Act. It directly affects Head Start agencies, Early Head Start programs, and college students participating in work-study. Key provisions require agencies to verify compliance with safety rules before hiring students, mandate that students follow all program personnel policies, and specify that student workers cannot be left alone with children or count toward required staff-to-child ratios. The changes ensure student employment in these early childhood programs operates within existing safety and staffing standards.