Sen. Martin Heinrich

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 summaryThis bill requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to use non-intrusive scanning systems at land ports of entry to inspect at least 40% of passenger vehicles and 90% of commercial vehicles entering the U.S. by September 2026. It also mandates that CBP begin scanning 10% of vehicles exiting the U.S. through land ports by the same deadline. CBP must report progress to Congress by May 2026 and submit a detailed analysis if targets aren’t met, including causes and corrective steps. Additionally, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) will conduct a two-year review of CBP’s use of these systems for border security effectiveness.

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 summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 372) expresses concern about the rising trend of book bans in U.S. schools and libraries, citing PEN America data showing nearly 3,400 book removals affecting 1,557 titles from July 2022-June 2023. It specifically highlights disproportionate bans targeting books with LGBTQ+ themes (36%) or content about race/racism (37%), including titles like *The Handmaid’s Tale* and *Maus*. The resolution urges local schools and libraries to follow established guidelines (e.g., from the American Library Association) when addressing book challenges and reaffirms support for First Amendment rights to read and access diverse perspectives. It does not create new laws but formally calls for protecting students’ access to literature reflecting diverse viewpoints.

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 requires federal agencies to provide naloxone kits and annual employee training on their use, with rules to be issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) within 270 days. It also provides non-binding guidance to private employers about acquiring kits and training staff annually. Federal agencies - including the Veterans Health Administration - must comply with the new requirements, while private businesses receive recommendations but face no mandates. The law aims to improve workplace response to opioid overdoses by standardizing access to reversal medication.