Maddy summaryThis bill increases federal funding for economic development projects by raising the federal share from 50% to 60% for most projects. It creates a new HOST (Hospitality and Outdoor-Recreation Supporting Tourism) grant program that allocates $100 million annually (2025-2029) to support tourism, outdoor recreation, and hospitality infrastructure. The bill requires 40% of HOST funds to support outdoor recreation, 20% to rural areas (with focus on distressed communities), and 5% to Tribal communities, with Tribal projects receiving 100% federal funding. It also establishes an Office of Tribal Economic Development and creates technical assistance liaisons for underresourced communities. The bill directly affects communities that rely on tourism, outdoor recreation, and hospitality sectors, particularly rural and Tribal communities.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySRES 596 is a Senate resolution recognizing the 112th birthday of Girl Scouts of the United States of America. It celebrates the organization's century-long mission of providing girls with a secure, inclusive environment to explore, build relationships, and develop leadership skills through programs in STEM, civic engagement, and global citizenship. The resolution specifically acknowledges Girl Scouts' role in fostering confidence, mental wellness, and community impact for over 50 million alumnae worldwide. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or policies but honors the organization's contributions to girls' leadership development.
Maddy summarySRES 597 is a Senate resolution recognizing the heritage, culture, and contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women. It formally celebrates their historical and ongoing achievements in fields like military service, business ownership, healthcare, science, arts, and civil rights, without creating new laws or policies. The resolution highlights specific examples, such as their roles in the military (including veterans and pioneers like Minnie Spotted Wolf), economic contributions (e.g., over 160,000 businesses owned by Native women), and cultural preservation efforts. As a symbolic gesture, it does not provide funding or mandate action but aims to honor these women's impact on U.S. society.
Maddy summaryThe AFTER SCHOOL Act (S 3980) provides federal grants to school districts in counties with a juvenile offense rate of at least 10% to fund after-school programs for students in grades 6-12. Eligible school districts must apply, demonstrating the county's offense rate and outlining educational activities for the programs. The bill authorizes $100 million annually (2025-2028) for these programs, which can expand existing services, create new programs, or partner with qualified nonprofits. Recipients must report annually on program reach and effectiveness, with the Attorney General submitting a summary report to Congress each year. The bill directly affects school districts in high-juvenile-offense counties and the students they serve.
Maddy summaryThe Geothermal Energy Optimization Act (S 3954) streamlines small-scale geothermal exploration on federal lands by creating a new "geothermal observation test project" category. It allows leaseholders to conduct limited, temporary exploration drilling (under 10 acres disturbance, under 120 days, with temporary infrastructure) without full environmental reviews, using a categorical exclusion process. The bill also establishes a Geothermal Ombudsman and Strike Team within the Bureau of Land Management to improve permitting efficiency, resolve disputes, and develop best practices for geothermal leasing. These changes directly affect geothermal leaseholders and federal agencies managing land use, aiming to accelerate development while maintaining environmental safeguards.
Maddy summaryThe Livable Communities Act of 2024 establishes a new Office of Sustainable Housing and Communities within the Department of Housing and Urban Development to coordinate federal housing, transportation, and environmental infrastructure investments across agencies. It creates two main grant programs: a Comprehensive Planning Grant Program to help communities develop integrated regional plans (with 25% of funds reserved for high-poverty communities), and a Community Challenge Grant Program to implement projects identified in those plans. The bill also establishes a credit facility to support transit-oriented development with requirements for affordable housing units, including 20% of housing units in such developments to be affordable to low- and very low-income households. The legislation directly affects communities, particularly those with high poverty rates, by providing funding to coordinate housing, transportation, and environmental planning to create more sustainable, healthy, and affordable communities.
Maddy summaryThe HELPER Act of 2023 creates a new FHA mortgage insurance program allowing eligible first responders and K-12 teachers to secure home loans with **no down payment**. It directly affects full-time law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and public/private K-12 teachers who have worked in their roles for at least 4 of the past 5 years. Key provisions include requiring housing counseling, verifying employment status, and prohibiting monthly mortgage insurance premiums (replacing standard FHA requirements). The bill authorizes $660,000 for 2024 and $160,000 annually from 2025-2030 to fund this program, which expires after 5 years.
Maddy summaryS.1267, the Fair Housing Improvement Act of 2023, expands federal housing anti-discrimination protections under the Fair Housing Act. It adds "source of income" (including housing vouchers, Social Security benefits, child support, and other lawful income), "veteran status," and "military status" as protected categories in housing. This directly affects renters and homebuyers using these income sources or who are veterans/military members, prohibiting landlords and housing providers from discriminating against them. The bill amends key sections of the Fair Housing Act to include these new categories and provides a 40-month transition period for agencies to adjust certifications.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 735) modifies funding authorization for the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. It removes fixed annual funding amounts (like the $3 million for 2010) and replaces them with flexible language allowing "such sums as may be necessary" for all fiscal years, ensuring funding can adjust as needed. The bill also reorganizes the law’s structure by removing Section 209 and redesignating Section 210 as Section 209, which now focuses on "Encouragement of State involvement" in homelessness efforts. These changes aim to streamline operations and strengthen state collaboration without altering core program requirements.
Maddy summaryThis bill would require the U.S. Treasury to notify China of termination of the 1984 U.S.-China Income Tax Convention if the Chinese military attacks Taiwan. The termination notice must be sent within 30 days after the President confirms such an attack. The President must also inform the Senate Foreign Relations and Finance committees about the termination. The bill directly affects the tax treaty governing cross-border taxation between U.S. and Chinese individuals and businesses.