Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto

Maddy summaryThis bill amends federal law to ensure military offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) are treated equally with civilian offenses in child exploitation cases. It updates references throughout Title 18 to replace outdated phrasing (like "section 920 of title 10") with "the Uniform Code of Military Justice" in key provisions. The changes directly affect military personnel facing federal prosecution for child exploitation, ensuring their cases align with civilian legal standards. The bill makes no new penalties but clarifies that UCMJ offenses are considered equivalent to state offenses under federal sentencing guidelines.

Maddy summaryThe Medicare Mobility Crisis Improvement Act establishes a new Medicare payment for mobile crisis response teams providing in-person mental health and substance use crisis services outside of hospitals or clinics. Starting January 1, 2025, Medicare will pay a single global fee for these services - including screening, de-escalation, and referrals - to replace fragmented billing. The payment must cover mobile-specific costs like transportation and prevent duplicate billing for the same service on the same day. Providers must document training in trauma-informed care and coordination with emergency services to qualify for payment.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a federal right for patients to access fertility treatments without unreasonable restrictions, protects health care providers who offer these services, and requires insurance coverage for such treatments. It guarantees patients the right to continue ongoing treatments under written agreements and retain control over reproductive materials. States cannot impose requirements that are more burdensome than those for comparable medical procedures or that don’t significantly advance safety. Violations can be challenged in federal court by the government, patients, or providers, while states may still enforce health/safety regulations that are necessary and least restrictive.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a tax credit for U.S. manufacturers producing rare earth magnets, offering $20 per kilogram for magnets made with domestically sourced materials and $30 per kilogram if at least 90% of component materials (like neodymium, dysprosium, or cobalt) are also produced in the U.S. The credit phases out after 2032, reducing to 70% in 2033, 35% in 2034-2035, and ending after 2035. It prohibits credits for magnets using materials from "non-allied foreign nations" and requires production to occur within a regular business operation. The credit applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2023.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates federal grants to help states establish or improve Seal of Biliteracy programs for high school students. It requires states to recognize students who demonstrate proficiency in both English and a second language (including Native American languages, American Sign Language, or classical languages) through speaking and writing skills. The program must ensure equitable access for English learners, students with disabilities, and Native language speakers, including those in tribal schools. States receiving grants must use funds for program administration, outreach, and subsidizing testing for low-income students, with $10 million authorized annually from 2024-2028.

Maddy summaryThe Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act allocates $6.3 billion in federal funding for border security operations focused on intercepting fentanyl and related drug trafficking. It directs $3.4 billion to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for hiring additional personnel (including border agents and processing coordinators), mental health support, and infrastructure upgrades. An additional $1.09 billion funds advanced scanning technology at ports of entry to detect drugs, while $285 million enhances outbound inspections for firearms and currency. The bill also allocates $511 million to ICE, DEA, and DOJ to expand fentanyl interdiction efforts and disrupt transnational criminal networks along the border. These provisions directly affect CBP, ICE, DEA, and DOJ personnel responsible for border enforcement and drug interdiction operations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 521) expresses the U.S. Senate's support for Taiwan's democratic institutions and its history of free elections. It commends Taiwan for holding 7 presidential and 9 legislative elections since transitioning to democracy in the late 1980s, including peaceful transfers of power between political parties. The resolution specifically highlights Taiwan's upcoming 2024 elections and reaffirms U.S. commitment to existing policy frameworks like the Taiwan Relations Act. As a symbolic resolution, it has no binding effect but formally recognizes Taiwan's democratic achievements and expresses concern over potential interference in its elections.

Maddy summaryS 993, the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, makes the illicit distribution and use of xylazine illegal under federal drug laws. The bill defines xylazine broadly (including multiple chemical variants) and prohibits all human use or non-lici distribution, while allowing only veterinary and pharmaceutical uses approved under existing regulations. It requires the DEA and FDA to report to Congress within a year on xylazine's spread and impacts, with a follow-up report four years later. This directly affects drug traffickers and distributors adding xylazine to illicit drugs like fentanyl, aiming to address a public health threat linked to severe health consequences including necrosis.

Maddy summaryThe Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 allocates $7 billion in federal funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) in 2024. The ACP provides internet subsidies to help low-income households afford service, directly supporting millions of qualifying families. This funding ensures the program can continue operating throughout 2024, with the money remaining available until fully spent.

Maddy summaryThis bill corrects a technical error in the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Reservation Water Rights Settlement Act of 2023. It authorizes $5,124,902.12 to be deposited into a Development Fund, adjusted for inflation since January 2016 using the Consumer Price Index. The funds directly support the tribe's water rights settlement, ensuring payments reflect current economic conditions. This is a procedural adjustment to the existing settlement law, not a new policy.