Sen. Jacky Rosen

Maddy summaryThe Do No Harm Act amends the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) to clarify that RFRA does not apply when federal laws protect against discrimination (like the Civil Rights Act of 1964), guarantee workplace protections (such as the Family and Medical Leave Act), prevent child exploitation, or ensure health care access. It specifically prevents religious freedom claims from blocking enforcement of these existing laws. The bill directly affects individuals or entities attempting to use RFRA to challenge such federal protections in court. This amendment ensures that religious freedom arguments cannot override established civil rights, workplace, child safety, or health care regulations.

Maddy summaryThe Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act (S.1204) creates a federal "safe harbor" protecting veterans who use medical marijuana in states where it is legal, and allows VA physicians to discuss or recommend it under state law. It directly affects veterans in states with legal medical marijuana programs and their VA healthcare providers. Key provisions include prohibiting federal penalties for compliant veterans and requiring the VA to conduct research on medical marijuana's effects for pain management and PTSD treatment, with reports to Congress within two years. The bill sunsetted after five years but established a framework for evidence-based policy on veteran care.

Maddy summarySRES 159 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating April 11-17, 2023, as "Black Maternal Health Week" to highlight the maternal health crisis affecting Black women and birthing persons in the U.S. It references data showing Black women are 2.6 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women, with higher rates of complications and disparities across income and education levels. The resolution calls for national attention to address systemic racism and inequities in maternal care but does not create new laws, funding, or mandates. It serves solely as a recognition effort to amplify community-led solutions and policy discussions around racial disparities in maternal health.

Maddy summarySRES 161 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating April 22-30, 2023, as "National Park Week." It does not create new laws or affect specific groups, but formally recognizes the National Park System's significance. The resolution highlights the parks' historical value, visitor impact (312 million visits in 2022), and economic contributions ($42.5 billion in 2021). It encourages public engagement with national parks but contains no funding, regulatory changes, or policy mechanisms. As a procedural resolution, it serves purely to honor the parks' legacy.

Maddy summaryThe Holocaust Insurance Accountability Act of 2023 (S 1179) creates a federal legal pathway for beneficiaries of Holocaust-era insurance policies to sue insurers for unpaid claims. It directly affects Holocaust survivors or their heirs who held life, property, or other insurance policies issued between 1933-1945 to people in Nazi-occupied areas or Switzerland. The bill establishes a new federal right to sue, overrides a 2003 Supreme Court ruling that previously blocked such claims, sets a 10-year deadline for filing lawsuits, and blocks defenses based on past settlements or foreign policy arguments. It does not change state disclosure laws but ensures beneficiaries can pursue claims under state law or federal court.

Maddy summarySRES 151 is a Senate resolution designating March 31, 2023, as "César Chávez Day" to honor the legacy of César Estrada Chávez, a civil rights leader who co-founded the United Farm Workers and championed nonviolent organizing for farmworkers' rights. This commemorative resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or groups; it serves solely as a symbolic recognition. The resolution highlights Chávez's life work advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and dignity for agricultural laborers. It follows longstanding tradition of honoring Chávez through official designations, including existing state holidays in California, Colorado, and Texas. The resolution encourages the public to reflect on his legacy of service and nonviolent activism.

Maddy summarySRES 148 is a ceremonial Senate resolution (not a law) passed in March 2023 that formally recognizes the heritage, culture, and contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women. It highlights their historical and ongoing achievements in areas like military service, business ownership, healthcare, arts, and civil rights through specific examples (e.g., veterans, entrepreneurs, activists). The resolution has no policy or funding mechanisms - it solely expresses the Senate's intent to honor these contributions and acknowledge the need to address barriers they face. It was introduced by Senators Murkowski, Schatz, and others with bipartisan support.

Maddy summarySRES 154 is a symbolic Senate resolution supporting International Transgender Day of Visibility. It encourages the American public to observe this day through ceremonies and activities, celebrates transgender community achievements, and recognizes the community's fight for equality. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it serves solely as a statement of support. It directly acknowledges transgender individuals' contributions and the ongoing challenges they face, including discrimination in employment, education, and healthcare. The resolution was introduced by multiple senators and refers to transgender representation in government and media as part of its context.

Maddy summarySRES 120 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating March 23, 2023, as "National Women in Agriculture Day." It recognizes the significant contributions of women in U.S. agriculture, citing that they represent over one-third of agricultural producers and generated $148 billion in sales in 2017. The resolution encourages citizens to acknowledge women in the field and supports their roles as producers, educators, mentors, and leaders. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or funding but aims to highlight their impact on the agricultural workforce and food systems.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a grant program to fund collaborative PTSD research between U.S. academic institutions and Israeli organizations. It directs the Secretary of Defense (with VA and State Department coordination) to award grants to U.S. nonprofits or universities partnering with Israeli entities on PTSD research projects. The grants require joint research agreements between U.S. and Israeli partners and mandate annual reports to Congress on project outcomes. The program is authorized for seven years from the first grant award and operates under an existing 1972 U.S.-Israel scientific cooperation agreement. It does not fund direct patient treatment or change existing VA services.