Sen. Jacky Rosen

Maddy summaryS 1098, the Global Health, Empowerment and Rights Act, changes U.S. aid rules for foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) receiving funding under the Foreign Assistance Act. It removes eligibility barriers for these NGOs if they provide health services (like counseling) using their own funds, as long as those services comply with local laws and would be legal in the U.S. It also eliminates extra restrictions on how foreign NGOs can use non-U.S. government funds for advocacy or lobbying, making these rules the same as those applied to U.S. NGOs receiving similar aid. This directly affects foreign health-focused NGOs working in international development and rights advocacy.

Maddy summaryThe Recovering America's Wildlife Act of 2023 establishes new funding streams to prevent species from needing Endangered Species Act protection and aid recovery of already-listed species. It provides $850 million in 2024 (increasing to $1.3 billion annually after 2027) to states, territories, and tribes through a new Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Subaccount, with 15% required for endangered species recovery. The bill also creates a Tribal Wildlife Conservation Account ($97.5 million annually) and an Endangered Species Recovery Fund ($187.5 million annually), with funds to be used for habitat conservation, species management, invasive species control, and conservation education. States must use funds to implement their Wildlife Conservation Strategies, and all funding must supplement, not replace, existing conservation programs. The legislation requires annual reporting to Congress on how funds are used and progress on conservation goals.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the age limit for children to receive CHAMPVA medical benefits from 21 to 26 years old, regardless of marital status. It directly affects children of veterans who rely on the CHAMPVA program for healthcare coverage. The key provision amends Section 1781 of Title 38, U.S. Code, to extend eligibility until the child's 26th birthday. The change applies to medical care provided on or after the bill's enactment date.

Maddy summaryS 1162, the *Accurate Map for Broadband Investment Act of 2023*, requires the federal government to update broadband availability maps before finalizing grant funds for internet infrastructure projects. It mandates that 210 days after initial funding allocations, the Assistant Secretary must recalculate each recipient’s share based on the latest broadband maps and adjust payments accordingly. Affected entities include broadband providers and local governments receiving federal grants under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The bill also requires the government to notify recipients of any adjusted funding amounts after the map update. This ensures funds are distributed based on current, accurate broadband coverage data.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 133) honors the 30th anniversary of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program. It recognizes the program’s work providing free alternative education and structured discipline to at-risk youth aged 16-18, commends over 200,000 graduates, and reaffirms Senate support for the program’s mission. The resolution does not create new policies or funding but formally acknowledges the program’s role in helping youth develop skills through residential and mentoring phases. It was introduced by Senators Baldwin, Capito, Cassidy, and others in March 2023.

Maddy summaryThe EACH Act of 2023 requires federal health programs - including Medicaid, Medicare, the Indian Health Service, and others - to cover abortion services regardless of income or insurance type. It directly affects millions of low-income individuals, women of color (who are disproportionately enrolled in Medicaid), LGBTQ+ people, and people in states that currently restrict abortion coverage. Key provisions mandate that all federally funded health programs provide abortion coverage (Section 4), repeal a prior law restricting abortion coverage in private insurance (Section 5), and prohibit federal interference with private insurance coverage of abortion services. The bill aims to remove financial barriers to abortion care by ensuring coverage through federal programs and private plans.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a federal "National Parkinson’s Project" under the Department of Health and Human Services to coordinate efforts across agencies in preventing, treating, and curing Parkinson’s disease and related conditions. It requires an integrated national plan, annual progress assessments, and a public Advisory Council - including patient advocates, researchers, and healthcare providers - to guide strategy and recommend actions. The project mandates data sharing among federal agencies and biannual reports to Congress evaluating federally funded Parkinson’s programs, aiming to improve care coordination, reduce financial burdens on Medicare and families, and advance research on environmental triggers. The law directly affects people living with Parkinson’s, their caregivers, and federal health agencies involved in research and patient services. The initiative is scheduled to sunset in 2035.

Maddy summaryS 1042 requires the Small Business Administration to create a single, publicly accessible website within one year of the bill's enactment. The website will organize federal, state, and local permit and licensing requirements for small businesses based on their location and business type. This directly affects small business owners who currently navigate multiple government agencies for permits, aiming to simplify their access to necessary licensing information. The bill does not change existing permit rules but provides a centralized resource to help small businesses understand and comply with requirements.

This resolution designates March 2023 as National Women's History Month. The resolution also recognizes the celebration of such month as a time to reflect on the contributions that women have made to the United States.

Maddy summaryThe International Human Rights Defense Act of 2023 establishes a permanent Special Envoy for LGBTQI+ human rights at the Department of State to lead U.S. foreign policy efforts addressing discrimination and violence against LGBTQI+ people globally. The bill requires the Special Envoy to develop an annual global strategy to prevent and respond to criminalization, discrimination, and violence against LGBTQI+ individuals, with mandatory reporting on countries that criminalize same-sex relationships or discriminate based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics. It directs U.S. foreign assistance to support programs that protect LGBTQI+ rights, including health initiatives addressing HIV/AIDS in LGBTQI+ communities, and requires training for U.S. personnel and foreign officials on LGBTQI+ rights issues. The bill also mandates regular congressional briefings on the status of LGBTQI+ rights worldwide and U.S. government efforts to address abuses.