Maddy summaryThe Building Chips in America Act of 2023 (S. 2228) amends federal law to streamline environmental reviews for semiconductor manufacturing projects receiving federal financial assistance. It clarifies that certain projects won't be considered "major Federal actions" under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) if they meet specific criteria: the project must have begun by December 31, 2024; federal assistance must be in loan/guarantee form; or non-loan assistance must be 10% or less of total project costs. The bill establishes categorical exclusions for environmental reviews related to semiconductor projects and designates the Department of Commerce as lead agency for these reviews. This primarily affects semiconductor manufacturers receiving federal funding under the CHIPS Act, reducing regulatory barriers for facility construction and expansion.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySRES 888 is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring the late James Ralph Sasser, a former U.S. Senator from Tennessee (served 1976-1993). It formally expresses the Senate’s "profound sorrow" over his death and requests the Secretary of the Senate transmit the resolution to his family. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or entities - it is solely a commemorative gesture. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or alter existing policies.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the awarding of a Congressional Gold Medal to tennis legend Billie Jean King in recognition of her lifelong advocacy for gender equality in sports and society. The legislation specifically acknowledges her pivotal role in advancing women's rights, including her work leading to the passage of Title IX and her efforts to establish equal prize money in tennis. Under the bill, the Secretary of the Treasury would strike a gold medal featuring an image and inscription of Billie Jean King, with bronze duplicates available for sale to cover costs. The medal would be presented by congressional leaders as a formal recognition of her contributions to American society. This is a commemorative honor, not a policy that creates new legal requirements or funding.
Maddy summaryThis bill awards a Congressional Gold Medal to the United States Army Dustoff crews who served during the Vietnam War, recognizing their life-saving medical evacuations. The medal, to be designed by the Secretary of the Treasury in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, will be displayed at the U.S. Army Medical Department Museum. The bill honors the approximately 900,000 wounded personnel these crews transported over the course of the Vietnam War, including U.S., South Vietnamese, and allied forces, who relied on their rapid medical evacuation services.
Maddy summaryThe SIREN Reauthorization Act (S. 265) reauthorizes the rural emergency medical service training and equipment assistance program, extending its funding period from 2019-2023 to 2024-2028. The bill requires emergency medical services personnel to receive training on mental health and substance use disorders, and allows programs to acquire drugs or devices for emergency overdose treatment. This reauthorization directly benefits rural EMS providers and the communities they serve by improving emergency medical response capabilities. The program will be moved to appear at the end of part D of title V of the Public Health Service Act. The bill makes specific policy changes to enhance rural emergency medical services training and equipment access.
Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCONRES 42) symbolically recognizes the persistent wage gap affecting Latina women in the U.S. labor force. It designates October 3, 2024, as "Latina Equal Pay Day" to highlight that Latina women earn, on average, 51 cents for every dollar earned by White, non-Hispanic men working full-time. The resolution cites data showing this disparity results in Latina women losing over $1.2 million in lifetime earnings and emphasizes the broader economic and personal impacts of unequal pay. As a non-binding statement, it does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges the issue and reaffirms congressional support for closing the gender wage gap.
Maddy summarySRES 856 is a non-binding Senate resolution designating October 2024 as Filipino American History Month. It formally recognizes and celebrates the historical contributions, culture, and achievements of Filipino Americans to the United States, including their roles in military service, healthcare, labor movements, and other fields. The resolution urges the American public to observe the month with educational programs and activities to honor this community's legacy. This follows Congress's 2009 recognition of Filipino American History Month (S. Res. 298) and aligns with ongoing efforts to highlight overlooked histories.
Maddy summarySRES 864 is a Senate resolution designating September 23-29, 2024, as "Rail Safety Week." It expresses support for efforts to reduce highway-rail grade crossing incidents, trespasser-related fatalities, and derailments, while promoting safer transportation of hazardous materials and preventing rail worker injuries or deaths. The resolution encourages public education on rail safety and aligns with ongoing initiatives like the Federal Railroad Administration’s safety programs. It does not create new laws or funding but formally supports existing safety goals and commemorates past rail safety efforts.
Maddy summarySRES 870 designates the week of September 15-21, 2024, as "Community School Coordinators Appreciation Week" in recognition of community school coordinators' roles. The resolution highlights their work in building school-community partnerships and improving student outcomes like attendance, academic achievement, and mental health support. It does not create new policies, funding, or obligations - only formally acknowledges coordinators' contributions through a symbolic designation. This procedural resolution is directed at raising awareness and encouraging public celebration of these professionals.
Maddy summarySRES 885 is a non-binding Senate resolution designating October 2, 2024, as "Energy Efficiency Day." It commemorates the economic and environmental benefits achieved through existing private sector innovation and federal energy efficiency policies since the 1970s, such as the Energy Policy Act of 1992 and the Energy Efficiency Improvement Act of 2015. The resolution has no direct effect on individuals, businesses, or policy implementation - it solely encourages public observance through programs and activities. It references historical achievements like $1 trillion in annual energy cost savings and a 50% reduction in energy intensity in federal facilities. The resolution reflects bipartisan recognition of energy efficiency progress but does not create new laws or requirements.