Sen. Jeff Merkley

Maddy summaryThe GREEN Streets Act requires states to establish minimum standards for reducing greenhouse gas emissions on public roads, including decreasing per capita vehicle miles traveled and improving transportation system resilience. It mandates that states analyze projects increasing traffic capacity before approval, with special consideration for environmental justice communities that experience higher health or environmental impacts. States failing to meet emissions targets must obligate more federal funds toward emissions-reducing projects like transit expansion, active transportation infrastructure, or land use changes. The bill also establishes new performance measures for transit accessibility, stop distance, and mode share that metropolitan areas must report on annually. This legislation directly affects state transportation departments, metropolitan planning organizations, and public transit agencies across the country.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit for eligible taxpayers. It raises the maximum credit rate from 35% to 50% (with income phaseouts), doubles the annual dollar limits from $3,000/$6,000 to $8,000/$16,000 for one/two or more dependents, and makes the credit refundable for qualifying taxpayers. The credit becomes refundable, meaning families can receive payments even if they owe no income tax. The bill also includes automatic annual inflation adjustments starting in 2025 to maintain the credit's value. It directly benefits working families with childcare costs, particularly those earning between $125,000 and $400,000 in adjusted gross income.

Maddy summarySRES 523 is a Senate resolution honoring the late Senator Herb Kohl of Wisconsin. The resolution expresses the Senate's sorrow at his death, directs the Secretary of the Senate to communicate it to the House of Representatives and send a copy to his family, and instructs the Senate to adjourn as a mark of respect. This procedural resolution does not create new laws or affect policy, but formally commemorates Kohl's service and legacy. It was introduced by a bipartisan group of Senators and passed unanimously on January 11, 2024.

Maddy summaryS 3623, the Research for Healthy Soils Act, authorizes federal grants to study microplastics in biosolids applied to farmland. The bill directs research on microplastic concentrations (under 5mm), wastewater filtration methods, impacts on crops/soil health, and microplastic movement in agricultural settings. It affects agricultural researchers, wastewater treatment facilities, and farmers through potential future data on land-applied biosolids. The bill also reauthorizes existing research programs through 2028, updating a 1990 law without changing current regulations.

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 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 summarySRES 518 is a non-binding Senate resolution expressing U.S. solidarity with Guatemalans and urging the Guatemalan government to permit President-elect Bernardo Arévalo to assume office on January 14, 2024. It condemns actions by Guatemala’s Attorney General and Public Ministry - including raids on election offices, attempts to annul the August 2023 election, and threats against anti-corruption officials - as undemocratic efforts to block the peaceful transfer of power. The resolution specifically calls on Guatemala to cease intimidation of civil society, commute sentences of jailed anti-corruption advocates, and ensure the inauguration proceeds, while directing U.S. agencies to prepare for reassessing aid and considering sanctions if the transfer is obstructed. This resolution directly addresses the Guatemalan government and reflects U.S. policy concerns about democratic backsliding.

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 retroactively restores pay, benefits, and seniority for senior military officers (O-7 rank or higher) whose promotions were delayed due to a Senate confirmation suspension starting in February 2023. It applies specifically to officers confirmed between December 5-31, 2023, who faced delays because the Senate paused its advice-and-consent process for such appointments. The bill requires the Secretary of Defense to pay retroactive compensation from a defined date (the later of 30 days after Senate calendar placement or the original appointment date) and use that date for determining the officer's seniority in their new rank. It directly affects military personnel whose career progression was impacted by the confirmation delay, without creating new policy or changing appointment procedures.