Sen. Jeff Merkley

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the U.S. President to negotiate a tax agreement with Taiwan through the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT). It would create a formal tax treaty to prevent double taxation and reduce tax evasion for U.S. businesses and taxpayers operating with Taiwan, directly benefiting companies engaged in cross-border trade and investment. The agreement must follow standard U.S. tax convention rules (like the 2016 Model Convention) and requires congressional approval via a specific concurrent resolution before taking effect. The bill does not finalize the treaty but establishes the process for negotiation and U.S. approval.

Maddy summaryThe Peace Corps Reauthorization Act of 2023 (S 1203) authorizes $410.5 million annually for Peace Corps operations through fiscal year 2028 and includes numerous provisions to improve volunteer support and program operations. Key changes include increasing readjustment allowances for volunteers from $125 to $375, extending health care coverage for returning volunteers, and establishing a comprehensive zero-tolerance drug policy for volunteers. The bill also codifies special hiring preferences for returning volunteers in federal positions, creates new protections against retaliation for volunteers reporting issues, and requires the Peace Corps to develop strategies for expanding volunteer presence in Oceania. These provisions directly affect Peace Corps volunteers, returning volunteers, and Peace Corps staff by enhancing support systems and program operations.

Maddy summaryThe International Children with Disabilities Protection Act of 2023 establishes a U.S. government program to support organizations working to keep children with disabilities in family settings rather than residential institutions worldwide. The program provides grants to nongovernmental organizations with disability rights expertise, prioritizing those working in countries with large populations of children in residential care. It funds capacity-building efforts to develop disability leaders, provides training on successful family inclusion models, and creates online programs to share best practices globally. The bill requires annual briefings and triennial reports to Congress on the program's implementation, with funding authorized at $2 million for 2024 and $10 million annually through 2029. This legislation aims to advance policies that ensure children with disabilities grow up with their families and transition to independent living as adults.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. President to annually certify whether Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices (HKETOs) in the U.S. deserve diplomatic privileges (like immunity from local laws). If the President certifies they no longer merit these privileges, HKETOs must close within 180 days. It also mandates that U.S. government agencies seeking partnerships with HKETOs must first obtain a certification confirming such agreements don’t promote Chinese efforts to undermine Hong Kong’s autonomy. Congress can block a certification within 90 days using a disapproval resolution, which would require expedited Senate and House procedures. The bill directly affects HKETOs operating in the U.S. and U.S. agencies engaging with them.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding resolution urges all countries to ban the dog and cat meat trade and enforce existing laws against it, citing animal cruelty and public health risks like rabies and trichinellosis. It does not create new laws but calls for international action based on the World Health Organization's findings linking the trade to disease outbreaks. The resolution highlights that an estimated 30 million dogs and 10 million cats are killed annually worldwide, often involving stolen pets and inhumane transport conditions. It reflects U.S. support for global animal welfare without imposing direct policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to clarify the regulation of hemp-derived products. It removes hemp, hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD), and related substances from the definition of "dietary supplements," excluding them from current supplement regulations. The bill also defines "hemp" per the Agricultural Marketing Act and grants the Secretary of Health and Human Services authority to establish labeling requirements and enforce rules for products containing these substances. This directly affects businesses selling hemp-based supplements and food products, as well as consumers purchasing them, by changing how these items are regulated under federal food safety laws.

Maddy summaryThe ATTAIN Mental Health Act requires the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to create a public online dashboard that makes federal mental health and substance use disorder grant information easier to find. The dashboard will list grant names, show current application status (open, closed, or awarded), and provide direct links to apply, while being accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act. It will help schools, health providers, tribal organizations, community groups, and other potential applicants quickly locate funding opportunities by location and program type. The dashboard must be updated regularly to reflect current grant openings and be designed with input from diverse stakeholders like hospitals and tribal entities.

Maddy summaryS 2427 requires group health plans and health insurance issuers (both group and individual plans) to cover a full year's supply (up to 365 days) of contraceptives that are already mandated to be covered under existing law. This means enrollees can obtain a one-time refill for a full year's supply without any additional cost-sharing (like copays or deductibles). The rule applies to all plans with coverage effective January 1, 2024, and requires federal agencies to inform providers and enrollees about the new requirement within 90 days of the law's enactment. The bill directly affects people with health insurance who use prescribed contraceptives, ensuring easier access without extra out-of-pocket costs for a full year's supply.

Maddy summaryS 2435, the Improving Access to Nutrition Act of 2023, eliminates work requirements for participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This change directly affects approximately 6.1 million individuals currently subject to SNAP work requirements, particularly vulnerable populations including families with children and people with health barriers that prevent meeting such requirements. The bill amends Section 6 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to remove these requirements and includes necessary conforming changes to related laws. By eliminating these requirements, the bill aims to increase SNAP participation and access to food assistance without adding administrative barriers. The law would take effect 180 days after enactment.

Maddy summaryThe I CAN Act (S 2418) removes barriers for nurse practitioners, certified registered nurse anesthetists, and certified nurse-midwives under Medicare and Medicaid. It allows nurse practitioners to certify patients for cardiac/pulmonary rehabilitation, prescribe exercise, and bill for services previously restricted to physicians. The bill also clarifies that certified registered nurse anesthetists can be reimbursed for evaluation services and removes unnecessary supervision requirements. For certified nurse-midwives, it expands access to home health services and improves coverage for their care under Medicare. These changes aim to increase patient access to care by expanding the scope of practice for advanced nursing professionals.