Sen. Jeff Merkley

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a refundable tax credit for restaurants and food service businesses that suffered pandemic-related revenue losses. Eligible businesses can claim up to $25,000 per calendar quarter in credit against payroll taxes for wages paid between January 2023 and December 2023, provided they met revenue loss criteria (50% drop in 2020 or 70% in 2021 vs. 2019) and were established before March 2020. The credit directly helps small food service businesses by offsetting payroll costs during recovery, with excess credit refundable if it exceeds payroll tax obligations. It applies only to businesses that qualified under the American Rescue Plan Act but did not receive initial SBA grants.

Maddy summaryThe West Coast Ocean Protection Act of 2023 prohibits the federal government from leasing offshore federal waters for oil and gas drilling along the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington. It amends federal law to ban new leases for exploration, development, or production of oil and natural gas in these specific coastal regions. This policy directly affects federal leasing decisions and any companies seeking to operate oil and gas projects in these waters. The law prevents future drilling permits in these areas without requiring new congressional action.

Maddy summaryThis bill would ban the sale, manufacture, transfer, and possession of most semiautomatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns meeting specific criteria defined as "assault weapons," as well as large capacity ammunition magazines holding more than 10 rounds. The ban would not apply to weapons already owned before enactment, or to certain types like bolt-action rifles, antique firearms, or weapons used by law enforcement. The bill would require identification markings on new assault weapons and magazines, require background checks for transfers of "grandfathered" weapons, and authorize federal buy-back programs for banned weapons through Byrne grants. It includes exemptions for military, law enforcement, and certain historical firearms.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the minimum age to purchase or possess certain firearms and large-capacity magazines from 18 to 21 years old. It specifically prohibits sales or transfers of "semiautomatic assault weapons" (including defined rifles, pistols, and shotguns with features like detachable magazines or specific attachments) and large-capacity magazines (holding more than 10 rounds) to anyone under 21. The bill directly affects individuals under 21 who would be barred from purchasing these items from licensed dealers. Limited exceptions exist for hunting, farming, military service, or self-defense, but the core change is a nationwide age restriction on these specific firearm types.

Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2021 This act provides for the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal in commemoration of Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley. After it is awarded, the medal shall be given to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Iran Hostages Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to the 53 hostages of the Iran Hostage Crisis (November 4, 1979-January 21, 1981) in recognition of their bravery and endurance throughout their captivity.

Saline Lake Ecosystems in the Great Basin States Program Act of 2022 This act requires the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to establish a Saline Lake Ecosystems in the Great Basin States Assessment and Monitoring Program. Under the program, the USGS must assess, monitor, and conserve saline lake ecosystems in the Great Basin as well as the wildlife that depend on those ecosystems.

Klamath Tribe Judgment Fund Repeal Act This act repeals the Klamath Tribe Judgment Fund Act, which sets forth how funds credited to the Klamath Tribe must be distributed. The Department of the Interior must disburse to the tribe the balance of funds that were appropriated or deposited into per capita trust accounts and trust accounts for remaining legal fees and administration.

Maddy summarySRES 875 is a non-binding Senate resolution declaring racism a public health crisis in the United States. It directly affects racial and ethnic minority communities, which face documented health disparities including lower life expectancy, higher maternal mortality, and worse pandemic outcomes due to systemic inequities. The resolution commits the Senate to establishing a nationwide strategy to address health disparities, dismantle systemic racism, and advance reforms for communities disproportionately impacted by racism. It cites evidence from public health experts and historical data showing racism meets all criteria of a public health crisis: widespread impact, unfair distribution, preventable nature, and lack of current preventive measures. The resolution is symbolic, urging cross-government action but not creating new laws or funding.

Expanding the Voluntary Opportunities for Translations in Elections Act or the Expanding the VOTE Act This bill expands access to voting materials for individuals with limited proficiency in the English language, including by establishing incentive grants for states and political subdivisions to provide translated voting materials. Additionally, the bill directs the Government Accountability Office to study the impact of (1) reducing the threshold requirement under Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and (2) expanding the definition of language minorities to include native speakers of additional languages.