Maddy summaryThis bill, S 3154 (Tribal Child Support Enforcement Act), updates federal child support enforcement rules to grant tribal agencies the same access to tax information as state agencies. It amends the Social Security Act and Internal Revenue Code to explicitly include "tribal child support enforcement agencies" (those receiving grants under Section 455(f)) in provisions allowing access to tax data for locating non-custodial parents and collecting past-due support. Tribal agencies will now operate under the same rules as state agencies regarding tax information sharing and reimbursement for enforcement reports. This directly affects tribal nations and the families they serve by improving the ability to collect child support owed to tribal members.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill modernizes unemployment insurance by establishing minimum benefit levels (26 weeks of coverage, 75% wage replacement, and a $250 weekly jobseeker allowance), eliminating waiting periods, and expanding eligibility for workers affected by harassment, domestic violence, or medical emergencies. It creates new triggers for extended benefits during recessions and increases available weeks during high unemployment periods, with potential additional weeks based on unemployment rates. The bill requires states to implement these changes by January 2025 or earlier, directly affecting unemployed workers, their families, and state unemployment insurance programs nationwide. It also establishes a new jobseeker allowance program with potential increases during economic downturns.
This resolution recognizes October 2023 as National Women's Small Business Month, honoring the role of women small business owners and entrepreneurs and encouraging the support and creation of women-owned small businesses.
Maddy summary# Summary of the Protecting Communities from Plastics Act This comprehensive legislation aims to address the environmental and health impacts of plastic production and pollution through several key provisions: ## Core Focus Areas 1. **Environmental Justice Protections** - Requires environmental justice assessments for permits to new plastic facilities - Mandates consultation with fenceline communities (communities near plastic facilities) - Requires community benefit agreements for permitted facilities - Establishes requirements for real-time air and water quality monitoring 2. **Stricter Regulations for Plastic Facilities** - Prohibits new permits for covered plastic facilities during a temporary pause period - Requires new air and water pollution standards for plastic production facilities - Implements stricter emissions controls (including for benzene, VOCs, and flaring) - Requires continuous emissions monitoring for all combustion devices 3. **Toxic Substances Regulation** - Mandates an inventory of plastic manufacturing and distribution - Requires reporting on plastic chemicals and their health impacts - Prioritizes toxic chemicals like styrene and vinyl chloride for regulation 4. **Plastic Waste Management** - Prohibits exports of plastic waste to non-OECD countries - Requires hazardous waste designation for discarded polyvinyl chloride - Limits plastic pellet discharge into waterways 5. **Microplastics Research** - Mandates studies on microplastics in food and the environment - Establishes a pilot program to test microplastic removal technologies - Requires research on microplastics in human bodies 6. **Agricultural Plastic Reduction** - Promotes biodegradable alternatives to plastic weed barriers - Creates grants for reducing single-use plastics in agricultural packaging The legislation establishes a comprehensive framework to reduce plastic pollution at every stage of the plastic lifecycle, with particular emphasis on protecting vulnerable communities disproportionately impacted by plastic production and pollution. It represents a significant regulatory shift toward holding plastic producers accountable for the environmental and health impacts of their products.
Maddy summaryThis bill increases federal funding for Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) by raising the federal share (FMAP) by 10 percentage points for states during 2024-2025, capped at 95%. States must apply with plans to use these funds to increase wages and benefits for home care workers (like paid leave and hazard pay), reduce waiting lists for services, help people return from institutional settings, and cover related costs like equipment or training. Funds must supplement, not replace, existing state spending and be reported on by states by 2027. It directly affects states administering Medicaid HCBS programs, home care workers, and people receiving community-based care.
Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes the National Dam Safety Program through 2028, extending funding and updating requirements for dam safety. It defines "small disadvantaged community" (under 50,000 population with income below 80% of state median) and ensures these communities receive priority for dam rehabilitation grants. Key provisions require dam owners to commit to long-term maintenance plans and mandate floodplain management plans - either already in place or developed within two years - to reduce flood risks and protect communities. The bill also establishes a risk-based priority system for states to allocate grants for high-hazard dams.
Maddy summaryThe PROTECT Act (S 3108) establishes a federal initiative to reduce youth and young adult e-cigarette use. It directs the CDC to conduct research on youth e-cigarette patterns, product characteristics, and access methods; develop health provider guidance; identify prevention strategies; and run public education campaigns about e-cigarette risks. The bill authorizes $100 million annually (2024-2028) to fund state health departments and tribal organizations implementing youth-focused prevention and cessation programs. This initiative affects youth and young adults directly by targeting e-cigarette access and use, while requiring CDC and health agencies to coordinate new research and outreach efforts.
Maddy summaryThe Safe Schools Improvement Act (S 3105) requires states receiving federal education funding to mandate public elementary and secondary schools to adopt comprehensive anti-bullying policies. These policies must prohibit bullying based on protected characteristics like race, gender identity, disability, or religion, include annual parent/student notices, establish complaint procedures, and collect anonymized data on incidents. Schools must publicly report annual data on bullying frequency at the school and district levels. The law also requires states to submit biennial reports on implementation and triggers a federal evaluation to assess the policy's impact on reducing bullying. It explicitly states the law supplements, but does not replace, existing civil rights protections like Title IX.
Maddy summaryS. RES. 420 designates Betty K. Koed as Historian Emerita of the U.S. Senate, effective October 21, 2023, honoring her 25-year career as the Senate's first female Historian (serving from 2015-2023 after roles as Assistant and Associate Historian). The resolution recognizes her work preserving Senate archives, producing historical publications, and supporting educational programs about Senate history. It is a ceremonial honor with no policy changes or direct impact on legislation or constituents.
This resolution states that the Senate stands with Israel as it defends itself, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls on all countries to unequivocally condemn Hamas' war on Israel. The resolution also reaffirms the United States' commitment to Israel's security, supports emergency resupply and certain other types of assistance to Israel, and calls on the United States to lead an international effort to deprive Hamas of Iranian and other sources of funding and lethal assistance. Furthermore, the resolution states that nothing in it may be construed as a declaration of war or an authorization for the use of military force.