Sen. Ron Wyden

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution symbolically designates September 2023 as "National Voting Rights Month" to raise awareness about voting rights history and current challenges. It recommends Congress pass specific voting rights legislation (like the Freedom to Vote Act and Democracy Restoration Act) and encourages public education on voting accessibility, registration, and historical voter suppression. The resolution has no binding effect on policy or funding - it serves as a symbolic recognition and call to action for voting rights advocacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires states to allow eligible voters to register or update their registration at polling places on election day for federal elections, starting with the November 2024 general election. It mandates that polling places provide the necessary forms for registration or changes, directly affecting voters and state election systems. States already without voter registration requirements for federal elections are exempt. The law includes a phased implementation for states needing time, requiring at least one compliant location per 15,000 voters in each jurisdiction before November 2026.

Maddy summaryThe Fostering Success in Higher Education Act of 2023 creates a federal grant program to improve higher education access and success for foster youth and homeless youth. It authorizes $150 million annually for states to use 25% of funds for direct outreach and support services (including financial aid guidance, career exploration, and summer preparation programs) and at least 70% for subgrants to colleges to improve services for these students. The bill requires states to develop plans for identifying and supporting these students, coordinate with child welfare and homeless services, and submit annual reports on program outcomes. This legislation directly affects foster youth (those who were in state or tribal care) and homeless youth (as defined by the McKinney-Vento Act), aiming to address barriers they face in accessing and completing postsecondary education.

Maddy summaryThe REDUCE Act of 2023 imposes a gradually increasing tax on virgin plastic resin and single-use plastic products entering or sold in the U.S., starting at 10 cents per pound in 2024 and rising to 20 cents per pound by 2026. Manufacturers, producers, and importers of plastic resin will pay this tax, with exemptions for small businesses producing less than 10 tons annually. Revenue from the tax will fund a Plastic Waste Reduction Fund to support recycling infrastructure, marine debris cleanup, and environmental justice initiatives. The bill defines "covered items" as single-use plastic products like packaging, beverage containers, and food service items, while excluding certain medical and hygiene products. The tax will begin on January 1, 2024, with rates adjusted annually for inflation after 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits states from automatically removing voters from registration lists due to factors like not voting or not responding to mail. It requires states to use only objective evidence (such as death records or proof of permanent move out of state) for removals and mandates 48-hour notice to voters with reinstatement options. Voters who move within a state can update their address through election day to vote at their new location. The law directly affects registered voters and election officials who must implement these verification and notice requirements.

Maddy summaryThe Register America to Vote Act of 2023 would require states to automatically register eligible citizens to vote when they turn 18 or when they interact with state motor vehicle authorities for services like license applications, with an option to decline. States would need to establish electronic systems to transfer registration information from motor vehicle offices to election officials, updating voter registration without requiring additional action from citizens. The bill includes strong privacy protections for voter information and requires states to modernize registration systems to improve accuracy and accessibility, particularly benefiting young people, individuals with disabilities, and racial and ethnic minorities. It also provides $3 billion in federal funding to help states implement these changes by 2024.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week beginning September 11, 2023, as "National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week" to recognize institutions that enroll at least 25% Hispanic students. It directly affects Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), which serve over 5 million students across 28 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The resolution calls for public observance through ceremonies and activities during that week to honor HSIs' role in advancing educational access, economic mobility, and Hispanic Heritage Month. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding policy impact but formally acknowledges these institutions' contributions.

Maddy summaryThe Banning Surveillance Advertising Act of 2023 prohibits advertisers and advertising platforms from using personal information - such as browsing history, contact details, or device identifiers - to target advertisements to specific individuals or devices. It allows contextual advertising (ads shown based on current content a user is viewing or searching for) but bans using that context to target additional ads. The bill also exempts targeting based on "recognized places" like states, cities, or counties. This law directly affects digital advertising companies and platforms that rely on personalized ad targeting, requiring them to change how they collect and use personal data for advertising purposes.

Maddy summaryThis proposed constitutional amendment would give Congress and states the authority to regulate campaign contributions and spending, including setting limits and prohibiting corporations from spending money to influence elections. It explicitly protects freedom of the press by stating the amendment cannot be used to abridge it. If ratified by three-fourths of state legislatures, it would establish a new constitutional standard for campaign finance regulation.

Maddy summaryS 2804, the Protection of Social Security Benefits Restoration Act, prohibits the government from withholding Social Security, Railroad Retirement, and Black Lung benefits to pay off unrelated debts like federal student loans or tax obligations. It amends the Social Security Act and related laws to nullify provisions allowing such administrative offsets, restoring protections that previously existed before a 2020 change. The bill ensures Railroad Retirement and Railroad Unemployment Insurance benefits receive identical protections to Social Security benefits. These changes apply to all offset collections occurring after the bill's enactment date.