Sen. Robert P. Casey, Jr.

Maddy summaryThe Outbound Investment Transparency Act of 2023 requires U.S. companies and individuals to notify the Treasury Department before making certain investments in foreign entities operating in sensitive sectors like advanced semiconductors, artificial intelligence, or quantum technology within countries designated as "countries of concern." It directly affects U.S. persons engaging in covered activities, such as acquisitions, joint ventures, or establishing subsidiaries in these sectors abroad. Key mechanisms include submitting detailed written notifications 14 days before non-secured transactions or after secured ones, with the Treasury reviewing them for national security implications. The law aims to enable government analysis of potential risks without banning investments, while mandating annual reports to Congress on trends and national security impacts.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act to improve support for victims of family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence. It establishes new grant programs for culturally specific services targeting underserved populations, including American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities, and authorizes funding for national and tribal hotlines. The legislation prohibits discrimination in services, requires confidentiality protections for victims, and ensures no fees or income eligibility standards for assistance. It creates specific resource centers for Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians to reduce disparities and authorizes $270 million annually for these services through 2028.

Maddy summaryThe Justice for Juveniles Act (S 2573) amends a federal law to allow minors in prison to sue about past prison conditions. It exempts juvenile prisoners (those under 22 years old at the time of the condition) from standard lawsuit requirements, enabling them to file civil rights claims for conditions they experienced before turning 22. This directly affects minors currently or formerly incarcerated who want to challenge prison conditions they faced while minors. The key change removes barriers for these individuals to seek legal remedies for past harms under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 2647, SHINE for Autumn Act of 2023) provides federal funding to improve stillbirth data collection, research, and education. It authorizes $5 million annually for states to collect stillbirth data using existing health records while protecting privacy, $1 million for developing standardized data collection guidelines and public educational materials, and $3 million for specialized training programs in perinatal pathology and stillbirth research. The bill directly affects state health departments, medical professionals (like obstetricians and pathologists), and families impacted by stillbirth through improved data systems and educational resources. Key provisions require standardized data reporting, consultation with affected families and healthcare providers, and mandatory reports on program progress within five years of enactment.

Maddy summaryThe Rebuild America's Schools Act of 2023 allocates $20 billion annually for fiscal years 2024-2028 to fund improvements to public school facilities nationwide. It provides grants to states, which then distribute funds to local school districts based on need, prioritizing schools serving high percentages of students eligible for free or reduced lunch. The bill requires projects to meet energy efficiency standards, address health and safety concerns (like lead in water or toxic substances), and use American-made materials when possible. It also includes specific provisions for repairing schools with foundations damaged by pyrrhotite, a mineral that causes concrete deterioration.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Chesapeake Bay States' Partnership Initiative to help agricultural producers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed improve water quality, restore soil and air resources, and increase climate resilience through conservation practices. It allocates $75 million annually from 2024-2027 for these efforts, with special consideration for projects that reduce nitrogen and sediment. The bill also establishes a pilot program where landowners can enroll in conservation practices without paying for establishment or management, and expands the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program to include riparian buffers. These changes directly affect farmers and landowners in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, New York, and the District of Columbia.

Maddy summaryThe Women's Retirement Protection Act would require spousal consent for certain distributions from defined contribution retirement plans (like 401(k)s), similar to protections already in place for defined benefit plans. The bill mandates that retirement plans provide written explanations of rights before distributions or beneficiary changes, with a 90-day consent period for spouses. It also creates two new grant programs: $100 million annually to improve financial literacy for women and $100 million for low-income women and domestic violence survivors to access retirement assets through divorce settlements. These provisions would directly affect women in workplace retirement plans, particularly those in defined contribution plans who currently lack spousal protections. The bill focuses on concrete changes to retirement plan rules rather than altering Social Security benefits.

Maddy summaryThe Better CARE for Animals Act of 2023 strengthens enforcement of the existing Animal Welfare Act by requiring dealers and exhibitors to maintain valid licenses for animal sales or transport. It expands enforcement authority for both the USDA and the Attorney General to pursue civil penalties (up to $10,000 per violation per day), seize animals in violation cases, and use penalty funds to cover temporary care costs for animals during legal proceedings. The bill also clarifies that enforcement applies to rules and regulations under the Act, and mandates a new coordination agreement between the USDA and DOJ to address repeat violators. These changes directly affect animal dealers, exhibitors, and federal enforcement agencies, improving accountability for animal welfare violations.

Maddy summarySRES 312 is a non-binding Senate resolution recognizing the role of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in enabling independent living for people with disabilities and highlighting ongoing challenges like institutional segregation and disparities in healthcare, employment, and accessibility. It calls on federal agencies - including the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Housing, and Transportation - to take specific actions to improve home- and community-based services, accessibility, and economic opportunities for people with disabilities. The resolution emphasizes addressing barriers identified 33 years after the ADA's passage, including pandemic impacts and racial disparities affecting disabled communities. As a symbolic resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but urges bipartisan collaboration and agency action to advance ADA goals.

Maddy summaryThe Promotion and Expansion of Private Employee Ownership Act of 2023 aims to increase employee ownership in S corporations by making it easier for companies to adopt Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). Key provisions include extending tax deferral for sales of company stock to ESOPs, creating a Treasury Department office to provide technical assistance for ESOPs, and amending small business laws to ensure ESOP-owned businesses remain eligible for small business programs. The bill also establishes a dedicated Advocate for Employee Ownership within the Department of Labor to promote ESOP adoption, provide education, and help resolve disputes related to ESOPs. This legislation directly affects S corporations considering employee ownership transitions, their employees who would become partial owners, and small businesses that want to maintain eligibility for small business programs after an ESOP transition. The bill seeks to expand a model that studies show provides employees with retirement savings and greater job stability compared to traditional companies.