Sen. Robert P. Casey, Jr.

Maddy summaryThe Elder Justice Reauthorization and Modernization Act of 2023 reauthorizes and increases funding for programs that prevent and investigate elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It provides $400 million annually through 2027 to states for nursing home worker training grants, including wage subsidies, tuition assistance, child care support, and transportation help to recruit and retain qualified workers in elder care settings. The bill also allocates $125 million annually for medical-legal partnerships that connect health services with legal assistance to address social determinants of health, and $62.5 million annually to combat social isolation among older adults through community-based programs. These provisions directly benefit older adults and adults with disabilities at risk of abuse, while supporting states, tribal organizations, and community-based groups that provide elder care services.

Maddy summaryThe Do No Harm Act amends the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) to clarify that RFRA does not apply when federal laws protect against discrimination (like the Civil Rights Act of 1964), guarantee workplace protections (such as the Family and Medical Leave Act), prevent child exploitation, or ensure health care access. It specifically prevents religious freedom claims from blocking enforcement of these existing laws. The bill directly affects individuals or entities attempting to use RFRA to challenge such federal protections in court. This amendment ensures that religious freedom arguments cannot override established civil rights, workplace, child safety, or health care regulations.

Maddy summaryThe Health Equity for People with Disabilities Act amends Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act to ensure people with disabilities are explicitly included in federal health programs serving medically underserved populations. Key provisions require community health centers and related programs to provide accessible services - such as communication devices, aids, and disability-focused planning - while defining "disability" per the Americans with Disabilities Act. The bill updates existing program language to mandate inclusion without altering current funding mechanisms, ensuring people with disabilities have equal access to care under existing health initiatives.

Maddy summaryS.1190, the "End the Threat of Default Act," repeals the statutory debt ceiling (Section 3101 of Title 31, U.S. Code), eliminating the legal limit on federal borrowing. This directly affects how the U.S. Treasury manages debt issuance, as it removes the requirement for Congress to vote on raising the debt limit. The bill replaces all references to "debt subject to limit" with terms like "face value of obligations" to align with the repealed ceiling mechanism, preventing future government shutdowns or default risks tied to debt ceiling negotiations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires employers in healthcare and social service sectors to develop and implement workplace violence prevention plans for their workers. It applies to a wide range of facilities including hospitals, nursing homes, mental health clinics, and community care settings, affecting healthcare and social service workers who provide care in these environments. The plans must include risk assessments, hazard prevention measures, incident reporting procedures, and annual training for employees. Employers must maintain records of violent incidents, conduct annual evaluations of their prevention plans, and submit annual summaries of workplace violence data to the Secretary of Labor. The bill also prohibits retaliation against workers who report violence or safety concerns and ensures compliance with existing safety standards.

Maddy summarySRES 147 designates April 2023 as "Preserving and Protecting Local News Month" to recognize the importance of local news for informed citizenship and community engagement. The resolution highlights the decline in local news outlets - over 2,500 print outlets lost since 2005 - and affirms local journalism as a public good essential for democracy. It underscores challenges like reduced newsroom staff, economic pressures, and gaps in coverage for rural and minority communities, without proposing new policies or funding.

Maddy summaryThis resolution recognizes the contributions of care workers in the U.S., including childcare providers, home health aides, and support staff for older adults and people with disabilities. It expresses support for designating April 2023 as "Care Worker Recognition Month" to honor their essential role in supporting families and communities. The resolution highlights care workers' impact on economic stability, family caregiving, and community well-being without creating new laws or funding. As a symbolic gesture, it does not impose legal requirements or alter existing policies.

Maddy summarySRES 154 is a symbolic Senate resolution supporting International Transgender Day of Visibility. It encourages the American public to observe this day through ceremonies and activities, celebrates transgender community achievements, and recognizes the community's fight for equality. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it serves solely as a statement of support. It directly acknowledges transgender individuals' contributions and the ongoing challenges they face, including discrimination in employment, education, and healthcare. The resolution was introduced by multiple senators and refers to transgender representation in government and media as part of its context.

Maddy summaryS 1098, the Global Health, Empowerment and Rights Act, changes U.S. aid rules for foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) receiving funding under the Foreign Assistance Act. It removes eligibility barriers for these NGOs if they provide health services (like counseling) using their own funds, as long as those services comply with local laws and would be legal in the U.S. It also eliminates extra restrictions on how foreign NGOs can use non-U.S. government funds for advocacy or lobbying, making these rules the same as those applied to U.S. NGOs receiving similar aid. This directly affects foreign health-focused NGOs working in international development and rights advocacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Clery Act to require colleges and universities to provide all campus safety reports, emergency response plans, and related materials in accessible formats for students and staff with disabilities - including those who are blind, deaf, or have cognitive or communication disabilities. Key provisions include mandating that emergency evacuation procedures account for disability needs, requiring campus security personnel to receive disability-inclusive training, and ensuring complaint processes (like sexual assault investigations) are accessible with accommodations like interpreters. It also requires prevention programs and all campus communications to be accessible and timely, with clear procedures for requesting accommodations. The bill directly affects all institutions covered by the Clery Act, aiming to make campus safety information and resources equitable for people with disabilities.