Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4349) requires private health plans and insurance issuers to provide secure electronic transmission for prior authorization requests for prescription drugs, starting January 1, 2027. It directly affects health care professionals (like doctors), patients needing prescription coverage, and health plans/insurers. The key provision mandates that requests and responses must use secure electronic methods meeting federal technical standards (excluding fax, non-compliant portals, or basic electronic forms), with standards set by the Secretary of Health and Human Services after consulting stakeholders. It applies to group and individual health plans covered under the Public Health Service Act, ERISA, and Internal Revenue Code.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill extends the temporary waiver allowing hospitals to provide acute inpatient-level care at home through 2029, instead of ending in 2024. It directly affects hospitals participating in the Acute Hospital Care at Home initiative and the patients receiving care through this program. Key provisions require the Secretary to conduct two studies (by 2024 and 2028) comparing care quality, outcomes, costs, and service use between patients entering the program directly from an emergency department versus those transitioning from an existing inpatient hospital stay. The bill mandates reporting on these studies to inform future policy decisions.
Maddy summaryThis bill extends the expiration date of the diesel emissions reduction program from 2024 to 2029 under Section 797(a) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. It does not alter the program's existing requirements or funding mechanisms, only the timeline for its operation. The extension directly affects federal programs administering diesel emission reduction grants or incentives. This is a procedural reauthorization to continue the program through 2029.
Maddy summaryThis bill aims to strengthen antitrust enforcement by revising key provisions of the Clayton Act to better address anticompetitive mergers and market power. It establishes new requirements for large acquisitions, creates an Office of Competition Advocate within the FTC to monitor and report on competition issues, and authorizes civil penalties of up to 30% of a company's U.S. revenues for antitrust violations. The bill also includes whistleblower protections and rewards, requires companies to report on post-merger competitive effects for five years, and increases funding for antitrust enforcement agencies. These changes are intended to protect consumers, workers, and small businesses by promoting competition and preventing harmful consolidation in markets.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 677) is a symbolic gesture recognizing U.S. teachers' contributions to civic, cultural, and economic well-being. It thanks teachers for their work, especially amid challenges like pandemic learning loss and student mental health support, and encourages students, parents, and officials to observe National Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6-10, 2024). The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it solely promotes public acknowledgment of teachers during this annual observance. It directly affects teachers nationwide by affirming their role in national well-being through a non-binding Senate statement.
Maddy summarySRES 505 is a Senate resolution condemning Hamas for allegedly using sexual violence and rape as a weapon of war during its October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. It cites evidence gathered by Israeli authorities, including reports from over 1,500 victims and witnesses, and references the Fourth Geneva Convention which classifies rape in conflict as a war crime. The resolution calls on the international community to prioritize eliminating gender-based violence in conflicts, respond promptly to reports of such violence, and demand accountability for perpetrators. It directly honors victims of the attacks and stands with survivors and families affected by these alleged atrocities.
Maddy summaryThis bill modifies U.S. tax rules to prevent corporations from restructuring as foreign entities to avoid paying U.S. taxes. It targets companies that restructured after May 8, 2014, by requiring them to pay U.S. taxes as if they were domestic corporations unless they meet strict U.S. business activity requirements. Key provisions include raising the ownership threshold for former U.S. shareholders from 60% to 80% and mandating that at least 25% of key business metrics (like employees, compensation, assets, or income) must occur in the U.S. The law applies to tax years after 2014, with limited exceptions for corporations maintaining substantial foreign operations.
Maddy summaryThis bill would establish the United States Foundation for International Conservation, a non-governmental organization that would fund long-term conservation projects in eligible countries. The Foundation would accept private sector and government donations to support the management of protected areas, requiring projects to have local community support, cost-matching from non-US sources, and adherence to environmental and social safeguards. Eligible countries must be low-income or middle-income economies with high biodiversity, and projects must provide at least 10 years of stable funding for effective conservation management. The Foundation would operate for 10 years with $100 million authorized annually from 2024-2033, and could not fund projects in countries that support terrorism or violate human rights.
Maddy summarySRES 673 is a commemorative Senate resolution honoring the late David Hampton Pryor, who served as a U.S. Senator for Arkansas from 1978 to 1997. The resolution expresses the Senate’s "profound sorrow" at his death and directs the Secretary of the Senate to share the resolution with the House and deliver a copy to his family. It does not create new laws or policies - it is purely ceremonial, recognizing Pryor’s career as a legislator, governor, and public servant. The resolution concludes with the Senate adjourning as a mark of respect for his legacy.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 668) is a ceremonial Senate measure honoring the late Senator Daniel Robert "Bob" Graham of Florida, who died on November 9, 2023. It formally expresses the Senate's "profound sorrow" over his death and directs the Secretary of the Senate to share the resolution with the House of Representatives and deliver a copy to his family. The resolution commemorates Graham's career as a Florida senator (1987-2005), governor (1979-1987), and his work on the 9/11 intelligence inquiry, but does not create any new laws or affect constituents. As a commemorative resolution, it serves solely to memorialize his service.