Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse

Maddy summarySRES 671 is a ceremonial Senate resolution supporting the designation of April 28-May 4, 2024, as "National Small Business Week." It honors small businesses and entrepreneurs across the U.S. for their economic contributions, noting they support over 62 million jobs through 33 million businesses. The resolution expresses the Senate's recognition of small businesses' resilience and role in strengthening local economies. As a symbolic gesture with no new policies or funding, it does not impose requirements or directly affect specific entities.

Maddy summarySRES 672 is a Senate resolution recognizing April 2024 as National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. It expresses the Senate's support for the month's goals, including raising public awareness about sexual violence, preventing assaults, improving support for survivors, and ensuring perpetrators are held accountable. The resolution specifically acknowledges the work of organizations like RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), local rape crisis centers, and professionals in law enforcement and healthcare who provide critical services to survivors. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or allocate funding but serves to highlight ongoing efforts to address sexual assault.

Maddy summaryS 4223, the Access to Birth Control Act, requires pharmacies that stock contraception to provide it without delay when requested, or immediately offer referral/transfer options if unavailable. It prohibits pharmacies from intimidating customers, misrepresenting availability, or refusing service based on personal beliefs, while allowing exceptions for no prescription, inability to pay, or professional clinical judgment. The bill targets pharmacies serving patients seeking FDA-approved contraceptives or related medications, aiming to address barriers like refusals reported post-Dobbs v. Jackson. Violations carry $1,000 daily civil penalties or allow private lawsuits for affected patients.

Maddy summaryThe High School Voter Empowerment Act of 2024 requires public high schools to serve as voter registration agencies and conduct at least one voter registration drive each academic year. It targets eligible students enrolled in American Government or Economics classes who are 17 years old by April 10 and eligible to vote in federal elections. The bill establishes a grant program to reimburse schools for costs related to these drives, requiring schools to submit applications detailing expenses and registration activities. It also allows schools to use voting machines for student elections with election official support, under agreed terms.

Maddy summarySRES 658 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating April 2024 as "Financial Literacy Month." It does not create new laws or funding but calls on federal, state, local, schools, nonprofits, and businesses to observe the month with awareness activities. The resolution cites statistics on financial challenges (like 5.9 million unbanked households and rising student debt) to emphasize the importance of financial education. It aims to raise public awareness about personal financial education's role in making sound money decisions and building wealth, without mandating any specific actions.

Maddy summarySRES 655 is a Senate resolution passed on April 18, 2024, to honor the late Joseph I. Lieberman, a former U.S. Senator from Connecticut (1988-2013), following his death. The resolution recognizes his career, including his role in creating the Department of Homeland Security, establishing the 9/11 Commission, and advocating for civil rights and environmental protections. It directs the Senate to adjourn in his memory and transmit a copy to his family, expressing the Senate's sorrow and respect. This procedural resolution does not create new laws or affect policy, as it solely commemorates his legacy.

Maddy summarySRES 650 is a Senate resolution recognizing the 82nd anniversary of the United States Naval Construction Force (Seabees) on March 5, 2024. It expresses gratitude for the Seabees' dual role in building military infrastructure (like bases and roads) and combat service, as well as their global humanitarian work, including disaster relief and community projects. The resolution honors Seabees who have died in service and acknowledges the sacrifices of their families. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but formally commemorates their contributions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates an independent Office of Inspector General (IG) for the federal judicial branch, directly affecting federal judges, Supreme Court justices, and judicial employees. The IG will investigate alleged misconduct (like ethics violations or fraud) in courts below the Supreme Court and ethics issues involving Supreme Court justices, while preventing waste and fraud. Key mechanisms include conducting audits, subpoenaing records, protecting whistleblowers who report misconduct, and reporting findings to Congress and the Chief Justice. The IG cannot review court decisions or discipline judges, ensuring the role focuses on oversight rather than judicial intervention.

Maddy summaryThe Stop Predatory Investing Act disallows tax deductions for interest and depreciation on single-family rental properties owned by individuals or entities that own 50 or more such properties (defined as residential units with four or fewer dwellings, including townhouses as separate buildings). It applies to properties without low-income housing credits and excludes properties constructed by the owner or acquired before first occupancy. Exceptions allow deductions if the property is sold to an individual for their primary residence (per Section 121) or to a qualified nonprofit organization focused on affordable housing, such as community land trusts, housing nonprofits, or community development corporations. The law defines "disqualified" owners and specifies qualifying nonprofits under Section 163(n)(2)(C), effective for taxable years after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 647) symbolically recognizes April 11-17, 2024, as the seventh annual "Black Maternal Health Week" in the U.S. Senate. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but formally acknowledges the disproportionate maternal health disparities affecting Black women, including higher mortality rates and systemic barriers in care. The resolution highlights the work of the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, which founded this annual observance to spotlight racial inequities in maternal health. It serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of ongoing health disparities, not a policy action.