Maddy summaryThe Right to Contraception Act (S 1999) establishes a federal statutory right for individuals to access contraceptives and related information without government interference, directly affecting all people seeking reproductive care and health care providers who offer these services. Key provisions prohibit state or federal laws that restrict contraceptive access, single out contraceptive services, or allow provider refusals based on personal beliefs, while requiring any restrictions to be narrowly tailored to advance access. The bill preempts conflicting state laws, allows enforcement through lawsuits by affected individuals or the Attorney General, and explicitly protects access for historically marginalized groups facing barriers. It does not alter existing insurance coverage requirements under the Affordable Care Act but ensures contraceptive access remains protected from restrictive state policies.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 305 authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce and sell commemorative coins (gold, silver, and half-dollar denominations) to mark the U.S. Marine Corps' 250th anniversary in 2025. Each coin sale includes a surcharge ($5 to $35 per coin) that will fund the Marine Corps Heritage Center's educational programs, with proceeds paid directly to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. The coins will be sold from January 1 to December 31, 2025, and the surcharge structure ensures no net cost to taxpayers by covering production expenses through sales. This bill directly affects the U.S. Mint (in coin production), the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation (as recipient of funds), and the public (as potential buyers).
Maddy summaryThe Methane Emissions Research Act of 2023 requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct a two-year pilot study measuring methane emissions from oil and gas production, gathering, processing, transmission, and storage infrastructure (excluding distribution systems). The EPA must select two regions, develop measurement methodologies, and assess how this data could support a future national methane census. The study will analyze regional emission patterns, reconcile different measurement methods, and identify research gaps, with a final report due within two years of enactment. The bill authorizes $20 million to fund this research, aiming to improve data accuracy for climate reporting and future policy.
Maddy summaryS 1934, the *Empowering States' Rights To Protect Consumers Act of 2023*, would allow states to set their own maximum interest rates for most consumer credit (like credit cards or personal loans), overriding federal limits. It directly affects consumers and lenders in states with stricter rate caps than current federal law, excluding residential mortgages. The bill amends the Truth in Lending Act to require that non-mortgage credit transactions follow the highest rate limit permitted by the consumer’s state of residence. This shifts regulatory authority from federal to state level for these financial products.
Maddy summaryS 1948, the Cleaner Air Spaces Act of 2023, creates a federal grant program to help low-income households with high-risk members (like those with health conditions, disabilities, or older adults) during wildfire smoke events. The bill authorizes $30 million over three years to fund air pollution control agencies, requiring them to establish free "clean air centers" in smoke-prone areas and distribute at least 1,000 certified air filtration units per program to eligible households at no cost. These units must meet strict standards (like HEPA filtration and Energy Star certification), and agencies must partner with community organizations, provide education, and conduct follow-up surveys to assess effectiveness. The program mandates annual reporting to Congress on implementation and outcomes to evaluate potential expansion.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends federal jury selection law (28 U.S.C. § 1862) to explicitly prohibit excluding potential jurors based on sexual orientation or gender identity. It directly affects individuals selected for federal jury service by ensuring these characteristics cannot be used as grounds for exclusion. The key mechanism adds "sexual orientation, gender identity" after "sex" in the existing exclusion criteria, making federal jury selection more inclusive. This change updates the law to align with broader protections against discrimination in civic participation.
Maddy summaryS 1940, titled "Canyon’s Law," bans the use of M-44 devices (cyanide-laced "predator control" tools) on public lands. It directly affects federal, state, and county agencies that deploy these devices to kill wildlife like wolves and coyotes. The bill prohibits preparing, placing, or using M-44 devices on public lands and requires all existing devices to be removed within 30 days of enactment. These devices, which use highly toxic sodium cyanide, have caused injuries to people (including children), killed non-target animals like eagles and bears, and harmed endangered species.
Maddy summaryThe SECURE Act would allow certain foreign nationals to adjust their immigration status to lawful permanent residence. It specifically targets individuals who are nationals of countries designated under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), or who were in TPS, and who have been continuously present in the U.S. for at least three years. The bill includes provisions for work authorization while applications are pending, fee exemptions for vulnerable applicants (such as minors, low-income individuals, and those in foster care), and a "stay of removal" for those with pending applications. It also contains confidentiality protections for application information and requires detailed reporting when countries lose TPS status. The bill aims to streamline the process for eligible TPS holders to obtain permanent residency without having to file motions to reopen prior removal orders.
Maddy summaryThe GLOBE Act of 2023 is a comprehensive legislative proposal focused on advancing the human rights of LGBTQI people worldwide. It requires the Department of State to document and respond to bias-motivated violence against LGBTQI individuals in country reports, establishes a Special Envoy for LGBTQI rights, and creates targeted sanctions for individuals responsible for human rights violations against LGBTQI people. The bill also includes provisions for immigration reform to better protect LGBTQI asylum seekers, mandates training for U.S. diplomatic personnel on LGBTQI rights, and establishes a Global Equality Fund to support civil society organizations working to protect LGBTQI rights internationally.
Maddy summarySRES 243 is a Senate resolution designating June 2023 as "Immigrant Heritage Month" to honor the contributions of immigrants and their children to the United States. It highlights their roles in key areas like health care (e.g., 27% of physicians), economic growth, and cultural diversity, without creating new laws or altering policies. As a non-binding resolution, it encourages public recognition through community events but does not affect any legal status or rights.