Sen. Marsha Blackburn

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate resolution (SRES 608), not a bill with policy changes. It formally denounces the Biden administration's immigration policies by listing grievances, such as claims about border security, termination of asylum agreements, and alleged failures to use existing legal authorities. The resolution urges the administration to immediately implement specific actions under current law, including ending "catch-and-release" policies, reinstating Migrant Protection Protocols, and using expedited removal. It does not create new laws or alter policy - it is a statement of disapproval by the Senate. The resolution has no legal effect on immigration enforcement.

Maddy summaryS 4015, the Securing America’s Titanium Manufacturing Act of 2024, temporarily suspends import duties on titanium sponge (HS code 8108.20.00) for most countries from 30 days after enactment through December 2031, or earlier if the President terminates the policy. This directly affects U.S. importers of titanium sponge and aims to boost domestic production to meet national security needs. The bill requires the President to review U.S. titanium sponge production every three years, with a 60-day stakeholder comment period, and to end duty-free status if domestic production is deemed sufficient. Exceptions maintain existing import taxes for titanium sponge from Belarus, Cuba, North Korea, and Russia throughout the suspension period.

Maddy summaryS 4034, the "No Bystanders at the United Nations Human Rights Council Act of 2024," requires the U.S. to withhold annual contributions to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) until the Council establishes an independent body to investigate human rights abuses by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in China. The bill’s key mechanism mandates that the Secretary of State withhold U.S. funding for the UNHRC budget until certification is provided to Congress that the Council has mandated such an investigation. It directly affects the UNHRC’s funding by the U.S., the largest UN contributor, and targets the Council’s failure to investigate CCP abuses despite previous investigations into Israel. The bill does not alter U.S. funding for the broader UN system, only the UNHRC budget.

Maddy summarySRES 600 is a symbolic Senate resolution (not a law) that makes a formal statement recognizing the U.S. national debt as a threat to national security. It cites specific debt statistics (over $34 trillion as of January 2024), notes that interest payments on the debt may exceed defense spending in 2024, and references warnings from past defense and intelligence officials. The resolution does not create new policies or change existing law; it solely expresses the Senate's position on the debt's security implications. It calls for restoring regular budget process procedures and preventing a fiscal crisis, but has no binding effect on government spending or policy.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates March 21, 2024, as "National Women in Agriculture Day." It recognizes the contributions of women in agriculture as producers, educators, leaders, and mentors, highlighting their role in farming operations, agricultural sales (accounting for 36% of U.S. farm sales in 2022), and workforce development. The resolution encourages all citizens to acknowledge women's impact on the agricultural industry and support their participation in the field through initiatives like mentorship and education. As a symbolic gesture with no legal effect, it does not create new policies or obligations but aims to raise awareness of women's roles in agriculture.

Maddy summaryThe Telehealth Modernization Act makes permanent Medicare's temporary telehealth coverage rules that were set to expire in 2024, ensuring continued access for beneficiaries. It expands eligibility for healthcare providers who can offer telehealth services under Medicare, allowing the Secretary to add more professions (like nurse practitioners or therapists) after stakeholder consultation. The bill also changes payment rules for community health centers and rural clinics, treating telehealth services provided after 2025 as if delivered in person for billing purposes. Additionally, it permanently allows audio-only telehealth visits for Medicare coverage, removing previous restrictions.

Medicare Orthotics and Prosthetics Patient-Centered Care Act This bill prohibits payment under Medicare for a prosthesis, custom-fabricated orthosis, or off-the-shelf orthotics that is delivered via a drop shipment (i.e., shipped to an individual who does not have training in how to properly fit or care for the device). It also specifically allows for payment of replacements of custom-fitted devices.

Maddy summaryThe AFTER SCHOOL Act (S 3980) provides federal grants to school districts in counties with a juvenile offense rate of at least 10% to fund after-school programs for students in grades 6-12. Eligible school districts must apply, demonstrating the county's offense rate and outlining educational activities for the programs. The bill authorizes $100 million annually (2025-2028) for these programs, which can expand existing services, create new programs, or partner with qualified nonprofits. Recipients must report annually on program reach and effectiveness, with the Attorney General submitting a summary report to Congress each year. The bill directly affects school districts in high-juvenile-offense counties and the students they serve.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 64) seeks to block a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule published in the Federal Register (89 Fed. Reg. 4128, January 22, 2024) that implements provisions from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act related to preventing digital discrimination. It requests Congress disapprove the rule under Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code, which would prevent the rule from taking effect. The resolution directly affects the FCC's ability to enforce digital discrimination prevention measures under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. If passed, the rule would have no legal force or effect, halting the FCC's regulatory action on this specific issue.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 65) seeks to disapprove an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that would have revised national air quality standards for tiny air particles (particulate matter), which are pollutants linked to health issues like asthma and heart disease. The EPA rule, published on March 6, 2024, proposed updating these standards to tighten pollution limits. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, the resolution would block the rule from taking effect, maintaining the current standards without changes. This directly affects the EPA’s ability to implement the proposed revisions to air quality regulations, impacting public health protections and industry compliance requirements.