Sen. Marsha Blackburn

Maddy summaryThis bill amends U.S. immigration law to make certain DUI convictions grounds for inadmissibility and deportability. It adds new provisions stating that any non-citizen (alien) convicted of driving while intoxicated or impaired (as defined by state law, including DUI/DWI) is automatically inadmissible upon entry and deportable if already in the U.S. The law applies regardless of whether the offense is classified as a misdemeanor or felony under state or federal law. It directly affects non-citizens with such convictions, potentially preventing entry or leading to removal from the United States.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3832) creates new Medicare Part D coverage rules for specific non-opioid pain management drugs starting in 2025. It requires Medicare plans to waive deductibles and place these drugs on the lowest copay tier for beneficiaries, while banning step therapy (forcing opioid use first) and prior authorization for them. The bill applies to Medicare Part D beneficiaries seeking pain treatment and directly affects Medicare plans' coverage rules. To qualify, drugs must be FDA-approved for pain, non-opioid, have no equally effective alternative drug available, and meet cost limits set by the government.

Maddy summaryThe SOAR Act of 2024 changes how Medicare pays for supplemental oxygen therapy and related equipment/supplies by removing them from competitive bidding and establishing new payment rates starting January 1, 2025. It creates different payment structures for urban, rural, and other areas, with special provisions for liquid oxygen and additional reimbursement for respiratory therapist services. The bill requires oxygen suppliers to provide specific services including patient evaluations, equipment maintenance, 24-hour support, and clear beneficiary communications. It also establishes new electronic templates for documenting medical necessity and detailed rights for beneficiaries, including the right to choose suppliers and receive appropriate equipment for mobility.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates September 2023 as "National Cholesterol Education Month" and September 30, 2023, as "LDL-C Awareness Day." It encourages all U.S. residents to know their LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) number, which is a key modifiable risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The resolution highlights that many Americans with high LDL-C do not reach recommended treatment levels, despite guidelines supporting its management. As a symbolic designation, it does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise public awareness about cardiovascular health.

Maddy summaryThe Empowering Immigration Courts Act (S 3811) amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to give immigration judges new authority. Specifically, it adds a provision allowing judges to sanction contempt of court with fines, following procedures in Title 18 of the U.S. Code. This change directly affects individuals appearing in immigration court and the judges presiding over those cases. The key mechanism is the explicit grant of contempt authority, enabling judges to address disruptive conduct during proceedings through financial penalties.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3812, the FIREARM Act) changes firearm licensing enforcement by requiring the Attorney General to give licensees (like dealers) 30 business days to correct self-reported violations before taking action to revoke or deny license renewals. It adds a new 10-day judicial review option: licensees can bypass a hearing and request a federal court review of a revocation notice, with the revocation stayed during the court process. The bill also clarifies that minor or clerical errors are not considered "willful" violations and defines "self-reported violation" as one a licensee discloses before the Attorney General discovers it. These changes directly affect firearm license holders and the enforcement process under federal law.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 3817) amends federal law to increase penalties for assaulting Bureau of Prisons correctional officers. It doubles the maximum prison term and adjusts fines for such assaults under Title 18, Section 111. The law directly affects correctional officers working for the Bureau of Prisons and individuals convicted of assaulting them. The key change is a straightforward enhancement to existing penalties for violent acts against these officers.

Maddy summarySRES 553 is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring Jean A. Carnahan, who served as Missouri’s first female U.S. Senator from 2001 to 2002 after her husband’s passing. The resolution expresses the Senate’s sorrow over her death, recognizes her service as First Lady of Missouri and U.S. Senator, and her advocacy for families and veterans. It directs the Senate Secretary to share the resolution with the House and Carnahan’s family, with no substantive policy changes or affected parties. This is a standard commemorative measure with no legislative impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the Department of Homeland Security from transferring staff at international land ports along the U.S.-Mexico border unless the transfer won't disrupt trade processing, the staff is immediately replaced, or the transfer is for physical border security. It specifically prevents transfers affecting non-security functions like processing immigrants. The bill requires DHS to notify Congress and the public within 24 hours of any staff transfer that could impact port operations. It directly affects southwest border ports of entry, trade participants, and border security staffing policies. The law aims to maintain consistent staffing to ensure smooth flow of legitimate travelers and trade.

This resolution supports the designation of February 17-February 24, 2024, as National FFA Week. It also (1) recognizes the important role of the National FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America) in developing the next generation of globally conscious leaders who will change the world; and (2) celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Give the Gift of Blue program, which has donated more than 17,000 FFA blue jackets to FFA members in need.