Maddy summaryThe TORNADO Act (S 1284) establishes a new hazard risk communication office within NOAA to improve how the public receives and understands warnings for severe weather events like tornadoes, hurricanes, and flash floods. It requires simplifying warning terminology, developing communication methods based on social science research, and creating a pilot program specifically for tornado warnings. The bill also mandates improved post-storm assessments, updates to tornado rating systems, and prioritizes research funding for minority-serving institutions to study tornado forecasting and communication. These changes aim to make weather warnings clearer, more actionable, and better tailored to vulnerable populations, with the goal of saving lives and reducing property damage.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThe TRANQ Research Act of 2023 directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to fund research on detecting xylazine - a tranquilizer sometimes found in illicit drugs - and other emerging substances. NIST must develop faster testing methods, create public data tools for identifying these drugs, and collaborate with universities, nonprofits, and federal labs to improve detection capabilities and safety practices. The bill requires NIST to report on its progress to Congress within one year. This research initiative aims to enhance scientific tools for drug analysis without imposing new regulations or affecting the public directly.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue draft guidance within one year of enactment, focusing on developing non-addictive pain treatments for chronic pain. The guidance must align with existing provisions under the SUPPORT Act, specifying details needed for pharmaceutical developers creating these treatments. It directly affects the HHS Secretary and future pharmaceutical companies working on non-addictive analgesics. The key mechanism is a mandatory timeline for HHS to create this guidance, aiming to streamline the development process for safer pain medications.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Medicare rules to clarify that doctors can provide certain drugs and necessary supplies during office visits without meeting an additional administrative requirement. It directly affects Medicare beneficiaries (primarily seniors), doctors, and pharmacies by simplifying access to critical medications during appointments. The key change removes a specific condition requiring drugs to be furnished "in accordance with subparagraph (A)(ii)" for the self-referral exception to apply. The bill also requires the removal of conflicting Medicare guidance published in 2021 and 2023 to ensure the rule change is implemented clearly.
Maddy summaryThis bill sets strict conditions the U.S. President must meet before negotiating a new nuclear agreement with Iran. It requires certification that Iran has ended all financial ties with China (including a $400 billion agreement), stopped funding Hamas, and destroyed chemical weapons, while also mandating China cease Uyghur detention. Any proposed agreement must verify the destruction of all Iranian nuclear, missile, and chemical capabilities, and the President cannot proceed without Senate treaty approval. The bill blocks federal funding for such negotiations until these requirements are fulfilled, effectively delaying any deal until these specific conditions are met.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SRES 492) honoring the late First Lady Rosalynn Carter. It expresses the Senate's condolences for her passing and recognizes her lifetime of humanitarian work, including her advocacy for mental health care, founding of caregiver support programs, and service with The Carter Center. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it is purely a commemorative statement. It was introduced by a bipartisan group of senators and adopted by the Senate on December 7, 2023.
Maddy summaryThe Fans First Act aims to improve transparency and fairness in the ticketing market by regulating how event tickets are sold and marketed. It requires sellers to clearly display the total ticket price (including all fees), disclose key details about ticket seating and refund policies, and prohibits deceptive practices like using artist names without permission or selling tickets a seller doesn't actually possess. The bill directly affects secondary ticketing platforms, resellers, and primary sellers by mandating clear disclosures, requiring proof of purchase for electronic tickets, and strengthening rules against automated ticket-buying systems. It creates new enforcement mechanisms through the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general, with civil penalties for violations. The legislation also mandates studies to assess ticket market practices, including how professional resellers obtain tickets and the prevalence of counterfeit tickets.
Maddy summarySRES 488 is a symbolic Senate resolution recognizing Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG), a nonprofit organization supporting at-risk youth. It acknowledges JAG's work in helping young people succeed in school, careers, and postsecondary education across 39 states, citing its model serving over 1.6 million youth since 1980. The resolution specifically highlights JAG's high graduation rates and its comprehensive program including employability skills training and career pathway support. This resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally honors JAG's achievements.
Maddy summarySRES 445 is a Senate resolution recognizing the U.S.-Israel economic relationship and affirming that trade under the U.S.-Israel Free Trade Agreement (signed in 1985) can support Israel's economy during the Hamas conflict. It highlights that bilateral trade has grown significantly since 1985, with the U.S. being Israel’s largest trading partner in 2022 ($14.2 billion in U.S. exports to Israel). The resolution states the agreement has fostered robust trade, investment (e.g., $10.6 billion in Israeli U.S. investments in 2022), and job creation, and urges maintaining this economic partnership amid the conflict. It does not create new policy but formally endorses existing trade mechanisms as a support tool.
Maddy summaryThe DEFUND Act of 2023 would require the U.S. to completely withdraw from the United Nations and all its affiliated bodies. It repeals laws enabling U.S. UN membership, terminates U.S. participation in all UN activities (including peacekeeping), and bans all U.S. funding for the UN or its specialized agencies like the World Health Organization. The bill mandates closing the U.S. Mission to the UN, withdrawing from UN headquarters agreements, and ending diplomatic immunity for UN personnel in the U.S. Finally, it prohibits future U.S. re-entry into the UN without explicit Senate approval.