Maddy summaryThe DETERRENT Act requires colleges and universities to disclose foreign gifts and contracts worth $50,000 or more, including details about the foreign source, purpose, and value, with a public database for transparency. It establishes a waiver process for institutions seeking to contract with "foreign countries of concern" or "foreign entities of concern" while imposing fines up to 100-200% of investment value for non-compliance. The law primarily affects institutions receiving federal funds, particularly those with significant research funding, and mandates policies for faculty and staff regarding foreign gifts. It also requires interagency sharing of information with intelligence and law enforcement agencies to address potential national security concerns.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill allows livestock producers and their employees to take (capture, kill, or disperse) black vultures that are causing or likely to cause harm to livestock, as defined under federal law. It directly affects livestock operations in areas where black vultures threaten animals, permitting this action under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act exemptions. Key provisions prohibit using poison to take vultures and require annual reports to the Fish and Wildlife Service using a simplified form developed within 180 days of enactment. The bill aims to balance livestock protection with conservation requirements by adding reporting obligations while restricting harmful methods.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits state and federal governments from denying contracts, funding, or licenses to child welfare service providers (including religious organizations and individuals) who decline to provide services conflicting with their sincerely held religious beliefs or moral convictions. It specifically protects providers from adverse actions like refusing to renew contracts or canceling funding when their religious objections prevent them from offering certain services, such as foster care placements or adoption assistance. The law allows affected providers to sue for violations and requires states that violate the law to forfeit 15% of their federal child welfare funding. It applies to all federally funded child welfare services under Title IV of the Social Security Act, covering services like foster care, adoption support, and family preservation.
Maddy summaryThis bill waives reimbursement requirements for U.S. citizens and permanent residents evacuated from Israel during the 2024 fiscal year due to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack and subsequent conflict. It requires the State Department to provide free travel organized under existing authorities without requiring evacuees to repay costs. The bill also mandates a report within 185 days of enactment analyzing the feasibility of extending this free travel policy globally, including cost estimates, new Department responsibilities, needed authorities, and potential moral hazard issues. It authorizes $2 million for State Department expenses related to implementing these provisions during fiscal year 2024.
Maddy summarySRES 470 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating November 16, 2023, as "National Rural Health Day." It commemorates rural communities' contributions to health care and acknowledges the unique challenges rural health providers and patients face, including access barriers and hospital closures. The resolution recognizes the efforts of rural health care workers and the millions they serve, while expressing a commitment to future policy improvements for rural health care. It does not create new laws, funding, or direct obligations - it serves solely as a formal acknowledgment of rural health issues.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 471) expresses formal support for National Adoption Day (observed November 18, 2023) and National Adoption Month (November 2023). It promotes awareness about children in foster care awaiting adoption, celebrates adoption success stories, and encourages U.S. citizens to support efforts securing permanent, safe homes for all children. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight adoption needs. It specifically references foster care statistics (e.g., 114,000 children awaiting adoption) to underscore its purpose.
Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 43) is a joint resolution seeking to block a Department of Education rule that would have improved income-driven repayment plans for federal student loans. It targets a specific rule (88 Fed. Reg. 43820, July 10, 2023) affecting borrowers in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program and the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program. If passed, the resolution would make this rule void, preventing it from taking effect. The resolution uses a specific procedural mechanism under Title 5 of U.S. Code to achieve this disapproval. It directly impacts student loan borrowers who rely on income-driven repayment options.
Maddy summaryThe Encounter Data Enhancement Act (S 3307) requires Medicare Advantage plans to include specific new details in their encounter data reports starting in 2026. This affects Medicare Advantage plans directly, mandating they report payment types (like capitation or fee-for-service), allowed amounts, patient cost-sharing, and indicators for different health risk assessments (in-home, outside-home, or by specific entities). Key provisions also require network status for services and provider identifiers for certain items like lab tests, durable medical equipment, and home health services. The bill aims to improve data transparency for oversight of Medicare Advantage spending and service delivery without changing coverage rules.
Maddy summaryThis bill waives reimbursement requirements for U.S. citizens and permanent residents evacuating Israel due to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack and subsequent conflict during fiscal year 2024. It requires the State Department to report within 180 days on expanding this cost-free evacuation policy globally, including estimated costs, additional responsibilities, needed authorities, and potential moral hazard concerns. The bill authorizes $2 million for State Department implementation of these provisions during fiscal year 2024.
Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 49 seeks congressional disapproval of a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) rule that would have established a new standard for determining when two or more companies are considered "joint employers" under labor law. The rule, published in October 2023, would have affected businesses with complex employment structures, such as franchisors and contractors, by altering how joint employer liability is assessed for wage, hour, and union representation matters. If passed, the resolution would block the rule from taking effect, preserving the previous standard for joint employer determinations. The bill was introduced by Senators Cassidy, Manchin, Braun, McConnell, Marshall, Cramer, Capito, and Paul and referred to the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.