Maddy summaryS 3266, the Focus on Learning Act, requires a federal study on mobile device impacts in schools and creates a pilot program for schools to implement "device-free environments" during school hours. Participating schools must use secure containers for student devices (with exemptions for health needs, disabilities, and translation for English learners), maintain staff communication systems, and notify parents before implementation. The program, funded with $5 million (2024-2028), allows school districts to apply for grants to install containers and lockers. It directly affects elementary and secondary schools, students (with specific exemptions), and parents through mandated communication. The study will assess impacts on learning, mental health, and school climate, with results reported to Congress.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a Chief Resilience Officer in the Executive Office of the President to coordinate federal climate adaptation and resilience efforts across government agencies. It establishes a Partners Council with representation from state and local governments, tribal nations, Freely Associated States, non-profits, and the private sector to advise on improving federal support for community resilience. The bill requires a National Adaptation and Resilience Strategy and Implementation Plan within two years, along with an Adaptation and Resilience Clearinghouse to improve access to climate adaptation resources. The law mandates regular assessments of federal resilience efforts and has a sunset provision ending its requirements by September 30, 2033.
Maddy summaryThe MERIT Act (S 3232) prohibits colleges and universities from using an applicant’s relationship to alumni or donors as the main factor in admissions decisions. It defines "preferential treatment" as making admissions choices based solely on such connections and allows institutions to consider "demonstrated interest" (e.g., why a student values the school) if criteria are clear, public, and equally accessible to all applicants. The bill also ensures faith-based institutions can follow religious admissions policies and requires the Department of Education to report on compliance efforts and conduct a feasibility study on collecting data about admissions practices tied to alumni/donor relationships. This law directly affects all higher education institutions receiving federal funding under the Higher Education Act.
Maddy summarySCONRES 7 is a Senate concurrent resolution condemning Russia’s detention of Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian opposition leader jailed for criticizing Vladimir Putin’s regime, the invasion of Ukraine, and advocating for democracy. It calls for his immediate release, urges Russia to free all political prisoners, and expresses solidarity with advocates for democratic values in Russia. The resolution specifically references Kara-Murza’s history of poisoning attempts, his arrest for "spreading false information" after speaking out, and his recent high treason charges. It does not create new laws or impose sanctions but formally expresses congressional opposition to his unjust detention.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a federal grant program to fund career training for jobs in the offshore wind industry and the broader U.S. maritime sector. The Department of Labor will award grants to eligible entities like community colleges, labor unions, and maritime training centers to develop programs that lead to recognized credentials, with priority given to serving dislocated workers (e.g., from oil/gas or fossil fuel industries), veterans, and individuals facing employment barriers. Grantees must track and report on job placement, wages, and demographic data for participants, and at least 25% of funds must support registered apprenticeships. The program is funded at $25 million annually from 2024 through 2028.
Maddy summaryThis bill would change the federal budget process from an annual cycle to a biennial (every two years) cycle. It revises deadlines for key budget actions, requiring the President to submit a biennial budget by February 1st of odd-numbered years and Congress to complete budget resolutions by May 15th. The bill updates numerous references from "fiscal year" to "biennium" throughout budget-related laws, requiring budget resolutions and appropriations bills to cover two consecutive fiscal years. This change would directly affect the President, Congress, and federal agencies, which would need to adjust their budget planning and reporting processes to align with the new biennial cycle starting in 2026.
Maddy summaryThe TREATS Act (S 3193) modifies federal rules to allow telehealth visits for initial evaluations when prescribing certain medications to treat substance use disorders. It directly affects patients seeking medication-assisted treatment and healthcare providers prescribing FDA-approved medications for addiction (in schedules III-V). The bill replaces the requirement for a mandatory in-person medical evaluation with an option for a telehealth evaluation using approved video or audio systems. This change applies specifically to prescriptions for addiction treatment medications, expanding access for patients in remote or underserved areas. The policy change streamlines the process without altering medication approval or coverage requirements.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes federal grants to establish or expand medical and osteopathic medicine schools in areas with no existing schools or where minority-serving institutions are needed, prioritizing medically underserved communities and health professional shortage areas. It requires grantees to recruit students from underrepresented racial groups, rural areas, low-income backgrounds, and first-generation college students, while developing curricula focused on care for underserved populations. Funds can support campus construction, faculty hiring, infrastructure modernization, and program development at these schools. Grantees must submit annual reports, and the government will publish five-year reports tracking student demographics, workforce impacts, and health access improvements in targeted areas.
Maddy summarySRES 442 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating October 2023 as "National Country Music Month." It recognizes country music's cultural significance in American history, including its roots in Bristol, Tennessee, and the Grand Ole Opry, while highlighting the genre's economic contributions and broad appeal. The resolution has no legal effect; it simply encourages the American public to observe the month with appropriate activities. It directly affects no individuals or groups, serving only as symbolic recognition by the Senate.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a grant program to help local housing and health service providers better coordinate care for people experiencing homelessness with behavioral health needs, such as substance use disorder. Eligible entities - including local governments, tribes, nonprofits, and public housing agencies - can apply for up to $500,000 over five years to hire coordinators, improve technology for remote care, and build connections between housing and health services. Grants cannot fund healthcare or rent but can cover hiring, tech, and administrative costs to create smoother pathways to housing and treatment. The program requires culturally competent, trauma-informed services and prioritizes support for Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous communities disproportionately affected by homelessness and health disparities.