Sen. Bernard Sanders

Maddy summaryS 4300 restricts U.S. call center employers from moving operations overseas or outsourcing work to foreign entities without 120 days' notice to the Labor Secretary. It creates a public list of violators, barring them from federal grants or loans for 5 years, and requires federal contracts to keep call center work in the U.S. The bill also mandates that businesses disclose their physical location at the start of customer service calls (with exceptions for U.S.-based teams or emergencies) and allows customers to request transfers to U.S.-based agents. These rules apply to businesses employing 50+ call center workers (full-time equivalent) and are enforced by the Labor Secretary and Federal Trade Commission.

Mamas First Act This bill requires state Medicaid programs to cover doula and midwife services, including prenatal, delivery, and postpartum services, in a variety of settings.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 677) is a symbolic gesture recognizing U.S. teachers' contributions to civic, cultural, and economic well-being. It thanks teachers for their work, especially amid challenges like pandemic learning loss and student mental health support, and encourages students, parents, and officials to observe National Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6-10, 2024). The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it solely promotes public acknowledgment of teachers during this annual observance. It directly affects teachers nationwide by affirming their role in national well-being through a non-binding Senate statement.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes grant programs to fund education about alternatives to guardianship for health care workers, educators, family members, and court workers. It aims to increase awareness of less restrictive options like supported decision-making and advance directives, which help people with disabilities or older adults maintain autonomy without losing decision-making rights. The education programs must cover guardianship alternatives, include diverse instructors, and reach underserved communities. States will also be required to collect data on guardianship arrangements to measure the program's impact. The legislation authorizes $10 million annually for these programs from fiscal years 2025 through 2030.

Maddy summaryThe Medical Debt Cancellation Act (S 4289) creates a federal grant program to help hospitals cancel eligible medical debt for patients. Hospitals can apply for competitive grants to eliminate debt that is 15 months old or less, owed by low-income patients for emergency or non-elective care, with priority given to safety net hospitals. The bill also requires healthcare providers to follow new billing rules (like informing patients about financial assistance before bills are due) and bans interest on overdue medical bills, while adding protections against debt collectors pursuing pre-enactment medical debt. It establishes a public resource list of financial assistance programs and mandates annual reports on the program’s progress.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to guarantee all U.S. citizens of voting age the fundamental right to vote in any public election in their jurisdiction. It would prohibit denying or restricting voting rights except when a government demonstrates a "compelling interest" using the "least restrictive means," and repeal the phrase "or other crime" from the 14th Amendment’s voting rights clause. Congress would gain authority to enforce this amendment through legislation. The amendment directly affects all eligible voters nationwide and would fundamentally reshape federal and state voting rights laws.

Maddy summaryS 4272, the Shirley Chisholm Statue Act, directs the Joint Committee on the Library to obtain and permanently place a statue of Shirley Chisholm - the first Black woman elected to Congress - in the U.S. Capitol within two years of the bill’s enactment. The bill authorizes the Architect of the Capitol to negotiate the statue agreement on behalf of the committee and specifies that funds for this purpose must be appropriated and remain available until spent. This procedural bill affects Capitol public spaces and honors Chisholm’s historical significance, with no policy changes beyond the statue’s placement.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies U.S. tax rules to prevent corporations from restructuring as foreign entities to avoid paying U.S. taxes. It targets companies that restructured after May 8, 2014, by requiring them to pay U.S. taxes as if they were domestic corporations unless they meet strict U.S. business activity requirements. Key provisions include raising the ownership threshold for former U.S. shareholders from 60% to 80% and mandating that at least 25% of key business metrics (like employees, compensation, assets, or income) must occur in the U.S. The law applies to tax years after 2014, with limited exceptions for corporations maintaining substantial foreign operations.

Maddy summaryThe BUILD GREEN Infrastructure and Jobs Act creates a $50 billion annual grant program (2025-2034) to fund transportation infrastructure projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and use renewable energy. It prioritizes projects in frontline, vulnerable, or disadvantaged communities (at least 40% of funds), rural areas (30-40% of funds), and requires projects to be "green" (deeply reducing emissions and using renewable energy). The program mandates 5% of grant funds for workforce development, sets $17/hour minimum wages with annual increases tied to wage growth, and requires LEED environmental standards. Projects must also include a zero-emission transition plan and demonstrate how they will reduce vehicle miles traveled in single-occupancy vehicles.

Maddy summarySRES 673 is a commemorative Senate resolution honoring the late David Hampton Pryor, who served as a U.S. Senator for Arkansas from 1978 to 1997. The resolution expresses the Senate’s "profound sorrow" at his death and directs the Secretary of the Senate to share the resolution with the House and deliver a copy to his family. It does not create new laws or policies - it is purely ceremonial, recognizing Pryor’s career as a legislator, governor, and public servant. The resolution concludes with the Senate adjourning as a mark of respect for his legacy.