Sen. Bernard Sanders

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCONRES 21) is a symbolic statement recognizing the persistent wage gap affecting Latina women in the U.S. labor force. It highlights that Latina women earn just 57 cents for every dollar earned by White, non-Hispanic men working full-time, year-round - a disparity that would take until 2206 to close at current rates. The resolution cites data showing Latina women face compounded economic challenges, including lower median pay ($31,600 annually in 2022) and barriers like limited access to childcare and paid leave. As a non-binding resolution, it does not enact new laws but formally acknowledges the issue and reaffirms support for closing the gender wage gap.

Maddy summarySRES 394 is a Senate resolution introduced on October 3, 2023, honoring the late James L. Buckley, a former U.S. Senator from New York (1971-1977) who died in 2023. The resolution expresses the Senate's sorrow at his passing and directs the Senate to communicate the resolution to the House of Representatives and Buckley's family, while calling for an immediate adjournment in his memory. This ceremonial resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it solely serves to commemorate Buckley's life and legacy.

Maddy summaryS 3026, the NOW Act, repeals restrictions on offshore wind leasing included in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. It removes specific limitations that previously constrained the Department of the Interior from issuing offshore wind leases or rights-of-way. The bill amends Section 50265 of the Inflation Reduction Act by striking outdated language and reformatting provisions to clarify that the Secretary may issue these leases without the prior restrictions. This directly affects offshore wind energy developers and federal agencies managing ocean leasing. The change streamlines the leasing process but does not create new requirements or funding.

Maddy summaryS 3025 (CLEAN Energy Act) removes federal restrictions on leasing public lands for onshore wind and solar energy projects. It amends the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 to eliminate limitations on issuing leases or rights-of-way for these renewable energy developments on federal land. This directly affects renewable energy developers, land managers, and communities where such projects might be sited. The bill makes a specific technical change to existing law without creating new funding or regulatory requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires federal agencies to adjust contract prices for contractors who suspended work due to government shutdowns (lapses in appropriations). It mandates that contractors receive reimbursement for reasonable costs incurred to pay furloughed or laid-off employees their standard wages during the shutdown, or to restore paid leave used during the shutdown. The reimbursement is capped at $1,442 per week (pro-rated for part-time work) and must be documented by contractors. It directly affects federal contractors and their employees who experienced pay disruptions during the 2023-2024 government shutdowns.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution commemorates the fifth anniversary of the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was killed in 2018 at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. It calls on the Saudi government to ensure accountability for those responsible for his death, release individuals wrongfully detained (including activists and dissidents), lift travel bans on critics, and respect freedoms of assembly and expression. The resolution notes that the U.S. has already sanctioned 17 Saudi officials under the Global Magnitsky Act for their role in the murder. As a non-binding resolution, it urges the executive branch to pursue these actions without creating new legal obligations.

Maddy summarySRES 382 is a Senate resolution designating October 2023 as Filipino American History Month. It celebrates the history, culture, and contributions of Filipino Americans to the United States, including their roles in military service, healthcare, labor movements, and other fields. The resolution encourages public observance through educational programs and activities to honor their legacy. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new legal obligations or benefits.

Maddy summarySRES 378 is a Senate resolution designating September 25-October 1, 2023, as "Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week." It recognizes the work of institutions that enroll at least 10% Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander students and highlights their role in serving over 46% of such students nationwide. The resolution encourages eligible institutions to seek federal funding and marks the 16th anniversary of the program established by the 2007 College Cost Reduction Act. It does not create new policies or funding but formally acknowledges these institutions' contributions to higher education.

Maddy summaryThe Youth Voting Rights Act aims to increase voting access for young people aged 18-29 by addressing systemic barriers they face. Key provisions include requiring states to implement pre-registration for 16-year-olds, treating public colleges as voter registration locations, mandating on-campus polling places for federal elections, and treating student ID cards as valid voter identification. The bill also prohibits age-based restrictions on mail-in voting and provides grants to states for youth voter engagement programs. It addresses documented issues like higher rejection rates for young voters' provisional ballots and mail-in ballots compared to older voters. The legislation seeks to normalize voting for young people early in their civic engagement.

Maddy summaryThe Green New Deal for Public Schools Act of 2023 provides federal funding to help public schools, Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools, and schools funded by BIE become climate-resilient and energy-efficient. The bill establishes grant programs for "healthy green retrofits" that convert existing schools or build new ones to meet specific environmental and energy standards (like achieving 30% renewable energy use), with priority given to the 1/3 most vulnerable schools based on CDC SVI rankings. Schools receiving funds must develop resource allocation plans including community engagement, local hiring requirements (with 30% of jobs filled by local residents), and specific energy efficiency targets. The act also includes provisions for hiring additional educators, improving school safety through trauma-informed approaches, and ensuring environmental justice by prioritizing funding for communities disproportionately affected by climate change.