Sen. Tammy Baldwin

Maddy summarySRES 671 is a ceremonial Senate resolution supporting the designation of April 28-May 4, 2024, as "National Small Business Week." It honors small businesses and entrepreneurs across the U.S. for their economic contributions, noting they support over 62 million jobs through 33 million businesses. The resolution expresses the Senate's recognition of small businesses' resilience and role in strengthening local economies. As a symbolic gesture with no new policies or funding, it does not impose requirements or directly affect specific entities.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 5, 2024, as the "National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls" to honor victims and raise public attention. It calls on the American public and organizations to commemorate affected women (both documented and undocumented cases) and show solidarity with families. The resolution is symbolic - requiring no new funding, laws, or government action - solely aiming to increase awareness of this crisis. It directly affects Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities by acknowledging their disproportionate vulnerability to violence. The resolution references specific statistics on violent crime rates against Native women and the case of Hanna Harris, a Northern Cheyenne woman whose murder highlighted this issue.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a comprehensive federal approach to improving care for women experiencing menopause and mid-life health challenges. It authorizes $25 million annually for NIH research on menopause symptoms and health impacts, $10 million for public health promotion activities, $10 million for awareness and education programs, and $10 million for training health professionals. The legislation creates Centers of Excellence in menopause care, funds evidence-based resources for health providers, and requires annual reports to Congress on progress and barriers to care. These provisions directly affect mid-life women, health care providers, medical training programs, and public health departments across the country. The bill aims to improve early detection, treatment, and management of menopausal symptoms and related chronic conditions through coordinated research, education, and care initiatives.

Maddy summarySRES 666 is a symbolic Senate resolution congratulating the Gay, Lesbian, and Allies Senate Staff Caucus (GLASS Caucus) on its 20th anniversary. It acknowledges the caucus’s founding in 2004, commends Senator Frank Lautenberg for his role, and recognizes key members who established and sustained the group. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely ceremonial, expressing appreciation for the caucus’s work in fostering inclusivity and support for LGBTQ+ Senate staff over two decades.

Maddy summaryS 4223, the Access to Birth Control Act, requires pharmacies that stock contraception to provide it without delay when requested, or immediately offer referral/transfer options if unavailable. It prohibits pharmacies from intimidating customers, misrepresenting availability, or refusing service based on personal beliefs, while allowing exceptions for no prescription, inability to pay, or professional clinical judgment. The bill targets pharmacies serving patients seeking FDA-approved contraceptives or related medications, aiming to address barriers like refusals reported post-Dobbs v. Jackson. Violations carry $1,000 daily civil penalties or allow private lawsuits for affected patients.

Maddy summaryThe Choose Medicare Act (S 4231) would create "Medicare part E" plans available in individual, small group, and large group insurance markets. These plans would provide comprehensive coverage including essential health benefits, gold-level coverage, all reproductive services, and abortion coverage, with premiums adjusted by market type and location. The bill would establish $2 billion in startup funding for 2025, require employers to refer employees to health insurance navigators, and implement protections against high out-of-pocket costs for Medicare beneficiaries. It would also expand premium assistance for lower-income individuals and establish new mechanisms to protect consumers from excessive insurance rates.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SRES 657) that formally recognizes April 26, 2024, as National Arbor Day and celebrates its 152th anniversary. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups - it simply acknowledges the historical significance of Arbor Day, which began in 1872 as a day to promote tree planting and environmental stewardship. The resolution encourages all Americans to participate in Arbor Day activities, such as community tree-planting events, to support urban forestry and sustainable forest management. As a procedural resolution, it has no legal effect beyond expressing the Senate's support for this annual observance.

Maddy summarySRES 655 is a Senate resolution passed on April 18, 2024, to honor the late Joseph I. Lieberman, a former U.S. Senator from Connecticut (1988-2013), following his death. The resolution recognizes his career, including his role in creating the Department of Homeland Security, establishing the 9/11 Commission, and advocating for civil rights and environmental protections. It directs the Senate to adjourn in his memory and transmit a copy to his family, expressing the Senate's sorrow and respect. This procedural resolution does not create new laws or affect policy, as it solely commemorates his legacy.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate resolution (SRES 653) recognizing April 22, 2024, as the 54th anniversary of Earth Day. It commends Senator Gaylord Nelson, the founder of Earth Day, for his environmental leadership and role in establishing the movement. The resolution does not create new laws, allocate funds, or affect any specific groups or policies. It serves solely as a formal acknowledgment of Earth Day's history and Nelson's contributions to environmental advocacy.

Maddy summaryThe Broadcast VOICES Act creates a new tax incentive program to increase ownership of broadcast stations (TV and radio) by socially disadvantaged individuals, defined as women or those who have experienced racial/ethnic prejudice. It establishes an FCC certification process for qualifying sales that result in or preserve ownership by these groups, with a $50 million maximum sale value limit and a required 2-3 year holding period after purchase. The bill provides tax benefits by treating qualifying sales as "involuntary conversions" for tax purposes and creates a new tax credit for contributions to organizations training socially disadvantaged individuals in broadcast management. The FCC must report annually on program implementation and submit periodic reports to Congress on progress toward increasing diversity in broadcast ownership.