Sen. Joe Manchin, III

Maddy summaryThis bill amends a provision in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to explicitly allow schools using federal funds to offer hunter safety education and similar activities like archery or culinary arts as part of approved educational programs. It directly affects schools and educational programs receiving funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act by removing a previous restriction on using those funds for such activities. The key mechanism is a new exception inserted into Section 8526(7), clarifying that these educational programs remain permissible. The bill does not change funding levels or create new programs, but specifically permits existing funds to be used for these instructional activities. This is a technical amendment to clarify funding eligibility for certain educational offerings.

Maddy summarySRES 328 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating April 5, 2023, as "Gold Star Wives Day." It honors the surviving spouses and families of military members who died in service, specifically recognizing the work of Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. (founded April 5, 1945), and encourages public awareness of their support for military families. The resolution does not create new benefits or legal requirements.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding Senate resolution expresses the chamber's support for nuclear power as a clean, reliable energy source critical to achieving a secure, low-emission grid. It commits the Senate to promoting nuclear energy development, including establishing domestic uranium production, strengthening the nuclear supply chain, and cultivating a skilled workforce. The resolution also highlights nuclear energy as an export opportunity for U.S. manufacturing expertise. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or directly affect policy implementation.

Maddy summaryS 2559, the *Budgeting for Opioid Addiction Treatment Act*, imposes a 1-cent fee per milligram on opioid pain relievers sold by manufacturers, producers, or importers, while excluding medications used for addiction treatment and non-opioid ingredients. It requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish rebates or discounts for cancer patients, hospice patients, and others with specific pain needs to prevent them from bearing the fee cost. Revenue from the fee (after rebates) must be directed to states for opioid addiction treatment programs, including building facilities, expanding residential care, supporting mental health providers in underserved areas, and housing for families affected by addiction. The bill mandates a congressional report within two years assessing the fee’s impact on opioid costs, patient access, and how funds improve treatment services.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Secretary of Defense to conduct cyber operations in coordination with other agencies to counter Mexican transnational criminal organizations engaged in cross-border illegal activities like drug trafficking, human trafficking, and weapons smuggling. It requires the Defense Secretary to submit a detailed cyber strategy within 60 days of enactment, including assessments of criminal groups' cyber presence, past operations, resource needs, and cooperation plans with Mexico and private sector partners. The bill mandates quarterly briefings to Congress on specific cyber operations conducted, including locations, purposes, durations, and personnel involved. It explicitly prohibits using this authority to collect data on U.S. persons and emphasizes collaboration with Mexican authorities and interagency partners to address these threats.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes and updates NOAA's Chesapeake Bay Office to enhance science, education, and ecosystem restoration efforts in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. It establishes new programs including a Chesapeake Bay Watershed Education and Training Program for K-12 schools and teacher development, and a Chesapeake Bay Coastal Living Resources Management Program focused on restoring habitats for species like oysters, blue crabs, and fish. The bill requires the Office to coordinate with the Chesapeake Executive Council, ensure scientific peer review for funded projects, and submit biennial reports to Congress. It authorizes $17 million in fiscal year 2024, increasing to $22.6 million by 2027, to fund these activities.

Maddy summary# Summary of the Recreation and Public Land Management Act This comprehensive legislation establishes new regulations and improvements for managing recreation on public lands, with a focus on special recreation permits, filming rights, and community access. ## Key Provisions ### Special Recreation Permits for Outfitting and Guiding - **Transitional permits**: 2-year permits for new or additional outfitting/guiding services - **Long-term permits**: 5-10 year permits for successful providers (requiring 2 transitional permits, satisfactory performance, and 50% use of allocated days) - **Visitor-use day management**: Allows surrender of unused days for temporary reassignment - **Permit adjustments**: Based on performance reviews (125% increase for satisfactory performance, up to 100% for less satisfactory) - **Online applications**: Mandated for submission within 3 years of enactment ### Permit Process Improvements - **Simplified processing**: Elimination of duplicative processes and reduced costs - **Environmental reviews**: Utilization of tiering to existing programmatic reviews - **Exemptions**: No needs assessments required for permit issuance - **Group permits**: Special recreation permits for organized group activities with nominal effects ### Filming and Photography Regulations - **De minimis use authorization**: For groups of 6-8 people meeting specific criteria - **No permits required**: For small groups (under 6 people) meeting requirements - **No fee**: For de minimis use authorizations - **Permit required**: For groups over 8 people or activities not meeting criteria ### Volunteer Program Enhancements - **Amended Volunteers in the National Forests Act** to include Bureau of Land Management - **Promotion of volunteer opportunities**: To supplement projects carried out by Secretaries - **No liability insurance required**: For volunteers participating under the program ### Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program - **Grants for land acquisition**: To create or enhance access to parks in urban areas - **Priority for underserved communities**: Projects engaging and empowering underserved communities - **Matching requirement**: 100% cash or in-kind match (waivable in certain circumstances) - **Eligible uses**: Outdoor recreation facilities and park development in qualifying areas ### Other Provisions - **Cost recovery reform**: For special recreation permit administration - **Liability provisions**: Insurance requirements and exculpatory agreements - **Aquatic resource assistance**: For vessel inspections and decontamination - **Recreation budget crosscut**: Annual report on outdoor recreation funding This legislation aims to streamline recreation management, improve access to public lands, support community engagement, and modernize permitting processes across federal lands managed by the Department of the Interior and Department of Agriculture.

This resolution recognizes the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Department of Defense State Partnership Program and its outsized influence in developing and supporting enduring relationships around the world. The resolution also expresses deep gratitude for the service of members of the National Guard to the program.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires states to develop Medicaid protocols within 24 months to improve care for people with opioid use disorders. It mandates that states identify Medicaid beneficiaries who experienced nonfatal opioid overdoses (within 1-5 years) and connect them to treatment, and notify prescribing doctors within 6 months of a fatal opioid overdose with educational materials on safer prescribing. States must also ensure providers have access to patients' opioid use disorder or overdose history and conduct ongoing reviews to inform provider education on appropriate prescribing practices. The law directly affects Medicaid recipients with opioid-related overdose histories and their healthcare providers, aiming to enhance treatment access and reduce future overdose risks. It applies to opioid overdoses but allows the Secretary to expand coverage to other drugs if specified.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes rules for name, image, and likeness (NIL) contracts for college athletes. It requires written contracts with specific terms, prohibits certain types of contracts (like those involving gambling or tobacco), and mandates disclosure of these contracts to institutions and the Federal Trade Commission. The bill also sets transfer rules for student athletes, requires schools to cover certain medical expenses, and protects athletes' financial aid from being reduced due to NIL deals. It directly affects student athletes, colleges, and third-party entities that provide NIL opportunities.