Sen. Tom Cotton

Maddy summaryThe End Drug Shortages Act amends federal law to address drug shortages by expanding the definition to include unexpected surges in demand, not just production interruptions. It requires drug manufacturers to notify the FDA at least six months in advance of planned production stops or as soon as possible for surges in demand, with clearer reporting about shortage duration. This affects manufacturers, healthcare providers, and patients by improving transparency about supply issues and enabling earlier planning. The bill also updates compounding facility rules to align with current practices, aiming to strengthen the drug supply chain.

Maddy summaryThis bill maintains the U.S. government's current policy requiring imported goods produced in the West Bank or Gaza to be labeled as "Made in the West Bank or Gaza" instead of "Made in Israel." It directly affects importers of such goods and U.S. agencies like Customs and Border Protection, which enforce the labeling rules. The key provision prohibits using federal funds to change or repeal this labeling policy, ensuring the 2020 requirement remains in effect. This is a concrete policy change that mandates specific product labeling for goods from these territories.

Maddy summaryS 5303, the Stand with Israel Act, prohibits U.S. federal funds from being used to support the United Nations or its entities if those entities restrict Israel's full participation as a member state. Specifically, it blocks funding for UN contributions when the UN expels, downgrades, or suspends Israel's membership or limits its ability to engage equally with other member states. This bill directly affects how U.S. taxpayer money is allocated to the UN, requiring the Department of State and other agencies to withhold funds under these circumstances. The law amends the United Nations Participation Act of 1945 to enforce this restriction.

Maddy summarySRES 888 is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring the late James Ralph Sasser, a former U.S. Senator from Tennessee (served 1976-1993). It formally expresses the Senate’s "profound sorrow" over his death and requests the Secretary of the Senate transmit the resolution to his family. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or entities - it is solely a commemorative gesture. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or alter existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill awards a Congressional Gold Medal to the United States Army Dustoff crews who served during the Vietnam War, recognizing their life-saving medical evacuations. The medal, to be designed by the Secretary of the Treasury in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, will be displayed at the U.S. Army Medical Department Museum. The bill honors the approximately 900,000 wounded personnel these crews transported over the course of the Vietnam War, including U.S., South Vietnamese, and allied forces, who relied on their rapid medical evacuation services.

Maddy summarySRES 860 designates the week of October 6-12, 2024, as "Religious Education Week" to recognize the role of religious education in the United States. The resolution calls on all 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia to accommodate students who wish to attend religious classes during school hours through released time programs. It highlights religious education's contribution to moral, civic, and personal development, citing historical and legal references like the Pierce v. Society of Sisters and Zorach v. Clauson Supreme Court cases. The resolution is non-binding and symbolic, focusing on awareness rather than new policy requirements.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 887) is a symbolic Senate expression of support for designating October 7-12, 2024, as "National 4-H Week." It does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes the 4-H youth development program, which serves nearly 6 million young people nationwide through community-based projects in health, science, and leadership. The resolution highlights 4-H’s role in fostering youth leadership and its partnership with land-grant universities and the USDA. It directly affects the 4-H organization, its 500,000 volunteers, and the youth members participating in the program.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 890) condemns Hamas for the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people - including 40 U.S. citizens - and took hostages. It supports three specific outcomes: ensuring Israel's long-term security, preventing Hamas from regaining power in the region, and securing the safe return of U.S. hostages held in Gaza. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but expresses the Senate's position. The resolution was introduced by 45 Senators and passed unanimously on September 25, 2024.

Maddy summaryS 5234, the *Protecting Endowments from Our Adversaries Act*, imposes a 50% excise tax on private colleges and universities that acquire certain investments and a 100% tax on income or gains from those investments. It directly affects large private institutions with endowments exceeding $1 billion in non-exempt assets (excluding those used for their core educational purpose). The bill defines "listed investments" as holdings in entities on government threat lists (e.g., Commerce Department's Entity List or FCC's Covered List), taxing both the acquisition value and annual income from such investments. Key mechanisms require institutions to calculate taxes based on fair market value of these investments, with specific rules for pooled funds like mutual funds. The tax applies to taxable years beginning after the first calendar year following enactment or 60 days after the Secretary of the Treasury establishes the "listed persons" list.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Congress to award Robert M. Gates, former Director of Central Intelligence and Secretary of Defense, a Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of his 27 years of public service to the United States. The medal, designed by the Treasury Secretary, honors his roles in ending the Cold War, leading military transitions in Iraq/Afghanistan, and supporting veterans' welfare. Duplicate bronze medals may be sold to the public to cover production costs. The bill is purely ceremonial, with no policy changes or direct effects beyond honoring Gates' career.