Sen. Jon Ossoff

Maddy summaryThis bill requires states receiving federal foster care funds to track and report on informal placements where children are separated from parents without court oversight or formal foster care system involvement. States must submit annual data including the number of such cases, types of allegations leading to placements, whether children entered formal foster care, and services provided to caregivers. The reports aim to create a national data picture to better understand these arrangements, without changing foster care procedures. This data collection is tied to existing federal funding under the Marylee Allen Promoting Safe and Stable Families Program.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a Congressional Gold Medal to honor the "Hello Girls" - 223 women who served as Army Signal Corps telephone operators in WWI. They connected 26 million calls in France, worked 12-hour shifts under combat conditions, and were denied veteran benefits for 60 years despite wearing uniforms and facing combat hazards. The medal recognizes their pioneering military service, devotion to duty, and the decades-long struggle for recognition as soldiers. It directs the Treasury to strike the medal and place it in the Smithsonian for public display at institutions like the National WWI Museum.

Maddy summaryS 5120, the Fresh Food Act, creates tax incentives for new grocery stores opening in underserved areas to improve access to fresh food. It provides two main benefits: a $1,000 annual tax credit per employee for stores in qualifying areas, and a sales credit equal to 30% of revenue from fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy (reducing to 28%, then 26% over time). Stores must dedicate at least 25% of space/sales to fresh foods, be under 80,000 sq ft, and operate in areas with high poverty rates or limited grocery access (defined by distance from existing stores, poverty, and income thresholds). The incentives apply to tax years 2025-2030, with an additional 5% credit for locally sourced products within 100 miles.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how the Postmaster General is appointed and serves. It requires the President to nominate the Postmaster General with Senate confirmation, replaces the current appointment process, and sets a 5-year term with a possible single 5-year renewal. The Postmaster General becomes a voting member of the Board of Governors and will have their pay and term set by the Board. These changes apply to future appointments starting after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summarySRES 823 is a symbolic Senate resolution recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15, 2024) and celebrating the cultural contributions and achievements of Latinos in the United States. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups; instead, it urges the public to observe the month through activities honoring Latino heritage. The resolution highlights Latinos' economic impact (e.g., $3.4 trillion purchasing power), demographic significance (19.5% of U.S. population), and historical military service, but these statistics serve as context, not policy changes. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal force and is intended to raise awareness, not alter government programs or funding.

Right to IVF Act This bill provides a statutory right to access fertility treatments (e.g., in vitro fertilization). Specifically, under the bill, individuals have the right to access fertility treatments and to make decisions about the use of their reproductive genetic material (e.g., embryos) without limitation or interference. Health care providers and insurers have the right to provide and cover these services, respectively. Manufacturers of applicable drugs or devices also have the right to provide these drugs or devices. The bill supersedes state laws that limit or otherwise interfere with the provision of fertility treatments as set out under this bill, including laws that require medically unnecessary procedures or services in conjunction with fertility treatments or that restrict the ability of individuals to receive fertility treatments based on marital status or sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity). The bill does not affect state health and safety regulations for medical facilities or health care providers that are in accordance with widely accepted and evidence-based medical standards and for which the purpose cannot be achieved in another, nonrestrictive manner. The Department of Justice may bring civil actions against states, individuals, or entities that implement or enforce limitations or requirements that violate this bill. Individuals and health care providers may also bring civil actions.  In addition, the bill provides for coverage of fertility treatments under Medicare and Medicaid and for members of the uniformed services and veterans. It also requires private insurers that cover obstetrical services to also cover fertility treatments.

Maddy summarySRES 811 is a non-binding Senate resolution condemning the September 4, 2024, shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, which killed four people (students Christian Angulo and Mason Schermerhorn, and teachers Richard Aspinwall and Cristina Irimie) and injured nine others. The resolution honors the victims by name, extends condolences to their families and the Winder community, and expresses support for those injured. It also thanks first responders and reaffirms the Senate’s commitment to public safety. As a symbolic measure, it does not create new laws or alter policies but formally recognizes the tragedy and its impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes an existing program that provides support and treatment services for law enforcement officers experiencing mental health crises. It extends the funding period for this program from 2020-2024 to 2025-2029 under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act. The key mechanism is simply updating the expiration dates in the law to continue current funding without altering the program's scope or eligibility. The bill directly affects law enforcement officers who access these crisis support services through participating agencies.

Maddy summarySRES 797 designates August 16, 2024, as National Airborne Day to honor the history and contributions of U.S. airborne forces, commemorating the first official U.S. Army parachute jump on August 16, 1940. The resolution calls on the American public to observe the day with ceremonies and activities recognizing airborne forces' legacy in military operations from World War II through modern conflicts. This is a symbolic, non-binding designation with no direct legal or financial impact on specific groups.

Maddy summarySRES 800 is a symbolic Senate resolution introduced on August 1, 2024, by a bipartisan group of senators. It condemns the July 13, 2024, attempted assassination of Donald J. Trump at a Butler, Pennsylvania, rally and honors three individuals affected: Corey D. Comperatore (who died shielding his family), David Dutch (critically injured), and James Copenhaver (critically injured). The resolution calls for national unity and civility following the violent incident. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but expresses the Senate's stance on the event.