Sen. Jack Reed

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Federal Trade Commission to create rules within one year banning gun manufacturers, dealers, and importers from marketing firearms or related products (including accessories and ammunition) to people under 18. It specifically prohibits tactics like using cartoon characters, kids' merchandise (e.g., hats or toys), or small-sized guns designed to appeal to minors. Enforcement would be led by the FTC, with states and individuals also able to pursue legal action for violations. The law defines "minor" as under 18 and applies to all firearm-related marketing, not just the products themselves.

Maddy summaryS 173, "Ethan's Law," requires firearm owners to store guns securely in homes where minors (under 18) or individuals ineligible to own firearms might access them. It amends federal law to make non-compliant storage an offense punishable by a $500 fine per violation, with enhanced penalties (up to 5 years in prison) if injury or death results. The bill creates a federal grant program to support states with laws matching its secure storage requirements, offering funding incentives for states that enact similar measures. It directly affects homeowners with firearms in households containing minors or prohibited persons, aiming to reduce accidental child access and firearm-related injuries.

Maddy summaryS 129, the Korematsu-Takai Civil Liberties Protection Act of 2023, prohibits federal authorities from detaining individuals solely based on protected characteristics. The bill amends federal law to define "protected characteristics" as race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, and any additional characteristics the Attorney General may designate. It explicitly bans imprisonment or detention based exclusively on these traits, with no allowance for the Attorney General to remove any listed characteristic. This directly affects anyone subject to federal detention, ensuring protections against discrimination in custody decisions under current law.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies timing requirements for two federal energy assistance programs. It requires the Secretary to release application guidance and publish funding allocations within 60 days of funds becoming available for both the Weatherization Assistance Program and the State Energy Program. Additionally, it mandates that funds be distributed "as quickly as practicable" to states, tribes, or other recipients after they submit approved energy conservation plans. The bill directly affects states, Indian Tribes, and other direct recipients of these federal energy assistance programs by streamlining the distribution process. It is a procedural bill focused solely on timing, not altering program eligibility or funding levels.

Maddy summaryThe Better Care Better Jobs Act (S 100) aims to improve access to home and community-based services (HCBS) for Medicaid beneficiaries by providing federal funding to states for developing improvement plans and implementing an HCBS Infrastructure Improvement Program. The bill offers enhanced federal funding (a 10 percentage point increase in Medicaid matching rates) to states that meet requirements including maintaining or expanding HCBS access, improving direct care worker wages and training, and implementing quality measurement systems. States must develop detailed plans assessing current HCBS availability, workforce conditions, and barriers to access, and then report annually on progress toward specific benchmarks. The bill also makes permanent certain Medicaid provisions related to spousal impoverishment protection and extends the Money Follows the Person program, directly affecting Medicaid beneficiaries and direct care workers.

Maddy summaryThis bill would admit Washington, D.C. as the 51st state, officially named "State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth," granting it full representation in Congress with two Senators and one Representative. It would establish a "Capital" area within the new state that remains under federal jurisdiction, including the White House, Capitol Building, and other key government properties. The bill would repeal the District of Columbia's congressional delegate position and the 23rd Amendment, which currently provides D.C. with electoral votes in presidential elections. It would also provide for the transition of federal properties, courts, and government functions while maintaining federal control over the Capital area.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands health insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act for people with household incomes up to 800% of the federal poverty line (up from 400%), directly affecting millions of middle-income Americans purchasing coverage through health insurance marketplaces. Key provisions adjust the sliding-scale subsidy system to lower premium percentages across income tiers - like reducing the maximum payment from 8.5% to 6% for incomes between 300%-400% of poverty - and increase cost-sharing reductions for lower-income enrollees. It also modifies eligibility thresholds, raising the income limit for the highest savings tier from 150% to 200% of poverty and increasing the percentage of out-of-pocket costs covered. These changes aim to make premiums and deductibles more affordable by expanding subsidy eligibility and refining how payments are calculated.

Maddy summaryThis bill would ban the sale, manufacture, transfer, and possession of most semiautomatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns meeting specific criteria defined as "assault weapons," as well as large capacity ammunition magazines holding more than 10 rounds. The ban would not apply to weapons already owned before enactment, or to certain types like bolt-action rifles, antique firearms, or weapons used by law enforcement. The bill would require identification markings on new assault weapons and magazines, require background checks for transfers of "grandfathered" weapons, and authorize federal buy-back programs for banned weapons through Byrne grants. It includes exemptions for military, law enforcement, and certain historical firearms.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the minimum age to purchase or possess certain firearms and large-capacity magazines from 18 to 21 years old. It specifically prohibits sales or transfers of "semiautomatic assault weapons" (including defined rifles, pistols, and shotguns with features like detachable magazines or specific attachments) and large-capacity magazines (holding more than 10 rounds) to anyone under 21. The bill directly affects individuals under 21 who would be barred from purchasing these items from licensed dealers. Limited exceptions exist for hunting, farming, military service, or self-defense, but the core change is a nationwide age restriction on these specific firearm types.

Childhood Cancer Survivorship, Treatment, Access, and Research Reauthorization Act of 2022 or the Childhood Cancer STAR Reauthorization Act This act reauthorizes through FY2028 and modifies pediatric cancer research and related programs, including to expand collection of and access to relevant biospecimens and to support the transition of pediatric cancer survivors to primary care.