Sen. Charles E. Schumer

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 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 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.

Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2021 This act provides for the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal in commemoration of Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley. After it is awarded, the medal shall be given to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Maddy summarySRES 7 is a procedural resolution that sets the default daily meeting time of the U.S. Senate to 12:01 p.m., unless the Senate votes to change it. This resolution affects the Senate's internal scheduling by establishing a standard start time for daily sessions, applying to all routine business unless amended by a separate vote. It does not alter substantive policy but streamlines the chamber's operational routine.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally notifies the House of Representatives that Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) was elected as President pro tempore of the Senate. It serves a routine procedural purpose, confirming the Senate's leadership election as required by constitutional process, and directly affects the House's official record-keeping.

This resolution makes the President pro tempore's appointment of Patricia Mack Bryan as Deputy Senate Legal Counsel effective January 3, 2023, for a term of service to expire at the end of the 119th Congress.

This resolution makes the President pro tempore's appointment of Morgan J. Frankel as Senate Legal Counsel effective January 3, 2023, for a term of service to expire at the end of the 119th Congress.

Maddy summarySRES 2 is a procedural resolution introduced by Senator Schumer on January 3, 2023, to inform the House of Representatives that the Senate has a quorum assembled and is ready to conduct business. This routine administrative step enables the Senate to begin its legislative activities without substantive policy changes. It does not affect any laws, groups, or individuals, as it solely addresses the Senate's procedural readiness to proceed.