Sen. Dan Sullivan

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 10) seeks to block a specific rule issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regarding reproductive health services for veterans. It requests Congress disapprove the rule (published September 2022) under a process in federal law that allows Congress to halt agency regulations. If approved, the VA rule would be nullified and could not take effect, meaning the VA could not enforce its provisions on reproductive health services for veterans. The bill directly affects the implementation of this VA policy for veterans receiving care at VA facilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new Special Envoy to the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) position at the State Department. The envoy will represent the U.S. as a dialogue partner with PIF and coordinate U.S. policy with like-minded democracies in the region. The bill requires the President to appoint the envoy (with Senate confirmation) and mandates a 180-day report detailing plans to recruit and retain diplomatic staff for Pacific Island posts. It directly affects U.S. diplomatic operations in the Pacific and aims to strengthen engagement with PIF member nations, including the Freely Associated States.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal agencies from banning lead ammunition or tackle for hunting and fishing on federal lands and waters managed by the Interior Department or Agriculture Department. It directly affects hunters and anglers using these public areas by preventing federal restrictions on lead products, except in limited cases. The exception allows restrictions only on specific federal sites where state wildlife data shows lead use is harming wildlife, and only if approved by the state's fish and wildlife agency. The bill requires federal agencies to explain in public notices how any exception meets these state approval and wildlife harm criteria.

Maddy summaryThe Rural Hospital Support Act (S 1110) changes how Medicare calculates payments for two types of rural hospitals: sole community hospitals (the only hospital in their area) and Medicare-dependent hospitals (which rely heavily on Medicare for revenue). It recalculates payments using a 2016 base year instead of previous periods, potentially increasing reimbursements for eligible hospitals if this results in higher payments. The bill also extends the Medicare-dependent hospital program and low-volume hospital payment increases beyond 2024, while prohibiting adjustments to these payments for years before 2015. This directly affects eligible rural hospitals by increasing their Medicare funding and providing long-term program stability.

Maddy summaryThe Assistance for Rural Water Systems Act of 2023 authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide grants, zero or 1 percent interest loans, or loan modifications to eligible rural water, wastewater, and waste disposal systems. This assistance can help systems maintain public health and safety or address financial hardships in economically distressed areas, as determined by a residential affordability measure based on household water costs relative to median income. The bill requires the Secretary to establish this affordability indicator and related factors for determining eligibility. It amends existing law under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to expand flexible financial support options for rural water infrastructure.

This resolution celebrates Coast Guard ombudsmen and Ombudsman Appreciation Day on March 26, 2023, and congratulates the volunteers of the Coast Guard Ombudsman program on 37 years of service.

Maddy summarySRES 76 is a symbolic Senate resolution expressing condolences and solidarity with the people of Türkiye and Syria following the February 6, 2023 earthquake. It does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges the disaster's impact (including 42,000 deaths and widespread displacement) and urges continued humanitarian aid. The resolution specifically calls for aid to avoid supporting the Assad regime in Syria and encourages international efforts to improve access for relief. As a procedural resolution, it directly affects no individuals or entities through policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill would authorize the U.S. government to impose economic sanctions on Chinese officials and entities if China launches a military invasion of Taiwan. Within 3 days of a "covered determination" (either by the President within 24 hours of an invasion or by Congress via a joint resolution), the President must block property, restrict visas, prohibit Chinese entities from trading on U.S. stock exchanges, ban U.S. financial investments in Chinese entities, and prohibit imports of Chinese-made goods. The sanctions would target Chinese officials with decision-making power over military actions against Taiwan, Chinese financial institutions, and entities affiliated with the Chinese government or Communist Party. The legislation defines "military invasion" broadly to include amphibious landings, missile attacks, naval blockades, and cyberattacks against Taiwan as a deterrent measure.

Maddy summaryThis bill would block U.S. federal funding for two international environmental agreements until China's classification in those treaties changes. Specifically, it prohibits funds for the Montreal Protocol (ozone layer protection) until China is removed from "developing country" status, and blocks funds for the UN Climate Change Convention until China is added to Annex I (the list of developed nations). The bill requires the President to certify to Congress that these treaty changes have occurred before funding can resume. It affects only U.S. government spending on these agreements, not direct policy changes for citizens or businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a federal "National Parkinson’s Project" under the Department of Health and Human Services to coordinate efforts across agencies in preventing, treating, and curing Parkinson’s disease and related conditions. It requires an integrated national plan, annual progress assessments, and a public Advisory Council - including patient advocates, researchers, and healthcare providers - to guide strategy and recommend actions. The project mandates data sharing among federal agencies and biannual reports to Congress evaluating federally funded Parkinson’s programs, aiming to improve care coordination, reduce financial burdens on Medicare and families, and advance research on environmental triggers. The law directly affects people living with Parkinson’s, their caregivers, and federal health agencies involved in research and patient services. The initiative is scheduled to sunset in 2035.