Maddy summaryThis bill requires Medicare to cover all contraceptive items and services - including prescription drugs, devices, counseling, and related clinical care - at 100% no cost-sharing for beneficiaries starting January 1, 2026. It directly affects Medicare beneficiaries (primarily seniors and people with disabilities) by eliminating deductibles, copays, or coinsurance for contraception, including over-the-counter options. Key provisions define "contraceptive items and services" broadly to include FDA-approved methods, counseling, device insertion/removal, and follow-up care, regardless of whether they are used specifically for contraception. Additional provisions mandate studies on coverage gaps for people with disabilities and dual Medicare-Medicaid beneficiaries, along with a broader GAO review of contraceptive coverage across health plans.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 1322 extends the maximum lease term for tribal lands to 99 years for most commercial, residential, and farming uses (with grazing leases limited to 10 years) and requires the Secretary of the Interior to evaluate environmental impact, community services, and neighboring land use before approving leases. The bill also allows tribes to grant rights-of-way for infrastructure or development without federal approval if their tribal processes meet federal standards. These changes directly affect tribes, individual landowners on tribal lands, and businesses seeking to lease or develop tribal land for commerce.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 385) amends the Native American Tourism Act to create new grant programs for tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations. It authorizes the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Office of Native Hawaiian Relations, and other federal agencies (like Commerce and Agriculture) to provide grants to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations. The grants aim to support tourism development and visitor experiences as defined in the Act, with $35 million allocated for fiscal years 2023 through 2027. This directly affects eligible tribal and Native Hawaiian groups seeking funding to enhance tourism infrastructure and visitor services.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SRES 902) honoring the late Senator Timothy Peter Johnson of South Dakota, who died after a long career in public service. The resolution expresses the Senate's "profound sorrow" over his death, directs the Secretary of the Senate to share the resolution with the House and send a copy to his family, and calls for the Senate to adjourn in his memory. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it is purely a formal expression of respect for a former senator. The resolution commemorates his decades of service, including his time as Chairman of the Banking Committee and his return to work after a serious health setback.
Maddy summaryThe Carbon Dioxide Removal Investment Act creates a tax credit for businesses that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It provides credits of $110 per metric ton for projects using biomass feedstocks and $250 per metric ton for other carbon removal methods, with inflation adjustments. The credit applies to projects placed in service between 2025 and 2035, requiring rigorous monitoring, reporting, and verification to ensure genuine carbon removal. The bill includes specific definitions of qualifying projects and prevents double-counting with other environmental tax credits. This policy aims to incentivize carbon removal technologies that store carbon for at least 1,000 years.
Maddy summaryThe Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2024 amends the National Quantum Initiative Act to strengthen federal quantum research and development. It establishes new programs for quantum research centers, instrumentation, network infrastructure, and user expansion, with $175 million annually allocated for research through 2029. The bill requires a 10-year strategic plan for quantum high-performance computing, creates a traineeship program for underrepresented students, and includes provisions to support small businesses in accessing quantum resources. It directly affects the Department of Energy, National Laboratories, universities, and the quantum technology industry. The law aims to accelerate U.S. leadership in quantum technology through coordinated research, workforce development, and commercialization efforts.
Maddy summaryThe Department of Energy AI Act establishes a centralized AI program within the Department of Energy to develop and deploy advanced AI capabilities for science, energy, and national security missions. The program will create 8 AI Research and Development Centers at National Laboratories, focus on developing safe and trustworthy AI models, and curate scientific datasets for AI training. It authorizes $2.4 billion annually for 5 years to support these initiatives, including developing next-generation computing infrastructure and AI risk evaluation. The legislation also includes provisions to improve Federal permitting processes using AI and establish an Office of Critical and Emerging Technology within the Department.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs how revenues from Alaska's offshore oil and gas leases are distributed. Starting in 2024, 30% of "qualified revenues" (from energy development on the Alaska outer Continental Shelf) goes to the State of Alaska, 7.5% to coastal political subdivisions (like counties or municipalities near lease areas), and 12.5% to a national ocean fund. The state must use its share for coastal protection, infrastructure, climate adaptation, or education projects, while coastal communities receive funds based on proximity to lease sites. All distributions are automatic, require annual reporting, and do not change existing lease terms or require federal approval of specific projects.
Maddy summaryThe Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts Act directs NOAA to create a program that enhances forecasts of atmospheric rivers - narrow corridors of moisture that can cause severe flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage, particularly affecting communities along the West Coast and mountainous regions. The program will develop improved forecast models using machine learning and new data sources (like aircraft, satellites, and ocean buoys), establish coastal observatories for real-time monitoring, and create clearer public communication tools about atmospheric river risks. NOAA must submit a detailed implementation plan to Congress within 270 days, including research partnerships and timelines for deploying these upgrades. The goal is to reduce property damage and loss of life by providing more accurate, actionable forecasts for communities vulnerable to extreme weather events.
Maddy summarySRES 897 is a Senate resolution designating November 2024 as National Native American Heritage Month and recognizing the Friday after Thanksgiving as Native American Heritage Day, as established by the 2009 Native American Heritage Day Act. It formally acknowledges the contributions of Native Americans to U.S. history, culture, and society, including their roles in agriculture, environmental stewardship, military service, and the influence of Indigenous governance concepts on the U.S. Constitution. The resolution encourages the public to observe these designations through educational programs and activities. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or directly affect any individuals or communities.