Sen. Ted Cruz

Maddy summaryThis bill modernizes NOAA Weather Radio, a nationwide network that broadcasts weather alerts 24/7. It requires expanding coverage to rural and underserved areas lacking reliable internet or cell service, including high-risk flood zones and federal lands, while improving system resilience during emergencies. Key provisions include upgrading to internet-based broadcasting, enabling more precise location-based warnings, adding satellite backup capabilities, and enhancing accessibility for communities without mobile broadband. The changes directly affect public safety by improving access to critical weather alerts for millions in remote or vulnerable communities.

Maddy summaryS 2547 ("Kate's Law") increases penalties for non-citizens who enter the U.S. unlawfully or reenter after removal. It raises the mandatory prison term for aliens who enter without inspection (e.g., evading border checks) and later commit crimes punishable by over one year in prison from 2 to 5 years. For reentry offenses, it mandates minimum 10-year prison sentences for those convicted of serious crimes before removal, or who reenter after multiple removals or specific prior convictions. The bill directly affects non-citizens facing immigration enforcement actions under Sections 275 and 276 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Veterans' Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025 This bill addresses the administration of the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP) and other Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care matters. Among other provisions regarding the VCCP, the bill establishes in statute access standards that determine when a veteran is eligible to receive non-VA care through the VCCP, requires the VA to notify veterans regarding their eligibility for care within two business days after the VA is aware the veteran is seeking care, and extends the deadline for the submittal of claims under the VCCP by health care entities and providers. The VA must address its mental health treatment programs by establishing a standardized screening process to determine whether a veteran satisfies criteria for priority or routine admission to a mental health residential rehabilitation treatment program or a program for residential care for mental health and substance abuse disorders, tracking the performance of medical facilities and Veterans Integrated Service Networks in meeting the requirements for mental health treatment screenings and timely admission to treatment programs under such screenings, and establishing an appeal process for when a veteran is denied admission to a covered treatment program or is accepted into a program but not offered bed placement in a timely manner. Additionally, the VA must establish an online self-service module for veterans to request and manage appointments, track referrals, and appeal and track decisions related to requests for care.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Federal Reserve Act by removing a specific provision (paragraph (12) of Section 19(b)) related to interest earnings on reserve balances held by banks at the Federal Reserve. It directly affects how the Federal Reserve calculates and handles interest payments on these reserves. The change takes effect 180 days after the bill becomes law. This is a procedural adjustment to existing law, not a new policy.

Maddy summaryS 2506, the SkyFoundry Act of 2025, establishes a Department of Defense program to rapidly develop and produce small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). It mandates two key facilities: an Army-operated innovation hub for R&D/testing and a production facility capable of manufacturing 1 million UAS annually, prioritizing existing Army depots meeting specific land and infrastructure requirements (15,000 acres, 8 million sq. ft. facilities). The bill authorizes streamlined acquisition methods like "other transaction authority" and Defense Production Act tools to accelerate development, while ensuring the U.S. government retains intellectual property rights for developed systems. This directly affects the Department of Defense, Army Materiel Command, contractors, and Army depots selected for facility sites.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires schools receiving federal education funds to disclose foreign funding sources to parents upon request. It mandates that schools provide parents with access to classroom materials paid for with foreign government funds, information about staff compensated with such funds, and details about donations or agreements with foreign governments or "entities of concern." Schools must respond to parent requests within 30 days and post annual notices about these rights on public websites. The policy directly affects parents, schools, and local education agencies receiving funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating July 26, 2025, as "National Day of the American Cowboy." It symbolically recognizes the cultural significance of cowboys and cowgirls, their values (like integrity and work ethic), economic contributions through ranching, and their role in American traditions like rodeo. The resolution encourages the public to observe the day with ceremonies but does not create new laws or affect specific groups or policies.

Maddy summaryS 2428, the STUDENT Act, amends the federal charter of the National Education Association (NEA) to restrict its political activities and membership practices. It requires NEA members (public school teachers) to explicitly consent to dues payments (banning payroll deductions), prohibits the NEA from engaging in political lobbying or supporting candidates, and bans advocacy of specific concepts like critical race theory or antisemitic beliefs. The bill also mandates annual reporting to Congress and prohibits strikes by NEA-affiliated staff in public schools. These provisions directly affect the NEA’s operations and its members’ financial and political engagement.

Maddy summaryThis bill renames Texas's Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge as the "Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge" to honor 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, a Houston resident who loved animals and was murdered in 2024. The change updates all official references to the refuge in federal records, maps, and documents. It directly affects the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge and its administrative designation. The bill is procedural, making a formal name change without altering conservation policies or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends federal law to include rioting as a form of "racketeering activity" under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. It does so by adding a reference to section 2101 (which defines rioting as a federal crime) into the existing list of racketeering activities. This change would allow federal prosecutors to pursue RICO charges against individuals or groups who engage in rioting as part of a larger pattern of organized criminal conduct. The bill directly affects those whose rioting activities are linked to organized criminal enterprises, potentially subjecting them to enhanced penalties under RICO.