Sen. Ted Cruz

Maddy summaryS 1790, the State Border Security Assistance Act, creates two federal funds to provide grants to states, local governments, and National Guard units for border security activities. The Department of Homeland Security fund ($11 billion) supports physical barriers (like walls or fencing), surveillance, and border preparation along the southern U.S. border. The Department of Justice fund ($3.5 billion) covers locating, apprehending, prosecuting, and detaining individuals unlawfully present or involved in crimes, including gang activity and human trafficking. Both funds are authorized for fiscal year 2025 through 2034, with unspent balances returning to the Treasury by January 2029.

Maddy summaryS 1781, the LIP Enhancement Act of 2025, adds a new payment category to the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) for losses of unborn livestock. It provides additional payments to eligible livestock producers who suffer death losses of unborn animals due to covered conditions (like natural disasters) on or after January 1, 2024. Payments are calculated as up to 85% of the lowest weight class payment rate, multiplied by specific factors based on the livestock type (e.g., 1x for some categories, 12x for others, or the average birth rate for the species). This directly affects livestock producers experiencing such losses, expanding existing LIP coverage to include unborn animals.

Maddy summarySRES 178 is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring George Foreman, a Houston native and boxing legend who died in March 2025. It recognizes his achievements as an Olympic gold medalist and two-time world heavyweight champion, his community work including founding a Houston youth center, and his business success with the George Foreman Grill. The resolution formally expresses the Senate’s appreciation for his life and legacy, specifically highlighting his impact on Houston youth and community leadership. It directs the Senate Secretary to share the resolution with the House of Representatives and deliver a copy to Foreman’s family. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact or legislative effect.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the USDA to build modular facilities for rearing sterile New World screwworm flies within 180 days of enactment. It requires these facilities to disperse sterile flies into areas at risk of infestation due to migratory patterns, primarily protecting livestock producers in vulnerable agricultural regions. The bill authorizes $300 million for construction and operation, with annual reports to Congress on threat assessments and program effectiveness. The law targets a specific pest threat to U.S. agriculture, focusing on proactive prevention rather than reactive measures.

Maddy summarySRES 220 designates the week of May 11-17, 2025, as "National Police Week" to honor law enforcement officers across the United States. The resolution recognizes officers who have been killed, disabled, or injured in the line of duty, including 234 officers honored for 2024 fatalities and 18 officers killed in 2025. It expresses the Senate’s support for law enforcement, acknowledges the need for adequate resources for officer safety, and encourages public observance to celebrate their service and sacrifices. This is a ceremonial resolution with no new policy or funding changes.

Maddy summaryThe Invest America Act (S.1718) creates new tax-advantaged accounts for children, directly affecting U.S. citizens born after July 4, 2026, with at least one U.S. citizen parent. It establishes "Invest America accounts" that must invest exclusively in S&P 500 index funds, limit annual contributions to $5,000 (adjusted for inflation), and prohibit distributions before age 18. The federal government will automatically contribute $1,000 per eligible child to these accounts, with the contribution excluded from taxable income. These accounts are exempt from income tax but subject to unrelated business income tax, and must be administered by qualified financial institutions.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution seeks to block a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule that aimed to expand internet access for schools through the E-Rate program, specifically addressing the "homework gap" by increasing funding for student connectivity. The rule, published in the Federal Register on August 20, 2024, would have modified how schools and libraries access broadband under the E-Rate program. If passed, the resolution would cancel this rule, preventing it from taking effect under federal disapproval procedures. This is a procedural action targeting a specific FCC regulatory change, not a new policy.

Maddy summaryS 1684 requires the U.S. Department of Education to audit colleges and universities every two years to verify compliance with foreign gift and contract reporting rules, prioritizing institutions with large endowments, prior noncompliance, or significant foreign ties. It also imposes a 300% tax on income from foreign countries of concern for qualifying institutions (those with over 500 U.S. students and more than 50% of tuition-paying students in the U.S.) and an 110% tax on unreported foreign funding identified through audits. These provisions directly affect large colleges and universities receiving foreign contributions, particularly those meeting the prioritization criteria for audits. The bill aims to increase transparency in foreign financial relationships with higher education through mandatory audits and financial penalties for noncompliance.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1694) restricts U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding for colleges and universities that maintain relationships with Confucius Institutes or designated "Chinese entities of concern." It defines "Chinese entities of concern" as institutions or organizations tied to China's military, defense industry, or government security agencies. Starting 12 months after enactment, schools with such relationships would lose eligibility for DHS funds unless they terminate those ties. The law directly affects higher education institutions receiving DHS funding and requires them to sever connections to avoid losing federal support.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases tax deductions for small businesses and manufacturers by raising limits on expensing equipment and assets. It permanently extends a business interest deduction rule and boosts the Section 179 deduction cap from $1 million to $2.5 million (with the phaseout threshold rising from $2.5 million to $4 million). The changes apply to property placed in service after December 31, 2024, and include inflation adjustments starting in 2025. These provisions directly benefit eligible small businesses and manufacturers by reducing their taxable income when purchasing qualifying equipment.