Sen. Tom Cotton

Maddy summarySRES 408 is a non-binding Senate resolution condemning Hamas for its October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks on Israel, which killed over 1,400 Israelis and abducted nearly 200 hostages. The resolution demands Hamas immediately release all hostages, provide medical care, and cease using them as human shields, while calling on the U.S. to lead global efforts for their safe return. It specifically references Hamas's attacks on Israeli communities, the Nova music festival, and the execution of civilians, citing international law violations. As a symbolic resolution (not a law), it does not impose legal requirements or directly affect any individuals or policies.

Maddy summaryS 3266, the Focus on Learning Act, requires a federal study on mobile device impacts in schools and creates a pilot program for schools to implement "device-free environments" during school hours. Participating schools must use secure containers for student devices (with exemptions for health needs, disabilities, and translation for English learners), maintain staff communication systems, and notify parents before implementation. The program, funded with $5 million (2024-2028), allows school districts to apply for grants to install containers and lockers. It directly affects elementary and secondary schools, students (with specific exemptions), and parents through mandated communication. The study will assess impacts on learning, mental health, and school climate, with results reported to Congress.

Maddy summaryThe PRINTS Act requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers to collect fingerprints from noncitizen children under 14 if they suspect trafficking during entry into the United States. It criminalizes using a minor (not a relative or guardian) to gain entry, punishable by fines or up to 10 years in prison. The bill also mandates sharing fingerprints of unaccompanied children with Health and Human Services and requires monthly public reporting on child trafficking apprehensions. These provisions aim to improve trafficking identification and enforcement through standardized data collection and criminal penalties.

Maddy summaryThe No Work with Adversaries Act of 2023 prohibits current and former U.S. military personnel who held specialized defense roles - such as in cyber operations, military equipment maintenance, or intelligence - from accepting employment with the governments of China or Russia. It targets positions involving critical military skills gained through U.S. service, including aviation, weapon systems, and defense acquisitions. The Secretary of Defense may grant temporary 5-year waivers for former service members if the employment won’t harm U.S. defense operations, but violations carry criminal penalties under federal law. The law requires written notice to affected individuals and applies to all such roles regardless of notice timing.

Maddy summaryThe Iranian Sanctions Enforcement Act of 2023 establishes the Iran Sanctions Enforcement Fund, initially funded with $150 million, to cover expenses related to seizures and forfeitures of property connected to sanctions violations by Iran or its designated proxies like Hezbollah and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. The fund will pay for law enforcement costs including investigations, detention, equipment, and rewards for informants, with priority given to seizing oil and petroleum products that fund terrorist activities. The bill also creates an Export Enforcement Coordination Center within Homeland Security to better coordinate federal agencies' efforts on sanctions enforcement. Annual reports to Congress will detail fund usage, seizures, and financial status, with the fund required to repay the Treasury $150 million by 2034 unless waived for national security reasons.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. Secretary of State to designate Ansarallah (the Houthi group in Yemen) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization within 90 days of enactment, reversing a 2021 Biden administration decision that removed the designation. It mandates the President to impose existing sanctions under two executive orders: blocking assets of designated terrorists (E.O. 13224) and restricting travel for Yemeni nationals linked to terrorism (E.O. 13780). The sanctions directly target Ansarallah, its members, agents, affiliates, and any foreign entities owned or controlled by the group. This would restrict U.S. financial transactions with the Houthis and their networks, while also affecting Yemeni nationals subject to travel bans under the applicable sanctions.

Maddy summarySJRES 47 is a joint resolution seeking congressional disapproval of a Department of Justice rule about home confinement for federal prisoners under the CARES Act. The rule, published in April 2023, would have established guidelines allowing the Justice Department to use home confinement as an alternative to prison for certain inmates during the pandemic. If passed, this resolution would cancel the rule, preventing it from taking effect. It follows the standard process under Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code, for Congress to reject agency regulations.

Maddy summarySJRES 42 is a resolution seeking congressional disapproval of a Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) rule that updated how discrimination complaints are processed in federal food assistance programs (like SNAP). The rule applied the Supreme Court's Bostock v. Clayton County decision - which prohibits workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity - to the handling of program discrimination complaints. If passed, this resolution would block the FNS rule from taking effect, preventing it from changing existing complaint procedures. The measure uses the Congressional Review Act process to overturn the rule without altering program benefits or eligibility.

Maddy summarySRES 435 is a Senate resolution designating October 30 through November 4, 2023, as "National Veterans Small Business Week." It formally recognizes the contributions of veterans who own small businesses, highlighting their role in the economy (over 1.7 million veteran-owned businesses employing 2.9 million people). The resolution expresses support for veterans' entrepreneurship, encourages policies reducing regulatory burdens for small businesses, and thanks veterans for their service through business ownership. This is a symbolic recognition with no new legal requirements or funding.

Maddy summaryS. RES. 420 designates Betty K. Koed as Historian Emerita of the U.S. Senate, effective October 21, 2023, honoring her 25-year career as the Senate's first female Historian (serving from 2015-2023 after roles as Assistant and Associate Historian). The resolution recognizes her work preserving Senate archives, producing historical publications, and supporting educational programs about Senate history. It is a ceremonial honor with no policy changes or direct impact on legislation or constituents.