Sen. John Cornyn

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new federal framework for states to establish restaurant meal programs under the Food and Nutrition Act, directly affecting state agencies and restaurants seeking to participate. It requires the Secretary to issue rules within one year, including a mandatory digital application system for states to submit plans and for restaurants to apply, plus real-time status updates for both. States must offer the digital application option, and the Secretary must provide enhanced technical assistance within 120 days of enactment. The bill standardizes program implementation, replacing previous ad-hoc approaches with clear federal guidance and digital tools.

Maddy summaryS.3028, the PUNISH Act of 2023, extends existing U.S. sanctions against Iran by preventing their modification or removal until a specified termination date. It requires the Secretary of State to submit annual reports to Congress assessing whether Iran's government or affiliated entities (like the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) have engaged in activities such as assassinations, violence against U.S. citizens, or politically motivated detention of Iranian nationals in the U.S. The bill maintains current sanctions tied to Executive Orders 13871, 13876, 13902, and 13949, as well as sanctions on Iran's Central Bank and National Development Fund. These measures remain in effect until the President certifies compliance with specific conditions under the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions Act.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 156) urges the Russian government to immediately release U.S. citizen Paul Whelan, a Michigan Marine Corps veteran imprisoned since 2018 on unproven espionage charges. It specifically calls for Russia to grant Whelan consular access, ensure due process, and uphold human rights while he remains detained. The resolution references Whelan’s wrongful conviction after a trial described as a "mockery of justice" and Russia’s refusal to provide evidence or medical care during his imprisonment. It expresses the Senate’s support for Whelan’s family and thanks other nations for efforts to secure his release.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation's (DFC) authority to enhance its role in global development and U.S. strategic interests. It expands the DFC's ability to provide equity financing (not just loans or insurance) for projects, adjusts budgetary treatment to avoid federal credit reform rules, and increases the maximum contingent liability cap from $60 billion to $100 billion. The changes directly affect DFC-funded projects, particularly those involving private sector investments in developing countries, including fragile or conflict-affected states. It also requires the DFC to submit a 180-day plan detailing how it will expand financing for U.S. national security and development priorities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to use non-intrusive scanning systems at land ports of entry to inspect at least 40% of passenger vehicles and 90% of commercial vehicles entering the U.S. by September 2026. It also mandates that CBP begin scanning 10% of vehicles exiting the U.S. through land ports by the same deadline. CBP must report progress to Congress by May 2026 and submit a detailed analysis if targets aren’t met, including causes and corrective steps. Additionally, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) will conduct a two-year review of CBP’s use of these systems for border security effectiveness.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 389) symbolically supports designating October 1st as "National Latino/a Physician Day" each year. It aims to raise awareness about the underrepresentation of Latino/a physicians in the U.S. (currently 6%) and recognize their role in improving healthcare access for growing Latino/a communities facing barriers like language differences and limited facilities. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally expresses the Senate's backing for this annual observance to promote diversity in medicine. It directly acknowledges Latino/a physicians and their impact on patient care outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 390) designates October 1-7, 2023, as "National Community Policing Week." It recognizes community policing as a strategy to build trust between law enforcement and communities, reduce crime, and improve public safety through collaborative problem-solving. The resolution encourages the public, law enforcement agencies, and elected officials to support community policing efforts but does not create new legal requirements or funding. As a non-binding resolution, it symbolically promotes existing community policing practices without altering policy.

Maddy summarySRES 380 is a non-binding Senate resolution designating October 1-7, 2023, as "Religious Education Week" to recognize the role of religious education in U.S. schools. It calls on all 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia to accommodate students attending religious classes during school hours through "released time" programs. The resolution affirms that religious education contributes to students' moral, ethical, and civic development, referencing existing programs where approximately 540,000 public school students participate annually. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or alter funding, focusing instead on celebrating current religious education practices.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 383) is a symbolic Senate statement supporting Red Ribbon Week (October 23-31, 2023), which promotes drug prevention awareness. It encourages the public to wear red ribbons, light buildings, and participate in community activities to support drug-free lifestyles - without creating new laws or affecting any specific group. The resolution references ongoing drug overdose crises and the National Family Partnership’s efforts but does not mandate actions or allocate funding. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct legal impact on individuals or policies.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the Senate's support for diplomatic efforts to ensure Mexico complies with a 1944 treaty requiring annual water deliveries of 350,000 acre-feet to the U.S. It addresses Mexico's repeated failure to meet this obligation, which has contributed to water shortages for farmers in south Texas. The resolution urges U.S. diplomats to work with Mexico through the International Boundary and Water Commission to secure reliable water deliveries as specified in the treaty. It does not create new legal requirements but calls for renewed diplomatic engagement to fulfill existing treaty commitments.