Sen. John Cornyn

Maddy summaryThe PAWS Reauthorization Act of 2023 extends the Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance Grant Program through 2028, replacing its previous 2019-2023 authorization period. This program provides federal grants to animal shelters and housing providers that assist pet owners in emergency situations, such as domestic violence victims who cannot leave their pets behind. The bill amends Section 12502(b)(8)(A) of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 to update the funding timeframe. This extension directly affects animal welfare organizations and vulnerable pet owners seeking crisis housing support.

Maddy summaryThe Satellite Cybersecurity Act (S 1425) requires the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to create a public online clearinghouse within 180 days, providing voluntary cybersecurity guidelines for U.S. commercial satellite operators. The clearinghouse will include resources tailored for small businesses, covering risks like hacking, jamming, foreign ownership vulnerabilities, and supply chain threats. It also mandates a two-year study by the Comptroller General examining federal efforts to secure satellite systems, their reliance on critical infrastructure, and coordination with agencies like DHS and the FCC. The bill directly affects commercial satellite companies (including small businesses) and federal agencies that depend on satellite systems for operations.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 41) seeks congressional disapproval of a specific immigration rule issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). The rule, published in the Federal Register on May 16, 2023, addressed "Circumvention of Lawful Pathways" in immigration processing. The resolution would formally block the rule from taking effect by directing Congress to disapprove it under procedures in Title 5 of the U.S. Code. This action directly affects how USCIS and immigration courts implement certain immigration pathways.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SRES 322), not a legislative bill. It honors the late singer Tony Bennett by designating August 3, 2023 (his birthday) as "Tony Bennett Day" across the United States. The resolution recognizes Bennett's 20 Grammy Awards, his civil rights activism (including marching with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.), his philanthropy, and his connection to Astoria, Queens. It urges citizens, schools, and organizations to celebrate his musical legacy and contributions to the arts, but contains no binding policy changes or direct impacts on individuals or programs.

Maddy summaryS 2566, the American IDEA Act, amends U.S. intellectual property (IP) enforcement laws to specifically target IP theft by entities in countries on the "priority watch list" (defined under the Trade Act of 1974). It updates grant programs (IPEP grants) to prioritize funding for investigations into IP violations involving watch list countries, including cases involving imported products from those nations. The bill also creates a new legal aid program to provide free or low-cost IP protection services to low-revenue small businesses and establishes two mandatory GAO studies on improving IP protection and diplomatic efforts regarding watch list countries. These changes directly affect U.S. manufacturers, universities, and small businesses facing IP theft from specific foreign jurisdictions.

Maddy summaryS 2634, the ASCEND Act, establishes a formal NASA program to purchase commercial Earth observation satellite data and imagery. It directly affects NASA, commercial satellite vendors, and federally funded researchers by creating standardized procurement rules for data acquisition. Key provisions require NASA to allow public scientific publication of acquired data, expand data access beyond NASA users, and submit annual reports to Congress listing vendors, data uses, and end-use license terms. The bill builds on NASA's successful 2019 pilot program, aiming to broaden access to commercial satellite data for scientific research and nonmilitary government applications.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that equipment used to test for fentanyl or xylazine in substances is not subject to restrictions under the Controlled Substances Act. It directly affects people who use drugs and harm reduction organizations providing testing supplies. The key provision amends Section 422 of the Act to explicitly state that testing equipment for these substances is exempt from legal restrictions on possession, sale, or transportation. This allows safer access to testing tools without legal penalties. The bill does not create new programs or funding, only adjusting existing legal language.

Maddy summaryThe Outbound Investment Transparency Act of 2023 requires U.S. companies and individuals to notify the Treasury Department before making certain investments in foreign entities operating in sensitive sectors like advanced semiconductors, artificial intelligence, or quantum technology within countries designated as "countries of concern." It directly affects U.S. persons engaging in covered activities, such as acquisitions, joint ventures, or establishing subsidiaries in these sectors abroad. Key mechanisms include submitting detailed written notifications 14 days before non-secured transactions or after secured ones, with the Treasury reviewing them for national security implications. The law aims to enable government analysis of potential risks without banning investments, while mandating annual reports to Congress on trends and national security impacts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Justice Department to develop a scenario-based training curriculum for law enforcement focused on de-escalation, officer safety, community relations, and crisis intervention. It establishes a grant program to fund states and local agencies in implementing this training (or substantially similar curricula) for law enforcement personnel. The curriculum must cover topics like use-of-force decision-making, stress response, and community engagement, with mandatory consultation with police associations and community groups. Grantees must report on training access and effectiveness, and the Justice Department must submit annual reports to Congress on participation rates and program improvements. The bill uses existing DOJ funding without authorizing new appropriations.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to create a new exception for farmers and ranchers seeking disaster program benefits. It allows individuals or entities where at least 75% of their average adjusted gross income comes from farming, ranching, silviculture, agritourism, direct-to-consumer sales, or related agriculture activities to qualify for payments. The exception removes income-based eligibility barriers for these qualifying agricultural producers under specific existing programs, including payments under the 2014 Agricultural Act (Subtitle E, Title I) and the 1996 Farm Bill (Section 196). This change directly affects farmers who meet the 75% income threshold but would otherwise be disqualified due to income limits.