Sen. John Cornyn

Maddy summaryS 1827, the GENE Act, requires foreign investors to submit mandatory declarations for transactions involving U.S. companies that collect or maintain genetic data (including genomic sequencing of U.S. citizens). It directly affects foreign entities investing in U.S. genetic testing or health data businesses and mandates the Committee on Foreign Investment (CFIUS) to consult with the Secretary of Health and Human Services during reviews of such transactions. Key provisions include new declaration requirements for covered transactions, mandatory HHS consultation, and a 180-day deadline for CFIUS to issue implementing regulations. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment and applies to reviews initiated after that date.

This resolution recognizes the importance of mental health and behavioral health for children and supports efforts to provide access to programs and services that support the mental health and well-being of children.

Maddy summaryThe CARE Act of 2023 modifies the VA's program supporting family caregivers of veterans. It requires the VA Secretary to submit annual reports to Congress detailing application volumes, approvals, denials, and appeals, broken down by race, gender, service era, and branch of service. The bill also establishes a process for the VA to recognize non-profit organizations and individuals who assist veterans, family members, and caregivers in navigating VA services - without charging fees for these services. These changes directly affect veterans' family caregivers and the VA's administrative procedures for eligibility assessments and appeals.

Maddy summaryS 1802, the United States-Israel Future of Warfare Act of 2023, establishes a $50 million annual fund (2024-2028) for collaborative defense projects between the U.S. and Israel in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and directed energy. The bill directly affects U.S. defense programs and Israeli defense research entities by authorizing joint development of new warfare capabilities. Key provisions include creating the "United States-Israel Future of Warfare Research and Development Fund" under the Secretary of Defense to support projects that enhance both nations' military responses to evolving threats. The legislation builds on existing U.S.-Israel defense cooperation, such as past funding for counter-tunnel systems and drone defense technology.

Maddy summaryS 1768, the Taliban Sanctions Act of 2023, imposes U.S. sanctions on individuals and entities (including Taliban members) who support terrorism, commit serious human rights abuses, or facilitate narcotics trafficking in Afghanistan. It requires the President to block assets and deny visas to those meeting these criteria, effective 90 days after enactment. The bill also directs U.S. diplomacy to maintain UN sanctions against the Taliban and mandates regular congressional briefings on sanctions implementation and humanitarian impacts. It includes limited waivers for national security interests and specific exceptions for intelligence activities or humanitarian access.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a federal grant program to help community health centers hire bilingual mental health professionals who can communicate directly with patients who have limited English proficiency. Eligible health centers (those already receiving certain federal health grants) receive funds to recruit staff fluent in English and at least one other language, with priority given to centers where at least 10% of patients require language services. The program requires grantees to report on language services provided and program effectiveness, with initial reports due within six months and a final report by 2026. Funding is capped at $10 million annually from 2024-2029.

Maddy summarySRES 220 is a Senate resolution recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Department of Defense State Partnership Program. The resolution acknowledges the program's 30-year history of building security partnerships with 100 nations and expresses gratitude to National Guard members for their service in fostering these international relationships. It does not create new policy but formally honors the program's role in strengthening global security cooperation.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits electric vehicle manufacturers from generating, using, or transferring renewable fuel credits (RINs) related to electricity under the Clean Air Act's renewable fuel program. It directly affects electric vehicle original equipment manufacturers (defined as makers of electric cars or light-duty trucks) by blocking their participation in a proposed program (eRIN) that would have allowed them to earn credits for renewable electricity. The bill amends the Clean Air Act to explicitly ban this credit generation and withdraws the EPA's proposed eRIN program. It requires the EPA to issue final regulations within 180 days of enactment, effective January 1, 2024. This change prevents EV manufacturers from using electricity-based credits to meet renewable fuel obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases reimbursement rates for livestock losses caused by Mexican gray wolves to 100% of market value for affected ranchers and farmers. It also creates a new emergency relief program using existing funds to help producers with ongoing costs from wolf attacks, including higher management expenses and reduced herd birth rates. The relief amount is calculated using a formula considering herd size, historical wolf depredation rates, management costs, birth rate impacts, and prevention practices. The Secretary of Agriculture must develop this formula within 180 days and report annually to Congress on how the funds are distributed.

Maddy summaryThe Dark Web Interdiction Act of 2023 creates new federal criminal offenses for distributing controlled substances through the dark web and establishes a Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement Task Force within the FBI. The task force, including representatives from multiple federal agencies like the DEA, ICE, and FBI, will focus on detecting, disrupting, and dismantling illicit marketplaces on the dark web that sell drugs and other illegal goods. The bill requires annual reports to Congress on the task force's activities, effectiveness, and a separate report on virtual currencies used in these transactions, with the task force set to sunset after five years.