Sen. Ted Cruz

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents U.S. federal courts from issuing orders (such as injunctions, stays, or declarations) that stop enforcement of laws against people or entities not directly involved in a lawsuit (non-parties). It requires that such orders only apply if a non-party is represented through a party acting under standard legal rules. The law applies to all federal courts, including those in U.S. territories, and modifies related procedures for temporary restraining orders and declaratory judgments to enforce this restriction. Its core change limits court authority to affect non-parties regarding statutes, regulations, or government actions.

Maddy summarySRES 145 is a non-binding Senate resolution expressing support for Iranian political refugees residing in Ashraf-3, Albania. It calls on the U.S. government to condemn Iran’s threats (including cyberattacks and sham legal proceedings) against these refugees and to urge Albania to uphold their rights under international law, including freedom of expression and protection from extradition. The resolution specifically highlights the community’s status as former political prisoners and witnesses to Iran’s human rights abuses, such as the 1988 massacre. It does not create new laws but formally advocates for diplomatic action to safeguard this group.

Maddy summaryS 1188, the FLARE Act, allows oil and gas companies to immediately deduct 100% of the full cost of installing systems that capture, use, or combust natural gas emissions (flaring/venting) from their operations. These systems must process natural gas into usable forms like fuel, electricity, petrochemicals, or digital assets. The tax benefit applies only to systems placed in service after December 31, 2025, and excludes property owned by designated "foreign entities of concern." This policy directly affects oil and gas operators investing in emission-reduction technology by reducing their upfront tax burden.

Accountability Through Electronic Verification Act This bill expands the E-Verify program by requiring all employers to use it and permanently reauthorizes the program. Currently, E-Verify use is voluntary for most employers, although some states mandate its use. All employers must use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all recruited, referred, or hired individuals, including current employees who were never verified under the program. Failure to use E-Verify shall create a rebuttable presumption that the employer is violating immigration law. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services must generate weekly reports about individuals who have received a final nonconfirmation of employment eligibility. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must use the report to enforce immigration laws. The bill increases civil and criminal penalties for hiring non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) who are not authorized to work. DHS must bar repeat offenders and those criminally convicted from holding federal contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements. The Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Treasury, and DHS must jointly establish a program to share information to help identify non-U.S. nationals who are not authorized to work. The bill establishes the Employer Compliance Inspection Center within Homeland Security Investigations of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The center's duties include processing I-9 employment eligibility verification forms and ensuring compliance with employment eligibility laws. DHS must report to Congress on ways to simplify procedures relating to I-9 forms and on whether the I-9 process should be eliminated.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the Federal Reserve System from developing, testing, or issuing any central bank digital currency (CBDC) or similar digital assets. It bans the Federal Reserve from offering direct products/services to individuals, maintaining personal accounts, or issuing CBDCs either directly or through financial intermediaries. The bill also explicitly prevents the Federal Reserve Board and Federal Open Market Committee from using digital assets for monetary policy. It includes an exception for physical U.S. currency, preserving its privacy protections, and states Congress believes the Fed lacks authority to issue CBDCs without constitutional amendment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires colleges and universities receiving federal student aid to comply with U.S. immigration law regarding employment of unauthorized workers. Specifically, it mandates that institutions participate in the E-Verify program (which checks employment eligibility) and prohibits them from receiving federal funds if they violate immigration employment rules. The Department of Homeland Security will monitor E-Verify participation every six months and notify the Education Department if an institution fails to comply. This directly affects any accredited college or university seeking federal student aid or institutional grants under the Higher Education Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits U.S. government spending in Gaza territory until the President certifies to Congress that funds won't benefit Hamas, designated terrorist groups, or entities controlled by them. It also blocks U.S. funds channeled through United Nations entities in Gaza unless the President certifies those entities aren't promoting anti-Israel or anti-Semitic content. The certification requirements apply to all federal funding, including aid delivered via international organizations. This directly affects U.S. foreign aid programs operating in Gaza by imposing new conditions before funds can be used.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals federal waivers that allow California to set its own vehicle and engine emission standards under the Clean Air Act. It directly affects California's Air Resources Board (CARB), prohibiting the state from adopting or enforcing standards for nonroad engines (like construction equipment, farm vehicles, and locomotives) or new motor vehicles. Key provisions include removing federal authorization for California's vehicle standards (Section 177) and invalidating all existing waivers for state emission rules. The bill would eliminate California's ability to enforce its own emission requirements for these categories, shifting authority entirely to federal standards.

Maddy summaryS 1079, the Restoring Law and Order Act of 2025, creates a federal grant program to provide state and local law enforcement agencies (including tribal entities) with funding to address specific crime priorities. The grants fund hiring officers, targeting vehicle thefts and carjackings, prosecuting violent crime (including repeat offenders), using bail/pretrial detention for dangerous offenders, combating drug/fentanyl crimes, processing evidence faster, and deporting criminal aliens. The $500 million appropriation for fiscal year 2026 (with funds available until 2030) comes from rescinded unobligated balances previously allocated for diversity initiatives. Agencies receiving grants must maintain audit records and allow oversight of fund usage by the Attorney General.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Section 60123(b) of Title 49, U.S. Code, to expand criminal penalties for interfering with energy infrastructure. It broadens the prohibited actions from "damaging or destroying" to include vandalizing, tampering with, disrupting operations or construction, or preventing operations of energy facilities like pipelines. The change directly affects individuals who interfere with energy transportation infrastructure, increasing legal consequences for a wider range of disruptive acts. The bill focuses on strengthening existing penalties without creating new programs or funding.