Sen. Ted Cruz

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SRES 902) honoring the late Senator Timothy Peter Johnson of South Dakota, who died after a long career in public service. The resolution expresses the Senate's "profound sorrow" over his death, directs the Secretary of the Senate to share the resolution with the House and send a copy to his family, and calls for the Senate to adjourn in his memory. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it is purely a formal expression of respect for a former senator. The resolution commemorates his decades of service, including his time as Chairman of the Banking Committee and his return to work after a serious health setback.

Maddy summaryThis bill maintains the U.S. government's current policy requiring imported goods produced in the West Bank or Gaza to be labeled as "Made in the West Bank or Gaza" instead of "Made in Israel." It directly affects importers of such goods and U.S. agencies like Customs and Border Protection, which enforce the labeling rules. The key provision prohibits using federal funds to change or repeal this labeling policy, ensuring the 2020 requirement remains in effect. This is a concrete policy change that mandates specific product labeling for goods from these territories.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the U.S. Treasury Secretary to instruct U.S. representatives at major international financial institutions (like the World Bank and IMF) to oppose and reverse policies restricting financing for coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear energy projects. It requires these institutions to eliminate such restrictions or face limits on U.S. funding (capping obligations at 50% until compliance). The bill also mandates annual reports detailing efforts to remove financing barriers for these energy sources and steps to promote international energy project financing. It directly affects how global development banks allocate capital for energy infrastructure in developing nations.

Maddy summaryThe United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2024 extends funding and operational authorization for the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) through fiscal year 2026. It amends the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 to update annual appropriations from 2023-2024 to 2025-2026 and extends the Commission's legal authorization period until September 30, 2026. This reauthorization ensures USCIRF can continue its existing work of monitoring global religious freedom violations and providing policy recommendations to the U.S. government. The bill directly affects USCIRF by securing its continued operation and funding without changes to its core responsibilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to develop updated guidance within 90 days of enactment - revised every five years - to ensure hygienic handling of breast milk, baby formula, infant liquids, and cooling accessories during airport security screening. The guidance must be created with input from maternal health organizations and set standards to prevent contamination during re-screening. It also mandates an annual audit by the DHS Inspector General to assess compliance and evaluate how screening technologies affect these items' processing. The policy directly affects traveling parents, TSA staff, and private security companies handling infant products at airports.

Maddy summarySRES 888 is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring the late James Ralph Sasser, a former U.S. Senator from Tennessee (served 1976-1993). It formally expresses the Senate’s "profound sorrow" over his death and requests the Secretary of the Senate transmit the resolution to his family. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or entities - it is solely a commemorative gesture. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or alter existing policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill awards a Congressional Gold Medal to the United States Army Dustoff crews who served during the Vietnam War, recognizing their life-saving medical evacuations. The medal, to be designed by the Secretary of the Treasury in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, will be displayed at the U.S. Army Medical Department Museum. The bill honors the approximately 900,000 wounded personnel these crews transported over the course of the Vietnam War, including U.S., South Vietnamese, and allied forces, who relied on their rapid medical evacuation services.

Maddy summarySRES 866 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating October 4, 2024, as "National Energy Appreciation Day." It honors energy workers across all sectors (including oil, gas, coal, nuclear, and renewables) who power the U.S. economy and infrastructure. The resolution encourages federal, state, local, and community organizations to observe the day with events that raise awareness about energy's role in supporting jobs, economic growth, national security, and global poverty reduction. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic recognition of the energy industry's contributions.

Maddy summarySRES 868 is a Senate resolution honoring the women who served in the Navy's Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) during World War II. It commemorates their service, which included diverse roles from clerical work to aviation training, freeing over 400,000 men for combat duties as noted in the resolution. The resolution specifically recognizes how WAVES contributed to the U.S. victory while facing limitations in recognition and equal status post-war. This is a purely commemorative measure with no new policy or funding changes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 890) condemns Hamas for the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people - including 40 U.S. citizens - and took hostages. It supports three specific outcomes: ensuring Israel's long-term security, preventing Hamas from regaining power in the region, and securing the safe return of U.S. hostages held in Gaza. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but expresses the Senate's position. The resolution was introduced by 45 Senators and passed unanimously on September 25, 2024.