Sen. Ted Cruz

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 103) seeks to block a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule titled "Safeguarding and Securing the Open Internet; Restoring Internet Freedom" that was published in May 2024. It uses a specific congressional process under Title 5, U.S. Code, to formally disapprove the FCC rule, which would make the rule legally ineffective. The resolution directly affects the FCC’s regulatory authority over internet service providers and the implementation of net neutrality standards. If passed, it would prevent the FCC’s rule from taking effect, reverting to prior regulatory approaches for internet service. This is a procedural disapproval measure, not a new law.

Maddy summaryThis bill cancels the requirement for military members separated due to refusing the COVID-19 vaccine to repay bonuses they received. It directly affects former service members who were discharged for vaccine refusal. The bill mandates that the government releases them from any repayment obligation and reimburses any bonus amounts they already paid before this law takes effect. The change applies to all such separations occurring after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summaryS 4727 (SOPRA) amends federal law to change how courts review agency actions. It requires federal courts to decide all legal questions about agency rules and interpretations "de novo" (from scratch), rather than giving deference to agency explanations. This directly affects courts, federal agencies, and individuals or groups challenging agency regulations in court. The key provision mandates that courts must re-examine all agency interpretations of statutes, rules, and guidance documents without relying on prior agency views. The bill does not alter agency powers but changes the judicial review process for legal challenges.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires lenders using the Uniform Residential Loan Application to add a specific disclaimer below the military service question: "If yes, you may qualify for a VA Home Loan. Consult your lender regarding eligibility." It directly affects military service members and veterans applying for home loans, aiming to increase awareness of VA loan eligibility. The bill mandates this change within six months of enactment and requires a GAO study within 18 months to assess whether at least 80% of lenders include the disclaimer on the form.

Maddy summaryS 412, the SHIELD Act of 2023, creates a federal criminal offense for knowingly distributing non-consensual intimate visual depictions (such as photos or videos of someone without their consent) or visual depictions of nude minors. It directly affects individuals who distribute such content without consent, including those sharing intimate images of adults or nude photos of minors, with penalties including up to 5 years in prison and asset forfeiture. Key provisions define "intimate visual depictions" (showing genitals or engaging in sexual conduct without consent), exclude law enforcement activities and legal reporting from the ban, and require forfeiture of materials used to distribute such content. The bill aims to address non-consensual image sharing and child sexual abuse material through federal criminal penalties.

Maddy summaryThe Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act of 2023 targets "product hopping" by pharmaceutical manufacturers, which occurs when companies discontinue an original drug to make way for a follow-on product and prevent competition from cheaper generics or biosimilars. The bill prohibits two types of anti-competitive conduct: "hard switches" (discontinuing a drug or withdrawing approval) and "soft switches" (taking actions to disadvantage the original drug relative to a follow-on product). It gives the Federal Trade Commission authority to enforce these rules, including seeking remedies like disgorgement of profits from anti-competitive behavior. This legislation directly affects drug manufacturers, particularly those producing reference drugs and follow-on products, with the goal of increasing competition in the pharmaceutical market and lowering prescription costs.

Maddy summarySRES 765 is a Senate resolution honoring the late Senator James M. Inhofe of Oklahoma following his death on July 9, 2024. The resolution commemorates his 28-year Senate service (1994-2023) and 52 years in public office, highlighting his work on defense policy, aviation legislation, infrastructure projects, and support for military bases in Oklahoma. This procedural resolution expresses the Senate's condolences and formally recognizes his legacy, rather than enacting any policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill seeks congressional disapproval of a rule that would grant endangered species protections to the dunes sagebrush lizard. If passed, it would prevent the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rule (published May 20, 2024) from taking effect, meaning the lizard would not receive federal protections under the Endangered Species Act. The rule would have required land use restrictions in parts of New Mexico and Texas where the lizard lives. This action directly affects the regulatory status of the species and land management decisions in its habitat.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 89) requires the U.S. President to stop using U.S. military forces for building, maintaining, or operating a temporary floating pier (called a "Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore pier") on the Gaza coast. It mandates termination within 30 days unless Congress specifically authorizes continued use. The resolution targets the pier project because it was not approved by Congress, as required by law. It does not affect other U.S. military cooperation with Israel.

Maddy summaryThis bill restricts when non-detained immigrants can be released under the Alternatives to Detention (ATD) program, requiring the government to fill all detention beds and exhaust all detention options first. It mandates that all immigrants in the ATD program must wear GPS trackers during all immigration proceedings and until removal, plus stay home between 10 PM and 5 AM. Failure to follow these rules results in an automatic "removal in absentia" order without a court hearing. The law directly affects immigrants released from custody under ATD, changing their release conditions and consequences for non-compliance.