Sen. Ted Cruz

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how the Federal Reserve appoints key leadership positions. It requires Senate confirmation for the Board's general counsel and Federal Reserve bank presidents (replacing previous approval by the Board of Governors), adds a 4-year residency requirement in a district for bank presidents, and limits how Fed funds can be used for lobbying Congress. The bill also clarifies that standard federal hiring rules apply to bank presidents and bans using Fed funds to influence legislation without congressional approval. These changes primarily affect the internal governance of the Federal Reserve System.

Maddy summaryThe Securing Our Schools Act of 2023 authorizes approximately $38 billion in funding for school security and mental health programs. It creates a nonprofit security grant program providing funds for schools to implement security measures like access control systems, metal detectors, and surveillance equipment. The bill establishes a Student Access to Mental Health Program Fund to support mental health professionals in schools, with specific requirements including prohibitions on teaching Critical Race Theory and advocating for abortion services. The legislation also includes provisions for developing best practices for identifying mental health concerns and preventing violence, while restricting federal funding for abortion services.

This resolution celebrates Coast Guard ombudsmen and Ombudsman Appreciation Day on March 26, 2023, and congratulates the volunteers of the Coast Guard Ombudsman program on 37 years of service.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates annual U.S. government reports on the assets of five specific Argentine officials, including former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and her associates. The reports must detail each individual's net worth, family assets, and all financial holdings (including property and accounts). If the President determines these individuals meet criteria under existing sanctions law, U.S. sanctions would be imposed on them. The bill directly affects only the five named officials and their immediate families, with no broader application to Argentine corruption.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 22) seeks to block a specific rule issued by the Department of Education regarding federal student loan modifications. It targets the rule titled "Waivers and Modifications of Federal Student Loans," which included a one-time debt relief program announced in October 2022. The resolution requests Congress disapprove the rule under the Congressional Review Act, preventing the Department from implementing it. If approved, the rule would have no legal effect, directly affecting how student loan borrowers could access modifications or debt relief under that specific policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits public colleges and universities from denying religious student groups access to campus facilities or official recognition that is available to other student organizations. It directly affects public institutions of higher education and religious student organizations by requiring equal treatment based on the institution's policies for non-religious groups. The key provision states that no federal funds can be withheld from an institution that denies a religious group access to facilities or recognition due to its religious beliefs, practices, speech, leadership standards, or conduct codes. The law applies to all public colleges receiving funds under the Higher Education Act of 1965.

Maddy summaryS 973 requires federal contractors to certify they have not used racial hiring quotas in the past five years and prohibits them from implementing such quotas during contract performance. It directly affects all entities awarded federal contracts or subcontracts, including employers covered under specific labor certificates. The bill mandates that contracts include an equal opportunity clause banning race-based hiring systems, while explicitly excluding environmental, social, and governance (ESG), diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives from the definition of "national interest." Violations could lead to contract cancellation, termination, or debarment by the Department of Labor.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the Federal Reserve, Treasury Department, and other federal agencies from creating or distributing a central bank digital currency (CBDC) directly to individuals or maintaining accounts for individuals using CBDCs. It explicitly bans any federal entity from minting, issuing, offering CBDC-related services, or holding CBDCs as assets on their balance sheets. The bill directly affects federal financial institutions and prevents them from developing or implementing a government-run digital currency system.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to require the U.S. Supreme Court to have exactly nine justices. Currently, Congress sets the Court's size through legislation, but this amendment would make the nine-justice structure a permanent requirement in the Constitution. It would need ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures within seven years to become part of the Constitution. If adopted, it would prevent Congress from changing the Court's size via ordinary legislation.

Maddy summaryS 942 is a procedural Senate rule that would prevent consideration of any bill or amendment attempting to change the number of justices on the U.S. Supreme Court. It creates a "point of order" (a procedural objection) that, if sustained by the Senate chair, would automatically remove such provisions from legislation. This rule applies to all Senate consideration stages, including amendments and conference reports, and requires a two-thirds vote to override. The bill directly affects any legislation proposing to alter the Supreme Court's size, blocking it from advancing through Senate procedures.