Sen. Ted Cruz

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the President from blocking or delaying new oil, gas, coal, or mineral leases on federal lands (including national forests, public lands, and the outer continental shelf) without explicit congressional approval. It specifically prevents the President from imposing moratoria on new energy leases or withdrawing federal lands from energy development without an act of Congress. The law applies directly to federal land management decisions, requiring Congress to authorize any action that would restrict energy leasing or development on these lands. This is a procedural change affecting how federal energy leasing and land use decisions are made.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends federal murder law to treat distributing fentanyl that causes death as felony murder. It specifically targets individuals who distribute fentanyl (2+ grams of a mixture containing fentanyl, or 0.5+ grams of its analogues) knowing it contains the substance and causing death. The law adds a new provision stating that distributing fentanyl resulting in death constitutes first-degree murder, punishable by death or life imprisonment. This directly affects fentanyl distributors whose actions lead to fatalities, with the penalty applying when the distributor knew or should have known the substance contained fentanyl or its analogues.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows veterans with combat-related disabilities and less than 20 years of service to receive both military retired pay and VA disability compensation simultaneously. Previously, such veterans had their retired pay reduced to avoid "concurrent receipt" of both benefits. The bill removes the 20-year service requirement for this group, applying specifically to those retired under Chapter 61 of Title 10 with a combat-related disability as defined in existing law. It does not change eligibility for veterans with non-combat disabilities or those with 20+ years of service.

Maddy summaryThe Keep Our Communities Safe Act of 2023 amends immigration detention procedures to extend the length of detention for certain aliens without time limits, except as specified in the bill. It changes terminology from "parole" to "recognizance" throughout the process and establishes new criteria that make it more difficult for certain aliens to be released on bond during removal proceedings. The bill adds specific circumstances under which detention can continue beyond the standard removal period, including for aliens convicted of certain crimes, those deemed a threat to national security, or those who fail to cooperate with removal efforts. These changes primarily affect immigrants facing removal proceedings who may be held in detention for extended periods without bond eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a study assessing how federal highway funds are distributed to states. The study will evaluate whether current funding formulas fairly reflect highway user payments and tax contributions, while also checking if they meet transportation goals. It mandates an assessment of existing data factors, data accuracy, and potential new metrics for future funding formulas. The Secretary must report findings and recommendations to Congress within two years, including options for a revised apportionment method. This study directly affects all states receiving federal highway funds, but does not change current funding allocations.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new federal crime for individuals who transmit money, property, or other value across state lines with the intent to finance illegal border crossings under existing immigration laws. It imposes penalties including fines equal to the value sent, up to one year in prison, or both for those convicted. The law also adds new grounds for denying entry (inadmissibility) or deporting immigrants who are convicted of this offense, affecting both the financiers and immigrants involved in such activities. The bill directly targets those facilitating unlawful border entry through financial means, with clear penalties and immigration consequences.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) review process to cover foreign purchases or leases of real estate near military sites. It specifically requires CFIUS review for transactions involving property within 100 miles of military installations or 50 miles of military training routes, special use airspace, controlled firing areas, or military operations areas - particularly when the foreign buyer is linked to Russia, China, Iran, or North Korea. The bill also links energy project approvals to CFIUS reviews, requiring the Defense Secretary to delay project reviews until CFIUS concludes its assessment of related real estate transactions. This directly affects foreign entities seeking to acquire property near military infrastructure and federal agencies managing energy project permits.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution seeks congressional disapproval of a Department of Labor rule published in the Federal Register on December 1, 2022 (87 Fed. Reg. 73822), which addressed "Prudence and Loyalty in Selecting Plan Investments and Exercising Shareholder Rights." If enacted, it would block the rule from taking effect, directly affecting retirement plan fiduciaries (such as those managing 401(k) plans) who must follow these standards. The resolution uses a specific disapproval process under Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code, to nullify the rule without altering its content. This is a procedural action targeting the rule's implementation, not a new policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the U.S. Secretary of Energy from allowing crude oil sold at auction from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to be exported to China, Russia, North Korea, or Iran after enactment. It requires bidders to certify they will not export the oil to these countries, with limited waivers possible only if the Secretary determines it serves U.S. national security. The bill also mandates a report within 180 days detailing the destinations and refineries for all SPR oil sold since November 2021. These provisions directly affect SPR auction bidders and the specified foreign nations.

Maddy summaryS 293, the Fair Access to Banking Act, prohibits large financial institutions (with $10 billion+ in assets) from denying banking services to lawful businesses based on political reasons, bias, or industry category. It requires these "covered banks" to justify service denials using documented, objective risk assessments - not subjective political judgments - and to provide written explanations for denials. The bill directly affects businesses operating legally in industries often targeted by banks (like cannabis or firearms), ensuring equal access to services like loans, credit cards, or payment processing. Violations allow affected businesses to sue for treble damages and attorney fees, with payment networks and credit unions also barred from blocking access based on "reputational risk."