Sen. Mitch McConnell

Maddy summarySRES 501 is a Senate resolution authorizing testimony from three employees of Senator Ted Cruz's office (Amy English, Grant Murray, and Anthony Rodregous) in the federal case *United States v. Nformangum* (Cr. No. 22-367). It permits them to provide relevant testimony in the Southern District of Texas court case, excluding matters protected by Senate privileges. The resolution also directs the Senate Legal Counsel to represent these employees and any current/former staff of Senator Cruz’s office regarding evidence requests in the case. This is a procedural measure to uphold Senate privileges while complying with judicial demands.

Maddy summaryThe Citizen Ballot Protection Act (S 3470) amends the National Voter Registration Act to allow states to require proof of U.S. citizenship when voters register by mail. It directly affects individuals who register to vote using state mail-in forms, specifically those seeking to vote in federal elections. The key provision adds a requirement for states to include a citizenship verification step on mail voter registration forms after federal elections, beyond existing rules. This change gives states the option to implement this proof requirement but does not mandate it nationwide. The bill does not alter in-person registration rules or voting procedures.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SRES 492) honoring the late First Lady Rosalynn Carter. It expresses the Senate's condolences for her passing and recognizes her lifetime of humanitarian work, including her advocacy for mental health care, founding of caregiver support programs, and service with The Carter Center. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it is purely a commemorative statement. It was introduced by a bipartisan group of senators and adopted by the Senate on December 7, 2023.

Maddy summarySenate Joint Resolution 49 seeks congressional disapproval of a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) rule that would have established a new standard for determining when two or more companies are considered "joint employers" under labor law. The rule, published in October 2023, would have affected businesses with complex employment structures, such as franchisors and contractors, by altering how joint employer liability is assessed for wage, hour, and union representation matters. If passed, the resolution would block the rule from taking effect, preserving the previous standard for joint employer determinations. The bill was introduced by Senators Cassidy, Manchin, Braun, McConnell, Marshall, Cramer, Capito, and Paul and referred to the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates October 30, 2023, as a National Day of Remembrance for workers in the U.S. nuclear weapons program, including uranium miners, millers, haulers, plutonium processors, and participants in atmospheric nuclear tests. It honors these workers for their contributions and the health risks they faced while supporting national defense. The resolution encourages the public to participate in ceremonies and activities on that date to recognize their service. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new policies or funding but continues a series of Senate resolutions honoring these workers dating back to 2009.

Maddy summarySJRES 47 is a joint resolution seeking congressional disapproval of a Department of Justice rule about home confinement for federal prisoners under the CARES Act. The rule, published in April 2023, would have established guidelines allowing the Justice Department to use home confinement as an alternative to prison for certain inmates during the pandemic. If passed, this resolution would cancel the rule, preventing it from taking effect. It follows the standard process under Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code, for Congress to reject agency regulations.

Maddy summaryS. RES. 420 designates Betty K. Koed as Historian Emerita of the U.S. Senate, effective October 21, 2023, honoring her 25-year career as the Senate's first female Historian (serving from 2015-2023 after roles as Assistant and Associate Historian). The resolution recognizes her work preserving Senate archives, producing historical publications, and supporting educational programs about Senate history. It is a ceremonial honor with no policy changes or direct impact on legislation or constituents.

This resolution states that the Senate stands with Israel as it defends itself, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls on all countries to unequivocally condemn Hamas' war on Israel. The resolution also reaffirms the United States' commitment to Israel's security, supports emergency resupply and certain other types of assistance to Israel, and calls on the United States to lead an international effort to deprive Hamas of Iranian and other sources of funding and lethal assistance. Furthermore, the resolution states that nothing in it may be construed as a declaration of war or an authorization for the use of military force.

Maddy summarySRES 416 authorizes former Senate employee Daniel Schwager to provide testimony in the criminal case *United States v. Sullivan* (Cr. No. 21-078), excluding matters protected by Senate privileges. It directs Senate Legal Counsel to represent Schwager and other Senate staff regarding this testimony. This procedural resolution facilitates cooperation with the court while preserving Senate privilege protections.

Maddy summaryThis resolution authorizes former Senate employee Daniel Schwager to provide testimony in the federal criminal case *United States v. Samsel* (Cr. No. 21-537), excluding matters protected by Senate privileges. It also directs the Senate Legal Counsel to represent Schwager and other Senate employees regarding evidence production related to their official duties. The resolution is procedural, citing the Ethics in Government Act and Senate rules to permit testimony without violating Senate privilege. It does not alter laws or create new policy but facilitates cooperation with the court.