Sen. Bill Hagerty

Maddy summaryThis bill designates ports, harbors, or marine terminals in Western Hemisphere countries with U.S. free trade agreements as "prohibited property" if a U.S. person's land there was seized, expropriated, or had contracts canceled by that country's government after January 2024. The Secretary of Homeland Security must identify these locations within 60 days, after which U.S. vessels are prohibited from importing goods, docking passenger vessels, or conducting maintenance at these sites. It directly affects U.S. businesses and shipping companies operating in covered countries (like USMCA nations) whose property was targeted. The bill requires annual reports to Congress on designations, vessel restrictions, and economic impacts of such actions by foreign governments.

Maddy summaryThe Empowering Main Street in America Act of 2024 would make it easier for small businesses and startups to access capital by expanding securities exemptions and revising investor rules. It increases the revenue threshold for "emerging growth companies" from $1 billion to $2 billion (adjusted for inflation), maintains a $500,000 micro-offering cap with inflation adjustments, and creates new pathways for retail investors to qualify as accredited investors through education-based certification. The bill also requires the Securities and Exchange Commission to publish detailed economic data on capital markets and consider costs and benefits when creating new regulations. These changes would directly affect small businesses seeking funding, investors, and the SEC's regulatory approach to capital markets.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits U.S. government agencies from purchasing biotechnology equipment or services from specific foreign companies tied to national security threats. It bans contracts with entities like BGI, MGI, and Wuxi Apptec (and their affiliates) that pose risks through ties to foreign adversaries, particularly regarding genetic data collection. Exceptions cover intelligence activities, overseas health care for military personnel, and publicly available genetic data. The ban takes effect 60-180 days after implementing guidance is issued, with limited waivers allowed for national security or overseas health care needs.

Maddy summarySRES 834 is a symbolic Senate resolution reaffirming the U.S. support for the Philippines' claim to Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin Shoal) within its exclusive economic zone. It condemns China's repeated aggressive actions against Philippine vessels near the shoal - including ramming, water cannons, and harassment - and urges increased U.S. military assistance to help the Philippines defend its maritime operations. The resolution specifically reaffirms the 1951 U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, which covers attacks on Philippine vessels in the South China Sea. It directly affects the Philippines' Coast Guard and naval operations by signaling U.S. diplomatic backing against Chinese pressure.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the definition of "accredited investor" under securities law to include individuals holding specific certifications, designations, or credentials approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). It requires the SEC to periodically review and maintain a list of these accepted credentials every 18 months after enactment, then every five years, adding those substantially similar to existing ones that measure financial sophistication. The SEC must adjust the list as needed to protect investors or serve the public interest. This directly affects individuals seeking accredited investor status for accessing certain investment opportunities. The changes implement a formal process to modernize how financial expertise is verified under current regulations.

Maddy summaryThe STRATEGIC Act of 2024 establishes a comprehensive framework to counter the People's Republic of China's influence through expanded regulations, sanctions, and oversight measures. The bill directly affects U.S. institutions by prohibiting gifts and contracts from certain Chinese entities, requiring think tanks to disclose foreign funding, and restricting visa issuance for senior Chinese officials. Key mechanisms include amendments to the Foreign Agents Registration Act to strengthen enforcement, creation of new funds to counter Chinese influence, and requirements for reporting on climate cooperation and military installations. The legislation also establishes new oversight for science and technology agreements with China, creates a special envoy office for critical technologies, and implements sanctions against entities involved in South China Sea activities and intellectual property theft.

Maddy summaryS 3187, the Southern Border Transparency Act of 2023, requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to publish detailed immigration data monthly and quarterly. It mandates CBP to post on its website the number of people granted parole at ports of entry, broken down by nationality, age group (like minors or families), and location. DHS must submit quarterly reports to Congress and post them online, detailing apprehensions, processing outcomes (such as parole, removal, or asylum screenings), and demographic breakdowns along the southern border. The bill also updates annual reporting requirements to track parolees' status, including employment authorization and whether their parole ended or was extended. These requirements directly affect CBP and DHS operations, aiming to increase public and congressional transparency about border processing.

Maddy summarySRES 823 is a symbolic Senate resolution recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15, 2024) and celebrating the cultural contributions and achievements of Latinos in the United States. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups; instead, it urges the public to observe the month through activities honoring Latino heritage. The resolution highlights Latinos' economic impact (e.g., $3.4 trillion purchasing power), demographic significance (19.5% of U.S. population), and historical military service, but these statistics serve as context, not policy changes. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no legal force and is intended to raise awareness, not alter government programs or funding.

Maddy summarySRES 815 designates the week beginning September 9, 2024, as "National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week" to recognize institutions that serve a significant Hispanic student population. It specifically refers to degree-granting colleges and universities with at least 25% Hispanic undergraduate enrollment, which collectively serve over 5 million students nationwide. The resolution calls for the public and organizations to observe this week with ceremonies and activities honoring these institutions' role in expanding access to higher education, particularly for low-income and underserved students. This is a ceremonial resolution with no funding or regulatory changes; it simply provides national recognition during Hispanic Heritage Month.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 816) commemorates the 73rd anniversary of the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, signed on August 30, 1951. It symbolically affirms the U.S. commitment to the Philippines' security alliance amid recent Chinese aggression in the South China Sea, including incidents like the August 2024 ramming of Philippine vessels. The resolution condemns China's "persistent and unprovoked aggression," reaffirms the treaty's relevance to attacks on Philippine military assets, and urges stronger U.S. support for Philippine defense. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new policy but publicly reinforces the existing security partnership.