Sen. Bill Hagerty

Innovation and Development in Ecuador Act of 2023 This bill adds Ecuador to the list of countries eligible for designation as a beneficiary country under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act. (Such a designation generally provides for duty-free entry of goods into the United States from the designated countries, although there are exclusions and limitations.)

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies U.S. tax code to boost research and development (R&D) investment by businesses. It allows companies to immediately deduct R&D costs (instead of amortizing them over 5 years) and expands refundable tax credits for small businesses, raising the annual credit cap from $250,000 to $750,000 by 2032. Small businesses with gross receipts under $15 million can now qualify for higher credit rates (up to 20% of R&D costs) and may exclude years with no R&D expenses when calculating credits. The changes apply to taxable years beginning after December 2022, directly benefiting R&D-focused startups and small businesses.

Maddy summaryS 852, the STOP CCP Act of 2023, bans U.S. investors (including citizens, residents, and U.S.-based entities) from buying or selling stocks in Chinese companies operating in defense or surveillance technology sectors. It requires the Treasury Secretary to expand the existing sanctions list to include companies supporting China's military-industrial complex and their successors or affiliates. The bill also mandates that if sanctions apply under one law, they must apply under all relevant laws unless the President specifically waives them and reports the reason to Congress within 20 days. This law directly affects U.S. investors and financial institutions managing portfolios containing securities of targeted Chinese entities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. government to address transnational repression - when foreign governments harass, intimidate, or harm individuals living outside their home countries through tactics like digital surveillance, threats to family members, or physical violence. It mandates that annual human rights reports include details about transnational repression incidents, establishes a new interagency strategy to combat this issue, and creates sanctions against foreign officials who engage in such activities. The bill also requires the creation of a confidential tip line for victims, mandates training for government officials to recognize these threats, and directs intelligence agencies to prioritize identifying transnational repression tactics. It directly affects diaspora communities targeted by foreign governments, U.S. government agencies, and foreign governments that engage in these practices.

Maddy summaryS 861, the PATRIA Y VIDA Act of 2023, directs U.S. government agencies to establish capacity for transmitting internet access in foreign countries where governments restrict online access and during emergencies in the U.S. It authorizes the State Department and other agencies to maintain this transmission capability and identifies eligible U.S. companies providing "circumvention tools" (software to bypass government internet blocks) to receive rapid funding during foreign censorship crises. The bill requires the FCC and U.S. Agency for Global Media to report to Congress within 60 days on current capabilities and needed resources for these internet access services. This legislation directly affects federal agencies, eligible technology companies, and individuals in countries facing internet censorship.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 20) seeks to block a 2023 rule from the Department of Justice and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) that classified certain firearms with stabilizing braces as rifles under federal law. If passed, it would nullify the rule, meaning firearms equipped with these braces would no longer be subject to the rule’s classification requirements. The resolution uses the congressional disapproval process under Title 5, U.S. Code, to stop the rule from taking effect, directly affecting firearm manufacturers and owners who use stabilizing braces on weapons.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SRES 110) honoring the late James George Abourezk, the first Arab American to serve in the U.S. Senate (1973-1979) from South Dakota. It commemorates his legacy, including his work re-establishing the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and co-authoring key Native American rights legislation like the Indian Child Welfare Act. The resolution directs the Senate to adjourn in his memory and send a copy to his family, acknowledging his service as a representative and advocate for Native American communities. As a procedural resolution, it has no legislative effect beyond commemoration.

Maddy summaryThe Stop Forced Organ Harvesting Act of 2023 requires the U.S. government to address forced organ harvesting by mandating annual reports on the issue in foreign countries and allowing passport denial or revocation for individuals convicted of organ trafficking. It directs the President to impose sanctions - including asset blocking and visa bans - on individuals or entities involved in forced organ harvesting, with exceptions for humanitarian aid. The bill defines "forced organ harvesting" as organ removal by coercion, deception, or abuse of power, and "trafficking" as recruiting or transporting people for organ removal through similar means. These provisions aim to hold accountable those exploiting vulnerable individuals for organ removal.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides travel assistance and support for families of U.S. citizens wrongfully or unlawfully detained abroad. It covers costs for family members to travel to Washington, DC (over 50 miles away) for meetings with U.S. officials, with a limit of two trips per year per detained person. The bill also requires the government to provide mental health support through psychologists and social workers for both detained individuals and their families, and mandates annual reports to Congress on spending and services. These provisions expire on December 31, 2027.