Sen. John Cornyn

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the Secretary of the Interior to voluntarily acquire approximately 6,100 acres of land (through donation or exchange) to expand Big Bend National Park, as shown on a specific November 2022 map. The acquired land would become part of the park, with the boundary officially revised to include it. The bill prohibits using eminent domain or forced takings for this land acquisition. It directly affects the park's physical boundaries and landowners whose property is acquired through voluntary means.

Maddy summaryS 2129 (SAFE Tax Filing Act of 2025) allows certain victims of domestic abuse or spousal abandonment to file taxes as "single" instead of married. It applies to individuals living apart from their spouse at year-end, who are survivors of domestic abuse (defined broadly to include physical, psychological, or economic abuse) or spousal abandonment (where reasonable efforts to locate the spouse fail), and who indicate this on their tax return. Tax preparers must verify eligibility for this election under new requirements. The change only affects the individual’s filing status, not their spouse’s, and applies to taxable years after enactment.

Maddy summaryThe DISRUPT Act requires U.S. government agencies to create interagency task forces and produce reports analyzing cooperation between China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea in defense, technology, and economic areas. It mandates agencies like State, Defense, and Treasury to establish dedicated teams within 60 days, assess how adversary collaboration threatens U.S. security, and submit classified reports on risks like technology sharing and sanctions evasion. The bill also directs a strategic plan within 180 days to disrupt dangerous cooperation, bolster deterrence in key regions, and update military planning tools. These mechanisms aim to strengthen U.S. responses to evolving threats from coordinated adversary actions without imposing direct sanctions or new restrictions.

Maddy summaryThe COUNTER Act of 2025 requires U.S. government agencies to develop a coordinated strategy to address China's expansion of military infrastructure overseas. Specifically, it mandates that the State Department and Defense Department submit a plan within 180 days identifying five priority locations where China has or seeks military bases (like Djibouti and Cambodia), detailing current efforts to counter these bases, and proposing actions to prevent new bases. The bill also establishes an interagency task force to implement the strategy and requires a comprehensive review every four years. This legislation directly affects U.S. foreign policy and defense agencies, focusing on strategic coordination to protect U.S. interests and allies' security.

Maddy summaryS 1463, the Finding ORE Act, establishes a process for the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to create memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with partner foreign countries that supply critical minerals or rare earth elements. These MOUs would fund cooperative mapping projects to identify mineral deposits, with key provisions requiring U.S. or allied foreign companies to have first priority for developing these resources and protecting mapping data from unauthorized access by non-allied nations. The bill directly affects partner countries sourcing critical minerals, U.S. institutions of higher education (through training programs), and U.S. private companies seeking mineral development opportunities. It aims to strengthen international supply chains for minerals critical to clean energy technology by facilitating scientific collaboration and private-sector investment. The bill does not create new funding but outlines a framework for federal agencies to coordinate with foreign partners and the private sector.

Maddy summarySRES 286 is a ceremonial Senate resolution introduced on June 17, 2025, by Senators Cornyn and Cruz. It commemorates the life, achievements, and public service of former First Lady Barbara Pierce Bush on the occasion of her 100th birthday (born June 8, 1925). The resolution honors her work promoting literacy - including founding the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy and supporting the National Literacy Act of 1991 - and her role as Second Lady and First Lady. As a procedural resolution, it has no legal effect or direct impact on any individuals or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to implement engine housing (nacelle) modifications on the Navy's CMV-22 Osprey aircraft fleet. It aims to reduce aircraft downtime, improve reliability, and support operations in the Indo-Pacific by incorporating lessons from the Air Force's similar upgrades. The bill requires the Navy to prioritize modifications for aircraft produced or maintained in fiscal years 2025-2026 and to report to Congress within 180 days on implementation progress, readiness metrics, industrial base impacts, and future needs. The changes directly affect the Navy's CMV-22 fleet operations and maintenance, using existing funds without new appropriations.

Maddy summarySRES 269 is a Senate resolution recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States Army, established on June 14, 1775. It expresses the Senate's appreciation for Army soldiers' dedication over 250 years, honors their valor and service, and calls for the American public to observe the anniversary through ceremonies and activities. This procedural resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies - it solely commemorates the Army's historical significance.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires federal agencies to clarify how they treat special districts (like water, fire, or sanitation districts with budget autonomy) as eligible recipients for federal grants and funding. Within 180 days of enactment, the OMB Director must issue guidance defining this eligibility, and agencies must implement the guidance within one year. Special districts directly affected include those created by state law to perform specific governmental functions separately from general local governments. The bill mandates agencies to align their policies with this guidance and report on implementation to Congress within two years.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal Medicaid and CHIP funding for specific medical procedures related to gender transition, as defined in the legislation. It amends the Social Security Act to block funding for surgeries (like hysterectomy, phalloplasty, or mastectomy), hormone therapies (including puberty blockers or supraphysiologic doses), and certain cosmetic procedures when performed to change physical characteristics to align with a person's gender identity. Exceptions apply for medically necessary treatments, such as puberty suppression for precocious puberty, correction of disorders of sex development, or life-threatening conditions. The bill directly affects Medicaid/CHIP recipients seeking these covered procedures and requires states to exclude them from funded services. It does not ban the procedures themselves but restricts federal financial support for them.