Maddy summarySRES 29 is a non-binding Senate resolution stating that the President has legal authority under existing immigration laws to secure the southwest border. It specifically cites sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act allowing the President to return individuals to Mexico, end the "catch-and-release" policy, and deny asylum to those who entered without first seeking protection in a transit country. The resolution urges the President and the Department of Homeland Security to immediately reinstate policies like "Remain in Mexico," eliminate taxpayer-funded benefits for undocumented immigrants, and use expedited removal. As a resolution expressing the Senate's position, it does not create new law but aims to guide executive action under current statutes.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryS 153, the Repeal the TikTok Ban Act, would eliminate the federal ban on TikTok and similar apps previously prohibited under the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. The bill specifically repeals that law and invalidates all prior designations of TikTok or other apps as "foreign adversary controlled," removing the legal restrictions on these platforms. This directly affects TikTok and comparable applications that were subject to the ban, allowing them to operate without federal restrictions. The key mechanism is the complete repeal of the existing law and retroactive nullification of its enforcement provisions. (3 sentences)
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to destroy all existing firearm transaction records from discontinued firearms businesses within 90 days of the law taking effect. It also amends federal law to prevent the government from collecting such records from these businesses in the future. The ATF must report to Congress on the number of records destroyed. The bill directly affects how the federal government handles firearm transaction data for businesses that have ceased operations.
Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act or the SAVE Act This bill requires individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. Specifically, the bill prohibits states from accepting and processing an application to register to vote in a federal election unless the applicant presents documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. The bill specifies what documents are considered acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship, such as identification that complies with the REAL ID Act of 2005 that indicates U.S. citizenship. Further, the bill (1) prohibits states from registering an individual to vote in a federal election unless, at the time the individual applies to register to vote, the individual provides documentary proof of U.S. citizenship; and (2) requires states to establish an alternative process under which an applicant may submit other evidence to demonstrate U.S. citizenship. Each state must take affirmative steps on an ongoing basis to ensure that only U.S. citizens are registered to vote, which shall include establishing a program to identify individuals who are not U.S. citizens using information supplied by certain sources. Additionally, states must remove noncitizens from their official lists of eligible voters. The bill allows for a private right of action against an election official who registers an applicant to vote in a federal election who fails to present documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. The bill establishes criminal penalties for certain offenses, including registering an applicant to vote in a federal election who fails to present documentary proof of U.S. citizenship.
Maddy summaryThis bill (S 100) repeals the Corporate Transparency Act, which required businesses to disclose beneficial ownership information to the government. It directly affects businesses (especially small entities) that previously had to report who ultimately owns or controls them. The bill removes specific reporting requirements from Title 31 of the U.S. Code and eliminates related provisions in the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020. Key mechanisms include striking references to reporting sections (like 5336) and repealing sections of the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act that established the rules. This would end the federal mandate for businesses to disclose ownership details to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
Maddy summaryThe Defending American Sovereignty in Global Pandemics Act requires Senate approval before the U.S. can join any international pandemic agreement under the World Health Organization (WHO). It would suspend all U.S. funding to the WHO until the Senate ratifies such an agreement. This policy directly affects U.S. financial support to the WHO and the process for international health cooperation. The funding freeze would begin immediately and continue until the Senate approves the specific treaty.
Maddy summaryS.Res. 18 requires the U.S. Senate to wait one session day for every 20 pages of a bill, resolution, treaty, or other legislative measure before it can be considered. This means a 20-page bill must wait one day, a 40-page bill two days, and any remaining pages under 20 count as an additional full day. Senators can raise a point of order if the waiting period is skipped, and overriding this objection requires a three-fifths vote of the Senate. The rule applies to all legislation introduced in the Senate and aims to ensure members have adequate time to review text before voting.
Maddy summarySRES 19 is a Senate resolution honoring former President Jimmy Carter's life and legacy, commending his decades of public service, humanitarian work, and diplomatic achievements including the Camp David Accords and founding The Carter Center. The resolution specifically recognizes his Nobel Peace Prize, efforts to combat diseases like Guinea worm, and 30+ years of Habitat for Humanity homebuilding. It formally mourns his passing and extends condolences to his family, while highlighting his role in establishing U.S.-China diplomatic relations and creating the Departments of Education and Energy. As a symbolic resolution with no policy impact, it directly affects no individuals or entities but serves as a formal Senate tribute to Carter's historical contributions.
Maddy summaryS 55, the "Read the Bills Act," requires all congressional bills and resolutions to include specific constitutional authority citations (Section 105a), display current law text alongside proposed changes (Section 105b), and undergo verbatim readings before final votes (Section 105c). It mandates that lawmakers sign sworn affidavits confirming they either listened to the full reading or personally read the bill before voting, with non-compliant bills deemed unenforceable (Section 105d). The bill directly affects every bill introduced in Congress, all members of Congress voting on bills, and the public through mandated transparency measures. Key mechanisms include 7-day public posting of bill text, mandatory verbatim readings by clerks, and affidavit records maintained by each chamber. This bill aims to ensure lawmakers and the public have full access to bill content before passage, addressing concerns about unread bills leading to complex legislation.
Maddy summaryS 59, the "One Subject at a Time Act," requires all bills and joint resolutions to address only one topic, clearly stated in the title. It prohibits bundling unrelated provisions, especially in appropriations bills, and voids any non-conforming sections or entire bills if they violate this rule. The law allows any person or member of Congress to sue the government to stop enforcement of non-compliant bills, with courts reviewing such cases de novo. This directly affects legislators drafting bills, congressional committees, and the judicial process for challenging legislation. It aims to prevent "rider" provisions and ensure bills focus on a single legislative purpose.