Sen. Mitch McConnell

This resolution authorizes (1) Daniel Schwager, a former employee of the Office of the Secretary of the Senate, to provide relevant testimony in the case of United States v. Todd , except concerning matters for which a privilege should be asserted; and (2) the Senate Legal Counsel to represent Mr. Schwager and any current or former officer or employee of his office in connection with this case.

Maddy summary# Summary of "Secure the Border Act of 2023" (Employment Eligibility Verification Provisions) This legislation (primarily Sections 801-816) fundamentally reforms the U.S. employment eligibility verification system by replacing the current E-Verify program with a new, mandatory verification system for employers. ## Key Provisions: 1. **Mandatory Verification System**: Requires all employers to verify the work authorization of new hires through a new verification system established under Section 274A(d). 2. **Phased Implementation Timeline**: - Large employers (10,000+ employees): 6 months after enactment - Medium employers (500-10,000 employees): 12 months after enactment - Small employers (20-500 employees): 18 months after enactment - Very small employers (<20 employees): 24 months after enactment - Agricultural workers: 36 months after enactment 3. **Verification Process**: - Requires examination of specific documents to verify identity and work authorization - Establishes a verification system with confirmation or tentative nonconfirmation within 3 business days - Requires secondary verification process for tentative nonconfirmations 4. **Penalties for Non-Compliance**: - Civil penalties ranging from $2,500 to $25,000 per violation - Criminal penalties for pattern or practice violations ($5,000 per unauthorized alien) - Potential debarment from federal contracts for repeat violators 5. **Fraud Prevention Measures**: - Blocks social security account numbers subject to unusual multiple use - Allows suspension of compromised social security numbers - Protects children's identities from being used for employment verification 6. **Agricultural Workforce Provisions**: - Extended timeline for agricultural workers (36 months) - Specific definitions of agricultural labor - Study on agricultural workforce composition and recommendations 7. **Good Faith Defense**: - Allows employers to avoid penalties if they can demonstrate good faith compliance - Requires reasonable security measures for identity verification This legislation represents a significant expansion of employer verification requirements with substantial penalties for non-compliance, designed to strengthen enforcement against unauthorized employment while establishing a more comprehensive verification system. The phased approach aims to give employers time to adjust to the new requirements based on business size.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 32) seeks congressional disapproval of a specific rule issued by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (CFPB) on May 31, 2023. The rule, published as Regulation B under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), addressed how lenders must evaluate small business loan applications to prevent discrimination. If passed, the resolution would block this rule from taking effect, meaning lenders would not be required to follow these specific small business lending provisions. The bill directly affects the CFPB's regulatory authority and financial institutions that process small business loans under ECOA.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 502) authorizes former Senate employee Daniel Schwager to provide testimony in the criminal case *United States v. Antonio* (Case No. 21-497) pending in the District of Columbia federal court. It specifically permits Schwager to testify about matters related to his official Senate duties, excluding any topics where Senate privilege would apply. The resolution also directs the Senate Legal Counsel to represent Schwager and other current or former Senate employees regarding evidence requests tied to their official responsibilities. This is a procedural resolution focused on Senate privilege and employee representation, not a policy change.

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.