Sen. John Cornyn

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to research and develop improved detection tools for law enforcement to identify fentanyl and xylazine, a dangerous drug mixture. It specifically requires creating portable devices for quick field testing with minimal sample handling, equipment to separate complex drug mixtures, and AI-based systems to predict new synthetic drugs. The research must follow national AI safety guidelines and use current drug threat assessments from the Drug Enforcement Administration. This primarily affects federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies that use drug detection technology.

Maddy summaryS 2278, the Border Enforcement, Security, and Trade (BEST) Facilitation Act of 2023, creates two new positions within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): Image Adjudicators and Supervisory Image Adjudicators. These roles directly affect CBP operations at land, sea, and air ports of entry and rail crossings, where they will review non-intrusive inspection images of cargo and vehicles to identify contraband, drugs, weapons, or unauthorized persons. Key provisions require these staff to recommend clearances for safe cargo, refer suspicious items for further inspection, undergo annual training on privacy and smuggling tactics, and be assessed on accuracy and speed. The bill also mandates CBP to develop a staffing model based on scanning technology use and traffic patterns, and to report quarterly to Congress on staffing levels, training, performance, and impacts on border throughput and seizure rates.

Maddy summaryThe Strengthening Child Exploitation Enforcement Act amends federal laws to better protect children under 16 from sexual abuse and exploitation. Key changes include making it a crime to obtain a minor through fraud or deception, removing consent as a defense for offenses involving minors under 16 (unless the offender reasonably believed the minor was 16 or older), and creating a new offense for intentional touching of a minor's genitalia without clothing for sexual purposes in federal facilities. The bill updates existing language (like replacing "crosses a State line" with "travels in interstate or foreign commerce") and ensures attempts to commit these crimes face the same penalties as completed acts. These changes apply to all relevant conduct occurring before, on, or after the bill’s enactment date.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SRES 902) honoring the late Senator Timothy Peter Johnson of South Dakota, who died after a long career in public service. The resolution expresses the Senate's "profound sorrow" over his death, directs the Secretary of the Senate to share the resolution with the House and send a copy to his family, and calls for the Senate to adjourn in his memory. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it is purely a formal expression of respect for a former senator. The resolution commemorates his decades of service, including his time as Chairman of the Banking Committee and his return to work after a serious health setback.

Maddy summarySRES 865 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating October 23, 2024, as "Public Radio Music Day" to honor public radio music stations across the U.S. It expresses the Senate's appreciation for these stations' role in serving listeners, supporting musicians, and enriching communities through locally focused music programming. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funding but formally recognizes how noncommercial public radio stations provide unique access to diverse music genres, support local artists, and connect communities - particularly in rural areas - through broadcasts, digital platforms, and local events. It directly affects public radio music stations by publicly acknowledging their cultural and community contributions.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Medicare to require equal reimbursement for portable ultrasound services as for portable X-ray services. It adds "ultrasound tests" to Medicare's coverage of diagnostic imaging and mandates separate payment for portable ultrasound transportation and setup, mirroring existing rules for portable X-ray services. The policy directly affects Medicare beneficiaries needing portable ultrasound care and healthcare providers offering these services. Payment rules for ultrasound providers must align with current federal regulations for X-ray providers. The changes take effect for services provided on or after January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits federal agencies from using the "social cost of carbon" and related metrics (estimating climate damage costs from methane or nitrous oxide) when developing environmental regulations, guidance, or cost-benefit analyses. It directly affects agencies like the EPA that create rules on emissions, power plants, and air quality. The law requires agencies to stop relying on these specific climate cost estimates in all regulatory decisions starting upon enactment. Agencies must also report to Congress on past uses of these metrics within 120 days of the bill becoming law.

Maddy summaryThe Health Care Cybersecurity and Resiliency Act of 2024 requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a cybersecurity incident response plan within one year of enactment, including strategies for risk assessment, prevention, detection, and recovery from cyber incidents affecting healthcare systems. The bill establishes new mandatory cybersecurity standards for healthcare entities, requiring multifactor authentication, encryption of protected health information, and regular security audits. It updates breach reporting requirements to include more detailed information about breaches and corrective actions taken, and creates a new grant program to help rural healthcare facilities adopt cybersecurity best practices. The legislation also mandates training programs to strengthen the healthcare cybersecurity workforce and improves coordination between HHS and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). These provisions apply to hospitals, health centers, clinics, and other healthcare entities that handle protected health information.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. government to regularly assess global critical mineral and rare earth element resources. Specifically, the Secretary of the Interior must submit biennial reports to Congress detailing: which minerals are controlled by foreign entities of concern (like adversarial nations), which are held by U.S. allies, mine output volumes, ownership structures, and cases where foreign governments forced U.S. entities to divest. It also establishes a process for U.S. persons to notify the government before divesting foreign mining assets and seek non-adversarial buyers. Additionally, the bill mandates a strategy to collaborate with allied nations on developing advanced mining and processing technologies, with annual progress reports to Congress.

Maddy summarySRES 896 is a non-binding Senate resolution designating the week beginning November 11, 2024, as "National School Psychology Week." It expresses support for recognizing school psychologists' roles in promoting student mental health, academic success, and safe learning environments. The resolution honors school psychologists who support students' social-emotional development and collaborate with educators and families. It encourages public awareness activities but does not create new laws or allocate funding.