Sen. John Cornyn

Maddy summaryThe CLEAR Path Act extends post-employment restrictions for senior U.S. government officials (those requiring Senate confirmation) who represent foreign governments. It prohibits them from influencing U.S. officials for 2 years after leaving office for most foreign entities, but indefinitely for "countries of concern" (defined by law). The bill requires agencies to notify officials of these restrictions at appointment and departure, and creates a process where Congress must approve any changes to the list of "countries of concern" via a specific joint resolution. These restrictions expire 5 years after the bill’s enactment.

Maddy summaryThe COINS Act of 2024 restricts U.S. investments in Chinese military-industrial companies to address national security concerns. It prohibits U.S. persons from engaging in "covered national security transactions" involving prohibited technologies like advanced semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing, and requires divestment from securities on the Non-SDN Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies List within one year. The law establishes notification requirements for certain transactions, creates a public database of covered entities, and mandates annual reports to Congress on implementation and national security impacts. This affects U.S. investors, financial institutions, and Chinese companies deemed to pose security risks through their activities in sensitive technology sectors.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires annual reports on efforts to counter illicit cross-border tunnels, mandated after the development of a strategic plan. It amends the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act to add this reporting requirement for agencies managing border security operations. The bill does not create new policy but establishes a recurring reporting obligation. It directly affects federal agencies responsible for border security and counter-smuggling operations.

Maddy summaryThe Securing America’s Federal Equipment Supply Chains Act (S 4651) requires U.S. federal agencies to only procure or use covered information and communications technology products (including hardware, software, and firmware) from the original equipment manufacturer or an authorized reseller. This rule aims to secure federal supply chains by limiting purchases from unvetted suppliers, directly affecting federal agencies and their technology vendors. Agencies may request limited waivers for national security needs or scientific research, but must provide detailed justifications, security mitigations, and report all waivers to Congress annually. The law takes effect one year after enactment, with ongoing reporting requirements for six years.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to expand Big Bend National Park by acquiring approximately 6,100 acres of land through voluntary means - such as donation, purchase from willing sellers, or land exchange - without using eminent domain. The land, depicted on a specific map, would become part of the park boundary once acquired. The bill directly affects the park's physical boundaries and landowners whose property is included in the designated area. The key provision is the formal process for adding this land to the park, with the map serving as the official reference for the adjustment.

Maddy summaryS 5598 would prohibit U.S. persons from making investments in China-related entities involving "prohibited technologies" such as advanced semiconductors, quantum computing, and AI systems with potential military or surveillance applications. The bill also requires notification for certain investments in "notifiable technologies" and establishes a self-disclosure process for violations. Violations could result in civil penalties of up to $250,000 or twice the transaction amount. The bill defines "covered foreign persons" as entities incorporated in China, controlled by Chinese entities, or owned 50% or more by China. It mandates annual reports to Congress detailing enforcement actions and trends in these types of investments.

Maddy summaryThe Opioid Overdose Data Collection Enhancement Act allows States, local governments, law enforcement coalitions, and Indian tribes to use federal grant funds for mobile and web-based tools that track fatal and nonfatal opioid overdoses and the administration of reversal medication by first responders (like police, firefighters, and EMTs) in near real-time. These tools must be interoperable with existing data systems and share collected information with public health and safety agencies. Grantees are required to coordinate responses to overdose data, focus on high-risk areas, and avoid duplicating existing efforts through mandatory audits before applying for funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Historic Greenwood District - Black Wall Street National Monument in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to preserve and interpret the history of the Greenwood District (known as "Black Wall Street") and the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The monument, defined by a specific map, protects private property rights and allows the Secretary of the Interior to acquire land via donation, purchase, or exchange. It creates an 11-member Advisory Commission (including 7 descendants of 1921 residents, 3 preservation experts, and one appointed with Tulsa Mayor input) to advise on management. The bill ensures private property owners retain land use rights and zoning authority within or near the monument boundary.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to review the automatic maximum coverage amount for Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) every three years, starting January 1, 2024. The review compares the current coverage limit to an inflation-adjusted amount calculated as $400,000 multiplied by the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) since 2005. This adjustment ensures coverage limits keep pace with inflation for eligible servicemembers and veterans enrolled in these insurance programs. The results of each review must be submitted to Congress.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 5555) amends defense funding rules to allow the Department of Defense to use Defense Modernization Account funds for two specific purposes: (1) quickly procuring commercial technology/services to address urgent military needs, and (2) building infrastructure to speed up deployment of new capabilities. It directly affects the Department of Defense’s equipment modernization efforts by expanding flexibility for time-sensitive projects. The key change permits using these funds for "joint urgent operational needs" or validated requirements without standard procurement delays. The amendment applies only to funds transferred to the account after the bill becomes law.