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S.Res. 474Senate116th Congress (2019-2021)Passed Congress

A resolution to authorize representation by the Senate Legal Counsel in the case of Martin F. McMahon v. Senator Ted Cruz, et al.

Sponsored by Charles E. SchumerSen. Charles E. Schumer (D-NY)
Introduced January 16, 2020

AI-Generated Summary

Updated April 14, 2026 at 10:26 AM UTC

This resolution lets the Senate’s legal office step in to defend Senators Ted Cruz, Lindsey Graham, Mitch McConnell, Rand Paul, and any other senator who might be added as a defendant in the lawsuit Martin F. McMahon v. Senator Ted Cruz et al. The measure cites the Ethics in Government Act, which permits Senate counsel to represent members in civil cases tied to their official duties.

Key Provisions

  • Authorizes the Senate Legal Counsel to represent the named senators (Cruz, Graham, McConnell, Paul) in the specific case.
  • Extends that authority to any other senator who may later be named as a defendant in the same lawsuit.
  • Cites the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 as the legal basis for providing such representation.

Legislative Activity

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1 earlier action
SenateFloor Latest Action

Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S279; consideration: CR S261; text: CR S279)

January 16, 2020

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SenateIntro Referral

Introduced in Senate

January 16, 2020

SenateFloor

Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S279; consideration: CR S261; text: CR S279)

January 16, 2020

Floor Debate

1 member

What members said about S.Res. 474 on the floor

1 Republican
James E. Risch
Sen. James E. RischR-ID · Feb 7, 2019

Mr. President, the Committee on Foreign Relations has adopted rules governing its procedures for the 116th Congress. Pursuant to rule XXVI, paragraph 2, of the Standing Rules of the Senate, on behalf…

Record

Bill Text

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Agreed to SenateIssued January 16, 2020

III

116th CONGRESS

2d Session

S. RES. 474

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

January 16, 2020

Mr. Schumer submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

RESOLUTION

To authorize representation by the Senate Legal Counsel in the case of Martin F. McMahon v. Senator Ted Cruz, et al.

Whereas, Senators Ted Cruz, Lindsey Graham, Mitch McConnell, and Rand Paul have been named as defendants in the case of Martin F. McMahon v. Senator Ted Cruz, et al., Case No. 1:19–cv–03774–TSC, currently pending in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia;

Whereas, pursuant to sections 703(a) and 704(a)(1) of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, 2 U.S.C. §§ 288b(a) and 288c(a)(1), the Senate may direct its counsel to defend Members of the Senate in civil actions relating to their official responsibilities: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate Legal Counsel is authorized to represent Senators Ted Cruz, Lindsey Graham, Mitch McConnell, and Rand Paul, and any other Member who may be named as a defendant in the case of Martin F. McMahon v. Senator Ted Cruz, et al.