Sen. Thom Tillis

Maddy summaryS 1980 establishes the Senate NATO Observer Group, a formal Senate committee to coordinate U.S. engagement with NATO. The group advises the Senate on NATO matters - including enlargement - and facilitates communication between the Senate, executive branch, NATO, and candidate nations during negotiations. It requires Senate leadership to appoint members (up to 7 per party) and co-chairs for each Congress, with annual reporting to Senate leadership and the Foreign Relations Committee. The bill creates procedural mechanisms for Senate-NATO coordination but does not alter U.S. policy or funding.

Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2025 This bill expands Medicare coverage of intensive behavioral therapy for obesity. Specifically, the bill allows coverage for therapy that is provided by (1) a physician who is not a primary care physician; or (2) other health care providers (e.g., physician assistants and nurse practitioners) and approved counseling programs, if provided upon a referral from, and in coordination with, a physician or primary care practitioner. Currently, such therapy is covered only if provided by a primary care practitioner. The bill also allows coverage under Medicare's prescription drug benefit of drugs used for the treatment of obesity or for weight loss management for individuals who are overweight.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a $25 billion emergency fund for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in fiscal year 2025, directly affecting communities impacted by natural disasters. The fund, drawn from unappropriated Treasury funds, is designated as an emergency requirement under federal budget rules to allow immediate use without typical spending constraints. Key provisions include setting aside $25 billion specifically for FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund to support response and recovery operations during declared emergencies. The bill does not create new programs but provides immediate funding for existing disaster relief efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. Senate to approve any World Health Organization (WHO) pandemic preparedness agreement as a treaty, rather than allowing it to take effect through executive action. It directly affects the U.S. government’s ability to enter into international agreements on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response with the WHO. The bill explicitly deems any such agreement "a treaty" requiring Senate advice and consent under the U.S. Constitution (two-thirds approval). It responds to the WHO’s recent adoption of a pandemic agreement draft at the 78th World Health Assembly in May 2025, aiming to ensure Senate oversight for all future pandemic-related international commitments.

Maddy summaryS 1974 (the ABC-ED Act of 2025) requires hospitals to track real-time emergency department bed capacity and boarding rates using modernized public health data systems, with grant funding to support this. It also creates a Medicare pilot program testing improved emergency care for older adults (through staffing, infrastructure, and geriatric protocols) and for psychiatric crisis patients (via dedicated units and faster transfers to post-acute facilities). The bill mandates a study by the Comptroller General to evaluate best practices for these data systems and their impact on emergency department wait times, boarding rates, and EMS offload times. The study must be completed within one year of enactment and reported to Congress. This bill directly affects hospitals, emergency departments, and post-acute care facilities (like skilled nursing homes) through new data requirements and pilot program participation.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 1949) creates new penalties for manufacturing or distributing candy-flavored drugs marketed to minors. It specifically targets producers who combine schedule I or II controlled substances with candy/beverage products, market them to appear like candy, or modify them with candy-like flavors/coloring, knowing they’ll be sold to people under 18. First offenses carry up to 10 additional years in prison, while repeat offenses carry up to 20 additional years. Exceptions apply for FDA-approved medications sold as prescribed and products altered under a doctor’s direction for legitimate medical use.

Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets Act This bill requires federal agencies to assess their software inventory and develop software management plans. The bill requires each agency (which includes any executive department, military department, or other establishment in the executive branch) to complete a comprehensive assessment of the software paid for by, in use at, or deployed throughout the agency. The assessment must include information such as (1) the current inventory of software; (2) contracts and other arrangements used to acquire, build, deploy, or use the software; (3) costs and fees not included in the initial contract or agreement; and (4) the interoperability of the software and restrictions on its use. Each agency must use their assessment to develop a plan to consolidate software entitlements, develop procedures for cost-effective acquisition strategies, and restrict subordinate entities from using any software entitlement without approval. (A software entitlement is software that has been purchased, leased, or licensed by or billed to an agency and that is subject to use limitations.) Such plans must be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and Congress.  Within two years of enactment, OMB must submit recommendations to Congress regarding government software procurement policies and practices to     • increase the interoperability of software licenses,     • consolidate licenses when appropriate,     • reduce costs,     • improve performance, and     • modernize the management and oversight of agency software.      The GAO must report on certain related topics, including governmentwide trends in agency software asset management practices and comparisons of such practices among agencies.

Maddy summaryS.1939, the BARK Act of 2025, protects donors and organizations from liability when donating pet food and supplies that meet basic safety standards but may not be marketable due to appearance, age, or condition. It shields individuals, nonprofits, and local governments from civil or criminal liability for "apparently fit" pet products donated in good faith to qualified animals (pets, emotional support animals, or service animals). Donors must inform recipients about any defects, and recipients must agree to recondition the products to meet standards before distribution. The law does not apply if harm results from gross negligence or intentional misconduct and does not override state health regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates June as "Life Month" each year, recognizing the inherent dignity of all human life. It urges Congress to acknowledge that every life is a sacred gift and to commend organizations and individuals supporting pregnant mothers and families. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic statement affirming life as a fundamental right.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 255) is a ceremonial Senate measure honoring former U.S. Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond of Missouri, who died on May 13, 2025. It recognizes his 40+ years of public service, including his roles as Missouri Governor (1973-1977, 1981-1985) and U.S. Senator (1987-2011). The resolution directs the Senate to adjourn briefly as a mark of respect and transmit a copy to his family. It has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents, as it is purely commemorative.