Sen. Thom Tillis

Maddy summaryThe FEMA Independence Act of 2025 would restructure the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from a component of the Department of Homeland Security into an independent cabinet-level agency directly reporting to the President. This change would transfer all FEMA functions, personnel, and resources from DHS to FEMA, requiring the Director to be appointed by the President with specific qualifications in emergency management and leadership experience. The bill would amend numerous federal laws to update references from "Administrator of FEMA" to "Director of FEMA" and repeal specific sections of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 that related to FEMA's previous structure. This structural change would directly affect FEMA's operational relationship with DHS, its leadership structure, and how federal emergency management policies are implemented across government.

Maddy summarySRES 150 is a non-binding Senate resolution designating April 2025 as "Countering International Parental Child Abduction Month" to raise public awareness about the issue. It urges Congress to focus on educating the public about the emotional, psychological, and physical harm caused to children and parents affected by international parental child abduction. The resolution does not create new laws or alter existing policies, but emphasizes the Senate's longstanding support for efforts to prevent and address such abductions, referencing previous resolutions and the work of agencies like the Department of State's Office of Children’s Issues. It directly affects public awareness efforts, advocacy groups, and families impacted by cross-border child abduction cases.

Maddy summarySRES 153 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating March 27, 2025, as "National Women in Agriculture Day." It recognizes the contributions of women in U.S. agriculture, citing that women operate over 1.2 million farms (36% of total sales, $222 billion in 2022) and work across diverse roles from farming to education and advocacy. The resolution encourages public acknowledgment of women’s impact on the agricultural workforce and food systems, urging support for women entering the field, leadership opportunities, and global food security. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but formally honors this group during National Women’s History Month and National Ag Week.

Maddy summaryS 1227 (ABC Act) requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Social Security Administration to review and simplify eligibility processes, forms, and communications for Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security programs. It directly affects family caregivers - defined as individuals supporting people with disabilities or health needs - who often face duplicate paperwork and communication barriers when navigating these systems. Key provisions mandate reducing repeated information requests, improving website accessibility (including ADA compliance), cutting call wait times, providing translation services, and gathering input from caregivers and advocacy groups. The agencies must report findings and proposed improvements to Congress within two years, with follow-up reports every two years. This bill focuses on streamlining existing processes, not creating new benefits or funding.

Maddy summaryThe Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 establishes a framework for imposing comprehensive sanctions on Russia if the President determines Russia is engaging in actions that undermine peace with Ukraine, such as refusing to negotiate a peace agreement, violating peace agreements, or planning another military invasion. If such a determination is made, the bill mandates blocking property of Russian officials and entities, prohibiting transactions with Russian financial institutions, increasing tariffs on Russian goods to at least 500% ad valorem, banning energy exports to Russia, and prohibiting purchases of Russian sovereign debt. It also imposes sanctions on countries that purchase Russian oil, uranium, or petroleum products, with duties of at least 500% on such goods. The bill requires the President to make determinations every 90 days and allows for termination of sanctions if Russia ceases harmful actions and enters a peace agreement with Ukraine, with immediate reimposition if Russia resumes those actions.

Maddy summarySRES 148 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the U.S. Senate to honor the late Senator Alan K. Simpson of Wyoming, who died in 2022. The resolution expresses the Senate's "profound sorrow and deep regret" over his passing and formally requests the Secretary of the Senate to transmit an enrolled copy to his family. It also directs the Senate to adjourn as a mark of respect during its final session following the resolution's adoption. This resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents - it solely serves as a formal tribute to Simpson's legacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill prevents U.S. federal courts from issuing orders (such as injunctions, stays, or declarations) that stop enforcement of laws against people or entities not directly involved in a lawsuit (non-parties). It requires that such orders only apply if a non-party is represented through a party acting under standard legal rules. The law applies to all federal courts, including those in U.S. territories, and modifies related procedures for temporary restraining orders and declaratory judgments to enforce this restriction. Its core change limits court authority to affect non-parties regarding statutes, regulations, or government actions.

Maddy summarySRES 145 is a non-binding Senate resolution expressing support for Iranian political refugees residing in Ashraf-3, Albania. It calls on the U.S. government to condemn Iran’s threats (including cyberattacks and sham legal proceedings) against these refugees and to urge Albania to uphold their rights under international law, including freedom of expression and protection from extradition. The resolution specifically highlights the community’s status as former political prisoners and witnesses to Iran’s human rights abuses, such as the 1988 massacre. It does not create new laws but formally advocates for diplomatic action to safeguard this group.

Maddy summarySRES 147 is a Senate resolution expressing the chamber's position that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) should remain an independent federal agency and not face privatization. It does not create new laws but urges Congress to take action to protect USPS’s current status as a self-sustaining, constitutionally mandated entity serving all communities. The resolution cites USPS’s role in supporting a $1.9 trillion mailing industry, employing over 7.9 million Americans, and maintaining universal service - including critical rural access - without taxpayer subsidies. It emphasizes that privatization could raise prices, reduce services, and harm e-commerce and national infrastructure. The resolution is non-binding and solely reflects the Senate’s expressed view on preserving USPS’s public mission.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the tax code to exclude certain loan repayment assistance from taxable income for veterinary students participating in qualifying programs. It specifically expands the exclusion to cover assistance provided under the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 and similar state programs designed to increase veterinary access in rural areas. Veterinary students who receive this assistance through these designated programs will not owe income tax on the funds. The change applies to assistance received in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.