Sen. Thom Tillis

Maddy summaryThe VETS Opportunity Act of 2024 modifies how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administers education benefits for veterans. It requires independent study programs to include "regular and substantive interaction between students and instructors" to qualify for VA benefits, and clarifies that participating institutions must be accredited under federal student aid programs (Title IV of the Higher Education Act). This change directly affects veterans using VA education benefits for independent study courses, ensuring these programs meet specific educational standards. The policy applies to terms beginning August 1, 2024, or later.

Maddy summaryThe Empowering Main Street in America Act of 2024 would make it easier for small businesses and startups to access capital by expanding securities exemptions and revising investor rules. It increases the revenue threshold for "emerging growth companies" from $1 billion to $2 billion (adjusted for inflation), maintains a $500,000 micro-offering cap with inflation adjustments, and creates new pathways for retail investors to qualify as accredited investors through education-based certification. The bill also requires the Securities and Exchange Commission to publish detailed economic data on capital markets and consider costs and benefits when creating new regulations. These changes would directly affect small businesses seeking funding, investors, and the SEC's regulatory approach to capital markets.

Maddy summaryS 3187, the Southern Border Transparency Act of 2023, requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to publish detailed immigration data monthly and quarterly. It mandates CBP to post on its website the number of people granted parole at ports of entry, broken down by nationality, age group (like minors or families), and location. DHS must submit quarterly reports to Congress and post them online, detailing apprehensions, processing outcomes (such as parole, removal, or asylum screenings), and demographic breakdowns along the southern border. The bill also updates annual reporting requirements to track parolees' status, including employment authorization and whether their parole ended or was extended. These requirements directly affect CBP and DHS operations, aiming to increase public and congressional transparency about border processing.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the federal government to evaluate state and tribal protocols for handling children missing from foster care and provide technical assistance to improve these systems. It mandates the Secretary to assess how effectively states identify and respond to missing youth, identify obstacles, and share best practices for tracking and recovery. Additionally, it directs the Secretary to assist states in implementing mandatory screenings for sex trafficking risks when youth return to foster care after going missing, including documentation and appropriate service referrals. The bill directly affects states, tribes, and tribal organizations administering foster care programs under federal law.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals the ability to claim or refund the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) after January 31, 2024, requiring all claims to be filed by that date (Section h). It increases penalties for tax professionals or promoters who helped businesses improperly claim ERTC refunds, including fines up to $200,000 per violation and treating failure to follow due diligence rules as proof of intent (Sections a, b, c, d). The bill also extends the IRS's assessment period for ERTC claims to six years from the latest filing date (Section i), ensuring the agency has more time to review disputed claims. These changes primarily affect businesses seeking ERTC refunds and tax professionals advising on such claims.

Maddy summaryS 5074, the PRO Veterans Act of 2024, requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide quarterly briefings to Congress about its budget and any shortfalls for three years after enactment. It prohibits bonuses for senior VA and Office of Management and Budget employees during fiscal years when the VA requests additional funding outside standard budget processes, aiming to prevent spending during budget gaps. The bill also mandates a report to Congress detailing all VA positions created since October 2022, including job descriptions, pay, bonuses, and remote work policies. These provisions apply directly to VA and OMB senior leadership and end after three years.

Maddy summaryThe TRACE Act requires the Attorney General to add a specific data field to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, indicating whether a missing person’s last known location was confirmed or suspected to be on federal land (e.g., national forests, parks, or military sites). It also mandates annual reports to Congress detailing the number of such cases from the previous year. This directly affects cases involving missing persons last seen on federally managed lands, improving data tracking for law enforcement. The law focuses on concrete data collection and reporting, not on new enforcement powers or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the National Critical Minerals Council within the Executive Office of the President, chaired by the Vice President. The Council's primary purpose is to coordinate federal efforts to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign adversaries for critical minerals and strengthen domestic supply chains. Key mechanisms include appointing a Chief Minerals Advisor to manage daily operations, requiring annual reports on prioritized minerals and supply chain challenges, and mandating consultation with mining universities, National Laboratories, and tribal communities. The bill directly affects federal agencies (through coordination requirements), mining universities (via consultation obligations), and the broader mineral industry (by shaping national supply chain strategy).

Maddy summaryS 5039, the Unearth Innovation Act, establishes a Department of Energy initiative to fund research and development of advanced mineral mining and processing technologies. It directly affects mining universities, federal agencies (Energy and Interior Departments), and the mining industry by authorizing $100 million annually (2025-2034) for projects focused on reducing environmental impacts (like waste and emissions), improving community engagement (including consultation with Indian Tribes), and advancing critical mineral recycling - particularly for batteries. Key provisions require the initiative to prioritize technologies for cleaner extraction, waste minimization, mine reclamation, and social acceptance of mining, with a mandatory report to Congress within three years. The bill aims to enhance domestic mineral resource security while integrating environmental, safety, and community considerations into innovation efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes an existing program that provides support and treatment services for law enforcement officers experiencing mental health crises. It extends the funding period for this program from 2020-2024 to 2025-2029 under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act. The key mechanism is simply updating the expiration dates in the law to continue current funding without altering the program's scope or eligibility. The bill directly affects law enforcement officers who access these crisis support services through participating agencies.