Sen. Thom Tillis

Maddy summaryThe GPA Act (S 4425) establishes U.S. sanctions against Georgian officials who obstruct Georgia's path to NATO and EU membership, including those involved in significant corruption or actions undermining Georgia's sovereignty. It requires the U.S. to review and potentially suspend foreign assistance to Georgia if the government continues policies that impede democratic development, such as the controversial "foreign agents bill" that restricts civil society. The legislation includes provisions to support Georgia's democratic institutions, free elections, and civil society while emphasizing U.S. support for Georgia's territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders. It also mandates reports on disinformation, political prisoners, and corruption in Georgia, reflecting U.S. concerns about democratic backsliding and Georgia's relationship with Russia. The act includes a sunset provision, expiring five years after enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $1.00 per gallon tax credit for renewable natural gas (RNG) used as fuel in vehicles, boats, or aviation. It directly affects businesses producing or selling RNG derived from biomass, requiring producers to be registered and provide specific certifications for the fuel. Key provisions include rules for blended RNG (requiring contracts and producer certifications), limits on blended fuel eligibility, and a requirement that RNG must be produced in the U.S. for U.S. use. The credit expires after December 31, 2033, and applies to fuel sold or used in calendar quarters starting after the bill's enactment.

Maddy summarySRES 697 is a commemorative resolution designating the week of May 12-18, 2024, as "National Police Week" in the U.S. Senate. It aligns with the 1962 law authorizing the President to designate this week, honoring law enforcement officers who have died or been injured in the line of duty. The resolution expresses support for officers, recognizes their service in protecting communities, and encourages public observance to honor their mission and sacrifices. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups, as it is purely ceremonial.

Maddy summarySRES 699 is a ceremonial Senate resolution congratulating students, parents, teachers, and leaders of U.S. charter schools for their contributions to education during the 25th Annual National Charter Schools Week (May 12-18, 2024). It does not create new laws or policies; instead, it symbolically recognizes charter schools’ role in providing public education options and improving student outcomes, as noted in the resolution’s background statements. The resolution directly addresses the charter school community and encourages public celebration of National Charter Schools Week. It is a non-binding expression of support, not a legislative action affecting any specific group or policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 83) seeks to block a rule issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) that redefined who qualifies as a "dealer in firearms" under federal law. The rule, published in the Federal Register on April 19, 2024, would have changed how the ATF identifies and regulates firearm sellers. If passed, the resolution would make the rule invalid, preventing it from taking effect and leaving current dealer regulations unchanged. This directly affects firearm dealers (particularly small businesses and hobbyists) and the ATF’s enforcement authority under existing law.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the temporary waiver allowing hospitals to provide acute inpatient-level care at home through 2029, instead of ending in 2024. It directly affects hospitals participating in the Acute Hospital Care at Home initiative and the patients receiving care through this program. Key provisions require the Secretary to conduct two studies (by 2024 and 2028) comparing care quality, outcomes, costs, and service use between patients entering the program directly from an emergency department versus those transitioning from an existing inpatient hospital stay. The bill mandates reporting on these studies to inform future policy decisions.

Maddy summaryS 4352 (Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act of 2024) requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture to conduct a one-year study on designating the Benton MacKaye Trail as a national scenic trail. The bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to assess the feasibility of this designation, consulting with the Benton MacKaye Trail Association and other interested groups. The trail, a 287-mile nonmotorized route through Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina forests, wilderness areas, and national parks, directly affects rural communities that benefit economically from trail-related tourism. This study is procedural - it does not change the trail’s status but evaluates whether it meets criteria for national scenic trail designation under existing law.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates the immediate delivery of all previously approved U.S. military equipment and services to Israel, including items withheld since May 2024. It requires the Defense and State Departments to deliver such aid within 15 days of enactment and obligate all unobligated security funds for Israel within 30 days. The bill also prohibits withholding or delaying these transfers and requires detailed monthly reports on security assistance provided to Israel since October 7, 2023. It directly affects U.S. military agencies (DoD, State) and Israel as the recipient of the aid, ensuring existing appropriations are used as intended without further delay.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the American Battlefield Protection Program to expand eligibility for preservation grants and improve reporting. It allows States, Tribes, local governments, and nonprofits - not just state/local entities - to receive funding for battlefield land acquisition and restoration. The bill clarifies that eligible sites must be identified in the existing Battlefield Reports (Civil War, Revolutionary War, and War of 1812 reports) and excludes "associated historic sites." It also requires the Secretary to submit updated battlefield condition reports to Congress every 10 years, starting two years after enactment.

Maddy summaryThe ROCR Value Based Program Act of 2024 establishes a new payment system for Medicare radiation therapy services, replacing the current physician fee schedule with per-episode payments that cover all professional and technical services for specific cancer treatments. This program aims to create stable payments, improve access to radiation therapy in underserved areas, enhance treatment quality through accreditation requirements, and reduce Medicare spending by 1% annually over five years. The bill includes a $500 health equity add-on payment per patient for transportation services when patients report transportation insecurity (using ICD-10 code Z59.82), and requires radiation therapy providers to maintain accreditation from recognized organizations like the American College of Radiology. The program applies to 15 included cancer types (including breast, prostate, lung, and brain metastases) but excludes treatments like brachytherapy and proton therapy for the first 10 years.