Sen. Thom Tillis

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution seeks to block an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that would set new emissions standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles sold in model years 2027 and later. It directly affects automakers, as the rule would require them to meet stricter pollution limits for these vehicles. The resolution uses a congressional disapproval process under federal law to prevent the EPA rule from taking effect. If passed, the rule would be invalidated, meaning automakers would not need to comply with the 2027+ emissions standards outlined in the EPA's April 2024 proposal.

Maddy summaryThe Secure A.I. Act of 2024 establishes a voluntary national database to track AI security and safety incidents, such as events causing harm or system vulnerabilities, allowing private companies, government agencies, and researchers to share information confidentially without mandatory reporting. It directs NIST and CISA to update their vulnerability tracking systems to include AI-specific threats and develop new processes for incidents that don’t fit existing frameworks. The bill also creates an Artificial Intelligence Security Center within the NSA to conduct research, develop security guidance, and promote secure AI practices for national security systems. This law aims to improve transparency and coordination around AI risks while avoiding duplication with existing reporting requirements.

Maddy summarySRES 655 is a Senate resolution passed on April 18, 2024, to honor the late Joseph I. Lieberman, a former U.S. Senator from Connecticut (1988-2013), following his death. The resolution recognizes his career, including his role in creating the Department of Homeland Security, establishing the 9/11 Commission, and advocating for civil rights and environmental protections. It directs the Senate to adjourn in his memory and transmit a copy to his family, expressing the Senate's sorrow and respect. This procedural resolution does not create new laws or affect policy, as it solely commemorates his legacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill (S 4157) updates the process for compensatory mitigation - replacing or restoring damaged wetlands and waterways - when federal civil works projects cause environmental harm. It requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to use specific "contracts" with mitigation providers that follow established Corps practices and prioritize existing state or local restoration plans for the affected area. The bill also mandates that these contracts comply with the 2008 federal rule on compensatory mitigation for aquatic resources. This change directly affects the Corps, mitigation providers, and project sponsors involved in civil works projects needing environmental mitigation.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to require the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to automatically notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and state/local law enforcement whenever a background check indicates someone illegally in the U.S. attempted to purchase a firearm. It directly affects law enforcement agencies (ICE, state, and local police) by mandating they receive real-time alerts about potential violations of existing law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(5)(A)), which prohibits firearm transfers to undocumented immigrants. The key mechanism is an automatic system notification triggered during background checks, including all relevant data from the NICS database. This changes how information is shared but does not alter the underlying prohibition on firearm sales to undocumented immigrants.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 72) seeks congressional disapproval of a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rule requiring companies to standardize climate-related financial disclosures for investors. If passed, it would block the SEC’s rule (published March 28, 2024) from taking effect, directly affecting public companies subject to SEC reporting requirements. The resolution uses a specific legal process under Title 5, U.S. Code, to invalidate the rule without altering its content. It does not create new regulations but halts the implementation of the SEC’s existing climate disclosure proposal.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the U.S. Treasury to mint and sell commemorative coins honoring the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. It specifies three coin types: $5 gold coins (max 100,000), $1 silver coins (max 500,000), and half-dollar coins (max 750,000), all with designs reflecting soccer and the World Cup. A surcharge is added to each coin sale ($35 for $5 coins, $10 for $1 coins, $5 for half-dollars), with all surcharge revenue going directly to FWC2026 US, Inc. to fund U.S. soccer programs, particularly youth initiatives and underserved communities. The coins may only be sold during 2026 and must cover all costs to avoid government expense.

Maddy summarySRES 645 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating April 20-28, 2024, as "National Park Week." It does not create new laws or affect any group directly; instead, it formally recognizes this week to highlight the National Park System. The resolution encourages the public to responsibly visit, experience, and support national parks, referencing the system’s history, visitor statistics (325 million visits in 2023), and economic impact ($50.3 billion in 2022). As a non-binding resolution, it has no legal effect but serves to promote awareness of national parks.

Maddy summaryThe Rural Housing Service Reform Act of 2023 establishes a permanent program to preserve and revitalize rural affordable housing projects financed under sections 514, 515, and 516 of the Housing Act of 1949, directly affecting low-income rural residents and housing owners. It creates mechanisms for loan restructuring to maintain safe, affordable housing, including options like reducing interest rates, deferring payments, and subordinating debt. The bill also creates a new Native CDFI relending program to increase homeownership opportunities for Native American communities and extends the maximum term of direct loans from 30 to 40 years. Additionally, it establishes procedures for renewing rental assistance contracts for up to 20 years and adjusts the process for updating housing voucher amounts based on changes in household income or composition.

Maddy summaryThe Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2023 updates the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program to create more affordable housing options. Key provisions include increasing state funding allocations through revised per capita and minimum amount calculations, modifying tenant eligibility rules to better protect vulnerable populations (including domestic violence victims), and expanding the program's reach to Native American communities and rural areas. The bill also changes the program's name from "Low-income Housing Credit" to "Affordable Housing Credit" and makes administrative improvements to enhance transparency and accountability. These changes aim to make it easier for developers to create and maintain affordable housing units for low- and moderate-income households.