Sen. Thom Tillis

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 32) seeks congressional disapproval of a specific rule issued by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (CFPB) on May 31, 2023. The rule, published as Regulation B under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), addressed how lenders must evaluate small business loan applications to prevent discrimination. If passed, the resolution would block this rule from taking effect, meaning lenders would not be required to follow these specific small business lending provisions. The bill directly affects the CFPB's regulatory authority and financial institutions that process small business loans under ECOA.

Maddy summaryS 3569, the "Improving Efficiency to Increase Competition Act," directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study how Bayh-Dole Act regulations affect federal contractors, particularly universities and research institutions. The GAO must report on issues like patent disclosure deadlines, agency response times for extensions, and whether current reporting rules hinder competitiveness or create unnecessary administrative burdens. The study will specifically examine how these requirements impact institutions of higher education and their ability to manage inventions developed under federal funding. This bill does not change existing laws but requires a formal review to identify potential improvements to the patent reporting system.

Maddy summaryThis bill retroactively restores pay, benefits, and seniority for senior military officers (O-7 rank or higher) whose promotions were delayed due to a Senate confirmation suspension starting in February 2023. It applies specifically to officers confirmed between December 5-31, 2023, who faced delays because the Senate paused its advice-and-consent process for such appointments. The bill requires the Secretary of Defense to pay retroactive compensation from a defined date (the later of 30 days after Senate calendar placement or the original appointment date) and use that date for determining the officer's seniority in their new rank. It directly affects military personnel whose career progression was impacted by the confirmation delay, without creating new policy or changing appointment procedures.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 513) recognizes December 17, 2023, as Wright Brothers Day and commemorates the 120th anniversary of the Wright Brothers' first powered flight on December 17, 1903. It formally honors Orville and Wilbur Wright's achievement, which launched modern aviation and remains foundational to flight technology. The resolution calls on all Americans to observe the day through appropriate programs and ceremonies, consistent with the permanent designation established by law in 1963. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups, as it is purely a commemorative resolution.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new procedures for financial institutions to challenge regulatory exam findings. It requires agencies to issue final exam reports within 60 days and creates an Office of Independent Examination Review to handle appeals of "material supervisory determinations." Financial institutions can request independent reviews of significant exam findings, with decisions required within 60 days, and prohibits retaliation for using these review rights. The bill applies to all federally regulated banks, credit unions, and their examiners under the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill mandates a study comparing the quality of mental health and addiction therapy care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) versus non-VA providers. The study, to be conducted by an independent organization within 18 months, will assess differences in health outcomes, use of evidence-based practices, care coordination, veteran satisfaction, integrated treatment for co-occurring conditions, and long-term outcome monitoring. It specifically examines care across modalities like telehealth, inpatient, and outpatient settings. The findings must be reported to Congress and published publicly, focusing on concrete metrics such as symptom scores, suicide risk, and provider competency with veterans' unique needs. The bill does not change current care delivery but requires data collection to inform future policy decisions.

Maddy summaryS 3522 requires the Attorney General to produce three detailed reports to Congress within 270 days of enactment. These reports will analyze data gaps related to attacks on officers (including ambushes), non-criminal aggressive incidents against officers, and mental health resources available to law enforcement. The bill mandates examining current reporting systems, training programs, and disparities in data collection across federal, state, and local levels. It also seeks recommendations for improving data collection methods and mental health support systems for officers. This legislation directly affects federal agencies (like the FBI and DOJ) and state/local law enforcement by establishing new data collection requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs from providing health care or processing health care claims for individuals unlawfully present in the United States who are not already eligible for VA benefits under existing law. It directly affects non-citizens without legal immigration status who would otherwise seek VA health services. The key mechanism bans VA health care services and claims processing for this group, while preserving eligibility for veterans and others legally residing in the U.S. The bill does not alter current VA eligibility rules for citizens or lawfully present individuals.

Maddy summaryThe Value in Health Care Act of 2023 simplifies participation in Medicare's Shared Savings Program for care coordination groups (like hospital-doctor networks). It removes barriers for smaller or rural groups by eliminating separate rules for "low" and "high" revenue groups, requiring benchmarks to exclude their own spending data, and creating a new 100% shared savings option where providers keep all savings but also bear full risk for losses. The bill adjusts payment thresholds for providers over time, gradually increasing the percentage of savings they can keep (starting at 50% for 2026-2027), and mandates technical support for rural or underserved providers. It directly affects Medicare ACOs and doctors/hospitals participating in value-based payment models, aiming to make cost-saving incentives more accessible and predictable.

Maddy summaryS 3492, the Safe and Open Streets Act, amends federal law to make it a crime to intentionally block public roads in a way that disrupts commerce or the movement of goods. The bill adds a new offense under 18 U.S.C. §1951, prohibiting anyone from purposefully obstructing, delaying, or affecting commerce by blocking roads or highways, with penalties including fines or up to five years in prison. It directly affects individuals or groups who intentionally block roads to interfere with transportation or commerce, such as during protests or demonstrations. The law aims to protect the free flow of commerce on public roads by criminalizing deliberate roadblocks that impede movement. This is a federal criminal law change, not a program or funding measure.