Sen. Thom Tillis

Maddy summaryThe SOIL Act of 2023 requires the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to review foreign purchases of U.S. agricultural land and real estate within 50 miles of military bases if the buyer is from a country designated as a national security risk (like China or Russia) or a nonmarket economy country. It prohibits federal subsidies for agricultural land owned by such foreign entities and mandates an annual public report detailing foreign ownership by state, county, and country, including analysis of sectors and water rights. The bill also updates disclosure rules to include long-term land leases (over 5 years) and removes minimum acreage thresholds for reporting foreign land holdings. This directly affects foreign investors from targeted countries and U.S. agricultural landowners who might receive federal support.

Maddy summaryThis bill would block U.S. federal funding for two international environmental agreements until China's classification in those treaties changes. Specifically, it prohibits funds for the Montreal Protocol (ozone layer protection) until China is removed from "developing country" status, and blocks funds for the UN Climate Change Convention until China is added to Annex I (the list of developed nations). The bill requires the President to certify to Congress that these treaty changes have occurred before funding can resume. It affects only U.S. government spending on these agreements, not direct policy changes for citizens or businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a federal "National Parkinson’s Project" under the Department of Health and Human Services to coordinate efforts across agencies in preventing, treating, and curing Parkinson’s disease and related conditions. It requires an integrated national plan, annual progress assessments, and a public Advisory Council - including patient advocates, researchers, and healthcare providers - to guide strategy and recommend actions. The project mandates data sharing among federal agencies and biannual reports to Congress evaluating federally funded Parkinson’s programs, aiming to improve care coordination, reduce financial burdens on Medicare and families, and advance research on environmental triggers. The law directly affects people living with Parkinson’s, their caregivers, and federal health agencies involved in research and patient services. The initiative is scheduled to sunset in 2035.

Maddy summaryThe Saving Access to Laboratory Services Act (S 1000) modifies Medicare's payment rules for clinical laboratory tests to reduce administrative burden on providers. It introduces statistical sampling for "widely available" tests (defined as those costing under $1,000 per test and performed by over 100 labs) starting in 2026, requiring the government to use a representative sample of labs instead of collecting data from every lab. The bill also sets annual limits on payment increases: 2.5% for 2024-2025, 3.75% for 2026-2027, and 5% for 2028 onward for widely available tests, with a 5% cap for other tests. These changes affect Medicare-participating labs, including independent, hospital, and physician office laboratories that perform the covered tests.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJRES 22) seeks to block a specific rule issued by the Department of Education regarding federal student loan modifications. It targets the rule titled "Waivers and Modifications of Federal Student Loans," which included a one-time debt relief program announced in October 2022. The resolution requests Congress disapprove the rule under the Congressional Review Act, preventing the Department from implementing it. If approved, the rule would have no legal effect, directly affecting how student loan borrowers could access modifications or debt relief under that specific policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits public colleges and universities from denying religious student groups access to campus facilities or official recognition that is available to other student organizations. It directly affects public institutions of higher education and religious student organizations by requiring equal treatment based on the institution's policies for non-religious groups. The key provision states that no federal funds can be withheld from an institution that denies a religious group access to facilities or recognition due to its religious beliefs, practices, speech, leadership standards, or conduct codes. The law applies to all public colleges receiving funds under the Higher Education Act of 1965.

Maddy summaryS 976, the After Hours Child Care Act, creates a new federal grant program to improve child care access for parents working nontraditional hours (evenings, nights, weekends). It directly affects working parents with young children and eligible child care providers who serve them. The bill authorizes $10 million over five years to fund competitive grants (ranging from $25,000 to $500,000) for providers or partnerships to expand existing care, establish workplace programs, or support quality improvements. Grantees must cover 25% of costs, and the Secretary must report biennially on children served and program impacts.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution (SCONRES 8) expresses Congress's formal opinion that tax-exempt fraternal benefit societies - mutual aid organizations operating under IRS Section 501(c)(8) - have long provided essential community benefits. It highlights that these societies, with approximately 7 million members nationwide, contribute over $3.8 billion annually through charitable work, volunteerism, and financial security programs. The resolution affirms that their tax-exempt status continues to support their mission and relieve pressure on government safety net programs. As a non-binding statement of congressional sentiment, it does not change tax law or create new obligations.

This resolution celebrates March 24, 2023, as the 360th anniversary of the North Carolina National Guard and commemorates and honors the continued service of its members.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Medicaid coverage to people in jail awaiting trial or court proceedings, allowing states to provide medical benefits during pretrial detention. It amends federal law to remove a barrier preventing Medicaid access for incarcerated individuals while their cases are pending. States receiving $50 million in planning grants must develop strategies to recruit healthcare providers, assess inmate health needs, and build infrastructure for seamless care transitions. The policy directly affects individuals in local jails awaiting court dates who qualify for Medicaid under state programs.