Sen. Thom Tillis

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes federal standards for trauma kits used by police departments receiving federal grant funding. It requires all such kits to include specific components like tourniquets, bleeding control bandages, and instructional materials from recognized medical sources, and mandates training for officers on their use. Police departments must follow these standards when purchasing kits with federal funds, though they can still assemble kits from approved components. The bill also sets requirements for maintaining and strategically placing these kits in patrol vehicles and agency facilities.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates August 16, 2025, as "National Airborne Day" to honor the history of U.S. airborne forces. It recognizes the first official U.S. Army parachute jump on August 16, 1940, and acknowledges the service of airborne units across multiple conflicts. The resolution calls on the American public to observe the day with appropriate programs and ceremonies. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups, as it is a symbolic recognition. The designation applies to the entire country and encourages public acknowledgment of airborne forces' legacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes funding for state-level maternal mortality review committees, which analyze pregnancy-related deaths to identify preventable causes. It requires the Health and Human Services Secretary to share annual best practices for preventing maternal mortality with hospitals, medical societies, and maternity care groups. The bill increases annual funding for these programs from $58 million to $100 million, extending support through fiscal years 2026-2030. These changes directly affect state health agencies, hospitals, and medical professionals working on maternal health. The focus is on improving death record accuracy and implementing proven prevention strategies.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Small Business Administration to create or expand a program specifically helping military spouses start and grow small businesses. The program would provide remote assistance with business formation, skills training for challenges like frequent relocations due to military duty, and mentorship through partnerships with relevant organizations. It also requires the SBA to conduct a survey identifying barriers military spouses face in accessing business resources and submit a report to Congress within 180 days. The focus is on addressing unique obstacles tied to military life, such as deployments and duty station changes, through tailored support services.

Maddy summarySRES 349 designates the week of August 3-9, 2025, as "National Farmers Market Week." The resolution recognizes farmers markets for their role in supporting local economies, connecting urban and rural communities, and promoting sustainable agriculture. It does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges the sector's contributions to food access, community engagement, and farming livelihoods. This is a ceremonial designation without binding policy changes.

Maddy summaryS 901 (LIONs Act of 2025) increases the maximum loan amounts available through key Small Business Administration (SBA) programs. It raises the cap for standard 7(a) loans from $3.75 million to $7.5 million, and for development company loans from $5 million to $10 million. These changes directly affect small businesses seeking SBA financing, allowing them to access larger loan amounts for operations, equipment, or expansion. The bill modifies existing legal thresholds without altering program eligibility or application processes.

Veterans' Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025 This bill addresses the administration of the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP) and other Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care matters. Among other provisions regarding the VCCP, the bill establishes in statute access standards that determine when a veteran is eligible to receive non-VA care through the VCCP, requires the VA to notify veterans regarding their eligibility for care within two business days after the VA is aware the veteran is seeking care, and extends the deadline for the submittal of claims under the VCCP by health care entities and providers. The VA must address its mental health treatment programs by establishing a standardized screening process to determine whether a veteran satisfies criteria for priority or routine admission to a mental health residential rehabilitation treatment program or a program for residential care for mental health and substance abuse disorders, tracking the performance of medical facilities and Veterans Integrated Service Networks in meeting the requirements for mental health treatment screenings and timely admission to treatment programs under such screenings, and establishing an appeal process for when a veteran is denied admission to a covered treatment program or is accepted into a program but not offered bed placement in a timely manner. Additionally, the VA must establish an online self-service module for veterans to request and manage appointments, track referrals, and appeal and track decisions related to requests for care.

Maddy summaryThe Unleashing AI Innovation in Financial Services Act creates a new pathway for financial institutions to test AI-powered financial products with regulatory flexibility. Financial institutions can apply to their regulatory agency for an "alternative compliance strategy" that would temporarily waive or modify certain regulations for a limited time, provided they demonstrate how the AI test project serves the public interest, improves consumer access, and manages risks. Regulatory agencies must review applications within 120 days and report annually to Congress on outcomes of these AI test projects without disclosing proprietary information. This law directly affects banks, brokerages, investment firms, and other financial institutions regulated by agencies like the SEC, CFPB, and FDIC.

Maddy summaryThe Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act (S 2438) aims to transition people with disabilities from special certificates (which allow employers to pay below minimum wage) to competitive integrated employment. It establishes grant programs for states and eligible entities to help employers transform their business models to provide competitive wages (at least minimum wage or customary rates for similar work) and integrated services. The bill phases out special certificates with a 5-year sunset provision (ending 5 years after enactment) and requires employers to transition employees to competitive integrated employment settings. It also mandates data collection, evaluation, and stakeholder engagement, with a focus on involving people with disabilities and their families in the transition process.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Medicare Part B coverage to include specific pharmacist services, directly affecting Medicare beneficiaries and pharmacists who provide these services. It defines "pharmacist services" as evaluations and treatments for illnesses like COVID-19, flu, RSV, or strep throat, or services addressing public health emergencies, requiring collaboration with physicians as state law permits. Medicare would pay 80% of the lower of the actual charge or 85% of the physician payment rate (100% for public health emergencies), and prohibits balance billing for these services. The changes take effect January 1, 2026.