Sen. Thom Tillis

Maddy summaryThe Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024 establishes a pilot program allowing qualified individuals or organizations (defined as "Good Samaritans") to remediate historic mine residue at abandoned hardrock mine sites without facing liability for their actions. The Environmental Protection Agency would grant up to 15 permits for projects that address pollution from abandoned mines, with applicants required to demonstrate they meet specific eligibility criteria (not being responsible owners/operators, having no role in creating the residue, and possessing adequate resources). The program includes liability protection for permitted activities, requires detailed remediation plans with baseline condition assessments, public notice, and environmental reviews, and establishes a fund for long-term operations and maintenance. This 7-year pilot program would directly affect communities near abandoned mine sites and qualified remediation groups seeking to address environmental contamination.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a comprehensive framework for federal agencies to responsibly develop, procure, and use artificial intelligence. It requires agencies to implement risk classification systems for AI use cases, categorizing them as unacceptable, high, medium, or low risk based on potential impacts to rights, safety, and critical infrastructure. Agencies must conduct impact assessments, collect specific documentation from AI developers, and establish governance structures including Chief AI Officers and governance boards. The bill prohibits certain AI uses like emotion mapping from facial biometrics and sets specific requirements for high-risk AI applications, including pre-deployment testing and ongoing monitoring. It also mandates public transparency through AI use case inventories and annual reporting to Congress.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to Congress (1968-1982) and the first African American to seek a major party's presidential nomination (1972). The bill directs the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike a gold medal featuring Chisholm's image and name, which will be presented to her family by congressional leaders. After presentation, the medal will be displayed at the Smithsonian Institution for public viewing and research. The bill also authorizes the production and sale of bronze duplicates to cover costs. This is a commemorative measure honoring Chisholm's historic contributions to American politics and civil rights.

Maddy summaryThe Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal Act (S. 91) authorizes the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to 60 diplomats who risked their careers and safety to save Jewish lives during the Holocaust. These diplomats, representing countries including Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, and others, issued visas and provided safe passage to Jews fleeing Nazi persecution despite strict orders from their home governments. The medal will be presented collectively to the next of kin of each diplomat, along with representatives from their home countries, and then permanently displayed at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. The act recognizes these individuals' bravery without implying they represent all who performed similar humanitarian acts during the Holocaust. The medal serves as a permanent tribute to their sacrifice and will be available for public display and research.

Maddy summarySRES 923 is a Senate resolution commemorating Human Rights Day on December 10, 2024. It condemns the use of political imprisonment as a tool of repression and calls on governments worldwide to immediately release political prisoners. The resolution specifically urges the U.S. Department of State to advocate for these releases through diplomatic channels and coordinate with international partners on human rights issues. This procedural resolution does not create new laws but expresses U.S. Senate support for global civil society and human rights advocacy.

Maddy summarySRES 925 is a Senate resolution honoring the late Senator Fred R. Harris of Oklahoma, who died on November 23, 2024, at age 94. The resolution expresses the Senate’s sorrow at his passing, requests that his family be notified, and directs the Senate to adjourn in his memory. It does not create new laws or affect any policies - it is a formal expression of respect for a former senator’s legacy.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows businesses affected by federally declared disasters in 2024 to use unused tax credits from prior years as immediate relief. Specifically, it treats a portion of general business credit carryforwards as transferrable credits for expenses paid before January 1, 2028, in areas with major disaster declarations after December 31, 2023. Businesses operating in qualified disaster zones can apply these credits to offset current costs without needing separate registration. The provision simplifies access to tax relief for affected businesses, including those filing consolidated returns as a single entity.

Maddy summaryThe Border Patrol Enhancement Act sets the authorized staffing level for U.S. Border Patrol agents at 20,500. It requires the agency to develop and validate a staffing model through an independent research entity within 180 days, allowing adjustments to staffing levels based on the validated model. The bill mandates a minimum 14% pay increase for agents at the GS-12 grade by January 1, 2023, and establishes annual training on topics including de-escalation tactics, handling vulnerable migrants, migration trends, and environmental impact of border operations. These provisions directly affect Border Patrol agents and the Department of Homeland Security’s operational and personnel policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends funding for existing reentry programs through 2029, updating previous expiration dates from 2023 to 2029. It specifically adds new provisions requiring funded programs to address substance use disorders through peer recovery services, case management, overdose education, and access to reversal medications, as well as provide reentry housing services. The bill directly affects state and local reentry demonstration projects, family-based substance abuse treatment programs, prison/jail educational initiatives, job training grants, and nonprofit mentoring services. These changes maintain current program structures while expanding access to critical health and housing supports for individuals reentering communities after incarceration.

Maddy summaryS 5417, the Care for Military Kids Act, requires states to treat military family relocations as temporary absences for Medicaid eligibility starting January 1, 2028. It directly affects active-duty military members and their dependents temporarily moving to another state for service, ensuring they maintain Medicaid coverage and home care waiting list eligibility during relocations. Key provisions include: (1) deeming relocations as temporary for eligibility purposes, (2) preserving their place on home and community-based services waiting lists until a decision is made or they opt out, and (3) allowing access to medical assistance in the new state. The bill modifies Medicaid rules to prevent coverage gaps during military relocations.