Sen. Thom Tillis

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates September 2024 as "National Cholesterol Education Month" and September 30, 2024, as "LDL-C Awareness Day" to raise public awareness about cardiovascular health. It encourages all U.S. individuals to know their low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) number, which is a key risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes these dates for educational purposes. It highlights existing awareness gaps, such as low rates of LDL-C testing and treatment adherence among high-risk patients. This is a procedural designation with no direct legal or financial impact on affected individuals or programs.

Maddy summaryS 3923 requires state and local law enforcement to hold criminal aliens for up to 48 hours to transfer to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), if ICE issues a detainer. It mandates that states cannot restrict sharing immigration status information with ICE and prohibits local agencies from blocking detainer compliance. The bill also creates a federal compensation program, funding states $750 million in 2025 (rising to $950 million annually through 2031) for detaining eligible criminal aliens - defined as those convicted of felonies or multiple misdemeanors who entered without inspection or violated visa status. States must comply with detainer requests to receive funding, with non-compliant jurisdictions losing eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a private right for victims (or their families) of serious crimes committed by aliens to sue states or local governments that failed to comply with federal immigration detainer requests. It allows lawsuits for compensatory damages if a state/local entity did not follow DHS requests regarding an alien convicted of murder, rape, or a felony (1+ year sentence), and the victim would not have been harmed had the alien been detained. States accepting certain federal grants (like community development funds) must waive sovereign immunity to be sued under this law, with a 10-year statute of limitations from the crime or victim's death. The bill directly affects states or localities with "sanctuary policies" that restrict sharing immigration status or complying with detainers.

Maddy summaryS 3933, the Laken Riley Act, amends immigration law to require mandatory detention for non-citizens charged with certain crimes like theft or burglary, rather than allowing release. It directly affects individuals facing these charges and gives state attorneys general the legal standing to sue federal agencies (like DHS or the State Department) if they claim immigration policies caused the state or residents financial harm exceeding $100. Key provisions include requiring Homeland Security to take custody of such individuals and establishing new court procedures for states to seek injunctions against federal immigration enforcement actions. The bill does not change border policies but focuses on detention requirements and state legal challenges to federal immigration enforcement.

Maddy summaryThis non-binding Senate resolution (SRES 581) affirms U.S. support for North Macedonia's accession to the European Union. It recognizes North Macedonia's democratic progress, NATO membership (joined 2020), and contributions to regional stability, including support for Ukraine. The resolution urges the U.S. government to advocate for opening EU accession negotiations without additional bilateral conditions and encourages North Macedonia to complete required reforms. As a symbolic measure, it does not alter U.S. policy but reinforces diplomatic backing for North Macedonia's EU path.

Maddy summaryS 3895 (Informed Lawmaking to Combat Inflation Act) requires Congress to obtain Congressional Budget Office (CBO) analysis of inflation impacts before voting on "major legislation" (bills projected to affect at least 0.25% of U.S. GDP annually). This directly affects congressional committees, the House and Senate leadership, and federal agencies (which must provide data to the CBO). The bill mandates that committees submit major bills to the CBO Director, who must then provide a statement estimating both short-term and long-term inflation effects, including whether the bill will likely impact inflation or have no significant effect. The CBO analysis must be completed before the bill can be considered by either chamber, adding a procedural step to the legislative process. This is a procedural change focused on transparency, not altering actual policy outcomes.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 63) seeks to block a specific rule issued by the Department of Labor (DOL) concerning worker classification under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The DOL rule (published January 10, 2024) aimed to clarify how businesses must classify workers as employees or independent contractors for purposes of minimum wage and overtime pay. If passed, this resolution would formally disapprove the rule under a statutory process (Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code), preventing it from taking effect. The rule directly affects employers across industries who use independent contractors and their workers, as it would change how worker status is determined under federal labor law.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a federal grant program to help states fund child care programs specifically for the children of police officers during their irregular work shifts. States compete for grants to support law enforcement agencies (with 20% of funds reserved for agencies employing fewer than 200 officers), covering costs like facility setup, provider training, and extended hours. Grantees must contribute matching funds (10-33% over three years) and follow state licensing standards. The program, authorized for $24 million annually through 2029, aims to address child care challenges tied to law enforcement work schedules.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution (SJRES 38) blocks a Federal Highway Administration rule that would have allowed waivers to the "Buy America" requirement for electric vehicle (EV) chargers in federally funded projects. The rule, published in the Federal Register on February 21, 2023, sought to permit the use of imported chargers by waiving the standard that requires components to be manufactured in the U.S. Congress disapproves this rule under existing law, ensuring the Buy America requirement remains in effect. As a result, federal projects involving EV chargers must now comply with the U.S. manufacturing mandate, directly affecting highway construction and infrastructure funding recipients.

Maddy summarySRES 569 is a symbolic Senate resolution recognizing religious freedom as a fundamental human right and expressing concern over global threats to religious freedom. It condemns efforts to suppress religious expression - including criminalizing conversion, advocacy, or religious site construction - and urges the State Department to prioritize religious freedom in foreign policy, including through diplomatic engagement and sanctions. The resolution does not create new laws but emphasizes the importance of religious freedom for democracy and global stability, referencing ongoing violations in countries like China, Burma, and Iran. It calls for continued support for religious freedom advocates and the application of existing tools like the International Religious Freedom Act.