Rep. Tom Cole

Maddy summaryThe Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act (HR 620) requires the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director to annually submit a budget estimate for Alzheimer’s-related initiatives - including personnel needs - directly to the President for review and then to Congress. This budget must be prepared after public comment and submitted without changes by the Secretary of Health and Human Services or the Advisory Council. The bill directly affects the NIH’s budget reporting process for Alzheimer’s research and programs, mandating transparency in how funds are allocated. It does not change funding levels but establishes a specific annual reporting mechanism to improve accountability.

Maddy summaryThe SCREENS for Cancer Act of 2024 reauthorizes and expands the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP), which provides free screenings and care coordination to low-income, uninsured, or underinsured women. It increases annual funding from $275 million (2024) to $500 million (2028) and explicitly adds "prevention" to the program’s mission, requiring it to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in cancer outcomes. The bill mandates the program to address barriers like social determinants of health and implement evidence-based strategies to boost screenings, particularly for underserved communities disproportionately affected by pandemic-related screening declines. This directly benefits millions of women, especially Black, Hispanic, and Asian women, who face higher cancer death rates and reduced access to care.

Maddy summaryThis bill reauthorizes the National Alzheimer's Project Act through 2035 (extending the previous deadline of 2025) and adds new requirements to promote healthy aging and reduce Alzheimer’s risk factors. It mandates the program to provide information on healthy behaviors that may lower cognitive decline risk and expands the advisory group to include representatives from agencies like the Department of Justice, FEMA, and Social Security Administration, plus experts with diverse clinical trial experience. The bill directly affects Alzheimer’s research, care programs, and the federal advisory group overseeing national efforts. Key changes include requiring annual evaluations instead of initial ones and adding a focus on reducing health disparities in Alzheimer’s initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. Department of Defense and State Department to immediately deliver all previously approved military equipment and services to Israel within 15 days, reversing any pauses on arms transfers. It prohibits using federal funds to withhold, halt, or cancel defense article deliveries to Israel and mandates that unobligated security assistance funds for Israel must be spent by the end of 30 days. The bill also requires monthly reports to Congress detailing all security assistance provided to Israel since October 7, 2023, including specific items delivered and funding sources. The law directly affects U.S. agencies responsible for military aid and Israel as the recipient of the security assistance.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits 501(c)(3) nonprofits from providing direct or indirect funding (including subsidies or in-kind support) to election organizations, such as state/local government election bodies. It also bans the District of Columbia from accepting private funds for election administration, including voter education, outreach, or registration programs. Both provisions take effect in 2025, with exceptions allowing houses of worship or community centers to serve as polling places. The bill directly affects 501(c)(3) organizations and DC election officials by restricting certain funding sources for election-related activities. It amends the Internal Revenue Code and the Help America Vote Act without altering polling place rules.

Maddy summaryThe Tribal Tax and Investment Reform Act of 2024 creates tax parity for Indian tribal governments by extending various tax benefits currently available to states. The bill treats tribal governments similarly to states for excise taxes, bond issuance, pension plans, charitable organizations, child support enforcement, and adoption credits. It also establishes new tax credits for investments in tribal areas and clarifies exclusions for certain tribal programs like health service loan repayments and scholarships. This legislation directly affects Indian tribal governments, their citizens, and tribal organizations by addressing historical tax disadvantages and improving access to capital for economic development.

Maddy summaryHJRES 98 is a congressional resolution seeking to block a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) rule that defined how businesses are considered "joint employers" for labor law purposes. The bill targets the NLRB's October 2023 rule (88 Fed. Reg. 73946), which would have changed how companies like franchisors or staffing agencies are held responsible for workers' rights. If passed, this resolution would cancel the rule, directly affecting businesses managing multiple employer relationships and labor organizations enforcing workplace standards. The measure uses a standard process under federal law to disapprove an agency rule, not creating new policy but reversing an existing regulation.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 1198) commemorates the 105th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between the United States and Poland, established in 1919. It honors historical milestones including Poland’s fight for independence, Polish-American contributions (like the Blue Army and figures such as Kosciuszko and Paderewski), and shared democratic values. The resolution highlights key events like the 1918 Fourteen Points and Poland’s NATO/EU membership, but does not create new laws or affect any individuals or entities. It serves as a ceremonial recognition of enduring U.S.-Poland ties, reaffirming mutual commitment to democracy and security. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal effect beyond expressing congressional sentiment.

Maddy summaryHR 8231, the James Earl Jones Congressional Gold Medal Act, authorizes a Congressional Gold Medal to be awarded to actor James Earl Jones in recognition of his distinguished career in theater and film, and his role in advancing inclusion and equal opportunities for people of all backgrounds in the entertainment industry. The Treasury will strike the medal with an image and inscription of Jones, and may produce and sell bronze duplicates to cover costs, with proceeds deposited into the U.S. Mint's public enterprise fund. This bill serves as a ceremonial honor with no new legal requirements or policy changes.

Maddy summaryHRES 1177 designates May 5, 2024, as the "National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls." The resolution expresses congressional support for this designation, calls on the public to commemorate affected individuals and show solidarity with families, and recommends the Department of Justice commission a new study on the crisis to update statistics since the 2016 report. It directly affects awareness efforts for Indigenous communities and families impacted by violence, while acknowledging ongoing gaps in addressing the crisis despite prior legislation like Savanna’s Act. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but focuses on recognition and data collection.