Sen. Thom Tillis

Maddy summaryThe Take Care of America's Veterans Act is a comprehensive legislative bill designed to improve benefits, healthcare access, and administrative efficiency for veterans and the Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill directly affects veterans, their families, healthcare providers, and VA employees by amending federal laws to expand compensation rates, simplify claims processes, and enhance medical services. Key mechanisms include increasing disability compensation for wartime veterans and survivors, revising disability rating schedules for conditions like sleep apnea and tinnitus, and establishing new grant programs for mental health and traumatic brain injury research. Additionally, the legislation mandates the creation of a Veterans Health Administration Policy Advisory Commission, requires the development of a prosthetic and rehabilitative items formulary, and expands access to care through pilot programs involving critical access hospitals and coordination with Medicare. The act also introduces stricter oversight for claims adjudication, requires timely reporting of veteran deaths, and authorizes funding for various infrastructure and technology improvements within the VA.

North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to recognize the individuals and communities that provided financial and other support for the North Platte Canteen in North Platte, Nebraska, during World War II.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a program to correct burial markers for American-Jewish servicemembers who died in World War I or II and were mistakenly buried under Latin crosses (a Christian symbol) in overseas U.S. military cemeteries. The American Battle Monuments Commission will run this 10-year program, authorizing $500,000 annually to contract with qualified nonprofit organizations to identify affected veterans and contact their families. It directly affects Jewish veterans buried overseas with incorrect markers and their descendants, ensuring their religious heritage is properly recognized. The program requires nonprofits to verify burial records and facilitate marker corrections, with priority given to organizations experienced in Jewish military history.

Maddy summaryThe Encouraging Public Offerings Act of 2026 expands the ability of companies to discuss potential stock sales with investors before officially registering the offering. It allows all issuers, not just emerging growth companies, to use confidential "testing the waters" communications and submit draft registration statements for private review by the Securities and Exchange Commission. These draft submissions must be made at least 15 days before a public road show or the requested filing date, after which the documents become public. The bill also requires the Commission to report to Congress before implementing any additional rules for non-emerging growth companies regarding these new submission processes.

Maddy summaryThe Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2026 increases penalties for individuals who knowingly violate federal laws regarding the possession of firearms by licensed dealers. Specifically, it raises the maximum prison sentence for such violations to 20 years and mandates a minimum of three years in prison if the offense occurs during a burglary of a licensed business. The law also sets a five-year minimum sentence if the violation happens during a robbery. These changes directly affect federal firearms licensees and anyone attempting to illegally possess firearms from them.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the life and legacy of Donald W. Riegle, Jr., a former U.S. Senator from Michigan who passed away in April 2026. The bill formally acknowledges his nearly three decades of public service, including his roles as a Representative and Senator, and highlights his significant contributions to legislation on banking, housing, and veterans' health. It also expresses the Senate's condolences to his family and directs officials to share the resolution with the House of Representatives and send a copy to Riegle's family. Finally, the Senate will stand in adjournment as a mark of respect for the former senator when the session concludes.

Maddy summaryThe Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026 automatically provides federal funding for government programs if Congress fails to pass a budget by the start of a new fiscal year. This mechanism supplies money for 14-day periods that can be extended as long as the shutdown continues, ensuring essential services like food assistance and loan programs keep running without interruption. To prevent political games during these shutdowns, the bill restricts official travel for government officials and limits what Congress can debate or vote on, except for passing a new budget or addressing the national debt limit.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates May 29, 2026, as "Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day" to highlight mental health issues within the farming industry. The bill aims to reduce stigma surrounding mental illness among the approximately 3.37 million agricultural producers and 1.6 million farmworkers in the United States. It acknowledges specific challenges faced by these workers, such as suicide rates that are significantly higher than the general population, and encourages the use of existing resources like the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture to promote well-being rather than enacting new laws or funding changes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution reaffirms congressional support for the Taiwan Relations Act and longstanding bipartisan U.S. policy toward Taiwan. It explicitly upholds provisions such as maintaining defensive arms sales to Taiwan and opposing any efforts to determine Taiwan's future by force or coercion. The measure also reiterates the U.S. commitment to regional peace and stability while recognizing Taiwan's role as a significant economic partner and democracy. By restating these principles, the bill aims to clarify the United States' position without altering existing legal frameworks.

Maddy summaryThe 9-8-8 Connect Act establishes a new grant program to help crisis centers provide follow-up care to individuals who contact the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline via call, text, or chat. These grants, totaling $30 million for fiscal year 2026, will fund activities such as well-being check-ins, outreach to ensure continued support, and referrals to appropriate care, all of which require the individual's informed consent. The bill also directs the Federal Communications Commission to create rules ensuring that all mobile phone calls and texts are routed to 9-8-8, including those from devices without a service plan. Additionally, the legislation updates federal communications laws to officially include 9-8-8 alongside 9-1-1 as a dialable number on multi-line telephone systems.