Rep. John R. Carter

Maddy summaryHJRES 144 is a congressional disapproval resolution targeting a specific rule issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) on April 19, 2024. The resolution seeks to block the ATF's rule that redefined the term "engaged in the business" for firearm dealers, which would have affected how federal licensing requirements apply to certain sellers. If enacted, this resolution would nullify the rule, preventing it from taking effect under procedures in Title 5 of the U.S. Code. The bill directly impacts firearm dealers operating under the current regulatory framework and the ATF's enforcement authority.

Maddy summaryHR 9699, the Pay Our Troops Act, ensures military personnel and key support staff continue receiving pay during government funding gaps in fiscal year 2025. It appropriates funds to cover pay and allowances for active-duty troops, Department of Defense civilians, and qualifying contractors supporting military operations, if regular appropriations aren't enacted. The funding remains in effect until the earliest of: a new appropriations law, a funding resolution without such funding, or January 1, 2026. This bill does not change pay rates or create new policies - it guarantees existing pay continuity during budget transitions.

Maddy summaryThis bill (HJRES 163) is a congressional disapproval resolution targeting an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule finalized on May 9, 2024. The EPA rule established new emissions standards for greenhouse gases from fossil fuel power plants (both new and existing) and repealed a previous rule called the Affordable Clean Energy Rule. The resolution would block this EPA rule from taking effect by invoking the Congressional Review Act (Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code). If passed, it would prevent the EPA rule from being enforced, directly affecting fossil fuel power plant operators and the EPA’s regulatory authority over emissions.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates funds for military construction projects and veterans' services for fiscal year 2025. It allocates specific amounts for military infrastructure across all branches of the armed forces, including facilities for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and National Guard. The bill also funds veterans' benefits, health care services, medical facilities, and cemetery operations through the Department of Veterans Affairs. These funds are distributed across various accounts to support military readiness, family housing, and comprehensive veteran care programs.

This resolution supports the designation of National FFA Week. It also (1) recognizes the important role of the National FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America) in developing the next generation of globally conscious leaders who will change the world; and (2) celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Give the Gift of Blue program, which has donated more than 17,000 FFA blue jackets to FFA members in need.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds "galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose" (alpha-gal) to the list of major food allergens under federal law. It requires food manufacturers to clearly label products containing alpha-gal, which is found in red meat and some other animal-derived foods, directly affecting consumers with alpha-gal syndrome (a meat allergy often triggered by tick bites). The law excludes certain mammal-derived ingredients (like those from alpha-gal-knockout animals) if they fall below a detectable limit. The new labeling requirement will take effect on January 1, 2026, giving manufacturers time to adjust. This change ensures clearer allergen information for people with this specific allergy.

Feed the Community Act  This bill allows a tax exemption for charitable donations of food transportation vehicles and food storage equipment to tax-exempt charitable organizations for providing food to individuals and communities in need.

Maddy summaryThis bill permanently removes a 2026 expiration date for a tax exclusion allowing employers to pay employees' student loans through educational assistance programs without those payments being counted as taxable income. It directly affects employees who receive employer-sponsored student loan repayment assistance and employers offering such programs. The key provision amends the Internal Revenue Code to make this tax exclusion permanent, applying to all future payments made after the bill's enactment. This change simplifies the tax treatment for both employers and employees participating in these student loan repayment programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the U.S. Postal Service facility at 4650 East Rosedale Street in Fort Worth, Texas, as the "Dionne Phillips Bagsby Post Office Building." It updates all official references (in laws, maps, documents, etc.) to this specific location to reflect the new name. The bill has no policy provisions or direct impact on constituents beyond renaming the post office facility.

Maddy summaryHR 8821, the HOPE with Fertility Services Act, requires group health plans and health insurance issuers that cover obstetrical services to provide comprehensive coverage for infertility treatments and fertility preservation when medical treatments (like cancer therapy) cause or risk iatrogenic infertility. It defines infertility broadly and mandates coverage for procedures like IVF, egg freezing, and ovulation induction, while allowing standard cost-sharing but prohibiting insurers from discouraging or penalizing these services. Insurers must annually submit analyses of their coverage rules for these treatments to the Secretary of Labor for 5 years after enactment, with potential civil penalties for noncompliance. The law applies to all applicable plans starting January 1, 2026.