Rep. André Carson

Maddy summaryHR 1449, the Energy Resilient Communities Act, creates a federal grant program to fund clean energy microgrids that support critical community infrastructure like hospitals, schools, and emergency facilities. Eligible entities - including states, local governments, nonprofits, and tribal agencies - can apply for grants covering up to 90% of costs for technical assistance, community outreach, or microgrid projects in environmental justice communities. Key provisions prioritize projects that reduce emissions, lower energy costs for low-income residents, minimize land use impacts, and ensure 40% of construction labor comes from local residents meeting specific criteria (e.g., displaced workers, environmental justice community members). The program authorizes $1.5 billion over 10 years, with at least 10% reserved for community-owned microgrid projects, and requires annual reporting on project outcomes and labor practices.

Maddy summaryThe Rare Earth Magnet Security Act of 2025 creates a tax credit for U.S. manufacturers producing rare earth magnets domestically. The credit pays $20 per kilogram for magnets with less than 90% of component materials sourced in the U.S., and $30 per kilogram if at least 90% of materials are domestically produced. The bill restricts the credit for magnets using components from "non-allied foreign nations" (with a temporary exception for certain materials until 2027) and phases out the credit after 2034 (reducing to 70% in 2035, 35% in 2036-2037, and 0% after 2037). The credit applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Veterans Affairs (VA) coverage for veterans with permanent and total service-connected disabilities needing medical care outside the U.S. It allows the VA to pay for hospital care and medical services abroad if the care meets U.S. medical standards and uses FDA-approved medications. Key provisions include requiring direct deposit for faster reimbursements, enabling digital submission and tracking of forms via VA mobile apps, and mandating a VA report to Congress within two years on implementation. The policy directly affects veterans with qualifying disabilities seeking necessary medical treatment overseas, modernizing how the VA handles foreign medical coverage.

Maddy summaryHR 1414, titled "Cameron’s Law," increases the tax credit for pharmaceutical companies developing orphan drugs (medicines for rare diseases) from 25% to 50% of qualified research expenses. This change directly affects drug manufacturers investing in treatments for conditions affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S. The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to implement this higher credit rate, effective for taxable years starting after the law’s enactment. It provides a concrete financial incentive to encourage research into rare disease treatments without altering eligibility criteria or adding new requirements.

Maddy summaryHR 1377, the Sarah Keys Evans Congressional Gold Medal Act, authorizes a Congressional Gold Medal to honor Sarah Keys Evans for her pivotal role in ending interstate bus segregation. The bill directs the Treasury Secretary to strike a gold medal (and bronze duplicates for sale) to commemorate her 1952 refusal to give up her bus seat, which led to the ICC ruling that outlawed racial segregation on interstate buses in 1955. This is a ceremonial honor recognizing her civil rights contribution, not a policy change affecting any laws or people.

Maddy summaryThe Food Deserts Act (HR 484) creates a federal grant program to help establish grocery stores in underserved communities by providing capitalization grants to states. States would use these grants to build revolving funds that make low-interest loans to grocery stores meeting specific criteria, such as offering unprocessed foods, affordable pricing, and local hiring. The program prioritizes stores that source from local farms, provide nutrition education, and commit to keeping healthy foods in stock, while requiring applicants to contribute 20% of loan costs from non-federal funds. It authorizes $150 million for fiscal year 2026 to support these loans, which must be repaid over up to 30 years to replenish the revolving fund for future use.

Goldie's Act This bill expands enforcement provisions under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to document and record detailed descriptions of violations of the act observed during inspections and investigations. USDA must provide a copy of all records documenting violations to state, local, and municipal animal control or law enforcement officials within 24 hours of such inspections or investigations. Inspections must be held at least once a year of each research facility, the premises of each animal dealer, and each exhibitor of animals. If violations are found during inspections, then USDA must conduct any necessary follow-up inspections until all the violations are corrected. Inspectors must confiscate or destroy in a humane manner animals found to be suffering physical or psychological harm as a result of failure to comply with the AWA. Violators are subject to civil penalties as outlined in the bill.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new federal tax credit for family child care providers who operate from their primary residence. It allows eligible providers to claim up to $5,000 annually toward specific startup costs like licensing fees, supplies (diapers, toys), insurance, fencing, playground equipment, and required renovations. To qualify, providers must be licensed/registered, serve at least two non-family children, and operate from their home. The credit is limited to one year per provider (no repeat claims) and expires after seven years. It directly affects small-scale home-based child care operators seeking to establish or improve their licensed services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) to recalculate monthly pension benefits for retirees in six specific Delphi-related pension plans to reflect the full vested amount they would have received without prior benefit limits. It mandates lump-sum payments for past underpayments, including 6% annual interest, to eligible retirees and beneficiaries who received lower benefits than guaranteed under ERISA. The PBGC must fund these payments through a new Delphi Full Vested Plan Benefit Trust Fund established in the Treasury. This directly affects retirees in the Delphi Hourly-Rate, Delphi Retirement Program for Salaried Employees, PHI Non-Bargaining, ASEC Manufacturing, PHI Bargaining, and Delphi Mechatronic Systems pension plans. The law does not alter existing PBGC rules for other plans or change how the agency administers benefits generally.

Maddy summaryThe Black History Matters Act directs the National Museum of African American History and Culture to study how public elementary and secondary schools teach Black history across the U.S. The study will identify which schools require this education, assess teaching quality through classroom discussions and materials, and examine how schools measure student learning. It requires the Director to complete the study within three years of the bill’s passage and submit a report to Congress within 180 days of completion. The bill does not change school curricula but aims to gather data on existing practices to inform future education policies. This study directly affects all public schools covered under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.