Rep. Troy A. Carter

Maddy summaryHR 1088, the Shirley Chisholm Congressional Gold Medal Act, authorizes a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal to honor Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to Congress (1968) and the first Black candidate for a major party's presidential nomination (1972). The bill directs the Treasury Secretary to design and strike a gold medal featuring Chisholm's image, which will be presented by Congress and then permanently displayed at the Smithsonian Institution. Duplicate bronze medals may be sold to the public to cover production costs, with proceeds deposited into the U.S. Mint fund. This bill commemorates Chisholm's legacy and achievements without creating new laws or affecting any current policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes a posthumous Congressional gold medal for Constance Baker Motley, a pioneering civil rights attorney and federal judge. It directs the Treasury to strike a gold medal featuring her image and name, to be presented to her son, Joel Motley III, and niece, Constance Royster. The medal is a commemorative tribute recognizing her historic contributions to civil rights and her service as the first African-American woman appointed to a federal judgeship. No new policies or programs are created; the bill solely honors her legacy through a commemorative medal.

Disposable ENDS Product Enforcement Act of 2023 This bill requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to update its enforcement guidance regarding Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) products to include certain disposable ENDS products. In April 2020, the FDA published revised guidance on how it intends to prioritize enforcement resources with respect to ENDS products that do not have premarket authorization (i.e., that have not received FDA approval). The guidance specifies that the FDA intends to prioritize enforcement against (1) flavored, cartridge-based ENDS products (except for tobacco or menthol flavored products); (2) other ENDS products for which the manufacturer has not taken adequate measures to prevent access to minors; (3) any ENDS products that are targeted or promoted towards minors; and (4) any ENDS products for which the manufacturer has not submitted an application for market approval or did not receive approval. For purposes of this guidance, cartridge-based ENDS products do not include disposable products that are completely self-contained . The bill requires the FDA to incorporate these products, including nicotine products that are not derived from tobacco, into its enforcement priorities. The bill additionally specifies that the FDA may prioritize enforcement against these products in advance of updating the guidance. The FDA must also annually report on its enforcement actions with respect to these products.

Maddy summaryThe Energy Resilient Communities Act creates a federal grant program to fund clean energy microgrids that keep critical community services running during climate disasters like wildfires or floods. Eligible entities - including local governments, nonprofits, and Tribal agencies - can apply for grants covering up to 90% of costs in environmental justice communities (defined as areas with high populations of people of color, low-income residents, or Tribal communities) to build microgrids supporting hospitals, schools, or medical baseline customers (e.g., those relying on life-saving medical devices). Priority is given to projects that reduce pollution, lower energy costs, create local jobs, and use U.S.-made materials, while requiring fair wages and community-focused hiring. The program mandates annual reports to Congress tracking grant use, environmental benefits, and job creation.

Maddy summaryHR 902, "Ellie’s Law," authorizes $10 million annually from fiscal years 2024 through 2028 for the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke to conduct broader research on unruptured brain aneurysms. The funding aims to study diverse patient populations by age, sex, and race, supplementing existing research budgets without replacing them. This bill directly affects researchers and future patients by increasing federal investment in a condition impacting 6.6 million Americans, with current federal spending at only $2.08 per affected person yearly. The legislation focuses on advancing scientific understanding to improve prevention and treatment, citing the high mortality rate (50% fatal) and significant healthcare costs ($4.1 billion annually in direct costs) associated with brain aneurysm ruptures.

Maddy summaryThe Heating and Cooling Relief Act significantly expands the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help low-income households with rising energy costs. It increases annual funding to $400 billion for fiscal years 2024-2033 (up from $2 billion), adds $1 billion yearly for cooling assistance during heat events, and expands eligibility to include households with a 3% energy burden. The bill requires states to provide protections against home energy shutoffs and late fees for program participants, and to prioritize energy-efficient, renewable energy solutions. It also creates new "just transition" grants to help communities move away from fossil fuels while reducing energy burdens for vulnerable households.

Maddy summaryThe HELP Copays Act (HR 830) changes how health insurance plans calculate patient cost-sharing. It requires that payments made by third parties (like pharmacies, charities, or discount programs) toward medical costs count toward a patient's deductible, copay, or out-of-pocket limit. This directly affects insured individuals who receive financial assistance, discounts, or product vouchers for healthcare expenses. The law ensures these external payments reduce the patient's actual out-of-pocket costs more quickly, aligning with existing Affordable Care Act and Public Health Service Act requirements.

Maddy summaryHRES 128 is a symbolic House resolution honoring baseball legend Hank Aaron's career and legacy. It recognizes his historic 715th home run breaking Babe Ruth's record in 1974, his 23-year MLB career (including 23 seasons with the Braves), and his role as a civil rights symbol who overcame pervasive racism. The resolution formally acknowledges Aaron's achievements on the field - such as 755 career home runs and the 1974 record-breaking moment - as well as his off-field impact in advancing equality. It was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on February 14, 2023, and serves as a ceremonial tribute without creating new laws or affecting any policies.

Maddy summaryHRES 131 is a symbolic resolution expressing support for designating February 16, 2023, as "International Black Aviation Professionals Day." It recognizes the historical contributions of Black aviation professionals - from pioneers like Bessie Coleman and the Tuskegee Airmen to modern figures like Katherine Johnson - and encourages public acknowledgment of their achievements. The resolution requests the President issue a proclamation urging schools and communities to educate about these contributions and support greater opportunities for Black Americans in aviation careers. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but aims to promote awareness and inclusion in the aviation industry.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands health care coverage under TRICARE for military dependents. It eliminates a separate premium for young adults aged 21-26 enrolled in the TRICARE Young Adult Program, meaning they will no longer pay an extra fee for coverage. The bill also removes an eligibility restriction that previously limited coverage for some dependents in this age group. These changes directly affect military service members' adult children and spouses who rely on TRICARE Young Adult coverage. The policy update simplifies enrollment and reduces out-of-pocket costs for these beneficiaries.