Rep. Troy A. Carter

Maddy summaryHRES 1080 is a symbolic resolution recognizing and celebrating Black History Month 2026, focusing on its theme "A Century of Black History Commemorations." It highlights historical figures and events central to Black history, including Carter G. Woodson’s founding of Negro History Week (the precursor to Black History Month), Juneteenth, and key moments like the 1865 Charleston commemoration. The resolution emphasizes how Black history commemorations counter historical erasure and affirm Black contributions to U.S. history, referencing figures like Mary McLeod Bethune and W.E.B. Du Bois. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no binding effect but aims to raise awareness of Black achievements through official recognition.

Maddy summaryHR 7659 designates the Pride flag as an authorized flag eligible for display at all National Park System units, including national monuments and parks. The bill specifically expresses Congress's sense that the Pride flag should be displayed at the Stonewall National Monument in New York City, which commemorates the 1969 LGBTQ rights uprising at the Stonewall Inn. It cites the monument’s significance as the first U.S. national monument dedicated to LGBTQ history and condemns the removal of the Pride flag from the site. The bill does not change existing park regulations but formally recognizes the Pride flag’s eligibility for display under National Park Service policy. It directly affects how the National Park Service manages flag displays at the Stonewall National Monument and other park locations.

Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act This bill removes less-than-lethal projectile devices (e.g., certain TASERs) from regulation under the Gun Control Act. The term less-than-lethal projectile device means a device that (1) is not designed or intended to expel (and may not be readily converted to discharge) commonly used ammunition or projectiles exceeding a velocity of 500 feet per second; (2) is designed and intended to be used in a manner not likely to cause death or serious bodily injury; and (3) does not accept (and cannot be readily modified to accept) an ammunition feeding device. The bill also requires the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to determine whether a device satisfies the definition of a less-than-lethal projectile device within 90 days of a request.

Maddy summaryThe Ceasefire Compliance Act of 2026 establishes requirements for Israel to comply with the October 10, 2025, ceasefire agreement, including allowing sufficient humanitarian aid into Gaza, halting military operations in Gaza, preventing settler violence, and supporting Palestinian governance. The bill requires the US government to submit quarterly reports certifying Israel's compliance with these conditions, with potential restrictions on US defense sales to Israel if violations occur. If Israel fails to meet the requirements, the US would prohibit the sale, export, or transfer of US-origin defense articles for use in the West Bank or Gaza. The bill also creates an end-use monitoring group to track if US defense articles are being used in those areas, with a 5-year sunset provision. This legislation directly affects US-Israel defense relations and the flow of military assistance.

Maddy summaryHR 3340, the Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act, requires the U.S. Commerce Department to create a public online map system showing fishing restrictions and recreational access rules in federal ocean waters. The system will display areas open or closed to fishing, vessel restrictions (like motorized propulsion limits), and rules for marine protected areas, updated at least twice yearly. It prohibits sharing sensitive information, such as tribal cultural sites or private commercial fishing data, and explicitly excludes Tribal fishing areas from its requirements. This bill directly affects recreational boaters, divers, and the public by making ocean access information clearer and more accessible through a single online resource. The data will be developed with input from states, tribes, and the public to ensure usability and compliance with existing laws.

Maddy summaryHR 7615, the RELIEF Act, requires the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner to refund all tariffs collected under emergency economic powers laws (specifically the International Emergency Economic Powers Act) for imports entered on or after January 1, 2025. It mandates these refunds be processed automatically within 90 days of the bill's enactment, without importers needing to file applications or protests. The refund applies to all importers of record for goods subject to these tariffs, covering entries including withdrawals from warehouses for consumption. This directly affects businesses importing goods subject to those specific tariffs by returning funds collected under the emergency authority.

Maddy summaryHR 7602, the State of Men’s Health Act, requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study U.S. men’s health disparities and submit a report to Congress within one year of enactment. It also mandates the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish an Office of Men’s Health within 18 months to coordinate existing federal programs focused on preventive care for men, including screenings for prostate cancer, mental health, and cardiovascular issues. The bill does not authorize new funding; all activities must use existing appropriations. This legislation directly affects all men in the United States by aiming to improve health outcomes through better coordination of current federal health initiatives.

Maddy summaryHR 7591 requires the U.S. Department of Education to develop and distribute annual firearm safety best practices to schools, focusing on secure storage methods and suicide prevention resources. The bill mandates that local school districts create community-specific guidance incorporating these best practices, to be shared with students, parents, and staff annually before the start of each school year. It specifies that materials must include practical storage solutions (like locks and safes), mental health resources, and neutral information about firearm safety without promoting or discouraging gun ownership. The law directly affects schools receiving federal funding under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, aiming to reduce firearm-related injuries and suicides through education, not by changing gun ownership laws.

Maddy summaryHR 7543, the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act, prohibits plastic pellets and pre-production plastic materials from being discharged into waterways through wastewater, spills, or runoff from specific facilities. It directly affects plastic manufacturing, molding, packaging, and transportation facilities regulated under existing environmental rules. Within 60 days of enactment, the EPA must issue a rule banning these discharges and update all relevant wastewater, stormwater, and performance standards in permits. The law requires all permits and standards for these facilities to reflect the new ban, ensuring plastic pellets cannot enter water systems. This is a concrete regulatory change to prevent plastic pollution at its source.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires states to cover 12 annual telehealth mental health visits for Medicaid enrollees who were recently incarcerated in a public institution and are under court-ordered home confinement. It amends Medicaid law to mandate this coverage specifically for individuals released from prison and subject to home confinement, effective after the bill's enactment. The provision applies to all states operating under Medicaid plans or waivers, ensuring consistent access to mental health support during the reentry phase. It directly affects formerly incarcerated individuals transitioning from prison to home supervision, focusing on accessible mental health care through telehealth. The policy change is limited to Medicaid-covered telehealth visits during the period of home confinement, with no additional funding specified.