Rep. Earl L. "Buddy" Carter

Maddy summaryThis bill would change how Social Security benefits are calculated for public servants who worked in jobs not covered by Social Security (such as many state and local government positions). It replaces the current Windfall Elimination Provision with a new formula that accounts for both covered and noncovered earnings when calculating benefits, rather than reducing benefits based on noncovered employment. The bill would provide additional monthly payments of $100 for some affected individuals and $50 for others, starting 270 days after enactment. It also requires Social Security account statements to show noncovered earnings and directs the Social Security Administration to study ways to improve information sharing with state pension systems about noncovered pensions. The changes would apply to benefits payable starting January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryHRES 1566 is a symbolic House resolution honoring all U.S. veterans on Veterans Day 2024. It recognizes the service and sacrifice of the estimated 15.8 million veterans living in the U.S. as of 2023, including those who served in conflicts from World War II to post-9/11. The resolution calls on the American public to observe Veterans Day to acknowledge veterans' role in preserving national freedom. As a non-binding resolution, it has no direct policy impact but formally expresses congressional recognition of veterans' contributions.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides one-time financial assistance to U.S. farmers growing specific crops (like corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, and rice) during the 2024 crop year if their expected costs exceed expected returns. Payments equal 60% of the difference between the expected cost of production per acre (based on USDA cost forecasts) and the expected gross return per acre (based on projected farm prices and yields). Payments are calculated using actual planted acreage plus 50% of acreage prevented from planting due to natural disasters, with annual caps of $175,000 or $350,000 depending on the farm’s primary income source. The program uses existing USDA data sources and applies standard farm payment limits.

Maddy summaryHR 10056 extends funding authorization for programs under the Older Americans Act of 1965 through fiscal years 2024-2028, replacing all references to "fiscal year 2024" with "each of the fiscal years 2024 through 2028" across seven sections of the law. This bill directly affects seniors aged 60+ and the community-based organizations that provide them with services like nutrition programs, caregiver support, and health services. The key mechanism is simply extending the existing funding authorization period, ensuring current programs can continue without requiring new legislative action for each fiscal year. It does not change program eligibility, benefits, or service requirements - only the duration of authorized funding.

Maddy summaryHR 4587, the Red Snapper Act, prevents the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from implementing fishing area closures in the South Atlantic for red snapper until two data requirements are met. Specifically, NOAA cannot issue rules with area closures until the South Atlantic Great Red Snapper Count study is complete and its data is integrated into the official stock assessment. This bill directly affects NOAA’s rulemaking authority and recreational and commercial fishermen in the South Atlantic region who rely on red snapper fishing. The legislation aims to ensure management decisions are based on the latest scientific data before restricting fishing areas.

Maddy summaryHRES 1537 is a non-binding House resolution condemning Hamas' October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, which killed over 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, including 7 Americans still held captive. It calls on Hamas to immediately surrender, cease attacks, and release all hostages unconditionally, while reaffirming Israel's right to self-defense. The resolution also urges international organizations to condemn Hamas' actions and address the global surge in antisemitism following the attacks. As a symbolic statement, it does not create new laws or alter policy but expresses congressional position. The bill specifically references the ongoing captivity of seven U.S. citizens: Edan Alexander, Itay Chen, Sagui Dekel-Chen, Gadi Haggai, Judith Weinstein Haggai, Omer Neutra, and Keith Siegel.

Maddy summaryHR 9950, the "Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act," authorizes three gold medals to be awarded to the members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic men's ice hockey team for their historic victory over the Soviet Union during the Winter Olympics. The medals, designed by the Treasury Secretary, will be presented by Congress to honor the team's achievement, which revitalized American morale during the Cold War. One medal will be displayed at the Lake Placid Olympic Center, one at the USA Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth, Minnesota, and one at the U.S. Olympic Museum in Colorado Springs. The bill also permits the sale of bronze duplicates to cover production costs. This is a ceremonial honor, not a policy change, directly recognizing the team members and their legacy.

Maddy summaryHRES 1530 is a non-binding House resolution recognizing former President Jimmy Carter's 100th birthday. It honors his life, public service, and key achievements, including his presidency (noting the Panama Canal treaties, Camp David Accords, and founding the Departments of Education and Energy), post-presidency work with the Carter Center, and decades of humanitarian efforts. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is purely commemorative. It formally acknowledges his contributions to Georgia, the U.S., and global peace efforts, including his 2002 Nobel Peace Prize. This symbolic gesture has no direct impact on citizens or government operations.

Maddy summaryHRES 1527 is a symbolic resolution recognizing October 2024 as "American Pharmacists Month" to honor pharmacists' contributions to providing safe, accessible, and affordable patient care. It highlights pharmacists' role as highly accessible healthcare providers who support medication adherence, chronic disease management, and public health across communities. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges pharmacists' work through community pharmacies and their collaboration with other healthcare providers.

Maddy summaryHR 7032, the Congressional Budget Office Data Sharing Act, amends the 1974 Congressional Budget Act to give the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) clearer authority to quickly obtain data from executive branch agencies. The bill removes barriers to CBO requests by allowing data sharing "with or without written agreement," while requiring the CBO to maintain required confidentiality levels. It also prevents future laws from limiting this authority unless specifically referenced. The law directly affects the CBO and federal agencies that provide budget-related data, aiming to improve the CBO's ability to analyze government spending.