Rep. André Carson

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits U.S. foreign aid to countries determined by the President to use foreign commercial spyware against U.S. persons. It requires the President to assess if a country has acquired such spyware, used it against journalists or activists, or failed to address misuse before blocking aid. The prohibition excludes military assistance and allows a presidential waiver for national security reasons. The President must annually report to Congress on spyware use by countries receiving aid, using intelligence community data.

Maddy summaryHR 5428, the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting (NTBUB) Act, prevents employers from deducting certain expenses related to influencing workers' decisions about union representation. It targets spending on tactics like anti-union meetings, workplace surveillance, or consultants during organizing campaigns, making these costs non-deductible for tax purposes. Employers must report such expenses on their tax returns, including details about the activities and amounts spent. The bill aims to remove tax incentives for employer interference in union elections, aligning with federal labor law protections for workers' collective bargaining rights.

Maddy summaryThis resolution symbolically designates October 8, 2023, as "National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day" to recognize advancements in hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. It does not create new laws or policies but highlights the U.S. role in developing these energy solutions for transportation, power generation, and environmental benefits. The resolution cites hydrogen's historical use in space exploration and current applications in zero-emission vehicles and grid resilience. It is a non-binding gesture expressing support for the industry, with no direct impact on individuals or regulations.

Maddy summaryHRES 677 is a symbolic House resolution condemning Russia for actions that worsen global food insecurity. It specifically targets Russia's invasion of Ukraine, including its blockade of Ukrainian Black Sea ports, attacks on grain infrastructure, and suspension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative - measures that disrupted Ukraine's role as a major global grain exporter (supplying 11% of world cereals). The resolution demands Russia cease targeting grain facilities, resume participation in the Grain Initiative, and stop weaponizing food shortages. It affirms that Russia's actions, not sanctions, are the cause of rising global food insecurity, which the resolution links to U.S. national security. This resolution does not enact new laws but formally expresses congressional opposition to Russia's tactics.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires federal agencies to acquire and maintain opioid overdose reversal kits (like naloxone) and train employees annually on their use, effective within 270 days of enactment. It mandates these actions for all federal agencies - including the Veterans Health Administration - while providing non-mandatory guidance to private employers on similar practices. The law directly affects federal workplaces by making kits and training a requirement, and indirectly encourages private employers to adopt similar safety measures. Key provisions include a 270-day deadline for the Labor Department to issue regulations for federal agencies and non-binding guidance for other employers. The bill focuses on practical workplace safety measures without altering existing federal health or safety laws.

Maddy summaryThis resolution supports designating September 22 as "National Military and Veterans Suicide Awareness Day" to raise public awareness about suicide prevention among active-duty service members and veterans. It does not create new policies or funding but aims to highlight mental health challenges like PTSD and depression that contribute to higher suicide rates in these communities. The resolution emphasizes reducing stigma and encouraging help-seeking during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month (September). It directly affects military personnel, veterans, and the public by promoting national attention to this issue through a designated awareness day.

Maddy summaryThis bill would prevent government shutdowns by automatically continuing federal funding at the previous year's level if Congress fails to pass annual budget bills by October 1. It requires Congress to prioritize budget legislation over other matters during funding gaps, with only limited exceptions for true emergencies like national security threats. All federal programs and agencies would operate using prior-year funding rates until a new budget is enacted, applying broadly across the government unless specific exemptions exist under current law. The bill does not create new spending but changes the process to avoid shutdowns by default.

Maddy summaryThis bill helps disaster survivors without formal property deeds prove ownership for FEMA aid by expanding acceptable evidence to include mortgage statements, property tax receipts, wills, death certificates, or other documentation showing occupancy or ownership ties. It allows FEMA to consider "constructive ownership" when proof is lacking, prohibits requiring notarized statements, and updates eligibility language from "uninhabitable" to "damaged" by disasters. The law applies to disaster assistance funds appropriated after enactment, directly affecting households seeking housing aid after major disasters. It streamlines access to aid for those with incomplete documentation, such as survivors inheriting property without formal transfers.

Maddy summaryThis resolution supports designating August as National Black Business Month to honor the economic contributions of Black-owned businesses across the U.S. It recognizes that Black businesses, which contributed $83.6 billion in receipts in 2023 and employed over 1.3 million people, continue to face barriers like limited access to capital and higher loan denial rates. The resolution does not create new laws or programs but symbolically acknowledges their historical and current impact on the economy. It is a non-binding House resolution passed to raise awareness, not to mandate policy changes.

Maddy summaryHR 5322, the Time Off to Vote Act, requires most private employers (with 25+ employees) to provide two consecutive hours of paid leave for employees to vote in federal elections. Employers must grant this leave upon request, can schedule it during early voting periods if permitted by state law, and cannot include lunch breaks in the leave period. The bill prohibits retaliation against employees who take this leave and ensures it does not affect accrued employment benefits. Violations could result in civil penalties up to $10,000 per offense, enforced by the Department of Labor.