Rep. André Carson

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs from changing its anesthesia care policies to allow nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) to provide anesthesia independently without a physician anesthesiologist. It specifically blocks implementation of a 2016 proposed rule that would have expanded CRNAs' authority in VA facilities. The law maintains current requirements that physician anesthesiologists must oversee or provide anesthesia care for veterans during surgical procedures. Emergency orders for veteran safety during surgery remain permitted under the bill's exception clause.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 462) is a symbolic House of Representatives measure commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square events as described in the resolution and condemning China's government for "continued and intensifying crackdown on human rights" in mainland China and Hong Kong. It specifically calls on China to end censorship about the events, allow a UN investigation, uphold Hong Kong's autonomy under the Joint Declaration, and permit exiled activists to return safely. The resolution makes no binding policy changes but expresses support for human rights movements in China, Hong Kong, Tibet, and Xinjiang. As a non-binding resolution, it does not alter U.S. law or policy.

Maddy summaryThe Universal School Meals Program Act of 2023 would establish a universal school meals program providing free breakfast and lunch to all children enrolled in participating schools, regardless of family income. Key provisions include eliminating income-based eligibility requirements for school breakfast and lunch programs, setting specific reimbursement rates ($2.80 for breakfast and $4.63 for lunch with annual inflation adjustments), and prohibiting schools from collecting debt for unpaid meals or "shaming" students. The bill also replaces references to "free or reduced price" with "economically disadvantaged students" in related laws and establishes new methods for identifying children from low-income backgrounds. This legislation would directly affect all public schools participating in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes a barrier for college students seeking food assistance by amending the SNAP program rules. It directly affects students enrolled at least half-time in recognized colleges or training programs, who were previously automatically ineligible unless they met separate requirements. The key change eliminates the prior restriction (in section 6(e)) that barred most higher education students from SNAP, allowing them to qualify under the new provision in section 3(m)(5)(F). The changes take effect January 2, 2024.

Maddy summaryThe Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2023 amends the Food and Nutrition Act to update how SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits are calculated. It replaces the "thrifty food plan" with a "low-cost food plan" based on a specific 4-person family diet, requiring the government to reevaluate this plan by 2029 and every 5 years after. The bill also updates medical expense deductions, eliminates time limits on benefits, and allows Puerto Rico to join SNAP with specific transition requirements. These changes directly affect SNAP recipients, particularly in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and Alaska, by adjusting benefit calculations to better reflect current food costs.

Maddy summaryHR 3036, the Increased TSP Access Act of 2023, amends conservation program rules to expand access to third-party providers (TSPs) who offer technical assistance to farmers on conservation practices. It creates new pathways for non-Federal entities like agricultural cooperatives or professional associations to certify TSPs, streamlines certification processes (requiring Secretary review within 10 business days), and sets payment rates for TSPs equivalent to government-provided technical assistance. The bill mandates public reporting on certification numbers, payment details, and a target utilization rate for TSPs to improve conservation program delivery. It directly affects farmers participating in USDA conservation programs by increasing options for technical support and requiring transparency in how TSPs are certified and compensated.

Maddy summaryHRES 459 is a resolution expressing the House of Representatives' support for designating June 2, 2023, as "National Gun Violence Awareness Day" and June 2023 as "National Gun Violence Awareness Month." It encourages the public to wear orange, promote gun safety awareness, and discuss community safety measures during this time, particularly highlighting the summer months when gun violence often increases. The resolution references statistics on gun violence deaths and pays tribute to victims like Hadiya Pendleton, but does not create new laws or impose requirements.

Maddy summaryHR 3776, the Family Stability and Opportunity Vouchers Act of 2023, creates a new housing voucher program targeting families with young children facing instability. It provides up to 50,000 incremental vouchers annually (2024-2029) for families who either have a child under 6, will welcome a minor child within 300 days, and are homeless, unstably housed, living in high-poverty areas, or at risk of displacement from neighborhoods with high-performing schools. Public housing agencies receiving funds must offer mobility services to help these families relocate to areas with quality schools or childcare, without requiring participation as a voucher condition. The bill defines key terms like "opportunity area for children" and mandates evidence-based services to support family transitions. This policy directly affects low-income families with young children in unstable housing situations seeking better educational opportunities.

Maddy summaryHRES 455 is a symbolic House resolution expressing support for Black service members who died protecting the U.S. during military conflicts while facing racism in the Armed Forces and systemic inequities. It acknowledges their historical contributions and struggles, citing examples from the Revolutionary War through the Global War on Terror. The resolution has no legislative effect - it solely affirms recognition on Memorial Day without proposing policy changes or requiring action. As a non-binding resolution, it directly affects public acknowledgment of this group but does not alter military policies or address systemic issues.

American Aviation Diversity Act This bill authorizes appropriations for the Federal Aviation Administration's Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) Intern Program. (This program is open to all eligible undergraduate and graduate college students who attend an accredited college or university. A focus of the MSI intern program is providing opportunities to eligible students from groups that have been underrepresented in aviation, aeronautics, and science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), such as African Americans, Asian Americans and other Pacific Islanders, Hispanics, Native Americans, Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders, persons with disabilities, student veterans, and women.)