Rep. André Carson

Healthy Air Travel Act This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration to establish an interagency task force to develop and implement a strategy to identify and advance research on communicable diseases in air travel. The task force must consult with representatives from the aviation industry, health experts, and labor stakeholders in developing the strategy. Under the bill, the term communicable disease refers to certain diseases that have the potential to cause a future epidemic or pandemic of infectious disease that would constitute a public health emergency of international concern as declared, after the date of the bill's enactment, by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows the U.S. Postal Service to ship alcoholic beverages under specific conditions. It enables registered businesses (like wineries, breweries, and retailers) to mail alcohol directly to consumers, provided the recipient is at least 21 with valid ID, the shipment isn’t for resale, and state alcohol taxes are paid upfront. The Postal Service must establish rules for delivery, registration, and verification, while explicitly preserving all existing state, local, or tribal laws governing alcohol sales and shipments. The bill does not override state restrictions on alcohol delivery, and the Postal Service remains liable for violations under state law.

Safe Aviation and Flight Enhancement Act of 2023 This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration to issue regulations requiring all newly manufactured commercial aircraft used in certain extended overwater operations to have additional data recovery features. Specifically, commercial aircraft that are required to have a cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and a flight data recorder (FDR) must be equipped with a means to recover flight data that does not require underwater retrieval, a tamper-resistant method to broadcast to a ground station sufficient information to establish the flight termination location within six nautical miles of the point of impact, and an airframe low-frequency underwater locating device that will function for at least 90 days and that is detectable by current search and rescue systems. Further, the commercial aircraft must be equipped to retain at least the last 25 hours of recorded information. Commercial aircraft that are ordered by an air carrier on or after January 1, 2027, must have the additional recorder system installed. The bill specifies that a third combination CVR/FDR recording mechanism is not required to satisfy the bill's requirements. Compliant technologies may include (1) an automatic deployable flight recorder system (i.e., a CVR, FDR, and emergency locator transmitter housed in one crash-protected, floatable unit), and (2) transmission of flight recorder data (i.e., a system capable of providing satellite transmission of critical flight data that can also assist in identifying the location of a downed aircraft).

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Older Americans Act to better serve LGBTQI older adults (defined as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex individuals, and those living with HIV) by adding specific definitions and creating new support structures. It establishes an Office of LGBTQI Inclusion within the Administration on Aging, led by a Director and Assistant Director, to coordinate services, advocate for this community, and collect data on their challenges. The bill also creates a National Resource Center on LGBTQI Aging to provide training and resources to organizations serving LGBTQI older adults and requires data collection on discrimination against them in long-term care settings. These changes aim to improve access to culturally competent services and address the unique needs of LGBTQI older adults through concrete policy updates.

Maddy summaryHRES 439 is a non-binding resolution expressing the House of Representatives' support for keeping the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) as an independent federal agency, not subject to privatization. It highlights USPS's constitutional role, self-sustaining nature (relying on service revenue, not taxpayer funds), and its importance to rural communities, e-commerce, and over 600,000 employees. The resolution urges Congress to take action to preserve USPS's independence, emphasizing that privatization could raise prices, reduce services, and harm the nation's mail infrastructure. As a procedural resolution, it does not change law but formally states the House's position.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands TRICARE coverage to include wigs and treatment for traction alopecia - a type of hair loss caused by tight hairstyles, chemical treatments, or prolonged tension on the hair - directly affecting active-duty military members who develop this condition. It amends military health law to explicitly add "traction alopecia" to coverage for wigs and treatment, and requires the military to issue new grooming guidelines by September 2024 warning service members about the health risks of tight hairstyles, dyes, and chemical products. The key change is broadening existing TRICARE benefits to specifically cover this preventable condition, while mandating education on its causes. This is a policy adjustment to improve health care access for affected service members, not a new benefit.

Maddy summaryHR 3610, the Neighbors Not Enemies Act, repeals specific sections (4067-4070) of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 from U.S. law. This bill removes the legal authority allowing the president to detain or deport non-citizens during wartime based on that historical statute. The repeal directly affects the federal legal framework governing emergency powers over non-citizens, eliminating a provision dating to the Quasi-War with France. The bill makes no new policy changes but formally removes this outdated legal mechanism from the U.S. Code.

Maddy summaryThe AIR PUMP Act requires airlines to provide nursing crew members (like flight attendants and pilots) with reasonable break time to express breast milk for up to one year after their child's birth, as well as a private, non-bathroom space for this purpose. It specifically excludes breaks during critical flight phases and ensures accommodations won't compromise safety, security, or require significant costs (e.g., aircraft modifications). The bill includes anti-retaliation protections for employees who request accommodations or file complaints, and enforces these requirements through the Department of Labor using existing Fair Labor Standards Act mechanisms. This directly affects airline employees who are nursing parents and their employers, aligning airline workplace policies with federal breastfeeding protections.

This resolution encourages the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum to continue its work in educating the public about the dangers of antisemitism and the origins of the Holocaust, congratulates those responsible for the creation of the museum, condemns antisemitism, supports educational and community-based programs that counter antisemitism and hate, and supports the designation of a U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Day.

Maddy summaryHR 3592, the Donut Dollies Congressional Gold Medal Act, would award a Congressional Gold Medal to the 627 women who served as "Donut Dollies" in the Red Cross Supplemental Recreation Activities Overseas (SRAO) program during the Vietnam War (1962-1973). The bill directs the Treasury to design and strike the medal, which would be presented by congressional leaders and then given to the Smithsonian Institution for public display and research. It also authorizes the sale of bronze duplicates at cost to cover production expenses. This commemorative measure recognizes the service of these women, who provided recreational support to U.S. troops across 28 locations in Vietnam while facing war-zone dangers.