Rep. André Carson

Maddy summaryThis bill requires major airlines and ticket agents to provide full cash refunds - including all fees - for canceled flights or tickets canceled at least 48 hours before departure, within 30 days of a passenger’s request. It limits refunds to one flight per city pair per date, allows alternatives like vouchers (with indefinite validity and clear disclosure of cash refund rights), and permits retroactive cash refunds for passengers who received vouchers since March 2020. Passengers must be informed in writing before purchase and when cancellations occur about their right to a cash refund. The law applies to airlines with over $1.5 billion in 2018 revenue or foreign carriers operating U.S. flights, with a $1,000 penalty for violations.

Maddy summaryThe DERAIL Act requires the Secretary of Transportation to update federal regulations within 90 days to define a "high-hazard flammable train" as any train carrying at least one tank car of flammable liquid or gas, plus additional safety-related materials. Railroad carriers must report within 24 hours after a derailment involving toxic-by-inhalation materials to the National Response Center, state officials, local authorities, and Tribal governments. The report must specify all toxic-by-inhalation materials on the train. This bill directly affects railroad companies and the Department of Transportation by establishing new safety reporting standards for hazardous material incidents.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the House's support for Black workers and calls for legislative action to address workforce inequalities. It specifically identifies key policy areas needing reform, including closing wage gaps, improving workplace safety, and expanding access to job training programs. The resolution affirms support for four specific bills: the PRO Act (to strengthen union rights), the National Apprenticeship Act, the Raise the Wage Act, and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. It directly addresses systemic disparities affecting Black workers, such as lower earnings (82.6% of median white worker pay) and higher unemployment rates. The resolution does not create new law but urges Congress to advance these measures.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 184) formally recognizes and celebrates Black History Month as an annual observance in February. It highlights the significance of the 2023 theme "Black Resistance," acknowledging historical and ongoing Black American efforts to overcome oppression. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a commemorative statement to raise awareness of Black achievements and resistance history. It directly affects public awareness, encouraging all Americans to recognize this history during February.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes pay equity for federal firefighters by adjusting how their retirement benefits are calculated and setting a standard workweek. It requires retirement annuities to include overtime hours worked as part of a firefighter's regular schedule (e.g., overtime during standard shifts), rather than excluding them. The bill also mandates a maximum 60-hour regular workweek for federal firefighters, set by the Office of Personnel Management within one year of enactment. These changes directly affect federal firefighters, aiming to improve pay comparability with municipal firefighters and other federal employees while supporting recruitment and retention.

Maddy summaryThe HITS Act changes tax rules to help independent music producers by allowing them to deduct costs for creating sound recordings as immediate business expenses, rather than spreading costs over time. It specifically applies to U.S.-produced sound recordings (like albums or podcasts) by qualifying independent producers, with a $150,000 annual cap on deductible costs. The bill also enables bonus depreciation for equipment used in these productions, treating them similarly to film or theater projects for tax purposes. This aims to improve cash flow for smaller music businesses by reducing upfront tax burdens on recording costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the President to posthumously award Doris Miller, an African-American Navy cook who served during World War II, the Medal of Honor - the highest military honor - for his actions during the December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor attack. It directly affects Miller (who died in 1943) by correcting a historical oversight: he was initially recognized with a Navy Cross but never received the Medal of Honor, despite being among those who could have earned it. The key provision waives standard time limits for posthumous Medal of Honor awards under U.S. Code, enabling the President to formally recognize Miller's valor - specifically his actions manning a machine gun under fire and saving lives - after his death. The bill cites that no African-American sailor received the Medal of Honor for Pearl Harbor actions, while Miller's heroism was documented in Navy reports.

Maddy summaryHR 1247 would award a Congressional Gold Medal to the Freedom Riders collectively, honoring their pivotal role in challenging segregation in interstate travel during the Civil Rights movement. The medal, to be struck by the U.S. Mint and displayed at the Smithsonian Institution, recognizes their nonviolent protests that led to the 1961 federal ban on segregation in interstate public facilities. This is a symbolic tribute with no legal effect, as the bill does not create new policies or alter existing laws.

Maddy summaryHR 1244 authorizes Congress to award a gold medal collectively to Africans and their descendants who were enslaved in the U.S. from 1619 to 1865, recognizing their contributions to America's economic foundation. The bill directs the Treasury Secretary to design and strike the medal, which will be permanently displayed at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History & Culture. It also permits the sale of bronze duplicates to cover costs, with proceeds going to the U.S. Mint. This is a commemorative measure, not a policy change, focusing on symbolic recognition of historical contributions.

This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal posthumously to Doris Miller in recognition of his acts of valor while a member of the Navy during World War II.