Rep. Matt Cartwright

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies Medicare rules to allow doctors to provide certain critical medications directly in their offices without extra administrative hurdles. It specifically amends a Medicare provision (Section 1877(b)(2) of the Social Security Act) to remove a requirement that drugs furnished in-office must follow specific administrative rules, effective May 11, 2023. The bill also directs the removal of conflicting Medicare guidance published in 2021 and 2023, which had previously restricted this practice. This change directly affects Medicare beneficiaries (seniors) and doctors' offices that supply covered medications during patient visits. It streamlines access to necessary drugs by eliminating an unnecessary barrier to in-office medication administration under Medicare.

Maddy summaryThe NFIP Premium Transparency Act (HR 9726) requires the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to include detailed, plain-language information on all flood insurance policy declarations. This includes current premiums, specific discounts (like pre-FIRM construction or community rating system benefits), risk factors (such as property elevation), flood history, and estimated years until premiums reach full-risk rates. It also mandates an online "flood insurance information tool" by 2027, allowing homeowners and prospective buyers to view property-specific data, adjust variables (like sea level rise), and see how mitigation efforts might lower future costs. The bill directly affects NFIP policyholders, insurers, and local communities by making flood insurance pricing and risk factors more transparent and accessible.

Maddy summaryHR 9742 extends the expiration dates for multiple existing Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs and authorities from 2024 to 2025. It specifically updates deadlines for health care services (like copayment collection, nursing home care, rural health access, and animal therapy programs), memorial headstone eligibility, homeless veteran assistance programs, and administrative authorities (such as transportation services and IG subpoena powers). These extensions ensure continuity of current VA services for veterans without creating new benefits or changing program eligibility. The bill directly affects veterans receiving VA healthcare, burial benefits, housing assistance, and homeless support services.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act to establish a fifth round of payments for eligible victims of state-sponsored terrorism, requiring all authorized payments to be distributed by December 31, 2024. It directs specific funds into the Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund, including $898 million from the Binance case settlement and 50% of annual unobligated balances from DOJ and Treasury forfeiture funds starting December 1, 2024. The bill mandates annual payments beginning January 1, 2025, for eligible claimants and requires the Special Master to submit annual reports on fund activity to Congress, including detailed deposit and disbursement records. It directly affects victims of state-sponsored terrorism, the Special Master administering the fund, and federal agencies managing forfeiture funds.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new occupational category (code 31-1123) within the federal Standard Occupational Classification system specifically for direct support professionals (DSPs) who assist people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. It directly affects DSPs, state agencies, and federal data collectors by reclassifying their work - currently grouped under home health aides - into a distinct category. The key mechanism is revising the SOC system to better track DSP workforce data, address high turnover rates (43% nationally), and recognize their unique role in promoting clients' independence and community inclusion. This change aims to improve data accuracy for addressing staffing challenges, without altering service delivery or benefits.

Maddy summaryHR 9650 requires federal agencies to purchase WaterSense-labeled water-efficient products (like fixtures or appliances) when procuring water-consuming items, unless cost or availability prevents it. It establishes an EPA grant program to provide rebates or incentives for households to buy WaterSense products, prioritizing low- and middle-income families through eligible entities like state governments or utilities. The bill also makes these rebates non-taxable income for individuals and expands existing tax exclusions for water conservation measures. These changes directly affect federal agencies, local governments, and households purchasing water-efficient products.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires states administering Medicaid to regularly verify and update enrollees' addresses using reliable data sources starting January 1, 2026. It also mandates that Medicaid managed care organizations transmit verified address information directly to states for enrolled individuals. These provisions directly affect Medicaid enrollees, state Medicaid agencies, and managed care entities operating under state plans. The key mechanism is standardizing address verification processes to improve data accuracy and service delivery. The bill focuses on operational improvements to the Medicaid program's address management system.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a statue of Benjamin Franklin and place it in the U.S. Capitol. The committee must secure the statue within two years of the bill's enactment and install it in a public-accessible location by January 1, 2026, for viewing during Capitol Visitor Center guided tours. It is a procedural measure with no policy changes or direct impact on constituents or legislation.

Maddy summaryHRES 1423 expresses the U.S. House of Representatives' support for designating the week of September 21-28, 2024, as "National Estuaries Week." The resolution highlights estuaries' economic and ecological importance, noting they support over 3.5 million jobs, contribute $476 billion to the U.S. GDP, and provide critical services like flood control and water filtration. It does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise public awareness about protecting estuaries, which face threats like pollution and habitat loss. The resolution acknowledges ongoing restoration efforts by federal, state, tribal, and community partners.

This resolution supports the designation of National FFA Week. It also (1) recognizes the important role of the National FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America) in developing the next generation of globally conscious leaders who will change the world; and (2) celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Give the Gift of Blue program, which has donated more than 17,000 FFA blue jackets to FFA members in need.