Rep. Matt Cartwright

Maddy summaryHR 6811 creates new federal grants to fund research on land management practices that store carbon or reduce greenhouse gas emissions in agricultural lands, forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The bill requires these grants to support projects using traditional ecological knowledge, promoting biodiversity and climate resilience, and reducing water runoff. It directly affects researchers, land managers, and farmers by expanding funding opportunities for climate-friendly practices. The legislation amends existing law to add this specific grant category under agricultural research programs.

Maddy summaryHR 9274, the SHAWL Act, establishes two new Smithsonian museums: the National Museum of the American Latino and the American Women’s History Museum. It authorizes both museums to be located within the National Mall’s "Reserve" area, overriding prior restrictions, and requires federal agencies managing potential sites to transfer jurisdiction to the Smithsonian after notifying congressional committees. The bill mandates that both museums accurately represent diverse cultures, histories, and viewpoints within Latino and women’s communities through exhibits and programs, requiring input from a broad range of community experts. It also requires the Smithsonian to submit biennial reports to Congress detailing compliance with these representation requirements.

Maddy summaryHRES 1394 is a non-binding resolution celebrating the U.S.-India partnership based on shared democratic values, religious pluralism, and human rights, while highlighting the contributions of the Indian diaspora in the United States. It specifically recognizes the 50th anniversary of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha's community work, including its spiritual centers (mandirs) and volunteer efforts across the country. The resolution does not create legal obligations but formally acknowledges these ties and achievements.

Maddy summaryHR 9140 requires the Secretary of the Interior to issue a report within 180 days of enactment about how mine subsidence affects communities. The report must detail economic and welfare impacts on communities and describe current Department efforts to minimize subsidence risks. This procedural bill mandates a review of existing conditions but does not change laws or create new requirements. It directly affects communities near active or abandoned mines experiencing land sinking from underground mining.

Maddy summaryThe SAFE Act establishes a national strategy to protect fish, wildlife, and plants from climate change impacts by requiring federal agencies to integrate climate adaptation into their conservation plans. It creates a Working Group to develop and update a National Strategy, establishes a Climate Adaptation Science Center Network for scientific support, and mandates that states develop their own adaptation plans to receive federal funding. The bill directly affects federal agencies, state governments, Indian Tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations, emphasizing collaboration and incorporation of traditional ecological knowledge. Key mechanisms include regular review of the National Strategy, requirements for state adaptation plans addressing climate impacts on ecosystems, and coordination across different government levels. This legislation focuses on concrete policy changes to enhance ecosystem resilience to climate change effects like extreme weather, habitat loss, and species migration.

Maddy summaryHR 9104, the Access to Birth Control Act, requires pharmacies that normally stock contraception to provide birth control or related medications without delay if in stock, or immediately offer alternatives like referrals to other pharmacies or expedited orders if unavailable. It prohibits pharmacists from intimidating customers, misrepresenting availability, breaching confidentiality, or refusing to fill valid prescriptions for birth control. Pharmacies violating these rules face civil penalties up to $1,000 per day or private lawsuits. The law specifically applies to pharmacies that routinely carry contraception and excludes cases where a valid prescription is missing or payment cannot be made. It aims to address documented refusals to dispense birth control, particularly following the Dobbs decision.

Maddy summaryHRES 1374 is a non-binding House resolution honoring correctional officers nationwide for their service and sacrifice. It specifically recognizes 29 fallen officers who died in the line of duty and acknowledges the daily risks, bravery, and professionalism of all correctional officers in maintaining facility safety. The resolution calls for supporting officers' well-being through adequate resources and training, while encouraging public appreciation for their role in upholding justice. As a commemorative measure, it does not create new laws or funding requirements.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (HRES 1369) honoring Corey Comperatore, a volunteer firefighter, U.S. Army Reserves veteran, and community leader from Sarver, Pennsylvania, who died on July 13, 2024. The resolution formally mourns his passing and celebrates his life, noting he left behind his wife, Helen, and two daughters, Allyson and Kaylee. It recognizes his service to the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Department, his military service, and his role as a devoted member of Cabot Methodist Church. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on legislation or constituents beyond this formal acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to meet specific on-time delivery performance standards for periodicals (newspapers and magazines) before the Postal Regulatory Commission can approve new rate increases for those services. It mandates annual public reports tracking USPS's on-time delivery performance for both in-county and out-of-county newspaper mail, with requirements for data collection if individual mail tracking isn't feasible. The bill also directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study alternative pricing models for periodicals that don't cover their costs, with a report due within two years. These provisions directly affect USPS operations, newspaper publishers, and the postal rate-setting process, aiming to link service quality to financial decisions.

Maddy summaryHRES 1355 is a non-binding resolution supporting the designation of July 10 as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day. It honors lineworkers who maintain electrical infrastructure under hazardous conditions, including during disasters, and commemorates Henry Miller, the first president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, who died on July 10, 1896, while troubleshooting an electrical outage. The resolution encourages public recognition of these workers' contributions but does not create new laws or policies.