Rep. John R. Carter

Maddy summaryHJRES 98 is a non-binding joint resolution designating June as "Life Month" to promote awareness of the value of human life. It expresses support for protecting unborn life, references the Dobbs v. Jackson decision, and urges policymakers to defend "the sanctity of human life" through legislation. The resolution does not create new laws, alter funding, or impose requirements - its purpose is solely symbolic recognition. It was introduced by multiple representatives and referred to relevant committees for consideration.

Maddy summaryHR 3694, the VALID Act of 2025, requires lenders to include specific information about VA loans in mortgage disclosures. It amends the National Housing Act to mandate that disclosures state the loan-to-value ratio and clarify that VA loans are available under Chapter 37 of Title 38 (veterans' benefits law), assuming prevailing interest rates. The bill also requires the Federal Housing Finance Agency to add a military service question to the Uniform Residential Loan Application form, placing it above the signature line within six months of enactment. This directly affects veterans and active-duty service members applying for VA-guaranteed mortgages, as well as the lenders processing those applications.

Maddy summaryHR 3688, the Protecting Children from Experimentation Act of 2025, prohibits healthcare professionals from performing or aiding gender transition procedures on minors (under age 18) when the procedure involves interstate commerce (e.g., travel, payments, or communications across state lines). The bill defines "gender transition procedures" broadly to include hormonal treatments and surgeries like puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and genital reconstruction, but excludes medically necessary care for disorders of sex development, precocious puberty, or life-threatening conditions. Healthcare providers violating this prohibition face criminal penalties of up to five years in prison or fines, while minors cannot be prosecuted for receiving such procedures. The law explicitly targets providers, not parents or minors, and includes specific medical exceptions to avoid restricting standard care for qualifying health conditions.

Maddy summaryThe Carla Walker Act (HR 3591) creates federal grants to fund forensic DNA analysis using genetic genealogy databases for law enforcement. It authorizes $5 million annually (2024-2028) for two programs: (1) grants to eligible entities like police departments and medical examiners for whole genome sequencing (100,000+ markers) to solve unsolved cases or identify human remains when standard DNA databases fail, and (2) grants to purchase forensic equipment for genetic genealogy analysis. Funds cannot cover staffing or travel, with only 10% allowed for administrative costs. Recipients must report on case outcomes, testing methods, and results, including how often identifications led to arrests. The bill directly affects state/local law enforcement, forensic labs, and medical examiner offices handling unresolved criminal cases.

Maddy summaryHR 3463 (COUNTER Act) expands the U.S. military's authority to counter drone threats by allowing the Department of Defense and Coast Guard to neutralize unmanned aircraft systems without being restricted by certain federal laws. It exempts related technology, procedures, and protocols from public disclosure requirements under federal and state laws, and permits military commanders to delegate these actions. The bill applies to both domestic and overseas operations, clarifying that other federal laws do not apply to U.S. military or Coast Guard activities mitigating drone threats abroad. Key changes include broadening legal authority beyond previous restrictions and extending reporting deadlines for related activities.

Maddy summaryHR 3392, the STOP Screwworms Act, requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture to build modular facilities for rearing sterile New World screwworm flies within 180 days of enactment. These facilities will disperse sterile flies into at-risk agricultural areas - identified based on migratory patterns and suitability for dispersal - to prevent infestations that threaten livestock. The bill authorizes $300 million in funding for construction, operation, and annual reporting to Congress on threat assessments and effectiveness. It directly affects livestock producers and agricultural regions vulnerable to screwworm fly migration, using sterile insect technique as a preventive measure.

Maddy summaryHR 976, the "1071 Repeal to Protect Small Business Lending Act," would repeal data collection and reporting requirements for small business loans under Section 704B of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. This specifically removes the mandate for financial institutions - especially community banks and credit unions - to track and submit loan data by business characteristics like race or gender. The bill aims to reduce compliance costs for lenders, which its findings argue limit small business access to credit. The repeal would eliminate these reporting obligations and remove references to the requirement from related federal laws.

Maddy summaryHR 3033, the "Protecting the Mailing of Firearms Act," repeals a federal law (18 U.S.C. §1715) that previously prohibited mailing firearms and related items. This bill directly affects firearm sellers, buyers, and the U.S. Postal Service by removing the ban on mailing firearms, ammunition, and components. It also prohibits the Postmaster General from creating rules that would block firearm mailings or require disclosure of sales receipts, transaction records, or firearm serial numbers. The law takes effect immediately for pending cases and prevents new restrictions on firearm shipping through the postal system.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a $500 non-refundable tax credit for homeowners who purchase emergency generators for their primary residence. It applies only to individuals whose homes were in areas affected by two or more federally declared major disasters (excluding public health emergencies) within the past five years, and who previously received individual disaster assistance. The credit phases out for higher-income households ($300,000 joint filer limit, $150,000 for others) and expires two years after the bill becomes law. The credit covers generator costs up to $500 per household, aiming to help disaster-prone communities prepare for power outages.

Maddy summaryThe Small Business Tax Fairness and Compliance Simplification Act (HR 2603) extends a tax credit for employer social security taxes on employee tips in beauty service businesses (like salons, barbershops, and spas) if tips exceed 15% of the business's gross receipts from those services. It creates a "safe harbor" for employers: if they educate employees on tip reporting, track monthly tip income (for amounts $20+), and maintain records for four years, the IRS cannot audit them for tip reporting issues. Additionally, landlords renting space to beauty service businesses must report annual rental payments of $600+ per tenant to the IRS, including tenant details and payment history, with a statement provided to each tenant by January 31. These provisions target small beauty service businesses and their landlords to simplify tax compliance and clarify reporting requirements.