Rep. Troy A. Carter

Maddy summaryThe WIC for Kids Act expands eligibility for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to include children in households receiving Head Start services, food assistance on Indian reservations, or nutrition block grants in Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. The bill extends the standard certification period for WIC-eligible children from one year to two years and allows state agencies to align recertification dates for all eligible family members within a household. Additionally, it requires states to automatically certify infants born to participating mothers without requiring a new application and grants automatic eligibility to children in kinship care arrangements.

Maddy summaryHR 5745, the Marine Fisheries Habitat Protection Act, allows oil and gas operators to convert decommissioned offshore platforms and pipelines into artificial reefs instead of fully removing them. It establishes a process where operators can apply to leave structures in place (called "Reefing in Place") after completing assessments of marine habitat benefits and economic costs. The bill requires the Director to determine if a structure qualifies as an "Eligible Structure" based on habitat potential and safety, with a three-year window for approval after qualification. It also prohibits federal removal orders during key application and assessment periods and permits states to assume liability for reef sites. This directly affects operators of inactive offshore structures and aims to create new marine habitats while streamlining decommissioning.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution supports designating the week of September 14 through September 18, 2026, as National Clean Energy Week to highlight the growth of zero- and low-emission energy sources. The bill cites a Department of Energy report stating that the U.S. energy sector employed approximately 8.5 million people at the end of 2024 and emphasizes that clean energy jobs are local and cannot be outsourced. It encourages federal, state, and private entities to invest in affordable clean technologies and specifically applauds the work of Department of Energy National Laboratories across multiple states.

Maddy summaryThe Affordable Premiums for Seniors Act of 2026 extends a Medicare Part D premium stabilization program through 2029 and makes it permanent starting in 2030, provided that ending the program would not cause prescription drug premiums to rise. This legislation directly affects seniors enrolled in Medicare prescription drug plans by aiming to keep their costs stable over time. The bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue updated operational guidelines for the program within 30 days of enactment.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution expresses support for designating the week of September 19 through September 26, 2026, as National Estuaries Week to raise public awareness about the importance of these coastal ecosystems. The bill highlights that estuaries support a significant portion of the U.S. population and economy while providing critical services such as flood control, water filtration, and habitat for fish and wildlife. It acknowledges ongoing threats to estuary health, including pollution and sea level changes, and recognizes the efforts of government agencies, organizations, and individuals working to protect and restore these areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new procedural safeguards for the Internal Revenue Service when conducting tax inquiries or examinations of universities, requiring high-level Treasury approval based on reasonable belief that a university may not qualify for tax-exempt status. It mandates that the IRS provide written notice to the institution before beginning an inquiry and at least 15 days before starting a formal examination, offering the university the opportunity to hold a conference to discuss concerns. The legislation imposes strict time limits, requiring inquiries to be completed within 90 days and examinations within two years, while also restricting the ability to re-examine a university for five years if no significant tax issues are found. Additionally, it requires the Secretary of the Treasury to submit confidential reports to congressional committees detailing any new university tax investigations.

Maddy summaryHR 5267, the American Franchise Act, clarifies when franchisors can be considered joint employers of franchisee employees under federal labor laws. It defines "substantial direct and immediate control" over essential employment terms like wages, benefits, hours, hiring, and discipline - requiring franchisors to actively set these terms to be deemed joint employers. The bill explicitly excludes routine brand standards, training, or minimal safety requirements from constituting such control. This directly affects franchisors and franchisees by limiting joint employer liability to cases where franchisors exert significant, ongoing influence over core employment decisions. The law applies prospectively to new cases after enactment, not past disputes.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks by formally honoring the memory of the nearly 3,000 victims and recognizing the sacrifices made by first responders, military personnel, and the passengers of United Airlines Flight 93. The bill acknowledges the ongoing health challenges faced by survivors and responders, highlighting the role of the World Trade Center Health Program in providing long-term medical support. It also credits charitable organizations and community groups that have continued to assist victims' families and veterans over the past two decades. Finally, the resolution urges the American public to observe the anniversary with ceremonies and reaffirms Congress's commitment to remembering the events and lessons of that day.

Maddy summaryThe El Salvador TPS Act of 2026 requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to individuals from El Salvador. This designation would remain in effect until a date 18 months after September 9, 2026. The bill directly affects eligible residents of El Salvador by providing them with legal protection and work authorization during this specified period.

Maddy summaryThe Access to School Supplies Act of 2026 establishes a five-year pilot program that provides competitive grants to up to ten local school districts serving high-poverty schools. These funds are intended to help districts purchase books, supplies, and other materials for students and instructional staff at no cost. The legislation authorizes $100 million annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2031 and requires recipients to submit annual reports detailing how the money was spent and which schools benefited. A small portion of the total funding is reserved for outlying areas and Bureau of Indian Education schools, while the program sunsets on September 30, 2031.