Rep. André Carson

Maddy summaryThe GRAD Act (HR 5850) prevents colleges from changing or ending a student's enrollment status if federal financial aid under Title IV is delayed due to a government shutdown. It directly affects students receiving federal aid and the institutions that award it. The bill amends the Higher Education Act to require schools to maintain enrollment status during disruptions caused by lapses in government funding. This ensures students aren’t penalized for aid delays beyond their control during shutdowns.

Maddy summaryHRES 832 is a symbolic resolution expressing the U.S. House of Representatives' support for designating October 19-25, 2025, as "National Chemistry Week." It recognizes chemistry's role in everyday life (from food and medicine to energy) and promotes public engagement with science, technology, engineering, and math education. The resolution specifically commends the American Chemical Society for organizing the 36th annual event, which focuses on themes like "The Hidden Life of Spices" and aims to inspire youth - especially underrepresented groups - to pursue STEM careers. As a non-binding ceremonial resolution, it has no legislative effect or policy changes.

Maddy summaryHRES 833 is a non-binding resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives to honor Dr. Jane Goodall, a renowned primatologist, conservationist, and advocate for wildlife protection. The resolution recognizes her groundbreaking chimpanzee research at Gombe Stream, her founding of the Jane Goodall Institute and Roots and Shoots program (which engages youth in environmental action globally), and her decades-long advocacy for ethical animal treatment and conservation. It commemorates her legacy following her passing on October 1, 2025, and extends condolences to her family and affiliated organizations. This resolution has no legal effect but serves as a symbolic tribute to her global environmental impact.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the U.S. House of Representatives' support for recognizing October 26, 2025, as Intersex Awareness Day, which honors intersex individuals - those with natural variations in physical sex characteristics (such as anatomy, hormones, or chromosomes) that differ from typical male or female bodies. It affirms the day’s goals of promoting bodily autonomy and addressing issues like nonconsensual medical procedures on intersex children. The resolution encourages federal agencies, schools, and organizations to observe the day through educational activities that increase public awareness and support for the intersex community. It does not create new laws or policies but symbolically aligns with existing federal actions promoting nondiscrimination and health equity for intersex people.

Maddy summaryHR 5816, the HELP FEDs Act, protects federal employees from student loan penalties during government shutdowns. It prevents late fees, additional interest, and credit damage on qualified education loans (like federal student loans) when employees miss payments due to a funding lapse causing government operations to halt. The law requires the Department of Education to coordinate with loan servicers and credit agencies to remove any inaccurate negative credit reports from these missed payments, applying retroactively to shutdowns after October 1, 2025. The bill does not eliminate the need to repay loans but pauses penalties and credit impacts during covered disruptions.

Maddy summaryHRES 824 is a ceremonial House resolution recognizing the religious and historical significance of Diwali, the festival of lights. It acknowledges Diwali’s meaning across Hindu, Sikh, and Jain traditions - symbolizing light over darkness, good over evil, and marking spiritual milestones like Guru Hargobind’s release and Lord Mahavira’s Nirvana. The resolution expresses respect for Indian-Americans and the global Indian diaspora, highlighting Diwali’s role in U.S. religious diversity. As a non-binding recognition, it does not create new laws, policies, or funding, but formally honors the cultural observance.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires federal agencies to report detailed spending data on advertising contracts starting with the 2027 budget. Specifically, agencies must disclose total advertising expenditures and break down spending for contracts with women-owned, minority-owned, and socially/economically disadvantaged small businesses (as defined by law). The reporting applies to both past fiscal year spending and estimated future spending for each agency. This is a transparency measure focused solely on data collection, not on changing how contracts are awarded or funding levels.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires congressional and White House approval before any corporate or individual name, logo, or advertisement can be displayed on the White House grounds or in its buildings. It blocks permanent or semi-permanent displays (like plaques or signage) without consent from the House Speaker, Minority Leader, and White House Curator. The law applies to all White House grounds and structures, preventing unsanctioned commercial endorsements or sponsorships. Existing rules for commemorative monuments (under the Commemorative Works Act) would still govern approved displays.

Head Start Shutdown Protection Act of 2025 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to reimburse a state, local government, or school district that uses its funds to maintain participation in the Head Start program or the Early Head Start program during a government shutdown in which there is a lapse in federal appropriations for the programs. The Head Start programs provide comprehensive early childhood education and development services to low-income children. The programs seek to promote school readiness through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, social, and other services.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires FEMA to reimburse fire departments for specific expenses when National Fire Academy courses or activities are canceled due to a government funding gap. It covers travel costs and "backfill" expenses (like overtime pay for staff covering shifts) incurred by departments that planned to send personnel to in-person, off-campus, or virtual courses. Fire departments must submit an itemized claim within 30 days after funding resumes, and reimbursement must be issued within 90 days. Exceptions apply if cancellation is due to "good cause," such as facility closures unrelated to funding, instructor unavailability, or national emergencies.