Rep. André Carson

Maddy summaryThe Pensions for All Act requires most private sector employers and self-employed individuals to either provide a retirement plan comparable to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) or enroll in FERS. It establishes reduced contribution requirements for smaller employers (with revenue under $100 million) and lower-income self-employed individuals (with income under $125,000), with specific calculation methods based on business size and income. The bill imposes a $10-per-day penalty for failure to provide an adequate retirement plan, with inflation adjustments after 2026, and creates tax credits for eligible retirement contributions through the Internal Revenue Code. The law specifically applies to non-federal workers, as federal employees are already covered by FERS.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 12-member National Council on African American History and Culture within the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). The Council, appointed by the President with Senate approval, will include experts in African American history and culture who are not federal employees, with balanced representation (6 Democrats, 6 Republicans) and attention to diversity. Its duties include evaluating NEH programs related to African American history, preparing annual reports, and making recommendations to improve preservation and celebration efforts. The Council will operate for 10 years, with members serving five-year terms and receiving partial compensation for their service.

Maddy summaryHR 7545 prohibits U.S. security assistance funds from being used to support Israeli military actions that violate international law, specifically targeting the detention of Palestinian minors, destruction of Palestinian property, and unilateral annexation of occupied land. It requires annual certifications from the State Department confirming U.S. funds aren't supporting these activities and mandates detailed reports on Israeli detention practices, property seizures, and settlement compliance. The bill directly affects U.S. security aid to Israel, including Foreign Military Financing and offshore procurement funds for defense articles. Key mechanisms include funding restrictions, annual reporting requirements, and a GAO report analyzing how offshore procurement funds impact Israel’s military budget and settlement activities.

Maddy summaryThe SCAM Act requires online platforms that display paid advertisements (like social media sites) to verify advertiser identities, implement scam detection systems, and remove fraudulent ads within 24 hours of confirmation. It directly affects platforms that accept payment for ads, targeting scams such as fake giveaways, romance scams, and AI impersonations that cost consumers $195 billion in 2024 (per FTC data). Key mechanisms include mandatory identity checks for advertisers, active monitoring systems, and a 72-hour investigation window for reported scams. The law aims to reduce fraud by shifting responsibility to platforms, with enforcement by the FTC and state attorneys general.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce two types of commemorative $2.50 coins for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence: a circulating coin for everyday use and a numismatic (collector) coin. Both would feature designs based on the 1926 Sesquicentennial coin - showing allegorical liberty holding the Declaration on one side and Independence Hall on the other - with "1776-2026" inscriptions. The bill requires the Mint to issue these coins by July 4, 2026, if technically and economically feasible, but does not mandate their production or affect any specific groups beyond the public who may purchase them.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends medical coverage for 180 days after family caregivers stop providing personal care to veterans (unless dismissed for fraud), and adds employment support during this transition period. It provides up to $1,000 in reimbursement for certification fees, free training modules, and access to programs like Military OneSource and Veterans' Employment Services. The bill also requires studies on creating returnship programs for caregivers rejoining the workforce and on hiring former caregivers at VA facilities. Additionally, it mandates reports on retirement plan options for caregivers and VA efforts supporting their transition away from caregiving. The bill directly affects family caregivers designated under VA's program who are ending their caregiving role.

Maddy summaryHRES 1058 is a non-binding House resolution recognizing the federal government’s duty to develop a Transgender Bill of Rights. It calls for specific policy changes, including amending civil rights laws to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on gender identity in employment, housing, and public accommodations; protecting access to gender-affirming medical care; and streamlining legal recognition of gender identity on federal documents like passports and voter registration. The resolution also proposes expanding protections for transgender and nonbinary individuals in healthcare, education, immigration, and correctional facilities, while emphasizing community-led policy development. As a resolution, it does not create new law but sets a framework for future legislative action.

Maddy summaryThe Firearm Safety Act of 2025 removes an existing exemption that prevents the Consumer Product Safety Commission from regulating firearms as consumer products. By amending the Consumer Product Safety Act, the bill allows the commission to apply its standard safety rules to guns, similar to how it regulates other household items. This change directly affects manufacturers and sellers of firearms by potentially subjecting them to federal safety standards and testing requirements. The legislation does not alter existing gun laws or create new bans, but rather changes the regulatory framework under which firearm safety is overseen.

Maddy summaryHR 7497 establishes a new grant program to fund trauma-informed mental health support in schools, authorizing $50 million annually from 2027-2031. It directly affects students, teachers, school staff, and community mental health providers by requiring grantees to develop collaborative services between schools and local mental health systems. Key provisions include funding evidence-based staff training on trauma-informed practices, creating school-community partnerships, and ensuring culturally competent services for students - including those with disabilities. The bill mandates that funds supplement, not replace, existing resources and requires grantees to coordinate with agencies like child welfare and juvenile justice through formal interagency agreements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the military to approve leave for abortion and fertility care without commanders needing to know the specific procedure. It mandates reimbursement for travel, lodging, meals, and transportation costs when care isn't available nearby, and prohibits punishment for using this leave. It directly affects active-duty service members and their dependents who face barriers to reproductive care due to military restrictions or location. The policy change removes command discretion in approving leave for time-sensitive reproductive health services.