Rep. Paul A. Gosar

Blind Americans Return to Work Act of 2025 This bill requires the Social Security Administration to carry out a demonstration project during which blind Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries receive reduced benefits commensurate with income above certain thresholds. Under current law, only individuals who earn under a specified monthly income, known as the substantial gainful activity (SGA) threshold, are considered disabled and thereby eligible for SSDI benefits. For blind workers, this limit is $2,700 per month in 2025. SSDI beneficiaries may earn beyond the SGA threshold for a limited period of time, known as the trial work period , before their benefits are suspended and ultimately terminate. The bill establishes a 20-year demonstration project during which individuals who are entitled to SSDI benefits by reason of blindness and who earn above the SGA threshold continue to receive benefits at an amount gradually reduced commensurate with their earnings beyond a specified amount. During this period, blind workers’ SSDI benefits must be reduced by $1 for every $2 that a worker earns above the sum of (1) the SGA threshold, and (2) the worker’s expenses reasonably attributable to their work. The SGA threshold may not be used to determine whether an individual is disabled during this period, and blind workers’ SSDI benefits may not be terminated due to work-related earnings. The trial work period also must not apply.  After 10 years, affected beneficiaries may opt out of the modified benefits structure.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires all non-profit organizations receiving federal funds to certify they comply with federal laws against human trafficking, alien smuggling, fraud, and bribery. Non-profits must submit this certification within 60-120 days of the law's enactment or risk repayment of funds and loss of tax-exempt status. The Department of Homeland Security must create compliance guides for non-profits and publish violation data online. Annual reports to Congress will track non-profit compliance failures related to these requirements.

Maddy summaryHR 1137, the "No Kill Switches in Cars Act," repeals Section 24220 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58), which previously required vehicle manufacturers to implement advanced impaired driving technology. This bill directly affects car manufacturers by removing a mandate to integrate specific safety technology designed to detect driver impairment. The key provision is the repeal itself, eliminating the requirement without creating new obligations or altering existing vehicle safety standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands 529 college savings account flexibility by allowing funds to cover costs for industry-recognized postsecondary credentials, not just traditional degrees. It defines "qualified expenses" to include tuition/fees for recognized credential programs (like certifications or apprenticeships), required testing fees, and continuing education needed to maintain credentials. To qualify, programs must meet specific criteria, such as appearing on state lists under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act or being listed in VA or Defense directories. The change applies to 529 distributions made after the law's enactment, giving families more options to use these accounts for job-focused training.

Maddy summaryHJRES 37 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how U.S. Representatives are apportioned among states. It would require counting only U.S. citizens in each state when determining representation, rather than the current total population (including non-citizens). This would directly affect states with large non-citizen populations, potentially reducing their number of House seats. The amendment, if ratified, would replace the current constitutional standard for apportionment. It is a procedural proposal seeking constitutional change, not an enacted law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) to allow firearm manufacturers, sellers, and trade associations to move certain civil lawsuits from state courts to federal courts. It gives federal courts the authority to determine if a case falls under the PLCAA's protections and to dismiss it if it does. The key mechanism is automatic removal to federal court for qualified cases, followed by a federal court decision on dismissal. This directly affects gun industry defendants by shifting jurisdiction for specific liability claims away from state courts.

Maddy summaryHR 1040, the Senior Citizens Tax Elimination Act, would stop taxing Social Security benefits for seniors by repealing the current tax rule that includes some benefits in gross income. It directly affects senior citizens who currently pay federal income tax on portions of their Social Security payments. The bill adds a provision stating Section 86 of the tax code (which taxes Social Security benefits) no longer applies after enactment. To offset the lost tax revenue, the bill requires the government to appropriate funds to the Social Security and Railroad Retirement trust funds, ensuring they remain fully funded without requiring tax increases.

Maddy summaryHR 72, the TBI and PTSD Treatment Act, authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a covered treatment for veterans diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This bill directly affects eligible veterans with these specific conditions by expanding their access to this treatment option through VA-approved health care providers. The key provision adds a new section (1710F) to Title 38, specifying that the Secretary must furnish this therapy under existing VA healthcare authority. The bill does not create new benefits but formalizes coverage for this specific treatment method for qualifying veterans.

Maddy summaryHR 71, the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act, allows eligible veterans enrolled in VA healthcare to choose from a broader network of providers, including non-VA facilities, without geographic restrictions. The bill creates a 3-year pilot program in four diverse locations (rural and urban) where veterans can select primary care and specialty providers within a defined "covered care system" (VA facilities and approved community providers), with VA coordinating care through a primary provider. After the pilot, the law permanently requires the VA to offer this same choice of providers to all enrolled veterans, removing current barriers that limited access to non-VA care outside a veteran’s local VA network. The program uses existing VA funding and mandates regular reports to Congress on implementation and results.

Maddy summaryHR 992, the PATROL Act, prohibits the federal Attorney General from suing states that build border barriers (like walls or fences) to prevent illegal entry or protect state territory. It specifically blocks civil lawsuits under existing border laws (33 U.S.C. 401/403) against states for such barrier projects. The bill defines key terms like "barrier" (including walls or fences) and "immigration laws" to clarify its scope. This directly affects states constructing border infrastructure and limits federal legal actions against those efforts. The bill does not create new border policies but changes the legal landscape for state-led border security measures.