Rep. Abraham J. Hamadeh

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits financial institutions and payment processors from using specific merchant category codes that separately identify businesses selling firearms or ammunition. It directly affects banks, credit card networks, and payment processors that handle transactions for firearm retailers. The key provision amends the Truth in Lending Act to require these covered entities to treat firearm merchants the same as other businesses for transaction categorization purposes. The law does not change gun ownership laws or restrict firearm sales, only addressing how financial transactions are classified.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends U.S. Code to allow military retirees with service-connected disabilities rated below 50% to receive both full retired pay and veterans’ disability compensation without pay reduction, regardless of their years of service. It specifically removes the previous requirement that disability retirees must have at least 20 years of service to qualify for concurrent receipt. The key provision adjusts the calculation method for reducing retired pay, ensuring those with fewer than 20 years of service can retain full retired pay when combined with disability compensation. This directly affects military retirees with service-connected disabilities under 50% disability rating who previously faced reduced retired pay. The bill takes effect after enactment, applying to payments for months beginning on or after the effective date.

Maddy summaryHR 1170, the Congressional Access to Military Posts Act of 2025, requires the Department of Defense to grant immediate access to covered U.S. and Guam military installations for Members of Congress and their accompanying staff upon presentation of a valid congressional identification badge. This eliminates the need for prior scheduling for access to installations where a Department of Defense common access card is the sole standard requirement for military personnel. The bill specifically applies to Senators, Representatives, Delegates, and Resident Commissioners, and defines "covered installation" as those using DoD common access cards as the sole access method. It does not alter security protocols but streamlines access for congressional oversight visits.

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 summaryThe Embassy Construction Integrity Act of 2025 restricts the U.S. State Department from acquiring, leasing, or contracting with entities linked to the Chinese government for construction or maintenance of diplomatic or consular buildings abroad. It specifically prohibits transactions involving buildings where a "covered entity" (an entity controlled by China or its agents) performed construction since 1949 or holds ownership. If such a transaction occurs, the Secretary of State must notify Congress within 7 days, including a national security justification and mitigation plan. This law directly affects U.S. embassy and consulate construction projects, aiming to prevent reliance on Chinese-linked contractors for critical infrastructure.

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 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.

This bill allows a national of the Czech Republic to qualify for E-1 nonimmigrant status if the Czech Republic provides similar nonimmigrant status to U.S. nationals. E-1 classification allows nationals of certain countries (i.e., those with a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States, those under a qualifying international agreement, or those deemed to qualify through statute) to be admitted solely to engage in international trade, along with their families and employees.

Maddy summaryThe CARGO Act of 2025 prohibits the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from funding any research involving live animals conducted outside the United States. It directly affects foreign organizations and researchers who previously received NIH grants for animal research abroad, including projects funded under the $2.2 billion in grants from 2011-2021. The key provision amends the Public Health Service Act to ban NIH support for such overseas research, requiring all animal research funded by the NIH to occur within the U.S. (including territories and the District of Columbia). This change aims to address concerns about inadequate oversight of animal welfare in foreign labs where self-reported data may be inaccurate.

Maddy summaryHR 1057, the Safe Passage on Interstates Act of 2025, creates a new federal criminal offense for intentionally obstructing interstate highways. It makes it illegal to deliberately delay traffic, stand near vehicles, or endanger movement on interstates with the intent to block normal use. The bill directly affects individuals who engage in such obstruction, with penalties including fines up to $15,000 or imprisonment up to 20 years (or life if death results). Exceptions cover lawful activities authorized by federal, state, or local governments. This bill amends Title 18 of the U.S. Code to establish specific penalties for highway obstruction.