Rep. Linda T. Sánchez

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to the Social Security system that would affect workers, retirees, and survivors. Starting in 2028, it requires individuals to pay Social Security taxes on a decreasing percentage of their earnings above the annual cap, eventually eliminating the tax on excess income by 2032. The legislation also adjusts how benefits are calculated by increasing the portion of high earnings that count toward future payments and creating a new index to track inflation specifically for elderly consumers. Additionally, it modifies benefits for widows and widowers in two-income households and ensures that Supplemental Security Income recipients are not penalized by changes to their Social Security benefits.

Maddy summaryThe Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act of 2026 eliminates a federal tax credit that allowed parents to deduct contributions to scholarship granting organizations from their income. By removing these specific tax breaks, the bill prevents the use of public tax dollars to support private school vouchers and scholarship programs. This change directly affects families who currently rely on these tax incentives to fund education outside the public school system. The provisions take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026.

Maddy summaryThe Rental Housing Investment Act provides tax incentives to encourage the development of new long-term residential rental properties in the United States. It allows developers to take an accelerated depreciation deduction of up to $150,000 per unit for buildings containing at least two dwelling units, with an increased limit of $250,000 per unit for projects designated as affordable housing. To ensure these properties remain available for rent, the bill includes rules that require the buildings to be used for rental purposes for at least 10 years, or 15 years for affordable housing, before the tax benefits are recaptured. These changes apply to properties placed in service after a 12-month delay following the law's enactment.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new funding program to hire more school counselors, psychologists, and social workers at schools with high numbers of low-income students. It provides federal grants to states, which then distribute money to local school districts to help them meet recommended staffing ratios of 250 students per counselor and 500 students per psychologist. To receive these funds, states must contribute matching money and submit detailed plans showing how they will improve student-to-provider ratios in their highest-need schools. The program is designed to address rising mental health issues among youth by increasing access to professional support directly within the school environment.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce commemorative $5 gold and $1 silver coins marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The coins must feature designs honoring victims and first responders (including the inscription "Never Forget") and will be sold only during 2027-2028. All surcharges ($35 per gold coin, $10 per silver coin) collected from sales will fund the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center, with no net cost to the federal government. The coins are legal tender but primarily intended for collectors, not circulation.

Maddy summaryThe Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act authorizes the creation of a new Smithsonian museum dedicated to women’s history, to be located within the National Mall Reserve in Washington, D.C. If the site is managed by another federal agency, the bill requires that agency to transfer the land after notifying Congress and relevant committees. The museum must ensure exhibits and programs accurately represent diverse women’s experiences by consulting a broad range of experts and community voices. The Smithsonian will submit biennial reports to Congress detailing how the museum meets these representation standards.

Maddy summaryThis concurrent resolution directs the President to withdraw U.S. military forces from active hostilities with Iran. The measure relies on the War Powers Resolution, requiring the President to end combat operations unless the forces are needed to defend the United States or its allies from an immediate attack. Any continued use of troops in such defensive scenarios must still follow specific reporting and notification rules, and full military engagement is only permitted if Congress explicitly authorizes it through a formal declaration of war or a specific authorization for force.

Maddy summaryThe No Taxpayer-Funded Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2026 prohibits the use of federal money to pay specific settlements involving high-ranking government officials and their close associates. It bars payments to the President, Vice President, their immediate families, cabinet members, senior executive staff, political appointees, and individuals connected to these roles, as well as any entity owned by the President or Vice President. Additionally, the bill restricts settlements related to claims about the January 6 Capitol attack, foreign election interference, or previously dismissed lawsuits, while requiring Treasury reports for large settlements and allowing the government to seek repayment if rules are broken.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new federal tax on money received by former U.S. presidents, their immediate family members, or their controlled businesses from civil lawsuits against the government. Under the law, any settlement or verdict awarded to these individuals would be subject to a 100 percent tax, and the payments would not be counted as taxable income for other purposes. To enforce this, the bill requires trustees and administrators to file public reports detailing these payments and imposes a $10,000 penalty for failing to do so. These rules would apply to any funds received on or after May 20, 2026.

Maddy summaryThe RISE Act introduces tax incentives to encourage small businesses to offer pension plans to their employees. It increases the startup tax credit for microemployers, allowing them to claim a larger credit for establishing a retirement plan starting in 2027. Additionally, the bill permits service providers who help set up these plans to receive a tax credit for the fees they waive to make the plans affordable. To prevent fraud, the law requires employers to certify that they have not previously received similar credits for the same group of workers. These changes aim to lower the financial barriers for small employers and their service partners to create retirement savings options.