Rep. Pete Stauber

Maddy summaryThe Access Technology Affordability Act of 2025 creates a new tax credit for individuals who purchase technology designed to assist blind people, such as screen readers or braille displays. This credit covers up to $2,000 in expenses per three-year period for qualified access technology used by the taxpayer, their spouse, or a blind dependent. The credit adjusts for inflation after 2026 but does not apply to costs already covered by other tax benefits. The credit expires after 2030, with adjustments for cost-of-living changes starting in 2027.

Maddy summaryHR 1502 authorizes the creation of a Congressional Gold Medal to honor the volunteers and communities (primarily from Nebraska, Colorado, and Kansas) who supported the North Platte Canteen during World War II. The bill directs the Treasury Secretary to design and strike the medal, which will be presented to the individuals who contributed to the canteen’s operations and then permanently displayed at the Lincoln County Historical Museum in North Platte, Nebraska. It also permits the sale of bronze duplicates to cover production costs, with proceeds going to the U.S. Mint. This is a commemorative measure recognizing historical service, not a policy change affecting current laws or programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits U.S. government funds from being used to support organizations (both foreign and domestic) that provide, promote, or fund abortion services abroad, including referrals, counseling, or training related to abortions. It directly affects foreign NGOs, multilateral organizations, and domestic groups receiving U.S. aid if they perform or support such activities, even within programs funded by the U.S. government. The restriction includes all forms of financial support and co-location of abortion services with other funded programs, with exceptions only for abortions resulting from rape or incest, or when the mother's life is endangered. This policy change alters how U.S. foreign aid is allocated to ensure funds do not support abortion-related services.

Maddy summaryHR 1505, the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act, establishes federal standards for collective bargaining rights for public safety officers (including police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel) in states that do not meet minimum requirements. The Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) will determine after 180 days whether a state law "substantially provides" key rights, such as forming unions, negotiating wages/hours, and using binding arbitration to resolve disputes. If a state fails this assessment, federal bargaining rules apply within two years, but existing state laws with stronger protections remain valid. The bill explicitly respects state laws that exceed its standards and exempts small jurisdictions (under 5,000 population or 25 full-time employees).

Maddy summaryThe Rare Earth Magnet Security Act of 2025 creates a tax credit for U.S. manufacturers producing rare earth magnets domestically. The credit pays $20 per kilogram for magnets with less than 90% of component materials sourced in the U.S., and $30 per kilogram if at least 90% of materials are domestically produced. The bill restricts the credit for magnets using components from "non-allied foreign nations" (with a temporary exception for certain materials until 2027) and phases out the credit after 2034 (reducing to 70% in 2035, 35% in 2036-2037, and 0% after 2037). The credit applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

Maddy summaryHCONRES 11 is a procedural resolution scheduling a joint session of Congress. It directs both the House and Senate to meet in the House Chamber on March 4, 2025, at 9 p.m. to receive a message from the President. This measure affects Congress as a whole by setting a specific date and time for the session, with no substantive policy changes or direct impact on the public. It follows standard legislative procedure for presidential communications.

Maddy summaryHR 1436, the ENABLE Act, makes permanent key tax provisions for ABLE accounts - tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. It removes the 2026 expiration date for increased contribution limits to ABLE accounts and allows rollovers from 529 college savings plans into ABLE accounts without tax penalties. These changes directly affect individuals with disabilities who use ABLE accounts for qualified expenses like housing, education, and medical costs. The bill ensures these financial tools remain available long-term, streamlining access to savings without requiring new legislative action each year.

This concurrent resolution declares that Congress should not impose any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge relating to the public performance of sound recordings on a local radio station for broadcasting sound recordings over the air, or on any business for such public performance of sound recordings.

Maddy summaryHR 1301, the Death Tax Repeal Act, would eliminate the federal estate tax and generation-skipping transfer tax for estates of individuals dying on or after its enactment date. It directly affects individuals inheriting significant assets, as it removes taxes on estates exceeding $10 million (adjusted for inflation) and repeals taxes on large transfers between generations. The bill modifies the gift tax by establishing a $10 million lifetime exemption with annual inflation adjustments, replacing previous tax brackets. It applies to estates, gifts, and transfers occurring on or after the bill's effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates federal vehicle safety standards to permit pulsating light systems on high-mounted stop lamps, directly affecting vehicle manufacturers and safety regulators. It requires the Transportation Secretary to issue new regulations within 180 days establishing performance rules for these systems. The key provision defines a "pulsating light system" as one that emits rapid pulses (max 4 pulses within 1.2 seconds) when brakes are applied, then switches to steady light, with a mandatory 5-second lockout period before pulses can repeat after brake release. The bill amends Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 to formally allow this technology under specific technical parameters.