Rep. Andrew R. Garbarino

Maddy summaryThis bill allows employees in trades requiring specialized tools (like construction) to deduct work-related expenses directly from their gross income, rather than as itemized deductions. Specifically, it creates an above-the-line deduction for construction tools, personal protective gear, and other necessary work expenses. This change exempts these costs from the usual 2% floor on miscellaneous itemized deductions. The policy affects blue-collar workers who must purchase or maintain essential equipment to perform their jobs, making these costs fully deductible starting in 2026.

Maddy summaryHR 2103, the Protect Postal Performance Act, requires the U.S. Postal Service to hold public hearings and wait 180 days before closing or consolidating any post office, ensuring community input and transparency. It directly affects communities by preventing closures if a post office is the only one within 15 miles or serves 15,000+ residents, and blocks closures of processing centers that would leave entire non-contiguous state regions (with over 100,000 residents) without service. The bill also mandates that the Postal Regulatory Commission review proposed facility changes before implementation and prohibits reducing mail pickup/drop-off frequency through transportation optimization plans without prior approval. These provisions aim to stabilize postal services and maintain access for residents in underserved areas.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through September 30, 2025, by amending two key sections of the 1968 law. It directly affects homeowners and businesses in flood-prone areas who rely on NFIP policies for coverage, as well as communities using NFIP data for flood mapping and planning. The key provision changes the program's expiration date from 2023 to 2025, preventing a lapse in federal flood insurance availability. A retroactive clause ensures the extension applies as if enacted on March 14, 2025, if passed later that year. This is a procedural renewal of existing program funding, not a change to flood insurance rules or rates.

Maddy summaryHR 2095, the Postal Police Reform Act of 2025, amends existing law to clarify the roles of USPS police officers and their authority over property. It explicitly includes "Postal Service police officers" alongside Postal Inspectors in Section 3061 of Title 18, U.S. Code, and gives the Postmaster General new authority to create rules for protecting USPS-owned or controlled property. These rules can include fines or up to 30 days in jail for violations, with penalties clearly defined under the law. The bill directly affects USPS police officers and individuals on USPS property by standardizing their regulatory framework.

Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator, and Responder Act of 2025 or the HELPER Act of 2025 This bill establishes a program administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide mortgage assistance to law enforcement officers, elementary and secondary school teachers, firefighters, or other first responders. Specifically, these individuals may be eligible for a first-time mortgage on a primary family residence with no down payment. Instead, the mortgage is subject to a one-time, up-front mortgage insurance premium.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HRES 217) is a ceremonial recognition, not a policy bill. It honors the 113th anniversary of Girl Scouts of the United States of America and its founder, Juliette Gordon Low, on March 12, 2025. The resolution celebrates the organization’s mission to build girls' courage, confidence, and leadership through programs in STEM, outdoors, and civic engagement. It specifically commends Girl Scout Gold Award recipients from 2024 and notes the upcoming release of the Juliette Gordon Low Commemorative Quarter by the U.S. Mint. The resolution has no binding effect or direct impact on policy, funding, or individuals.

Maddy summaryHRES 218 is a resolution recognizing and honoring teachers who have earned or maintained National Board Certification as of March 2025. It specifically honors approximately 141,464 certified teachers nationwide, acknowledges their contributions to student learning (including research showing improved outcomes for students), and encourages school districts and states to support more teachers in pursuing this certification. The resolution has no legal effect or funding provisions - it is purely a symbolic gesture of appreciation for educators meeting rigorous teaching standards.

Maddy summaryThe Credit for Caring Act of 2025 creates a federal tax credit for family caregivers of elderly or disabled relatives. It allows eligible caregivers (with over $7,500 in earned income) to claim a credit equal to 30% of qualified caregiving expenses exceeding $2,000, capped at $5,000 per year. Qualified expenses include human assistance, home modifications, respite care, counseling, lost wages for unpaid time off, and transportation, all requiring certification from a licensed healthcare provider that the care recipient has long-term needs. The credit phases out for higher earners (over $75,000 single/$150,000 joint) and requires documentation of expenses and care recipient certification.

Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act This bill expedites payment of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and eligibility for Medicare coverage for those with metastatic breast cancer (i.e., breast cancer that has spread to other sites in the body). Specifically, the bill eliminates the 5-month waiting period for SSDI benefits and the subsequent 24-month waiting period for Medicare coverage for individuals with metastatic breast cancer. Under current law, individuals generally must wait 5 months after the onset of disability to begin receiving SSDI benefits and an additional 24 months to become eligible for Medicare.

Resident Education Deferred Interest Act or the REDI Act This bill allows borrowers in medical or dental internships or residency programs to defer student loan payments until the completion of their programs.