Rep. Joaquin Castro

Maddy summaryHR 609, the Assuring Medicare's Promise Act of 2025, directs revenue from the net investment income tax (currently applied to investment income) into the Medicare Hospital Insurance Trust Fund. It expands the tax base to include certain business income for high-income individuals with modified adjusted gross income exceeding $400,000 ($500,000 for joint filers), with a phase-in to limit the tax increase. The bill ensures this tax revenue directly supports Medicare's hospital insurance program, applying to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025. The changes do not alter the tax rate but broaden the income types subject to the tax for high earners.

Neighbors Not Enemies Act This bill repeals provisions authorizing the President to apprehend and remove from the United States the citizens of a particular nation, if the United States has declared war against that nation or that nation has threatened an invasion against the United States.

Maddy summaryThe COVER Now Act allows cities, counties, or other local governments in states that have not expanded Medicaid to provide health coverage to Medicaid-eligible residents. Local governments in non-expansion states can apply for a federal demonstration project to cover these residents, with the federal government paying 90-100% of costs over seven years (starting at 100% for the first three years). The bill prohibits states from retaliating against localities that participate, such as by shifting costs, reducing funding, or blocking healthcare provider participation. This directly affects uninsured residents in non-expansion states and local governments seeking to fill coverage gaps.

Maddy summaryHR 475 would impose U.S. sanctions on Russian individuals or entities that have endangered the safety or operational control of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant since Russia’s 2022 invasion. Key provisions include freezing assets of targeted persons and banning their entry into the U.S. via visa restrictions. The bill includes critical exceptions for humanitarian aid (food, medicine, medical supplies) and efforts to restore Ukrainian control of the plant. These sanctions aim to address nuclear safety risks highlighted by the IAEA, without affecting legitimate humanitarian operations.

Maddy summaryHR 433, the Department of Education Protection Act, prohibits the use of federal funds to reorganize the Department of Education. Specifically, it blocks any spending from current fiscal year appropriations on activities that would decentralize the department, reduce staffing, or alter its structure, responsibilities, or authority relative to its organization as of January 1, 2025. The bill directly affects the Department of Education by preventing structural changes to its existing offices and operations. This is a procedural measure focused solely on preserving the current departmental framework, not on changing education policy or funding.

Maddy summaryHRES 41 is a symbolic resolution introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to express support for designating January as "Tamil Language and Heritage Month." It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the cultural significance of Tamil language, history, and contributions. The resolution highlights Tamil's 2,600-year history, the presence of 360,000 Tamil speakers in the U.S., and the Pongal harvest festival celebrated by Tamil communities. It aims to encourage Americans to learn about Tamil heritage and aligns with existing state-level recognitions in places like Michigan and Massachusetts. As a non-binding resolution, it directly affects public awareness and cultural celebration, not legal obligations.

Maddy summaryHR 307, the ARC Act of 2025, aims to reduce avoidable amputations by expanding access to peripheral artery disease (PAD) screening and prevention. It requires Medicare and Medicaid to cover PAD screening tests (like ankle-brachial index tests) without cost-sharing for at-risk beneficiaries, including seniors, diabetics, and those with other vascular risk factors. The bill also establishes a federal education program to raise awareness about PAD and creates quality measures to incentivize hospitals to prioritize non-amputation treatments through early detection. These provisions directly affect millions of Americans, particularly minorities disproportionately impacted by PAD-related amputations, by making preventive care more accessible and integrated into routine care.

Maddy summaryThe Proxy Voting for New Parents Resolution (HRES 23) would allow U.S. House Members who have given birth or whose spouse has given birth to appoint another Member as a proxy to cast their vote or record their presence in the House and committees for up to 12 weeks after childbirth. To use this, the new parent must submit a signed letter to the Clerk detailing the birth or medical condition and naming the proxy; the proxy must vote exactly as instructed and announce the vote as "by proxy." The proxy vote does not count toward quorum, and the new parent can revoke the proxy at any time by submitting a new letter or casting their own vote. This resolution applies to all House Members, including Delegates and the Resident Commissioner, though they cannot cast votes for the House itself.

Maddy summaryThis bill renames a U.S. Postal Service facility in Fritch, Texas, to the "Chief Zeb Smith Post Office." It designates the specific location at 107 North Hoyne Avenue as the official name for all federal references, including documents, maps, and records. The bill makes no policy changes - it solely updates the facility's name for administrative purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases healthcare affordability for low- and middle-income people by expanding eligibility for premium tax credits under the Affordable Care Act. It removes the previous 400% of poverty level cap for subsidy eligibility and replaces it with a new sliding scale based on income tiers, ranging from 0% to 8.5% of household income for coverage costs. The scale adjusts linearly across income levels, with households earning 300-400% of poverty paying 6.0%-8.5% of income (up from the prior fixed 400% cap), while lower-income households pay progressively less. These changes apply to tax years beginning after December 31, 2025, directly affecting individuals purchasing health insurance through marketplace plans.