<div dir="ltr"><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 7.5pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:39pt;font-family:Lato,sans-serif;color:black">Blind Americans Return
to Work Act, H.R. 1175/S. 4334</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:Lato,sans-serif;color:black">Friday, April 17, 2026</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 15pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:Lato,sans-serif;color:black">The National Federation of the Blind,
the transformative membership and advocacy organization of blind Americans,
urges the members of the House of Representatives and the Senate to cosponsor
the Blind Americans Return to Work Act, H.R. 1175/S. 4334.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 15pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:Lato,sans-serif;color:black">This bill will help eliminate the
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) earnings cliff by instituting a
two-for-one phase out of benefits where every two dollars earned over the
substantial gainful activity threshold will cause a one-dollar reduction in a
beneficiary\u2019s monthly payment.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:22.5pt 0in 7.5pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:27pt;font-family:Lato,sans-serif;color:black">Blind Americans Return to Work Act</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 15pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:Lato,sans-serif;color:black">The SSDI benefits program contains an
earnings cliff that hinders blind individuals from achieving the American
dream. This is, in effect, a penalty imposed on blind Americans when they work.
Under current law, if a blind worker earns more than the substantial gainful
activity threshold, even by just one dollar, they are not entitled to any
benefits.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 15pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:Lato,sans-serif;color:black">This causes blind employees to
sometimes choose to remain unemployed, refuse promotions, or limit the number
of hours we work to prevent the loss of our benefits. The Blind Americans
Return to Work Act, H.R. 1175/S. 4334 will solve this problem by creating a
gradual phaseout where employees would effectively give back one dollar of our
benefits for every two dollars we earn over the substantial gainful activity
threshold.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 15pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:Lato,sans-serif;color:black">As of right now, we have 39 cosponsors
in the House:<br>
Rep. Sessions, Pete [R-TX-17] \u2013 SPONSOR <br>
Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6]<br>
Rep. Cisneros, Gilbert Ray [D-CA-31]<br>
Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21]<br>
Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8]<br>
Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9]<br>
Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12] <br>
Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22]<br>
Rep. Crank, Jeff [R-CO-5]<br>
Rep. Crow, Jason [D-CO-6]<br>
Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7]<br>
Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large]<br>
Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]<br>
Rep. Fine, Randy [R-FL-6] <br>
Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2]<br>
Rep. Shreve, Jefferson [R-IN-6]<br>
Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3]<br>
Rep. Schmidt, Derek [R-KS-2]<br>
Rep. Fields, Cleo [D-LA-6]<br>
Rep. Golden, Jared F. [D-ME-2]<br>
Rep. Mfume, Kweisi [D-MD-7]<br>
Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6]<br>
Rep. Trahan, Lori [D-MA-3]<br>
Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13]<br>
Rep. Stauber, Pete [R-MN-8]<br>
Rep. Guest, Michael [R-MS-3]<br>
Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1]<br>
Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5] <br>
Rep. Norcross, Donald [D-NJ-1]<br>
Rep. Riley, Josh [D-NY-19]<br>
Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1] <br>
Rep. Bice, Stephanie I. [R-OK-5] <br>
Rep. Bynum, Janelle S. [D-OR-5]<br>
Rep. Kelly, Mike [R-PA-16]<br>
Rep. Thompson, Glenn [R-PA-15]<br>
Rep. Balint, Becca [D-VT-At Large]<br>
Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]<br>
Rep. Grothman, Glenn [R-WI-6] <br>
Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2] <br>
Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3]</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 15pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:Lato,sans-serif;color:black">The Senate has one cosponsor aside
from the bill sponsor:<br>
Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK] \u2013 SPONSOR <br>
Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 15pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:Lato,sans-serif;color:black">If you did not read your
representative or senator\u2019s name on the above list, please contact their office
and urge them to cosponsor the Blind Americans Return to Work Act, H.R. 1175/S.
4334. Also, please keep in mind that while any cosponsor is helpful, it is
especially helpful to gain cosponsors from the majority party. At this time,
the Republican party has a majority in both the House and Senate, so please
make it a point to reach out to Republican members of Congress.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 15pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:Lato,sans-serif;color:black">We are hoping that a large surge of
cosponsor support will give the bill a big momentum boost that will increase
the chance of being included in one of the large legislative vehicles that are
coming up. To do that, we need your help to spread the message of increased
earnings potential and decreased dependence on government benefits to all
members of Congress who have not yet signed onto the bill. We are asking that
you call or email your representative and ask them to cosponsor the Blind
Americans Return to Work Act.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 15pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:Lato,sans-serif;color:black">When you call or email you might say:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 15pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:Lato,sans-serif;color:black">"My name is [YOUR NAME] and I
want to urge [REPRESENTATIVE/SENATOR NAME] to support the Blind Americans
Return to Work Act, [H.R. 1175/S. 4334]. This bill will eliminate the SSDI
earnings cliff and incentivize more blind Americans to work in higher-paying
and more productive jobs, which will in turn reduce dependence upon government
benefits over time. Please cosponsor the Blind Americans Return to Work
Act."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 15pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:Lato,sans-serif;color:black">We suggest a subject like: "Help
get more blind Americans back to work by cosponsoring [H.R. 1175/S.
4334]."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 15pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:Lato,sans-serif;color:black">To find the contact information for
your specific representative or senator\u2019s office, please see their names at the
end of this message.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 15pt;line-height:normal;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:Lato,sans-serif;color:black">If you email, please copy Jesse Shirek
at <a href="mailto:jshirek@nfb.org"><span style="color:rgb(0,90,163)">jshirek@nfb.org</span></a>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Arizona Senate and Represenatives:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Senator Ruben Gallego; Democratic;
<a href="mailto:jonathan_tsentas@gallego.senate.gov">jonathan_tsentas@gallego.senate.gov</a>; 202-224-4521</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Senator Mark Kelly; Democratic;
<a href="mailto:katie_campbell@kelly.senate.gov">katie_campbell@kelly.senate.gov</a>; 202-224-2235</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">AZ 03;
Representative Yassamin Ansari; Democratic; <a href="mailto:paniz.rezaeerod@mail.house.gov">paniz.rezaeerod@mail.house.gov</a>;
202-225-4065 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">AZ-05; Representative Andy Biggs; Republican;
<a href="mailto:logan.wolfe1@mail.house.gov">logan.wolfe1@mail.house.gov</a>; 202-225-2635 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">AZ-06; Representative Juan Ciscomani; Republican;
<a href="mailto:alex.fink@mail.house.gov">alex.fink@mail.house.gov</a>; 202-225-2542 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">AZ-02; Representative Eli Crane; Republican;
<a href="mailto:derrick.miller@mail.house.gov">derrick.miller@mail.house.gov</a>; 202-225-3361 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">AZ-09; Representative; Paul Gosar; Republican;
<a href="mailto:macayle.fuchs@mail.house.gov">macayle.fuchs@mail.house.gov</a>; 202-225-2315 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">AZ-07; Representative Adelita Grijalva; Democratic;
<a href="mailto:kelsey.mishkin@mail.house.gov">kelsey.mishkin@mail.house.gov</a>; 202-225-2435 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">AZ-08; Representative Abe Hamadeh; Republican;
<a href="mailto:cameron.erickson@mail.house.gov">cameron.erickson@mail.house.gov</a>; 202-225-4576 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">AZ-01; Representative David Schweikert; Republican;
<a href="mailto:john.quinn@mail.house.gov">john.quinn@mail.house.gov</a>; 202-225-2190 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">AZ-04; Representative Greg Stanton; Democratic;
<a href="mailto:michelle.schein@mail.house.gov">michelle.schein@mail.house.gov</a>; 202-225-9888</p></div><div><br></div><span class="gmail_signature_prefix">-- </span><br><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr">Mark Feliz<br>NFBA. East Valley Chapter member<br>Cell: 480-560-0641<br>LIVE THE LIFE YOU WANT</div></div></div>