Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act
Introduced May 19, 2026 by Rep. Austin Scott
The House passed it. The Senate has to pass it before it can reach the President.
This bill reauthorizes through 2031 the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) authority to carry out demonstration projects within the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. The bill also imposes requirements related to beneficiary income, project funding, and SSA reporting.
SSDI demonstration projects must be designed to promote attachment to the workforce and generally involve temporary changes to SSDI policies tested on a subset of beneficiaries. Participation in a demonstration project must be voluntary. SSA’s authority to carry out these projects expired on December 31, 2022.
Under the bill, SSA must ensure that an individual’s participation in a demonstration project does not reduce their total income. Further, the bill specifies that administrative expenses related to demonstration projects must be paid from funds appropriated for administration.
Finally, the bill requires SSA to report to Congress 120 days before initiating a demonstration project. This is an increase from 90 days under current law. This advance notification must include evaluation metrics for the relevant project.
Summary by the Congressional Research Service.
- Jul 23, 2026Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Jul 23, 2026Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Jul 23, 2026On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 232 - 188 (Roll no. 283). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H5182-5183)
- Jul 23, 2026Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 232 - 188 (Roll no. 283). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H5182-5183)
- Jul 23, 2026Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H5186-5187)
- Jul 23, 2026POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 8884, the Chair put the question on passage of the bill and by voice vote, announced the ayes had prevailed. Ms. Chu demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
- Jul 23, 2026The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
- Jul 23, 2026DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 8884.
- Jul 23, 2026Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 8800, H.R. 8884, H. Con. Res. 113, H.R. 7008, H.R. 6955 and H.R. 9770. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 8800 under a structured rule and for consideration of H.R. 8884, H. Con. Res. 113, H.R. 7008, H.R. 6955, and H.R. 9770 under a closed rule, with one hour of debate on each measure and one motion to recommit on H.R. 8800, H.R. 8884, H.R. 7008, H.R. 6955, and H.R. 9770.
- Jul 23, 2026Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1438. (consideration: CR H5182-5186)
- Jul 20, 2026Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1438 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 8800, H.R. 8884, H. Con. Res. 113, H.R. 7008, H.R. 6955 and H.R. 9770. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 8800 under a structured rule and for consideration of H.R. 8884, H. Con. Res. 113, H.R. 7008, H.R. 6955, and H.R. 9770 under a closed rule, with one hour of debate on each measure and one motion to recommit on H.R. 8800, H.R. 8884, H.R. 7008, H.R. 6955, and H.R. 9770.
- Jun 30, 2026Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1398 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 8800, H.R. 8595, H.R. 8884 and H. Res. 1383. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 8800 and H.R. 8595 under a structured rule, and H.R. 8884 and H. Res. 1383 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one hour of general debate on each measure and one motion to recommit on H.R. 8800, H.R. 8595, and H.R. 8884.
- Jun 25, 2026Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 620.
- Jun 25, 2026Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 119-714.
- May 21, 2026Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 27 - 16.
- May 21, 2026Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- May 19, 2026Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
- May 19, 2026Introduced in House