United States · United States Congress · 13 July 2022
This resolution recognizes the critical role the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission plays in addressing long-standing issues including the wage gap, combating workplace harassment, and ensuring all workers are treated with dignity and respect in the workplace.
United States · United States Congress · 12 July 2022
Native American Direct Loan Improvement Act This bill addresses housing and homeownership for Native American veterans. Specifically, the bill revises the Native American Direct Loan program administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to (1) allow Native American veterans to refinance existing mortgage loans; and (2) award grants to local service providers for conducting outreach, homebuyer education, housing counseling, risk mitigation, and other technical assistance to assist Native American veterans seeking to qualify for mortgage financing. Additionally, the bill directs the VA to carry out a pilot program to address the feasibility and advisability of making direct housing loans to Native community development financial institutions for relending loan amounts to qualified veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2022
Offices of Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction and Health Security Act of 2022 This bill reauthorizes the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) office in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and establishes a new Office of Health Security. The CWMD office, for purposes of coordinating DHS efforts to counter weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats, shall perform duties including providing expertise and guidance to DHS leadership and components on CBRN matters; leading development of policies and strategies to counter WMD and CBRN threats on behalf of DHS; identifying, assessing, and prioritizing capability gaps relating to DHS's CBRN strategic and mission objectives; and supporting components of DHS and federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial partners, and providing intelligence and information analysis and reports on WMD and CBRN and other related emerging threats. The CWMD office shall serve as a primary entity of the federal government to further develop, acquire, deploy, and support the operations of a national biosurveillance system in support of federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, and improve that system over time. The Chief Medical Officer of the Office of Health Security shall have the responsibility for oversight of all medical, public health, and workforce safety matters of DHS.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2022
Global Catastrophic Risk Management Act of 2022 This bill directs the President to establish an interagency committee on global catastrophic risk. Global catastrophic risk is defined as the risk of events or incidents consequential enough to significantly harm, set back, or destroy human civilization at the global scale. The President must (1) conduct and submit to Congress a detailed assessment of global catastrophic and existential risk; and (2) produce a report on the adequacy of continuity of operations and continuity of government plans based on the assessed risk. The President shall develop and submit a strategy to provide for the basic needs of the civilian population that is impacted by catastrophic incidents in the United States; coordinate response efforts with state and local governments, the private sector, and nonprofit organizations; promote personal and local readiness and non-reliance on government relief during periods of heightened tension or after catastrophic incidents; and develop international partnerships with allied nations for the provision of relief services and goods. The President must issue a plan to implement and operationalize the strategy. The Department of Homeland Security shall lead a national exercise to test and enhance the operationalization of the implementation plan. The President must provide recommendations to Congress for (1) actions that should be taken to prepare the United States to implement the strategy, increase readiness, and address preparedness gaps; and (2) additional authorities that should be considered to more effectively implement the strategy.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2022
Peace Corps Reauthorization Act of 2022 This bill reauthorizes the Peace Corps program through FY2027 and addresses other issues related to the program. For example, the bill (1) increases the readjustment allowances for returning Peace Corps volunteers; (2) provides statutory authority to an executive order that provides returning volunteers with noncompetitive eligibility for federal employment purposes (i.e., eligibility to be noncompetitively appointed to a competitive federal position); and (3) requires the Peace Corps to take all reasonable measures to prevent and address reprisal or retaliation against a volunteer by any person with supervisory authority over the volunteer, such as a Peace Corps officer.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2022
Federal PFAS Research Evaluation Act This bill requires various studies and reports on the exposure, hazards, and management of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS. These substances are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. A variety of products contain the compounds, such as nonstick cookware or weatherproof clothing. Specifically, the bill requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) to conduct a two-phase study and report on the research and development needed to advance human exposure estimation and toxicity hazard estimation of individual or total PFAS. The bill also requires the NSF and the Environmental Protection Agency to jointly enter into an agreement with NASEM to conduct a study and submit a report on the research and development needed to advance the understanding of the extent and implications of environmental contamination by PFAS, how to manage and treat such contamination, and the development of safe alternatives. Finally, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy must submit an implementation plan for federal PFAS research, development, and demonstration activities, taking into account the recommendations of the NASEM reports.
United States · United States Congress · 23 June 2022
This resolution (1) recognizes the increase in educational opportunities, including in sports, for women and girls since the passage of title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and (2) encourages the Department of Education and the Department of Justice to ensure that students have a safe learning environment by working to ensure schools prevent and respond to discrimination and harassment on the basis of sex.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2022
Homeland Acceleration of Recovering Deposits and Renewing Onshore Critical Keystones Act of 2022 or the HARD ROCK Act of 2022 This bill authorizes the National Defense Stockpile Manager (the Department of Defense) to take certain actions to address industrial base shortfalls.
United States · United States Congress · 14 June 2022
COI Elimination Act This bill limits U.S. contributions to the United Nations pertaining to the U.N. Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel. Current law imposes a cap on the annual U.S. contribution to the U.N. budget. The bill lowers that cap by 25% of the amount budgeted for the commission unless the Department of State certifies to Congress that the commission has been abolished. After such a certification, the United States shall, subject to appropriations, provide to the United Nations an amount equal to all the contributions that were withheld under this bill. The bill also states that it shall be U.S. policy to seek the abolition of the commission and combat systemic anti-Israel bias in international bodies.
United States · United States Congress · 13 June 2022
No Guardsman Left Behind Act of 2022 This bill establishes a special rule for members of the National Guard, for purposes of retirement pay, to include in the regular calculation of creditable service state active duty that would normally be credited with fewer than 50 points. Specifically, a member of the National Guard may be credited one point for each day of state active duty during a one-year period, subject to certain limitations.
United States · United States Congress · 8 June 2022
This resolution expresses opposition to the application of criminal laws to pregnancy outcomes and affirms that people deserve access to high-quality health care without fear of reprisal or punishment.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2022
Affordability is Access Act This bill establishes several requirements relating to health insurance coverage of, and access to, over-the-counter contraceptives. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Labor, and the Department of the Treasury to specify that private health insurance plans must cover over-the-counter contraceptives that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), even without a prescription. Under current law, private health insurance plans (with some exceptions) must cover FDA-approved prescription contraceptives, without cost-sharing requirements. The bill also prohibits retailers from interfering with an individual's access to oral contraceptives that are meant for routine, daily use and are FDA-approved for use without a prescription.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2022
This resolution expresses support for the rights, freedoms, and equal treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals. The resolution r ecognizes that LGBTQ rights are human rights and protected by the laws of the United States and international treaties. Additionally, the resolution encourages the celebration of LGBTQ Pride Month in June.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2022
Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act This bill revises provisions governing the administration of the Marine Debris Foundation and the Marine Debris Program. Specifically, the bill allows the foundation to use appropriated funds for employee salaries for the two years following the bill's enactment. The bill also allows the foundation to locate its principal office outside of the District of Columbia and encourages the foundation to locate it in a coastal state. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) may enter into other agreements, outside of contracts, under the Marine Debris Program. NOAA may also make in-kind contributions for projects under the program.
United States · United States Congress · 26 May 2022
This resolution designates June 2022 as Great Outdoors Month. The resolution encourages all individuals in the United States to responsibly participate in recreation activities in the great outdoors.
United States · United States Congress · 25 May 2022
Veterans Marriage Recognition Act of 2022 This bill revises the definition of a spouse and surviving spouse for purposes related to veterans' benefits, health care, and other matters. Specifically, the bill includes persons who are in same sex marriages as spouses and surviving spouses.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2022
DHS Trade and Economic Security Council Act of 2022 This bill establishes an advisory council within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and sets out other efforts to address economic security and trade, as such matters relate to DHS's mission. Specifically, DHS must establish the DHS Trade and Economic Security Council, comprised of component heads or their designees, to advise on economic security concerns, such as identification of concentrated risks and priorities for protecting the nation's economic security. Additionally, the bill provides statutory authority for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Trade and Economic Security and specifies its functions and duties. These include, among other responsibilities, coordination of supply chain policy.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2022
Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act This bill requires registered lobbyists to disclose any foreign countries or political parties that are involved in the direction, planning, supervision, or control of the lobbyist's activities.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2022
Preventing Releases Of Toxic Environmental Contaminants Threatening Our Great Lakes Act or the PROTECT Our Great Lakes Act This bill addresses pipeline safety and oil spill preparedness and response in the Great Lakes Basin and elsewhere. For example, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) must revise its regulations to ensure that oil spill response plans it receives adequately anticipate and ensure an adequate response to spills of diluted bitumen. Additionally, the PHMSA must promulgate regulations requiring each operator of a pipeline located in a high consequence area to implement the best available technology for (1) real-time monitoring of the pipeline through pressure monitoring at shutoff valves, product flow monitoring, or product wave flow monitoring; (2) shutting off the pipeline; and (3) isolating product flow through the installation of shutoff valves. The bill authorizes the Department of Transportation to establish higher minimum rates of basic pay for employees of the PHMSA. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration may receive and utilize gifts and bequests of property to aid or facilitate its work or the work of the Center of Expertise for Great Lakes Oil Spill Preparedness and Response, including by carrying out research related to the center and the impacts of oil spills in freshwater environments such as the Great Lakes Basin.
United States · United States Congress · 18 May 2022
Access to Baby Formula Act of 2022 This bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to take certain actions to address emergencies, disasters, and supply chain disruptions (particularly the shortage of infant formula in the United States) affecting participants of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). For example, the bill directs USDA to require each infant formula cost containment contract to include remedies in the event of an infant formula recall, including how an infant formula manufacturer would protect against disruption to WIC participants in the state.
United States · United States Congress · 16 May 2022
Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to increase the amounts payable for wartime disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. Specifically, the VA must increase the amounts by the same percentage as the cost-of-living increase in benefits for Social Security recipients that is effective on December 1, 2022. The bill requires the VA to publish the amounts payable, as increased, in the Federal Register. The VA is authorized to make a similar adjustment to the rates of disability compensation payable to persons who have not received compensation for service-connected disability or death.
United States · United States Congress · 12 May 2022
Planning for Animal Wellness Act or the PAW Act This bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish a working group relating to best practices and federal guidance for animals in emergencies and disasters. Specifically, the working group shall (1) encourage and foster collaborative efforts among individuals and entities working to address the needs of household pets, service and assistance animals, and captive animals in emergency and disaster preparedness, response, and recovery; and (2) review best practices and federal guidance on sheltering and evacuation planning relating to the needs of such pets and animals.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2022
Information Sharing And Advanced Communication Alerting Act or the ISAAC Alerting Act This bill requires the Technological Advisory Council of the Federal Communications Commission, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, to submit a report that identifies measures, barriers, and recommendations for implementing a 9–1–1 disability alerting system. The alerting system must allow an individual to register and create a profile associated with an individual who has a disability that includes information such as whether the individual is a wandering risk, nonverbal, or physically limited. The alerting system then transmits such information to public safety answering points to be conveyed to first responders.
United States · United States Congress · 11 May 2022
Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act This bill requires the Department of Labor to address workplace violence in health care, social service, and other sectors. Specifically, Labor must issue an interim occupational safety and health standard that requires certain employers to take actions to protect workers and other personnel from workplace violence. The standard applies to employers in the health care sector, in the social service sector, and in sectors that conduct activities similar to those in the health care and social service sectors. In addition, Labor must promulgate a final standard within a specified time line.
United States · United States Congress · 10 May 2022
Federal Agency Performance Act of 2022 This bill addresses federal agency performance and accountability. Specifically, the bill revises requirements regarding strategic reviews of federal agencies' performance goals and requires a Deputy Performance Improvement Officer to support the Performance Improvement Officer. With respect to strategic reviews, not less frequently than annually and consistent with guidance issued by the Office of Management and Budget, each agency must take specified actions, including for each goal or objective established in the agency's strategic plan, review the progress achieved toward the goal and the likelihood that the agency will achieve the goal; identify any risks or impediments that would decrease the likelihood that the agency will achieve the goal; and for each goal at greatest risk of not being achieved, identify prospects and strategies for performance improvement. Additionally, the bill requires that federal government priority goals (1) be updated and revised not less frequently than during the first year of each presidential term, (2) include plans for the successful achievement of each goal within each single presidential term, and (3) explicitly cite to any specific contents of the budget that support the achievement of each goal.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2022
This resolution expresses that the Senate has heard of the death of the Honorable Orrin G. Hatch, former U.S. Senator for the state of Utah. The resolution also expresses that the Senate honors the life and legacy of the late Senator Hatch for his unwavering dedication to Utah as a Senator and a public servant and accomplishments in legislating with principle and dedication for the good of the people of the United States. The resolution states when the Senate adjourns today, it stands adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Senator Hatch.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2022
This resolution thanks the teachers of the United States and promotes the teaching profession by encouraging students, parents, school administrators, and public officials to recognize National Teacher Appreciation Week.
United States · United States Congress · 5 May 2022
This resolution supports the designation of May 1, 2022, through May 7, 2022, as Public Service Recognition Week and commends public servants for their contributions.
United States · United States Congress · 4 May 2022
Ukraine Invasion War Crimes Deterrence and Accountability Act This bill requires the President to report to Congress on atrocities committed during Russia's invasion of Ukraine since February 24, 2022. Specifically, the report must describe in detail (1) U.S. government efforts to collect, analyze, and preserve evidence related to war crimes and other atrocities committed during the invasion; (2) media, public diplomacy, and information operations to make the Russian people, including their military and political leaders, aware of efforts to identify and prosecute those responsible for such atrocities; and (3) the process for a domestic, foreign, or international court or tribunal to obtain information from the U.S. government related to such atrocities.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 2022
Improving Government for America's Taxpayers Act This bill requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO), in its annual report to Congress, to consolidate matters for congressional consideration into one report, organized by policy topic, and to identify congressional oversight actions that can help agencies implement unimplemented priority recommendations. The GAO is also required to publish the above information and publish any known costs of unimplemented priority recommendations.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2022
Supply Chain Disruptions Relief Act This bill modifies the treatment of liquidations of new motor vehicle inventory as qualified LIFO (last in first out accounting method) inventory. It allows new motor vehicle dealers to elect to wait until the end of 2025 to replace their inventory for purposes of determining income attributable to the sale of such inventory during 2020 and 2021.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2022
National R & D Strategy for Distributed Ledger Technology Act of 2022 This bill provides for a national strategy and research and development regarding technologies related to distributed ledgers (e.g., blockchain or Bitcoin). A distributed ledger is a ledger that is shared across and synchronized between a set of distributed nodes (i.e., devices or processes) in a network that store a complete or partial replica of the ledger and meet other requirements. The Office of Science and Technology Policy must develop a national strategy for the research and development of distributed ledger technologies and their applications, with a particular focus on applications of public and permissionless distributed ledgers. The office must coordinate with the National Science and Technology Council and other relevant federal agencies, as appropriate, on the strategy. The national strategy shall include plans to support public and private sector investment and partnerships in research and technology development for societally beneficial applications of distributed ledger technologies, and an identification of additional resources, administrative action, or legislative action recommended to assist with the implementation of such strategy. The National Science Foundation shall make competitive awards to institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations (or their consortia) to support research, including socio-technical research, on distributed ledger technologies and their applications, with a particular focus on applications of public and permissionless distributed ledgers. The National Institute of Standards and Technology shall carry out an applied research project to study and demonstrate the potential benefits and unique capabilities of distributed ledger technologies.
United States · United States Congress · 28 April 2022
Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act of 2022 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to address chronic wasting disease afflicting deer, elk, and moose populations. Specifically, the bill directs USDA to establish a program to research and manage the disease. Under the program, USDA must offer to enter into agreements with state or tribal wildlife agencies and departments of agriculture, institutions of higher education, and research centers to support research on the transmission of, resistance to, and diagnosis of the disease. In addition, USDA must offer to enter into agreements with such agencies and departments to support state and tribal efforts to develop and implement management strategies that address the disease. USDA must also develop and maintain materials to inform the public on chronic wasting disease and techniques to help prevent the spread of the disease. In addition, USDA must solicit public feedback on potential updates and improvements to standards of the chronic wasting disease herd certification program.
United States · United States Congress · 27 April 2022
Combating Human Rights Abuses Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of Commerce to offer guidance to U.S. businesses, including those considering transactions with entities subject to the influence of countries where significant human rights abuses have occurred, about issues such as (1) the human rights abuses perpetuated by China's government, (2) risk factors that may be used to identify entities subject to the influence of governments implicated in human rights abuses, and (3) ways to avoid doing business with such entities. Commerce must also provide training related to human rights issues to Commerce employees who provide counseling services to businesses.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2022
Strategic EV Management Act of 2022 This bill directs the General Services Administration to coordinate with the heads of agencies to develop a comprehensive, strategic plan for federal electric vehicle fleet battery management and to report to and brief Congress regarding the plan and its implementation across agencies.
United States · United States Congress · 7 April 2022
This resolution recognizes that Black women are experiencing high, disproportionate rates of maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States and that Black Maternal Health Week is an opportunity to deepen the national conversation about Black maternal health.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2022
This resolution expresses support for National Safe Digging Month, encourages all homeowners and excavators to call 811 before digging, and encourages damage prevention stakeholders to help educate homeowners and excavators about the importance of calling 811 before digging.
United States · United States Congress · 6 April 2022
This resolution designates April 16 through April 24, 2022, as National Park Week. The resolution also encourages the people of the United States and the world to responsibly visit, experience, recreate in, and support the treasured national parks of the United States.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 2022
Intragovernmental Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enter into information-sharing agreements with the Senate and the House of Representatives to facilitate the exchange of information about cybersecurity threats. DHS must consult with the Executive Office of the President and other executive agencies on the agreements. DHS must also periodically brief Congress on the implementation of the agreements.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 2022
Communications Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council Act This bill provides statutory authority and sets forth membership requirements for a council that provides advice and recommendations to the Federal Communications Commission regarding ways to increase the security, reliability, and interoperability of communications networks. The bill further stipulates that an existing advisory committee may constitute the council if, within 90 days, the committee's membership aligns with the membership requirements for the council.
United States · United States Congress · 31 March 2022
Support Kids Not Red Tape Act of 2022 This bill extends and modifies the authority of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to waive certain requirements related to the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and the Summer Food Service Program. Current law authorizes USDA to waive certain requirements, such as those related to nutritional content and congregate feeding, for the purpose of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Under this bill, USDA shall have authority through FY2023 to grant such a waiver, with no waiver having effect past FY2023. Currently, USDA's authority to grant a waiver expires on June 30, 2022, with no waiver having effect past the 2021-2022 school year. If a state elects to receive a waiver that modifies the operation of a school breakfast or lunch program for the 2022-2023 school year, the state must provide a transition plan to USDA. USDA must provide technical assistance to help school food authorities and states meet nutritional standards and resume regular meal program operations for the 2023-2024 school year. While a waiver is in effect during the 2022-2023 school year, the state subject to the waiver must provide technical assistance in lieu of fiscal action for meal pattern violations due to supply chain disruptions. The bill also appropriates funds as necessary to carry out this bill's activities.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 2022
This resolution designates March 24, 2022, as National Women in Agriculture Day. It also recognizes the important role of women in agriculture as producers, educators, leaders, mentors, and more.
United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2022
Mental Health Excellence in Schools Act This bill establishes a program to expand the mental health services workforce in schools. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Education to contract with graduate institutions to pay a share of the cost of attendance for graduate students pursuing careers in the school-based mental health profession (e.g., school counseling). Additionally, the bill requires an independent national evaluation of the outcomes and effectiveness of the program.
United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2022
Preventing Organizational Conflicts of Interest in Federal Acquisition Act This bill addresses conflicts of interest in federal acquisitions. Specifically, the bill directs the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council to (1) identify contracting methods, types, and services that raise heightened concerns for potential organizational conflicts of interest beyond those currently addressed in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); and (2) revise the FAR to address organizational conflicts of interest and require executive agencies to take certain actions. The council must revise the FAR to provide and update definitions related to organizational conflicts of interest, to include specified contractor relationships; provide executive agencies with solicitation and contract provisions that require contractors to disclose information relevant to potential organizational conflicts of interest and limit future contracting with respect to potential conflicts; and require executive agencies to establish or update agency conflict of interest procedures to implement these FAR revisions and address agency-specific conflict of interest issues.
![Official portrait of Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/p000595_200.jpg)