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This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that paraprofessionals and education support staff should receive a living wage, have access to affordable health care and health care benefits, and have access to other specified employment benefits and working conditions.Additionally, in recognition of the importance of collective bargaining in maintaining good working conditions, employers of paraprofessionals and education support staff should engage in good faith negotiations. | Expressing the sense of the Senate that paraprofessionals and education support staff should have fair compensation, benefits, and working conditions. Whereas paraprofessionals (also sometimes known as paraeducators Whereas education support staff (also sometimes known as classified school employees education support professionals Whereas more than 3,000,000 paraprofessionals and education support staff are the frontline workers who transform schools in the United States from brick and mortar buildings to places of learning and support for more than 49,000,000 students across the United States; Whereas, since the onset of the COVID19 pandemic, school staff employment has fallen across positions and there are still 331,000 fewer school staff than before the COVID19 pandemic, leaving schools without the necessary staff in almost every position; Whereas, since the onset of the COVID19 pandemic, a shortage of teachers has resulted in some paraprofessionals and education support staff being expected to assume the duties of teachers without commensurate compensation or benefits; Whereas many paraprofessionals and education support staff are undercompensated for their work, and do not receive a living wage, much less a competitive, family-sustaining living wage; Whereas many paraprofessionals and education support staff are, as a matter of practice, laid off at the end of each school year and rehired annually, and lack job security; Whereas, unlike most school employees, many paraprofessionals and education support staff are not full-time employees because their services, including those of bus drivers and food service workers, are time delimited; Whereas many paraprofessionals and education support staff lack access to high-quality, affordable health care because they are intentionally hired for insufficient hours to receive health and retirement benefits, or otherwise are charged exorbitant employee premiums for health insurance; Whereas, while paraprofessionals and education support staff are often the most diverse subset of school employees, are more likely to have grown up in the communities they serve, and are the trusted school community members for many students and parents, the voices of paraprofessionals and education support staff are not always valued in forming school policies; Whereas paraprofessionals and education support staff often serve students facing systemic barriers, but are often excluded from professional growth and development opportunities; Whereas, like many school employees, paraprofessionals and education support staff are too often subject to workplace violence and other safety hazards, including contaminants and extreme temperatures; Whereas paraprofessionals and education support staff deserve real solutions that would empower them to (1) work in a stable, safe environment; (2) have multi-year job security; (3) receive livable and competitive wages, access to sufficient hours, and fair compensation for their work; and (4) have a voice on the job and meaningful input in school policy; Whereas respecting paraprofessionals and education support staff is essential to creating and maintaining safe and supportive school environments that are conducive to students learning and thriving; and Whereas Congress seeks to recognize the rights, respect, and dignity that paraprofessionals and education support staff deserve as they continue to care for and educate the next generation: Now, therefore, be it: That it is the sense of the Senate that (1) paraprofessionals and education support staff (A) should be compensated at a rate that is a livable, competitive wage; (B) should have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare and healthcare benefits at a de minimus personal cost; (C) should be considered to be eligible employees under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 ( 29 U.S.C. 2601 et seq. (D) should be entitled to 16 weeks of paid family and medical leave; (E) should have paid leave for all planned and unforeseen school closures, including weather-related closures, professional development days, and other short-term closures; (F) should have access to meaningful and free or affordable professional growth and development opportunities during regular paid working hours that provide a path to career advancement; (G) should have sufficient resources and supplies to enable them to do their job effectively and efficiently, including up-to-date technology; (H) should have access to training and appropriate personal protective equipment; (I) should have representation in organizations that determine policies that may affect the working conditions of paraprofessionals and education support staff; (J) should receive notification and the opportunity to provide significant input about the implementation of electronic monitoring, data, algorithms, and artificial intelligence technology in the applicable school and should receive high-quality professional development as new technologies are introduced; (K) should have adequate notice and opportunity to participate, when appropriate, in individualized education program meetings, behavior intervention team meetings, and other similar meetings relating to the students the paraprofessionals and education support staff support, to the extent permitted by law; (L) should experience a safe and healthy working environment free from recognized hazards that cause or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm; (M) should experience appropriate staffing levels to ensure that students have adequate support and that paraprofessionals and education support staff can complete their jobs effectively, efficiently, and safely; (N) should receive adequate notification regarding the duration of their employment; (O) should have an employment contract that includes a provision for the automatic renewal of the contract at the expiration of the contract, rather than the automatic termination of the contract at such expiration, and a provision for termination of employment for just cause, rather than termination of employment at will; and (P) should have a process for reporting workplace issues and concerns to their employer in a manner that protects paraprofessionals and education support staff and other employees from retaliation; (2) in recognition of the importance of collective bargaining in maintaining good working conditions, employers of paraprofessionals and education support staff should (A) engage in good faith negotiations; (B) strive to reach timely and just contracts that fairly compensate and protect paraprofessionals and education support staff; (C) refrain from replacing paraprofessionals or education support staff who engage in a strike; and (D) refrain from locking out such workers; and (3) nothing in this resolving clause should be interpreted to supersede, or as an expression of the Senate's support for any law that would supersede, employment terms or conditions agreed upon in collective bargaining agreements that are more beneficial to paraprofessionals and education support staff than those described in this resolving clause. | Expressing the sense of the Senate that paraprofessionals and education support staff should have fair compensation, benefits, and working conditions. |
This resolution supports the designation of National Assistant Principals Week. | Expressing support for the designation of the week of April 3 through April 7, 2023, as National Assistant Principals Week. Whereas the National Association of Secondary School Principals (referred to in this preamble as NASSP National Assistant Principals Week Whereas an assistant principal, as a member of the school administration, interacts with many sectors of the school community, including support staff, instructional staff, students, and parents; Whereas assistant principals are responsible for establishing a positive learning environment and building strong relationships between school and community; Whereas assistant principals play a pivotal role in the instructional leadership of their schools by supervising student instruction, mentoring teachers, recognizing the achievements of staff, encouraging collaboration among staff, ensuring the implementation of best practices, monitoring student achievement and progress, facilitating and modeling data-driven decision making to inform instruction, and guiding the direction of targeted intervention and school improvement; Whereas the day-to-day logistical operations of schools require assistant principals to monitor and address facility needs, attendance, transportation issues, and scheduling challenges, as well as to supervise extra- and co-curricular events; Whereas assistant principals are entrusted with maintaining an inviting, safe, and orderly school environment that supports the growth and achievement of each and every student by nurturing positive peer relationships, recognizing student achievement, mediating conflicts, analyzing behavior patterns, providing interventions, and, when necessary, taking disciplinary actions; Whereas, since its establishment in 2004, the NASSP National Assistant Principal of the Year Program has recognized outstanding middle and high school assistant principals who demonstrate success in leadership, curriculum, and personalization; and Whereas the week of April 3 through April 7, 2023, is an appropriate week to designate as National Assistant Principals Week: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports the designation of National Assistant Principals Week; (2) honors the contributions of assistant principals to the success of students in the United States; and (3) encourages the people of the United States to observe National Assistant Principals Week with appropriate ceremonies and activities that promote awareness of the role played by assistant principals in school leadership and ensuring that every child has access to a high-quality education. | Expressing support for the designation of the week of April 3 through April 7, 2023, as National Assistant Principals Week. |
This resolution congratulates the South Dakota State University football team on a successful season and for winning the 2023 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Championship Subdivision title. | Congratulating the South Dakota State University Jackrabbits on winning the 2023 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Championship Subdivision title. Whereas, on January 8, 2023, the South Dakota State University (referred to in this preamble as SDSU NCAA FCS Whereas this is the first national championship for the SDSU Jackrabbits football program and first team national championship in the NCAA Division I era for SDSU athletics; Whereas the SDSU Jackrabbits finished the 2022-2023 season with an overall record of 14 wins and 1 loss, with 8 wins and 0 losses in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, including earning a number 1 seed in the FCS playoffs; Whereas the SDSU Jackrabbits have qualified for the FCS playoffs the past 11 seasons; Whereas the 2022-2023 SDSU Jackrabbits (1) averaged 34.2 points and 384.6 yards per game; and (2) allowed only 15.8 points and 273.9 yards per game on average; Whereas the SDSU head coach, John Stiegelmeier, was awarded the 2022 American Football Coaches Association National Coach of the Year Award for the FCS and the Stats Perform 2022 Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award; Whereas Coach Stiegelmeier, a native of Selby, South Dakota, announced his retirement after 26 seasons as head coach of the SDSU Jackrabbits, finishing his head coaching career at SDSU, his alma mater, with a record of 199 wins and 112 losses; and Whereas SDSU President Barry Dunn and Athletic Director Justin Sell have cultivated a standard of excellence within SDSU athletics and guided the athletic programs at SDSU to national prominence: Now, therefore, be it: That the Senate (1) congratulates and honors the South Dakota State University football team on a successful season and for winning the 2023 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Championship Subdivision title; (2) recognizes the hard work, dedication, determination, and commitment of the South Dakota State University football players, coaches, and staff; (3) commends the Head Coach of the South Dakota State University Jackrabbits football team, John Stiegelmeier, for his dedication and service to the South Dakota State University football program; and (4) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to (A) the President of South Dakota State University, Barry Dunn; (B) the Athletic Director of South Dakota State University, Justin Sell; and (C) the Head Coach of the South Dakota State University Jackrabbits football team, John Stiegelmeier. | Congratulating the South Dakota State University Jackrabbits on winning the 2023 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Championship Subdivision title. |
This resolution commemorates the loss of the space shuttle Columbia (which occurred on February 1, 2003) and honors the seven astronauts who perished on the spaceflight. It also commends those who assisted in the debris recovery and accident investigation, including two helicopter pilots who lost their lives. | Commemorating the 20-year anniversary of the loss of Space Shuttle Columbia Whereas space remains at the frontier of science, as expressed in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy at Rice University in Houston, Texas; Whereas space exploration has been integral to the global technological leadership of the United States and to inspiring a STEM workforce for more than 60 years; Whereas astronauts of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration have bravely given their lives in pursuit of exploration; Whereas, on February 1, 2003, the United States and the global space community joined together in mourning the loss of Space Shuttle Columbia Whereas United States Air Force Colonel Rick D. Husband, Mission Commander, of Amarillo, Texas, died in service to his nation; Whereas United States Navy Commander William Willie Whereas United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Michael P. Anderson, Payload Commander and Mission Specialist, of Spokane, Washington, died in service to his nation; Whereas United States Navy Captain David M. Brown M.D., Mission Specialist, of Arlington, Virginia, died in service to his nation; Whereas United States Navy Captain Laurel B. Clark, Mission Specialist, of Racine, Wisconsin, died in service to her nation; Whereas Kalpana Chawla, Ph.D., Mission Specialist, of Karnal, India, became a United States citizen and the first woman of Indian origin in space and died in service her nation; Whereas Israeli Air Force Colonel Ilan Ramon, Payload Specialist, of Tel Aviv, Israel, became the first Israeli in space and died in service to his nation; Whereas the people of the United States will not forget the sacrifice of the crew of STS107 aboard Space Shuttle Columbia Whereas National Aeronautics and Space Administration astronauts continue to make tremendous personal sacrifices and risk their lives in service to their nation and to all of humanity: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) remembers and honors the 7 astronauts who lost their lives on February 1, 2003, on Space Shuttle Columbia (2) expresses deep condolences and gratitude to the families, friends, and colleagues of (A) United States Air Force Colonel Rick D. Husband; (B) United States Navy Commander William Willie (C) United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Michael P. Anderson; (D) United States Navy Captain David M. Brown; (E) United States Navy Captain Laurel B. Clark; (F) Dr. Kalpana Chawla; and (G) Israeli Air Force Colonel Ilan Ramon; (3) commends all those who assisted in the debris recovery and accident investigation process, including helicopter pilot Jules Buzz (4) reaffirms the commitment of the United States Government to create a culture of safety and innovation within all agencies and companies pursuing the exploration of space, including in the pursuit of the United States' return to the Moon and first visit to Mars through the Artemis missions and Moon to Mars efforts. | Commemorating the 20-year anniversary of the loss of Space Shuttle Columbia. |
This resolution calls on the United States to use its voice and vote in international institutions to support the creation of a special international criminal tribunal to hold Russian leaders who led and sanctioned aggression in Ukraine accountable. The resolution also states its expectations that such a tribunal would be formed pursuant to a United Nations General Assembly resolution and would be complementary to the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court. | Calling on the President to support the creation of an international special tribunal to prosecute Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Whereas, on February 24, 2022, Russia unleashed a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in contravention of international law and the Charter of the United Nations; Whereas the Russian Armed Forces committed mass atrocities in Bucha, Irpin, Kherson, Izyum, Mariupol, Dnipro, and Ukrainian towns occupied by the Russian Federation, including rape, summary execution, and unlawful violence and threats against civilians; Whereas the Russian Armed Forces deliberately choose to target civilian infrastructure to terrorize Ukrainian citizens; Whereas, on September 21, 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated to the United Nations General Assembly that an aggression tribunal must be established as a signal to all would-be Whereas, on January 19, 2023, the European Parliament, by a vote of 472 to 19, called for the establishment of a special international criminal tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine send a very clear signal to both Russian society and the international community that Putin and the Russian political and military leadership can be convicted for the crime of aggression in Ukraine Whereas, on March 27, 2023, the United States Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice, Dr. Beth Van Schaack, stated, There is no question that Russia's aggression against Ukraine is a manifest violation of the UN Charter. Whereas Article 2(4) of the Charter of the United Nations states, All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations. Whereas United Nations General Assembly Resolution 3314 (XXIX), adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 14, 1974, defines aggression as the use of armed force by a State against the sovereignty, territorial integrity or political independence of another State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Charter of the United Nations, as set out in this Definition Whereas Article 8 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, as amended by Resolution RC/Res. 6, adopted by the Review Conference at the 13th plenary meeting on June 11, 2010, states, in part: For the purpose of this Statute, crime of aggression means the planning, preparation, initiation or execution, by a person in a position effectively to exercise control over or to direct the political or military action of a State, of an act of aggression which, by its character, gravity and scale, constitutes a manifest violation of the Charter of the United Nations. Whereas, on March 17, 2023, the Pre-Trial Chamber of the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for President Vladimir Putin and Russian Commissioner for Childrens Rights Maria Lvova-Belova for their responsibility in the war crimes of unlawful deportation and transfer of children, and the International Criminal Court continues to investigate other international crimes within its jurisdiction that have been committed in Ukraine; Whereas the International Criminal Court has jurisdiction over war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide in Ukraine, but it does not have jurisdiction over crimes of aggression in Ukraine because neither Ukraine nor the Russian Federation have ratified the Rome Statute and its amendments related to the crime of aggression; Whereas the Russian Federation has committed manifest aggression against the Ukrainian State for which its leadership must be held accountable; Whereas the international community must hold those responsible for these atrocities to account for their actions, including Russian President Putin and all of the Members of the Security Council of Russia; and Whereas an international special tribunal must be based on the adoption of a United Nations General Assembly Resolution: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) condemns, in the strongest terms, the Russian Federations full-scale war and aggression against Ukraine; (2) regards the Russian Federations aggression in Ukraine as an affront to humanity and in contravention of international law; (3) calls on the United States to use its voice and vote in international institutions to support the creation of a special international criminal tribunal to hold accountable the leaders of the Russian Federation who led and sanctioned aggression in Ukraine; (4) states its expectation that such a tribunal will be formed pursuant to a United Nations General Assembly resolution put forward by friends of Ukraine that would (A) direct the Secretary General of the United Nations to negotiate with Ukraine the terms of the tribunals scope; and (B) ensure that the role of the United Nations (i) would be complementary to the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court; and (ii) would not limit or affect the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court, including its exercise of jurisdiction over war crimes, crimes against humanity, and possible genocide committed in the context of Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine; and (5) stands with people of Ukraine in support of their freedom and Ukraines sovereignty against tyranny. | Calling on the President to support the creation of an international special tribunal to prosecute Russia's aggression against Ukraine. |
This resolution designates February 6-February 10, 2023, as National School Counseling Week. | Designating the week of February 6 through 10, 2023, as National School Counseling Week Whereas school counselors are more important now than ever, as the COVID19 pandemic has magnified the mental health crisis among the youth of the United States; Whereas the American School Counselor Association has designated February 6 through 10, 2023, as National School Counseling Week Whereas school counselors have long advocated for all students; Whereas school counselors help develop well-rounded students by guiding students through academic learning, social and emotional development, and career exploration; Whereas personal and social growth can help lead to increased academic achievement; Whereas school counselors play a vital role in ensuring that students are ready for both college and careers; Whereas school counselors play a vital role in making students aware of opportunities for financial aid and college scholarships; Whereas school counselors assist with and coordinate efforts to foster a positive school climate, resulting in a safer learning environment for all students; Whereas school counselors have been instrumental in helping students, teachers, and parents deal with personal trauma as well as tragedies in their communities and the United States; Whereas students face myriad challenges every day, including peer pressure, bullying, mental health issues, the deployment of family members to serve in conflicts overseas, and school violence; Whereas a school counselor is one of the few professionals in a school building who is trained in both education and social and emotional development; Whereas the roles and responsibilities of school counselors are often misunderstood; Whereas the school counselor position is often among the first to be eliminated to meet budgetary constraints; Whereas the national average ratio of students to school counselors is 408 to 1, almost twice the 250 to 1 ratio recommended by the American School Counselor Association, the National Association for College Admission Counseling, and other organizations; and Whereas the celebration of National School Counseling Week will increase awareness of the important and necessary role school counselors play in the lives of students in the United States: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates the week of February 6 through 10, 2023, as National School Counseling Week (2) encourages the people of the United States to observe National School Counseling Week with appropriate ceremonies and activities that promote awareness of the role school counselors play in schools and the community at large in preparing students for fulfilling lives as contributing members of society. | Designating the week of February 6 through 10, 2023, as National School Counseling Week. |
This resolution authorizes the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation to make specified expenditures and employ personnel for the 118th Congress. | Authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. 1. General authority In carrying out its powers, duties, and functions under the Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of the Standing Rules of the Senate, including holding hearings, reporting such hearings, and making investigations as authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation (in this resolution referred to as the committee (1) make expenditures from the contingent fund of the Senate; (2) employ personnel; and (3) with the prior consent of the Government department or agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and Administration, use on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis the services of personnel of any such department or agency. 2. Expenses (a) Expenses for period ending September 30, 2023 The expenses of the committee for the period March 1, 2023, through September 30, 2023, under this resolution shall not exceed $5,837,726, of which amount (1) not to exceed $50,000 may be expended for the procurement of the services of individual consultants, or organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 ( 2 U.S.C. 4301(i) (2) not to exceed $50,000 may be expended for the training of the professional staff of the committee (under procedures specified by section 202(j) of that Act). (b) Expenses for fiscal year 2024 period The expenses of the committee for the period October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024, under this resolution shall not exceed $10,134,183, of which amount (1) not to exceed $50,000 may be expended for the procurement of the services of individual consultants, or organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 ( 2 U.S.C. 4301(i) (2) not to exceed $50,000 may be expended for the training of the professional staff of the committee (under procedures specified by section 202(j) of that Act). (c) Expenses for period ending February 28, 2025 The expenses of the committee for the period October 1, 2024, through February 28, 2025, under this resolution shall not exceed $4,236,948, of which amount (1) not to exceed $50,000 may be expended for the procurement of the services of individual consultants, or organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 ( 2 U.S.C. 4301(i) (2) not to exceed $50,000 may be expended for the training of the professional staff of the committee (under procedures specified by section 202(j) of that Act). 3. Expenses and agency contributions (a) Expenses of the committee (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), expenses of the committee under this resolution shall be paid from the contingent fund of the Senate upon vouchers approved by the chairman of the committee. (2) Vouchers not required Vouchers shall not be required for (A) the disbursement of salaries of employees paid at an annual rate; (B) the payment of telecommunications provided by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper; (C) the payment of stationery supplies purchased through the Keeper of the Stationery; (D) payments to the Postmaster of the Senate; (E) the payment of metered charges on copying equipment provided by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper; (F) the payment of Senate Recording and Photographic Services; or (G) the payment of franked and mass mail costs by the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper. (b) Agency contributions There are authorized to be paid from the appropriations account for Expenses of Inquiries and Investigations (1) for the period March 1, 2023, through September 30, 2023; (2) for the period October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024; and (3) for the period October 1, 2024, through February 28, 2025. | Authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. |
This resolution recognizes the importance of establishing a national Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution. It also encourages all people to reflect on the importance of political leadership and vigilance and on the values of justice and civil rights during times of uncertainty and emergency. | Recognizing the importance of establishing a national Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution Whereas Fred Toyosaburo Korematsu was born on January 30, 1919, in Oakland, California, to Japanese immigrant parents; Whereas Fred Korematsu attempted to enlist in the United States National Guard and the United States Coast Guard after the United States entered World War II and was rejected because of his Japanese ancestry; Whereas after the signing of Executive Order 9066 on February 19, 1942, by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, which authorized the forced imprisonment of 120,000 people of Japanese descent into prison camps, the majority of whom were American citizens, Fred Korematsu resisted that infringement of American civil liberties and attempted to continue his life as an American citizen until he was arrested, convicted, and incarcerated at a concentration camp in Topaz, Utah; Whereas, in 1944, Fred Korematsu appealed his case to the United States Supreme Court, which ruled against him, declaring in Korematsu v. United States that Japanese incarceration was a military necessity Whereas, in 1980, President Jimmy Carter created the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians (CWRIC), which concluded in 1983 that the forced removal and imprisonment of people of Japanese ancestry was motivated by race prejudice, war hysteria, and a failure of political leadership Whereas during this time, researchers at the University of California, San Diego uncovered documents from the United States Department of Justice in which intelligence agencies, including the FBI, the FCC, and the Office of Naval Intelligence, denied that Japanese-Americans ever committed wrongdoing, but which were never presented to the United States Supreme Court during Korematsu v. United States; Whereas following the conclusion of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians and the findings on governmental misconduct, Fred Korematsu reopened his case, and on November 10, 1983, the United States District Court of Northern California in San Francisco overturned his conviction; Whereas Fred Korematsus courageously fought injustice by challenging the constitutionality of Executive Order 9066, and his lawsuit remains an important lesson about the fragility of individual civil liberties during a time when the Nation is experiencing threats to its national security; Whereas Fred Korematsu continued to fight injustice and defend the liberties of Muslim people when, in 2003, he warned in an amicus brief that the United States extreme national security measures following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, were reminiscent of the mistakes of the past that undermined American civil liberties, including the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798, the suspension of habeas corpus during the Civil War, the prosecution of dissenters during World War I, the Red Scare of 19191920, the interment of people of Japanese descent during World War II, and the era of loyalty oaths and McCarthyism during the Cold War; Whereas the democratic character of the American people will be nourished and enhanced by opportunities for civic education on the significant challenges that have been posed to our Constitution; Whereas a day of annual national reflection on how the Fred Korematsu quest for justice is important to educating the American people about preserving civil liberties and the principle of equality before the law; and Whereas the States of California, Florida, Hawaii, Virginia, and Arizona have already designated January 30 as Fred Korematsu Day to commemorate his lifelong fight for civil liberties and the Constitution: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) recognizes the importance of establishing a national Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution (2) encourages all people to reflect on the importance of political leadership and vigilance and on the values of justice and civil rights during times of uncertainty and emergency. | Recognizing the importance of establishing a national Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution. |
This resolution expresses support for National Stillbirth Prevention Day. | Supporting the designation of September 19, 2023, as National Stillbirth Prevention Day Whereas approximately 21,000 pregnancies in the United States end in stillbirth each year; Whereas racial disparities persist in birth outcomes, with Black, Hispanic, Native Pacific Islander, and Indigenous families at the greatest risk of losing a baby to stillbirth; Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the annual number of stillbirths far exceeds the number of deaths among children under 15 years of age due to sudden infant death syndrome, car accidents, drowning, guns, fire, poison, and flu combined; Whereas stillbirths are devastating and have a profound and lifelong impact on the families who endure them; Whereas stillbirth is linked to an increased risk of maternal mortality; Whereas, with increased awareness and better data collection, the United States will be able to better understand why stillbirths in the United States are happening at an alarming rate and identify what can be done to combat this crisis; Whereas proven stillbirth prevention efforts have the power to save thousands of babies every year, and innovations in stillbirth prevention could save thousands of additional families nationwide from the heartache of losing a baby every year; Whereas recognizing National Stillbirth Prevention Day Whereas National Stillbirth Prevention Day That the Senate (1) supports the goals and ideals of National Stillbirth Prevention Day (2) understands the importance of advancing evidence-based prevention efforts; and (3) requests that the President issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe National Stillbirth Prevention Day with appropriate awareness programs and activities. | Supporting the designation of September 19, 2023, as National Stillbirth Prevention Day, recognizing tens of thousands of American families that have endured a stillbirth, and seizing the opportunity to keep other families from experiencing the same tragedy. |
This resolution recognizes the Motorcycle Safety Foundation for 50 years of safety education and improving the ride for motorcycle riders across the United States. | Recognizing the Motorcycle Safety Foundation for 50 years of safety education. Whereas, in 1973, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation began creating the first motorcycle rider safety training curriculum in the United States; Whereas the Motorcycle Safety Foundation is a nonprofit organization providing motorcycle rider training and education; Whereas the Motorcycle Safety Foundation meets the needs of motorcycle riders by continuing to create courses for the most popular bikes on the road and on the trail, including the hands-on Adventure Bike Rider Course and the Dirtbike School courses, that enable motorcycle riders to get the most out of their bikes; Whereas new and experienced riders can benefit from learning basic motorcycle controls, safe-riding habits, and street strategies in a comprehensive, research-based curriculum created by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation; Whereas 10,000,000 motorcyclists have taken the Basic Rider Course taught by Motorcycle Safety Foundation rider coaches in the last 50 years; Whereas 46 States and the Armed Forces use Motorcycle Safety Foundation curriculum as their motorcycle license waiver course; Whereas nearly 10,000 rider coaches teach Motorcycle Safety Foundation curriculum at 2,700 training sites across the United States; and Whereas the efforts of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation are aimed at making the roadways of the United States safer for both motorcycle riders and non-riders: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate recognizes the Motorcycle Safety Foundation for 50 years of safety education and improving the ride for motorcycle riders across the United States. | Recognizing the Motorcycle Safety Foundation for 50 years of safety education. |
This resolution commends the Quinnipiac University men's hockey team for winning the 2023 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Men's Hockey National Championship. | Commending and congratulating the Quinnipiac University mens hockey team for winning the 2023 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Mens Hockey National Championship. Whereas, on Saturday, April 8, 2023, the Quinnipiac University mens hockey team (referred to in this preamble as the Quinnipiac Bobcats NCAA Whereas the 2023 national championship is the first national championship for the Quinnipiac Bobcats; Whereas the Quinnipiac Bobcats have demonstrated remarkably consistent success in the past decade, and have made the NCAA Championship tournament in 8 of the last 10 seasons; Whereas Jacob Quillan was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2023 NCAA Championship tournament, finishing the NCAA Championship tournament with 5 goals and setting a new Quinnipiac University record for most goals scored in a single tournament; Whereas Rand Pecknold, the head coach of the Quinnipiac Bobcats, has led the team for 29 years and transformed the Quinnipiac Bobcats from a Division II program to a National Division I powerhouse; and Whereas the National Championship was played in front of 20,000 people in Tampa, Florida, and was the most watched Frozen Four Final That the Senate (1) commends the Quinnipiac University mens hockey team for winning the 2023 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Mens Hockey Championship; (2) congratulates the fans, students, and faculty of Quinnipiac University; and (3) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate transmits an enrolled copy of this resolution to (A) the President of Quinnipiac University, Dr. Judy Olian; and (B) the head coach of the Quinnipiac University mens hockey team, Rand Pecknold. | Commending and congratulating the Quinnipiac University mens hockey team for winning the 2023 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Mens Hockey National Championship. |
This resolution expresses support for U.S. law enforcement officers and calls for increased measures to maximize their safety and well-being. | Expressing support for the law enforcement officers of the United States. Whereas more than 800,000 law enforcement officers in the United States risk their lives daily to serve and protect their communities; Whereas there are more than 23,000 fallen law enforcement officers honored on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, dating back to 1786, when the first law enforcement officer in the United States died in the line of duty; Whereas, during the 2 years preceding the date of adoption of this resolution, more than 800 law enforcement officers died in the United States in the line of duty, the highest number of such deaths over a 2-year period in the history of the United States; Whereas some politicians and interest groups have responded to the risks faced by law enforcement officers with calls to defund abolish Whereas defunding law enforcement agencies or otherwise demoralizing law enforcement officers will make it more difficult for officers to intervene in dangerous situations and high-risk neighborhoods; Whereas a law enforcement officer will typically encounter between 400 and 600 traumatic events during the career of the officer, compared with 3 or 4 traumatic events encountered by the average citizen; Whereas the unusually high number of traumatic events experienced by law enforcement officers has contributed to a 54 percent higher suicide rate among officers than among individuals in other jobs; Whereas the Bureau of Justice Statistics of the Department of Justice has confirmed that there is no statistically significant difference between the rates at which major racial and ethnic groups are stopped in police-initiated interactions; Whereas the innovative and dedicated efforts of law enforcement officers have successfully brought down crime rates from historic highs; Whereas the defund and defame the police (1) coincided with a dramatic rise in homicides and other violent crimes in cities and towns across the United States; and (2) caused the retention and recruitment of sworn law enforcement officers to drop to a dangerously low level, with current numbers showing fewer law enforcement officers per resident than at any other time during the 25-year period preceding the date of adoption of this resolution; Whereas, in 2020 (1) 60,105 law enforcement officers were assaulted by criminals, resulting in 18,633 injuries; and (2) the number of arrests made by law enforcement officers throughout the United States dropped to 7,630,000, a 24 percent reduction from 2019 and the fewest number of such arrests in 25 years; Whereas 72 percent of law enforcement officers surveyed are less willing to stop and question suspicious individuals than they were before 2020; Whereas the rhetoric associated with the defund and defame the police Whereas supporting law enforcement officers with the equipment, training, and funding needed to protect communities in the United States from criminal violence has long received overwhelming public support from across the political spectrum: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) highly respects and values the law enforcement officers of the United States and greatly appreciates all that those officers do to protect and serve their communities; (2) remembers and honors law enforcement officers who have experienced a death or injury in the line of duty and the families of those officers; (3) calls for increased measures to be taken to maximize the safety and well-being of law enforcement officers, including improvements relating to the retention and recruitment of officers, improved training and equipment for officers, tougher penalties for assaulting or killing an officer, and increased mental health resources for officers; (4) strongly condemns the misguided and disastrous movement to defund and defame the police (5) calls on all levels of government to ensure that law enforcement officers receive the support and resources needed to keep all communities in the United States safe. | Expressing support for the law enforcement officers of the United States. |
This resolution recognizes the significance of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month as an important time to celebrate the significant contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to the history of the United States. | Recognizing the significance of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month as an important time to celebrate the significant contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to the history of the United States. Whereas the people of the United States join together each May to pay tribute to the contributions of generations of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders who have enriched the history of the United States; Whereas the history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the United States is inextricably tied to the story of the United States; Whereas the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community is an inherently diverse population, composed of more than 45 distinct ethnicities and more than 100 language dialects; Whereas, according to the Bureau of the Census, the Asian American population grew faster than any other racial or ethnic group over the last decade, surging nearly 55.5 percent between 2010 and 2020, and during that same time period, the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander population grew by 30.8 percent; Whereas there are approximately 24,000,000 residents of the United States who identify as Asian and approximately 1,600,000 residents of the United States who identify as Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, making up more than 7 percent of the total population of the United States; Whereas the month of May was selected for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month because the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the United States on May 7, 1843, and the first transcontinental railroad was completed on May 10, 1869, with substantial contributions from Chinese immigrants; Whereas section 102 of title 36, United States Code, officially designates May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month and requests the President to issue an annual proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe the month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities; Whereas 2023 marks several important milestones for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, including (1) the 125th anniversary of United States v. Wong Kim Ark, 169 U.S. 649 (1898), a decision of the Supreme Court of the United States that determined that the 14th Amendment grants birthright citizenship to all persons born in the United States, regardless of the national origin of their parents; (2) the 80th anniversary of the Act entitled An Act to repeal the Chinese Exclusion Acts, to establish quotas, and for other purposes Magnuson Act of 1943 An Act to execute certain treaty stipulations relating to Chinese Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 (3) the 35th anniversary of the passage of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 ( 50 U.S.C. 4211 et seq. (4) the 30th anniversary of the enactment of Public Law 103150 Whereas Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have made significant contributions to the United States at all levels of the Federal Government and in the Armed Forces, including (1) Daniel K. Inouye, a Medal of Honor and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient who, as President pro tempore of the Senate, was the then-highest-ranking Asian American government official in the history of the United States; (2) Dalip Singh Saund, the first Asian American elected to Congress; (3) Patsy T. Mink, the first woman of color and Asian-American woman elected to Congress; (4) Hiram L. Fong, the first Asian-American Senator; (5) Daniel K. Akaka, the first Senator of Native Hawaiian ancestry; (6) Norman Y. Mineta, the first Asian-American member of a Presidential cabinet; (7) Elaine L. Chao, the first Asian-American woman member of a Presidential cabinet; and (8) Kamala D. Harris, the first woman and the first Asian American to hold the Office of the Vice President; Whereas the 118th Congress includes 21 Members of Asian or Pacific Islander descent; Whereas, in 2023, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, a bicameral caucus of Members of Congress advocating on behalf of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, is composed of 72 Members, and other congressional caucuses work on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander issues also; Whereas, in 2023, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders are serving in State and Territorial legislatures across the United States in record numbers, including in (1) the States of Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming; and (2) the Territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; Whereas Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders represent more than 6 percent of Federal judges and 7 percent of Federal employees, including hundreds of staffers of Asian, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander descent who serve as staff in the Senate and the House of Representatives; Whereas, since March 2020, there has been a dramatic increase in reports of anti-Asian hate crimes and incidents, including those related to the COVID19 pandemic, including (1) a 339-percent increase in anti-Asian hate crimes in 2021, and a 124-percent increase in 2020; (2) according to Stop AAPI Hate, over 11,000 hate incidents reported since the start of the COVID19 pandemic through March 2022, and countless others that have not been reported; (3) on March 16, 2021, the murder of 8 people, including 6 Asian women, at 3 separate Asian-owned businesses in the Atlanta, Georgia, region; and (4) on May 15, 2022, the shooting of 5 people in Laguna Hills, California, in which the Taiwanese congregation at Geneva Presbyterian Church was targeted; Whereas the incidence of hate crimes against Asian Americans continues to be above levels observed before the COVID19 pandemic; Whereas discrimination against Asian Americans, especially in moments of crisis, is not a new phenomenon, and violence against Asian Americans has occurred throughout United States history, including (1) the enactment of the Act entitled An Act supplementary to the Acts in relation to Immigration Page Act of 1875 (2) the enactment of the Act entitled An Act to execute certain treaty stipulations relating to Chinese Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 (3) the issuance of Executive Order 9066 in 1942, which authorized the forced relocation and incarceration of approximately 120,000 individuals of Japanese ancestry during World War II, the majority of whom were citizens of the United States; (4) the murder of Vincent Chin; (5) on January 17, 1989, the Cleveland Elementary School shooting in which a gunman used an AK47 to kill 5 children, 4 of whom were of Southeast Asian descent; (6) the rise in discrimination and violence against Muslim, Sikh, Arab, Middle Eastern, and South Asian Americans following the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001; and (7) on August 5, 2012, the mass shooting at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, in which a White supremacist fatally shot 6 people and wounded 4 others; Whereas, in response to the uptick in anti-Asian hate crimes throughout the COVID19 pandemic, Congress passed the COVID19 Hate Crimes Act ( Public Law 11713 Whereas, in celebration of the contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders in the United States, Congress passed the Commission To Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act ( Public Law 117140 Whereas, as part of the American Women Quarters Program, the United States Mint has issued, or will issue, commemorative quarters honoring the contributions of (1) Chinese American film star Anna May Wong; (2) Native Hawaiian composer and cultural advocate Edith Kanakaole; and (3) Congresswoman Patsy Mink; Whereas there remains much to be done to ensure that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have access to resources and a voice in the Federal Government and continue to advance in the political landscape of the United States; and Whereas celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month provides the people of the United States with an opportunity to recognize the achievements, contributions, and history of, and to understand the challenges faced by, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) recognizes the significance of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month as an important time to celebrate the significant contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to the history of the United States; and (2) recognizes that Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities enhance the rich diversity of and strengthen the United States. | Recognizing the significance of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month as an important time to celebrate the significant contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to the history of the United States. |
This resolution makes the President pro tempore's appointment of Patricia Mack Bryan as Deputy Senate Legal Counsel effective January 3, 2023, for a term of service to expire at the end of the 119th Congress. | To make effective appointment of Deputy Senate Legal Counsel. That the appointment of Patricia Mack Bryan of Virginia to be Deputy Senate Legal Counsel, made by the President pro tempore this day, is effective as of January 3, 2023, and the term of service of the appointee shall expire at the end of the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress. | To make effective appointment of Deputy Senate Legal Counsel. |
This resolution congratulates the University of Oklahoma women's gymnastics team for winning the 2023 National Collegiate Athletic Association championship. | Congratulating the University of Oklahoma womens gymnastics team for winning the 2023 National Collegiate Athletic Association championship, the programs sixth title overall. Whereas the University of Oklahoma womens gymnastics team (referred to in this preamble as the Sooners NCAA Whereas, as of the 2023 NCAA championship, the Sooners (1) have won 6 NCAA championships; (2) won its second consecutive NCAA championship; (3) won its third NCAA championship in 4 years; (4) won its sixth NCAA championship in 9 years; and (5) are tied for the fourth-most national championships in NCAA women's gymnastics history; Whereas, at the 2023 NCAA championship, the Sooners, with a score of 198.3875, tied the record for highest score ever achieved at an NCAA women's gymnastics championship, which the Sooners set in 2017; Whereas the Sooners score of 49.5625 in the vault at the 2023 NCAA championship is the fourth best score for vault at the NCAA championship in Sooners history; Whereas, during the 2023 NCAA championship, the Sooners jumped out to a narrow lead over the University of Florida in the first rotation and went wire-to-wire; Whereas all 6 gymnasts on the Sooners scored a 9.900 or higher on the floor exercise in the fourth rotation to secure the 2023 NCAA championship. Whereas 8 gymnasts on the Sooners earned a total of 10 NCAA All-America honors, and 5 earned first-team honors; Whereas the Sooners finished at number 1 in the NCAA womens gymnastics final rankings; Whereas Olivia Trautman won the NCAA vault title, becoming the seventh University of Oklahoma athlete, and the first athlete since Anastasia Webb in 2021, to win an individual NCAA championship; Whereas Meilin Sullivan was named the NCAA Elite 90 Award Winner, becoming the fifth University of Oklahoma athlete and second member of the Sooners to receive the award; Whereas the Sooners head coach, K.J. Kindler, led the team to a 28 win, 2 loss season that included (1) a Big 12 Conference championship; (2) a NCAA regional crown; and (3) an NCAA championship; and Whereas the 2023 NCAA championship season is the sixth triple crown for the Sooners and Coach Kindler: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) congratulates the University of Oklahoma womens gymnastics team for winning the 2023 National Collegiate Athletic Association championship; (2) recognizes the supreme standard set by (A) head coach K.J. Kindler; (B) the University of Oklahoma staff; and (C) the gymnasts on the University of Oklahoma women's gymnastics team; and (3) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to (A) the president of the University of Oklahoma, Joseph Harroz, Jr.; (B) the athletics director of the University of Oklahoma, Joe Castiglione; and (C) the head coach of the University of Oklahoma womens gymnastics team, K.J. Kindler. | Congratulating the University of Oklahoma womens gymnastics team for winning the 2023 National Collegiate Athletic Association championship, the programs sixth title overall. |
This resolution states that the Senate stands with Israel as it defends itself, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls on all countries to unequivocally condemn Hamas' war on Israel. The resolution also reaffirms the United States' commitment to Israel's security, supports emergency resupply and certain other types of assistance to Israel, and calls on the United States to lead an international effort to deprive Hamas of Iranian and other sources of funding and lethal assistance. Furthermore, the resolution states that it may not be construed as a declaration of war or an authorization for the use of military force. | Standing with Israel against terrorism. Whereas on October 7, 2023, Hamas, an organization designated by the United States as a foreign terrorist organization, launched an unprecedented attack on Israel by air, land, and sea; Whereas this heinous assault took place just after the 50th anniversary of the multi-front 1973 Yom Kippur War against Israel and while Israeli Jews were preparing to celebrate Simchat Torah; Whereas Hamas, which has long been supported by Iran, launched thousands of rockets into southern and central Israel; Whereas Hamas terrorists crossed the Israeli land border, killing civilians and abducting hostages in more than 20 towns in southern Israel, including children and the elderly; Whereas the initial attack killed more than 1,300 Israelis and injured thousands more; Whereas American citizens in Israel are among those killed and abducted by Hamas since October 7, 2023; Whereas since October 7, 2023, Hamas is directly responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians; Whereas expansion of this war to other fronts by Hezbollah, Iran, or others would create an even more devastating regional catastrophe; Whereas Iran has long provided hundreds of millions of dollars in material support to Hamas and other terrorist groups, such as Palestinian Islamic Jihad; Whereas since 1998, the United States Government has supported successive Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) between the United States and Israel, and in the MOU negotiated in 2016, the United States pledged to provide Israel with $3,300,000,000 per year in foreign military financing and $500,000,000 per year in missile defense funding for 10 years, which Congress has appropriated annually since 2018; Whereas section 513(c) of the Security Assistance Act of 2000 ( Public Law 106280 Public Law 116283 Whereas Congress has responded with emergency supplemental appropriations beyond the terms of such MOU, when needed, such as a $225,000,000 appropriation in 2014 to replenish immediate Iron Dome interceptors after Hamas fired thousands of rockets into Israel, and appropriations of an additional $1,000,000,000 for the Iron Dome after the May 2021 conflict during which Hamas launched more than 4,400 rockets into Israel; and Whereas the United States will make every effort to prevent Iran, Hezbollah, and others from entering the conflict against Israel, including increasing credible regional deterrence through the deployment of naval and air assets to the Middle East: Now, therefore, be it 1. Sense of the Senate The Senate (1) stands with Israel as it defends itself, including Israeli efforts to diminish the threat posed by Hamas; (2) reaffirms Israels right to self-defense, and is committed to helping Israel safeguard its people from future aggression; (3) calls on all countries to unequivocally condemn Hamas war on Israel, including Hamas intentional targeting of, and attacks against, civilians; (4) demands that Hamas immediately cease its attacks against Israel and safely release all living hostages and return the bodies of deceased hostages; (5) condemns Irans support for global terrorism, including its support for terrorist groups such as Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad; (6) calls on the United States to lead an international effort to deprive Hamas of Iranian and other sources of funding and lethal assistance that the terror group relies on to threaten Israel; (7) warns against any other party hostile to Israel taking advantage of the current situation; (8) reaffirms the United States commitment to Israels security; and (9) stands ready to assist Israel with emergency resupply or other security, diplomatic, and intelligence support needs, both during the immediate crisis and in the near future, including by accelerating delivery of defense articles and systems. 2. Rule of construction Nothing in this resolution may be construed as a declaration of war or an authorization for the use of military force. | Standing with Israel against terrorism. |
This resolution recognizes the work of federal law enforcement agencies, condemns calls to defund the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and rejects partisan attempts to degrade public trust in federal law enforcement agencies for attempted political or legal benefit. | Recognizing the work of Federal law enforcement agencies, condemning calls to defund Whereas, on April 5, 2023, former President Donald J. Trump (referred to in this preamble as the former President Whereas congressional allies of the former President have agreed that Congress should limit funding for the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Whereas this baseless broadside against Federal law enforcement agencies is just the latest subjugation of law and justice to the parochial legal and political goals of the former President and his allies; Whereas the United States is a nation of laws, bound together by the simple principle that no person is above those laws, not even a former president; Whereas Federal law enforcement agencies, led by the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, work tirelessly every day to promote the general welfare and pursue justice in the United States; Whereas the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation work every day to investigate and prosecute offenses involving sex trafficking, child pornography, terrorism, violent crime, money laundering, cybercrime, fraud, and much more; Whereas Congress must reject calls to compromise the safety, livelihood, and well-being of individuals in the United States in an effort to shield select political leaders from accountability; Whereas a failure to reject partisan efforts to defund Whereas, in fiscal year 2022, the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (1) investigated and prosecuted 490 defendants for terrorism and secured the convictions of 280 defendants; (2) investigated and prosecuted 19,107 defendants for violent crime and secured the convictions of 17,924 defendants; (3) investigated and prosecuted 1,164 defendants for money laundering and secured the convictions of 1,350 defendants; and (4) investigated and prosecuted 680 defendants for healthcare fraud and secured the convictions of 477 defendants; Whereas, in fiscal year 2022, the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation returned $476,677,364 in assets to victims; and Whereas law-abiding individuals across the United States depend on the good work of the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to promote public safety and the general welfare: Now therefore, be it That the Senate (1) recognizes and appreciates the dedication and devotion demonstrated by the men and women of Federal law enforcement agencies who keep the communities of the United States and the United States safe; (2) condemns calls to defund (3) rejects partisan attempts by former President Donald J. Trump and his allies to degrade public trust in Federal law enforcement agencies for attempted political or legal benefit. | Recognizing the work of Federal law enforcement agencies, condemning calls to defund the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and rejecting partisan attempts to degrade public trust in law enforcement agencies. |
This resolution recognizes that the national debt is a threat to national security and that deficits are unsustainable, irresponsible, and dangerous. It also commits to (1) restoring regular order to the appropriations process, and (2) preventing the looming the fiscal crisis faced by the United States. | Recognizing the national debt as a threat to national security. Whereas, in January 2023, the total public debt outstanding was more than $31,000,000,000,000, resulting in a total interest expense of more than $717,611,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; Whereas, in January 2023, the total public debt as a percentage of gross domestic product was about 121 percent; Whereas, in January 2023, the debt owed per citizen was $94,240 and $246,864 per taxpayer; Whereas the last Federal budget surplus occurred in 2001; Whereas, in fiscal year 2022, Federal tax receipts totaled $4,896,000,000,000, but Federal outlays totaled $6,272,000,000,000, leaving the Federal Government with a 1-year deficit of $1,376,000,000,000; Whereas the Senate failed to pass a balanced budget for fiscal year 2022 and failed to restore regular order to the legislative process by not allowing Senators to offer and debate amendments; Whereas the Social Security and Medicare Boards of Trustees project that the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund will be depleted in 2028; Whereas the Social Security and Medicare Boards of Trustees project that the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund will be depleted in 2034; Whereas improvements in the business climate in populous countries, and aging populations around the world, will likely contribute to higher global interest rates; Whereas more than $7,270,000,000,000 of Federal debt is owned by individuals not located in the United States, including more than $870,000,000,000 of which is owned by individuals in China; Whereas China and the European Union are developing alternative payment systems to weaken the dominant position of the United States dollar as a reserve currency; Whereas rapidly increasing interest rates would squeeze all policy priorities of the United States, including defense policy and foreign policy priorities; Whereas, on April 12, 2018, former Secretary of Defense James Mattis warned that any Nation that cant keep its fiscal house in order eventually cannot maintain its military power Whereas, on March 6, 2018, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats warned: Our continued plunge into debt is unsustainable and represents a dire future threat to our economy and to our national security Whereas, on November 15, 2017, former Secretaries of Defense Leon Panetta, Ash Carter, and Chuck Hagel warned: Increase in the debt will, in the absence of a comprehensive budget that addresses both entitlements and revenues, force even deeper reductions in our national security capabilities Whereas, on September 22, 2011, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Michael Mullen warned: I believe the single, biggest threat to our national security is debt That the Senate (1) recognizes that the national debt is a threat to the national security of the United States; (2) realizes that deficits are unsustainable, irresponsible, and dangerous; (3) commits to restoring regular order in the appropriations process; and (4) commits to preventing the looming fiscal crisis faced by the United States. | Recognizing the national debt as a threat to national security. |
This resolution encourages India to end its persecution of religious minorities and recognizes India's security challenges. Specifically, the resolution encourages India to amend discriminatory laws and executive orders to treat Muslims the same as other religious groups. It also urges India to return citizenship to those declared non-citizens by its National Register for Citizens, to release individuals unnecessarily detained, and to repeal anti-conversion and anti-blasphemy laws widely misused against Christians. | Expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States Government engage the Government of India to seek a swift end to the persecution of, and violence against, religious minorities and human rights defenders in India and a reversal of government policies that discriminate against Muslims and Christians on the basis of their respective faiths. Whereas religious freedom is a core human right and a right recognized by international law and treaties; Whereas religious freedom is (1) a necessary component of United States foreign policy and our Nations commitment to defending democracy and freedom globally; and (2) a vital element of national security, which is critical to ensuring a more peaceful, prosperous, and stable world; Whereas India is the worlds most populous democracy, which has long, unique, and important relationship with the United States in promoting common values and upholding regional stability; Whereas the strong relationship between the United States and India is fundamentally premised on both countries' (1) cherished common values of liberty, freedom, justice, and equality before law; and (2) opposition to every type of discrimination; Whereas, during a visit to India in July 2021, Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated, [W]e view Indian democracy as a force for good in defense of a free and open Indo-Pacific [and] a free and open world Whereas the existence of a truly free and open Indo-Pacific is conditional on the protection of the freedoms and rights of all civilians; Whereas, on June 2, 2022, while releasing the Department of States 2021 Report on International Religious Freedom, Secretary Blinken commented, [I]n India, the world's largest democracy and home to a great diversity of faiths, we've seen rising attacks on people and places of worship Whereas, less than 1 year after becoming Indias Prime Minister in 2014, Narendra Modi promised, My government will ensure that there is complete freedom of faith and that everyone has the undeniable right to retain or adopt the religion of his or her choice without coercion or undue influence Whereas India has historically been a strong and pluralistic democracy, being the birthplace of several of the worlds great religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism; Whereas Indias 1,300,000,000 people include Hindus, who are the majority at 80 percent, 200,000,000 Muslims, which constitute the worlds third largest Muslim population, 40,000,000 Christians, and millions of Sikhs, Jains, Bahais, Jews, Zoroastrians, and people of innumerable animist and indigenous faiths; Whereas the preamble to the Constitution of India states, in part, We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic, and to secure to all its citizens: Justice, social, economic and political; Liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship Whereas article 14 of the Constitution of India states, The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India. Whereas article 25 of the Constitution of India states, in part, [a]ll persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practice and propagate religion. Whereas violence against Indias religious minorities, especially Muslims and Christians, has escalated in the last decade; Whereas such violence against religious minorities has included (1) public lynchings by vigilante groups; (2) the disruption of prayer services at, and the vandalizing and demolition of, mosques and churches; (3) the demolition of homes and businesses of Muslims without due process by state authorities in retaliation for protesting for their constitutional rights; and (4) arrests of Muslim men for marrying Hindu women in the name of the false theory of Love Jihad Whereas Indias federal government and various state governments have failed to prosecute the culprits and bring justice to the victims, which has been noted in the 2021 Department of State Country Reports on Human Rights Practices and the 2021 Department of State Report on International Religious Freedom; Whereas in 2020, 2021, and 2022, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recommended that the Department of State designate India as a country of particular concern for engaging in and tolerating systematic, ongoing, and egregious religious freedom violations, as defined by the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) Whereas India has failed to act against partisan leaders from the Hindu religious community for repeatedly calling for a genocide of Indias Muslims, such as Pooja Shakun Pandey, a leader of Hindu Mahasabha, who stated, in December 2021, in the holy Hindu city of Haridwar in Uttar Pradesh, If 100 of us are ready to kill 2,000,000 [Muslims], then we will win and make India a Hindu nation Whereas the Indian state of Karnataka has, without cause, banned Muslim female students from wearing the hijab in schools and colleges, which violates their fundamental rights guaranteed under article 14 of the Constitution of India; Whereas in August 2019, Jammu and Kashmir, the only Indian state with a majority Muslim population (1) was deprived of its special autonomy without ensuring consultation or any participation of the people living in Jammu and Kashmir; and (2) was split into 2 federally governed union territories; Whereas in December 2019, the Indian Parliament passed the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (referred to in this resolution as the CAA Whereas Indian police have wrongfully arrested hundreds of people throughout India, most of them Muslims, merely for protesting against the enactment of the CAA over concerns that this law would be used in conjunction with a nationwide head count to deny citizenship to Muslims, a concern that has been repeatedly expressed by the USCIRF; Whereas the Indian police arrested prominent Muslim activists on charges of carrying out violence against Muslims in Delhi coinciding with a visit by then President Donald Trump to the Indian capital, but failed to act against violent mobs that actually carried out the anti-Muslim violence as documented by the Delhi Minorities Commission of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi and Amnesty International India; Whereas, during the widespread protests against the CAA and the National Register for Citizens (referred to in this resolution as the NRC Whereas USCIRF has recommended that the United States Government should consider sanctions against Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah and other principal leadership Whereas a headcount for the NRC held in Assam state in 2019 determined that 1,900,000 of the states 31,000,000 residents do not have sufficient documents proving that they or their parents lived in Assam from before 1971, and they are now likely to be stripped of their citizenship by quasi-judicial bodies known as Foreigners Tribunals; Whereas approximately 500,000 of these 1,900,000 undocumented people are Muslims and thousands of them have been uprooted from their homes, where they have lived for generations, and sent to detention centers; Whereas, according to Human Rights Watch, government operatives in states ruled by the Prime Minister Narendra Modis Bharatiya Janata Party have resorted to summary punishments by demolishing Muslim homes and businesses without legal authorization; Whereas, according to Federation of Indian American Christian Organizations, Indias 40,000,000 Christians are increasingly targeted by police and vigilante mobs throughout India, leading to a steep rise in incidents of violence against Christians, with 1,198 incidents recorded in 2022, which represents a staggering increase from the 761 such incidents reported in 2021; Whereas International Christian Concern, a United States-based nongovernmental organization, has reported that anti-blasphemy and anti-forced conversion laws, which effectively criminalize minority religious beliefs and freedom of conscience, are becoming increasingly common throughout India and have led to numerous cases of violence against religious minorities; Whereas a culture of impunity for radical Hindu nationalists has led to an unprecedented level of violence against Christian, Muslims, and other vulnerable religious minorities: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) recognizes the security challenges faced by the Government of India and the continuing threat of state-supported cross-border terrorism; (2) encourages the Government of India to amend the discriminatory laws and executive orders based on the love, jihad conspiracy theory, including the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, by treating Muslims the same as other religious groups, and the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act; (3) urges the Government of India (A) to end the discriminatory and undemocratic NRC and return citizenship to the estimated 1,900,000 people who declared noncitizens in a wholly dubious manner; (B) to immediately release individuals unnecessarily detained in detention centers, protect the right to health of such individuals, and ensure access to healthcare and safe, sanitary conditions for anyone who remains detained; (C) to immediately release any unjustly detained human rights defenders, journalists, and other critics, many of whom have been held in custody for longer than 1 year without being charge with a crime; (D) to establish accountability for the brutal police violence against the anti-CAA protesters by prosecuting the policemen and others in the chain of command who are found to be complicit in such violence; (E) to repeal the anti-conversion and anti-blasphemy laws that are widely misused against religious minorities, especially Christians; (F) to repeal the hijab ban in Karnataka and allow thousands of Muslim girls and women to attend classes, as students or teachers, while wearing the hijab; (G) to end the demolition of homes, businesses, and places of worship belonging to Muslims and Christians; and (H) to allow unrestricted access to Jammu and Kashmir by independent human rights observers and international press; and (4) calls on the Government of India to repeal the colonial-era sedition law (section 124 of the Indian Penal Code) that is used to stifle dissent and debate and has been used against individuals who express their opposition to the CAA. | Expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States Government engage the Government of India to seek a swift end to the persecution of, and violence against, religious minorities and human rights defenders in India and a reversal of government policies that discriminate against Muslims and Christians on the basis of their respective faiths. |
This resolution authorizes the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry to make specified expenditures and employ personnel for the 118th Congress. | Authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. 1. General authority In carrying out its powers, duties, and functions under the Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of the Standing Rules of the Senate, including holding hearings, reporting such hearings, and making investigations as authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry (in this resolution referred to as the committee (1) make expenditures from the contingent fund of the Senate; (2) employ personnel; and (3) with the prior consent of the Government department or agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and Administration, use on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis the services of personnel of any such department or agency. 2. Expenses (a) Expenses for period ending September 30, 2023 The expenses of the committee for the period March 1, 2023, through September 30, 2023, under this resolution shall not exceed $4,212,203, of which amount (1) not to exceed $200,000 may be expended for the procurement of the services of individual consultants, or organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 ( 2 U.S.C. 4301(i) (2) not to exceed $40,000 may be expended for the training of the professional staff of the committee (under procedures specified by section 202(j) of that Act). (b) Expenses for fiscal year 2024 period The expenses of the committee for the period October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024, under this resolution shall not exceed $7,220,919, of which amount (1) not to exceed $200,000 may be expended for the procurement of the services of individual consultants, or organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 ( 2 U.S.C. 4301(i) (2) not to exceed $40,000 may be expended for the training of the professional staff of the committee (under procedures specified by section 202(j) of that Act). (c) Expenses for period ending February 28, 2025 The expenses of the committee for the period October 1, 2024, through February 28, 2025, under this resolution shall not exceed $3,008,716, of which amount (1) not to exceed $200,000 may be expended for the procurement of the services of individual consultants, or organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 ( 2 U.S.C. 4301(i) (2) not to exceed $40,000 may be expended for the training of the professional staff of the committee (under procedures specified by section 202(j) of that Act). 3. Expenses and agency contributions (a) Expenses of the committee (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), expenses of the committee under this resolution shall be paid from the contingent fund of the Senate upon vouchers approved by the chairman of the committee. (2) Vouchers not required Vouchers shall not be required for (A) the disbursement of salaries of employees paid at an annual rate; (B) the payment of telecommunications provided by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper; (C) the payment of stationery supplies purchased through the Keeper of the Stationery; (D) payments to the Postmaster of the Senate; (E) the payment of metered charges on copying equipment provided by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper; (F) the payment of Senate Recording and Photographic Services; or (G) the payment of franked and mass mail costs by the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper. (b) Agency contributions There are authorized to be paid from the appropriations account for Expenses of Inquiries and Investigations (1) for the period March 1, 2023, through September 30, 2023; (2) for the period October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024; and (3) for the period October 1, 2024, through February 28, 2025. | Authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. |
This resolution commemorates the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement and celebrates the historic compromise as the beginning of a new era of peaceful political engagement in Northern Ireland. The resolution also supports full implementation of the agreement and subsequent agreements, including the Windsor Framework, and calls for action to resolve the injustices of past violence. (Since the Good Friday Agreement, there has been an open border between the Republic of Ireland, an EU member state, and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. The Windsor Framework seeks to resolve challenges related to this border that arose after the United Kingdom left the European Union.) | Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, and for other purposes. Whereas, 25 years ago, on April 10, 1998, the Government of Ireland and the Government of the United Kingdom signed the Good Friday Agreement, also known as the Belfast Agreement Whereas former Senate Majority Leader George J. Mitchell, Jr., of Maine, was appointed by President William J. Clinton to be United States Special Envoy for Northern Ireland and chaired the peace negotiations, which produced the Good Friday Agreement, marking the end of decades of conflict in Northern Ireland; Whereas the Good Friday Agreement stands as a historic and groundbreaking success that remains critical to peace in the future; Whereas the goals of the Good Friday Agreement remain to bring a new era of devolved government and democracy to Northern Ireland, end violence, and ensure enduring peace and stability for the people of the island of Ireland; Whereas a restored, fully functioning, Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive are essential to the facilitation of new opportunities and prosperity for the people of Northern Ireland; Whereas Congress continues to support the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent implementation agreements and arrangements in order to support peace on the island of Ireland; Whereas the new Windsor Framework, agreed in principle on February 27, 2023, by the United Kingdom and the European Union, will help ensure trade within the United Kingdom remains smooth, while protecting Northern Irelands place in the United Kingdom and safeguarding its sovereignty as well as maintaining an open border on the island of Ireland and protecting the integrity of the European Unions single market; Whereas, despite the historic progress in implementing the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent agreements, including the Stormont House Agreement agreed to in December 2014, important issues remain unresolved in Northern Ireland, including the passage of a bill of rights, securing justice for all victims of violence, including violence by state and nonstate actors, and reducing sectarian divisions and promoting reconciliation; Whereas the Good Friday Agreement ( Rights, Safeguards and Equality of Opportunity the importance of respect, understanding and tolerance in relation to linguistic diversity, Whereas Congress played a prominent role in support of negotiations of the Good Friday Agreement and has taken a leading role in promoting peace on the island of Ireland more broadly; Whereas Congress stands steadfastly committed to supporting the peaceful resolution of any and all political challenges in Northern Ireland; and Whereas the United States has a special relationship with the United Kingdom, including partnership on diplomatic, security, trade, economic, and foreign assistance issues: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) commemorates the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement on April 10, 1998, and celebrates the historic compromise that marked the beginning of a new era of peaceful political engagement in Northern Ireland; (2) welcomes the Windsor Framework agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union, and urges all parties to continue to support peace on the island of Ireland and the principles, objectives, and commitments of the Good Friday Agreement; (3) urges all parties in Northern Ireland to recommit urgently to power-sharing and restoration of a fully functioning Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive; (4) expresses support for the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent agreements, including the Windsor Framework; (5) urges all parties in Northern Ireland to work collectively to ensure the implementation of all commitments of the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent agreements so that all of the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement can operate successfully and sustainably and that ongoing political challenges can be overcome; (6) urges the United Kingdom Parliament and the European Union to support and implement in good faith the new Windsor Framework in order to ensure trade continues to flow smoothly within the United Kingdom and maintain an open border on the island of Ireland, while protecting the European Unions single market; (7) supports the passage of a bill of rights for Northern Ireland and the principle of consent in relation to the right of self-determination for all the people on the island of Ireland, in line with the provisions of the Good Friday Agreement; (8) calls for continuing attention and action to resolve the injustices of past violence, including violence by state and nonstate actors; (9) observes that victims, survivors, and family members of victims of Troubles-era violence must be able to fully pursue justice; (10) encourages renewed attention to educational and cultural efforts that will ensure the rich language, literature, and arts of Northern Ireland endure and are not diminished, in line with the Good Friday Agreement commitments on Rights, Safeguards and Equality of Opportunity (11) expresses support for the new Windsor Framework, part of the European Union-United Kingdom Withdrawal Agreement, which ensures through international agreement that no hard border (12) greatly values the close relationships the United States shares with both the United Kingdom and Ireland; and (13) takes into account, as relevant, conditions requiring that obligations under the Good Friday Agreement be met as the United States seeks to negotiate a mutually advantageous and comprehensive trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom. | Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, and for other purposes. |
This resolution expresses support for the designation of Rail Safety Week. The resolution also expresses support for (1) the communities impacted by the February 3, 2023, Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio; and (2) the actions of first responders who combat releases of hazardous materials across the United States, including the firefighters who responded to the derailment in Ohio. | Expressing support for the designation of the week of September 18 through September 24, 2023, as Rail Safety Week in the United States and supporting the goals and ideals of Rail Safety Week to reduce highway-rail grade crossing and trespasser-related incidents, fatalities, and injuries, reduce derailments, improve the safe transportation of hazardous materials by rail, and prevent rail worker fatalities. Whereas the first Rail Safety Week was held from September 24 through September 30, 2017, by the national education safety nonprofit organization Operation Lifesaver, the Department of Transportation, and other organizations; Whereas Rail Safety Week was launched to raise awareness about the need for increased education on how to be safe around highway-rail grade crossings and railroad tracks and to highlight efforts to further reduce collisions, injuries, and fatalities; Whereas highway-rail grade crossing and trespassing incidents constituted approximately 94 percent of all rail-related fatalities during 2022; Whereas, under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act ( Public Law 11758 Whereas, in 2022, 50 percent of all highway-rail grade crossing collisions and 64 percent of all fatal highway-rail grade crossing collisions occurred at gated highway-rail grade crossings; Whereas preliminary Federal statistics indicate that 2,197 highway-grade crossing collisions occurred in the United States in 2022, resulting in 274 deaths and another 812 individuals being injured; Whereas many collisions between trains and motor vehicles or pedestrians could have been prevented by increased education, engineering, and enforcement; Whereas Operation Lifesaver, the foremost nonprofit organization with respect to rail safety, administers a public education program about grade-crossing safety and trespassing prevention; Whereas, during Rail Safety Week, from September 18 through 24, 2023, and throughout the year, everyone is encouraged to take added caution as motorists or pedestrians approach tracks or trains; Whereas the February 3, 2023, Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, which resulted in the burning of 6 vinyl chloride tank cars and forced the evacuation of approximately 2,000 nearby residents, was a reminder of the risks posed by hazardous materials transportation; Whereas preliminary 2022 Federal statistics indicate that (1) Class I freight railroads had the highest derailment rate in the past decade; (2) the number of derailments per 1,000,000 miles traveled among Class I freight railroads has increased by 14 percent since 2012; and (3) more than 43,000 rail workers have been injured and 135 rail workers have been killed on duty since 2012; Whereas the United States, Canada, and Mexico will concurrently observe Rail Safety Week; and Whereas this important observance should lead to greater safety awareness and a reduction in highway-rail grade crossing collisions, derailments, rail worker fatalities, and other railroad incidents: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports the designation of Rail Safety Week (2) expresses strong support for (A) the goals and ideals of Rail Safety Week; (B) efforts to reduce highway-rail grade crossing and trespasser-related incidents, fatalities, and injuries; (C) efforts by the Federal Railroad Administration to improve safety cultures at Class I freight railroads; (D) efforts by the National Transportation Safety Board to investigate the February 3, 2023, Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, and the safety culture at Norfolk Southern; (E) the residents of East Palestine, Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, and all other communities impacted by the derailment and release of hazardous materials on February 3, 2023; (F) the brave actions of first responders who combat releases of hazardous materials across the United States, including the brave actions of the more than 300 firefighters from 50 fire departments who responded to the February 3, 2023, derailment in East Palestine, Ohio; and (G) rail workers who have died or been injured while working to keep people and goods moving throughout the United States and the families of those rail workers; and (3) encourages the people of the United States (A) to participate in Rail Safety Week events and activities; (B) to educate themselves and others on how to be safe around railroad tracks; and (C) to support efforts to improve the safe transportation of hazardous material by rail. | Expressing support for the designation of the week of September 18 through September 24, 2023, as Rail Safety Week in the United States and supporting the goals and ideals of Rail Safety Week to reduce highway-rail grade crossing and trespasser-related incidents, fatalities, and injuries, reduce derailments, improve the safe transportation of hazardous materials by rail, and prevent rail worker fatalities. |
This resolution expresses respect for and solidarity with the families and friends of those killed, tortured, and imprisoned for participating in prodemocracy demonstrations during the spring of 1989 in Tiananmen Square. It also reaffirms support for those who continue to work for political reform, rule of law, and human rights in China. | Remembering the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre and condemning the continued and intensifying crackdown on human rights and basic freedoms within the Peoples Republic of China, including the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, by the Chinese Communist Party, and for other purposes. Whereas, on April 15, 1989, peaceful demonstrators gathered in Tiananmen Square in central Beijing to mourn the death of former General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Hu Yaobang, who was compelled to resign in 1987 for supporting political reforms within the CCP; Whereas, throughout April and May 1989, peaceful demonstrations continued in Tiananmen Square and in an estimated 400 cities across the Peoples Republic of China; Whereas, by May 17, 1989, an estimated 1,000,000 Chinese citizens from all walks of life, including students, government employees, journalists, workers, police officers, and members of the Armed Forces, gathered peacefully in Tiananmen Square to call for democratic reforms; Whereas the peaceful demonstrators of 1989 called upon the Government of the Peoples Republic of China to eliminate corruption, accelerate economic and political reform, and protect human rights, particularly the freedoms of expression and assembly; Whereas, on May 20, 1989, the Government of the Peoples Republic of China declared martial law; Whereas, during the late afternoon and early evening hours of June 3, 1989, the Peoples Republic of China leadership sent armed Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) troops and tanks into Beijing and surrounding areas; Whereas, on the night of June 3, and continuing into the morning of June 4, 1989, PLA soldiers, at the direction of CCP leadership, fired indiscriminately into crowds of peaceful protesters, killing and injuring thousands of demonstrators and other unarmed civilians; Whereas the Government of the Peoples Republic of China continues to censor any mention of the crackdown centered on Tiananmen Square, prevents the victims from being publicly mourned and remembered, and harasses, detains, and arrests those who call for a full, public, and independent accounting of the wounded, dead, and those imprisoned for participating in the spring 1989 demonstrations; Whereas the sovereignty of Hong Kong transferred from the United Kingdom to the Peoples Republic of China in 1997 under the terms of the Joint Declaration of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Peoples Republic of China on the Question of Hong Kong (hereafter the Joint Declaration enjoy a high degree of autonomy, social and economic systems in Hong Kong Whereas the Joint Declaration states that Rights and freedoms, including those of the person, of speech, of the press, of assembly, of association, of travel, of movement, of correspondence, of strike, of choice of occupation, of academic research and of religious belief will be ensured by law in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Whereas the people of Hong Kong have held an annual Tiananmen Square vigil since 1990, and has been the only such mass gathering on Chinese territory because commemorations are banned in mainland China; Whereas, on June 4, 2020, thousands of people in Hong Kong defied a ban by the Hong Kong Police Force and gathered at the citys annual June 4 vigil to memorialize the 31st anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre; Whereas, on June 30, 2020, Chinas National Peoples Congress Standing Committee flagrantly undermined the high degree of autonomy promised to Hong Kong in the Joint Declaration and Basic Law by passing and imposing upon Hong Kong the oppressive and intentionally vague Law of the Peoples Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the HKSAR ( national security law Whereas the central Government of the Peoples Republic of China and the HKSAR Government have since used the national security law to suppress democratic voices in Hong Kong, including by barring candidates from standing for election and by arresting prodemocracy activists and opposition leaders; Whereas, on March 11, 2021, Chinas National Peoples Congress adopted the Decision of the National Peoples Congress on Improving the Electoral System of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Whereas, on May 27, 2021, the Hong Kong Police Force officially banned the June 4 vigil for the second consecutive year, citing a ban on large gatherings in light of the coronavirus pandemic; Whereas this ban has continued through 2022 and through 2023, despite the pandemic restrictions being largely removed in Hong Kong; Whereas, on May 27, 2021, the Hong Kong Legislative Council passed legislation amending local election laws to bring them in line with the Chinas National Peoples Congress March 11 Decision of the National Peoples Congress on Improving the Electoral System of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Whereas, on March 4, 2023, the HKSAR West Kowloon Magistrates Court convicted three standing committee members of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of ChinaChow Hang-tung, Tang Ngok-kwan, and Tsui Hon-kwongunder the National Security Law, and the Alliance was an organizer of the annual Tiananmen vigil; Whereas June 4, 2023, marks the 34th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre; Whereas the Government of the Peoples Republic of China has committed genocide and crimes against humanity against the Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim ethnic groups in Xinjiang; and Whereas the Government of the Peoples Republic of China continues to violate the human rights of prodemocracy activists, members of ethnic groups, including individuals in the Tibetan regions, religious believers, human rights lawyers, citizen journalists, and labor union leaders, among many others seeking to express their political or religious views or ethnic identity in a peaceful manner: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) expresses its deepest respect for and solidarity with the families and friends of those killed, tortured, and imprisoned for participating in the prodemocracy demonstrations during the spring of 1989, and with those who have continued to suffer for their fight to publicly mourn the Tiananmen Square massacre victims; (2) reaffirms its support for those who continue to work for political reform, rule of law, and protections for human rights in China; (3) condemns the Government of the Peoples Republic of China for its continued human rights abuses, including suppressing peaceful political dissent and ethnic and religious minorities; (4) calls on the Government of the Peoples Republic of China to (A) cease censoring information and discussion about the Tiananmen Square massacre; (B) invite and cooperate with a full and independent investigation into the Tiananmen Square massacre by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights; (C) uphold its international legal obligations to Hong Kong under the Joint Declaration of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the Peoples Republic of China on the Question of Hong Kong ( Joint Declaration (D) allow those participants in the Tiananmen demonstrations who fled overseas or reside outside of China after being blacklisted (5) calls on the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the relevant authorities in the Government of the Peoples Republic of China to (A) respect and uphold the personal rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong and the independence of Hong Kongs legal system; (B) restore independent democratic representation to the people of Hong Kong in line with the One Country, Two Systems (C) allow those living in exile for engaging in prodemocracy activities to return to Hong Kong without fear of detention or other repercussions; (6) calls on the United States Government and members of Congress to mark the 34th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square protests, including through meetings with participants of the Tiananmen Square protests who live outside of China and the families and friends of the victims of the Tiananmen Square massacre based outside China; and (7) supports ongoing peaceful movements for human rights in China and of the people in Hong Kong, Tibet, and Xinjiang. | Remembering the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre and condemning the continued and intensifying crackdown on human rights and basic freedoms within the Peoples Republic of China, including the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, by the Chinese Communist Party, and for other purposes. |
This resolution expresses support for the designation of Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day. (A journeyman lineworker is a person who builds and maintains electrical power systems.) | Expressing support for the designation of Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day. Whereas the United States relies on safe, reliable, affordable, and clean electricity to power its economy, as well as homes, businesses, industries and manufacturers, colleges and universities, schools, hospitals, cities and communities, and so much more; Whereas journeyman lineworkers play a critical role in keeping the United States energy grid running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year; Whereas journeyman lineworkers perform heroic services during national and regional disasters, including hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, and ice storms, while working long hours often under dangerous conditions to restore power; Whereas journeyman lineworkers worked throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to keep the energy grid operational and implemented critical safety protocols to ensure they could continue to work in the field while keeping themselves, their fellow lineworkers, and the public safe; Whereas journeyman lineworkers put their lives on the line every day to ensure the delivery of safe and reliable power for the United States; Whereas July 10, 2023 marks the 127th anniversary of the death of Henry Miller, the first President of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, who was killed in the line of duty while trying to restore electricity during an outage in Washington, D.C.; and Whereas there should be a day to honor the hundreds of thousands of men and women who also have put their lives on the line over the past 127 years to provide skillful service in times of local or national crisis: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports the designation of July 10, 2023, as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day; (2) honors and recognizes the contributions and sacrifices of countless journeyman lineworkers who often place themselves in harms way to serve their customers and their communities; and (3) encourages the people of the United States to observe Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day with appropriate reflection. | Expressing support for the designation of Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day. |
This resolution supports the peaceful, democratic, and economic aspirations of the people of Sri Lanka. The resolution also urges Sri Lanka to (1) hold free and fair elections, (2) respect the rights of all Sri Lankans, (3) institute meaningful security sector reform, and (4) address corruption. | Expressing the sense of the Senate in support of the peaceful, democratic, and economic aspirations of the people of Sri Lanka. Whereas, in recent years, Sri Lanka has undergone a political, economic, and humanitarian crisis causing millions of Sri Lankans to live in dire conditions, with the World Food Program estimating that 17 percent of the population is experiencing food insecurity and severe shortages of medicine and fuel; Whereas the crisis in Sri Lanka stems from factors such as corruption, financial mismanagement, and failures in the rule of law, further exacerbated by the Government of Sri Lanka entering into expensive projects involving predatory lending by entities associated with the Peoples Republic of China; Whereas, beginning in March 2022, tens of thousands of Sri Lankans participated in largely peaceful protests lasting more than 100 days, leading to the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the appointment of Ranil Wickremesinghe as the new President of Sri Lanka; Whereas the Wickremesinghe government, citing economic constraints, indefinitely postponed local elections scheduled for March 9, 2023, in violation of the Constitution of Sri Lanka; Whereas, on February 20, 2023, thousands of largely peaceful protestors demonstrated against the decision to postpone local elections, to which the Sri Lankan police responded by firing tear gas and water cannons; Whereas the Government of Sri Lanka continues to repress dissent and protest, conduct surveillance and harass members of civil society, and use the Prevention of Terrorism Act to target political opposition members of ethnic and religious minority groups, activists, and journalists; Whereas the Government of Sri Lanka continues to participate in and facilitate the illegal appropriation of land in the North and East, areas of historical habitation of Tamil speaking peoples and various ethnic and religious groups; Whereas the Government of Sri Lanka refuses to conduct transparent and independent investigations into credible allegations of corruption, historic atrocities, and other gross violations of human rights against Sinhalese, Tamil, and Muslim communities, and the United Nations and others have recognized that longstanding impunity for corruption and other human rights violations and abuses is a root cause of the current crisis and that many actors responsible for the current crisis have been implicated in abuses dating back to the civil war and the JVP insurrection; Whereas, for more than 30 years, Sri Lanka was enveloped in a civil war in which, according to United Nations reports, tens of thousands of Sri Lankans died and thousands more were raped, tortured, forcibly disappeared, or went missing; Whereas United Nations reports maintain that members of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and members of the Government and security services of Sri Lanka were implicated in horrific atrocities and human rights violations and abuses against Sri Lankan civilians during the civil war; Whereas, on multiple occasions, the Government of Sri Lanka has publicly committed to pursuing meaningful justice and accountability for conflict-related crimes and grievances, including in President Mahinda Rajapaksas May 2009 joint statement with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and in the government of then-Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghes cosponsoring of United Nations Human Rights Council resolution 30/1, committing to a holistic transitional justice strategy, including a commission for truth, justice, reconciliation, and non-recurrence and a judicial mechanism to prosecute violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law; Whereas, in January 2016, under then-Prime Minister Wickremesinghe, the Government of Sri Lanka established a Consultation Task Force on Reconciliation Mechanisms led by respected members of Sri Lankan civil society, which spoke to more than 7,000 Sri Lankans and issued a 700-page report with findings and recommendations about what the Sri Lankan people wanted from the Sri Lankan government in relation to justice and reconciliation, including recommendations supporting international involvement in certain transitional justice mechanisms; Whereas successive Sri Lankan governments have failed to live up to those commitments and address the desire of Sri Lankan victims and survivors for meaningful justice and accountability for the atrocities, and in March 2020, President Gotabaya Rajapaksas administration withdrew the Government of Sri Lankas commitment to implement Human Rights Council resolution 30/1; Whereas the majority of the LTTE leadership were killed or disappeared during the civil war and therefore cannot stand trial for their crimes, and despite evidence implicating Sri Lankan government officials and security forces in atrocity crimes committed against Sri Lankan civilians during the war, no such officials or forces have faced justice for their crimes; Whereas, in 2020, 2021, and 2022, the Department of State imposed visa restrictions against Sri Lankan officials for their involvement in gross violations of human rights, including torture and inhumane punishment during the civil war, but successive Sri Lankan governments have promoted and empowered those same individuals; Whereas, in 2021 and 2022, the United States cosponsored United Nations Human Rights Council resolutions 46/1 and 51/1, mandating that the United Nations collect, analyze, and preserve information and evidence of gross violations of human rights and serious violations of international humanitarian law in Sri Lanka for future accountability processes; and Whereas, in September 2023, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, issued a report that noted, The 2022 economic crisis is a demonstration of the indivisibility of human rights and how impunity, corruption and the weakening of democratic and rule of law institutions ultimately impacted the economic situation. In order to achieve a path to recovery and sustainable development Sri Lanka will need to address the longer-term serious governance and accountability deficits, as well as the continuing legacy of the armed conflict. That the Senate (1) supports the peaceful, democratic, and economic aspirations of the people of Sri Lanka; (2) urges the Government of Sri Lanka to hold free and fair local and provincial elections without further delay; (3) urges the Government and security forces of Sri Lanka to respect the rights of all Sri Lankans, including the right to protest peacefully, associate freely, and commemorate their dead; (4) urges the Government of Sri Lanka to institute meaningful security sector reform, including by reducing the deployment of security forces across the North and East to appropriate peacetime levels, and ensure those credibly implicated in human rights abuses are removed from positions of authority; (5) calls on the Government of Sri Lanka to promote an inclusive, pluralistic Sri Lanka through structural reforms and confidence-building measures to address corruption, nepotism, outsized expenditures on the military, minority disenfranchisement, impunity, and other issues that hamper the long-term potential growth of Sri Lanka; (6) welcomes Sri Lankas newly passed anticorruption legislation and calls on the Government of Sri Lanka to ensure that investigations and prosecutions of corrupt officials can move forward independently and impartially; (7) calls on the Government of Sri Lanka to strengthen the rule of law, including by respecting and reinforcing the independence of the judiciary and independent institutions; (8) welcomes the October 2022 passage of the 21st Amendment package by the Parliament of Sri Lanka as an initial step toward reducing centralized power and encourages further measures to alleviate a lack of meaningful checks and balances; (9) welcomes the initial agreement by the International Monetary Fund to loan Sri Lanka $3,000,000,000 to help address the ongoing economic crisis and urges the Government of Sri Lanka to address the recommendations of the International Monetary Funds September 30, 2023, staff report, which notes that the absence of visible progress on addressing corruption and holding officials to account for past behaviour raises popular concerns that officials will continue to enjoy impunity for their misconduct (10) urges the Government of Sri Lanka to immediately repeal or amend the Prevention of Terrorism Act and ensure that the Act or any counterterrorism laws passed to replace it are aligned with international norms and reflect inclusive consultation with Sri Lankan civil society; (11) calls for an immediate moratorium on the appropriation of land facilitated by the Government of Sri Lanka in the North and East and restitution of appropriated lands in a way that guarantees effective access and productive use; (12) urges the Government of Sri Lanka to fully implement the Constitution of Sri Lanka, including the 13th Amendments commitments to devolve specified powers over land, the police, education, health, agriculture, housing, and finances to the provinces; (13) urges the Government of Sri Lanka to reach a consensus with opposition parties on behalf of all Sri Lankans, including Tamils, Indian-origin Tamils, Muslims, and members of other religious and ethnic minority groups, to address longstanding issues, including those relating to human rights violations and abuses, disenfranchisement, justice, and accountability, and work toward a sustainable political solution that promotes reconciliation; (14) calls on the Government of Sri Lanka to accept and use Sri Lankas own Consultation Task Force report as the basis for taking action in support of justice, accountability, and reconciliation, and further calls on the government to design and implement all justice measures, including a potential truth commission, with input from, the participation of, and support from victims and survivors; and (15) urges the Government of Sri Lanka to engage positively and cooperatively with the United Nations Human Rights Council, agencies, and special procedure mandate holders and facilitate the implementation of their recommendations on good governance, rule of law, corruption, justice, accountability, and human rights. | Expressing the sense of the Senate in support of the peaceful, democratic, and economic aspirations of the people of Sri Lanka. |
This resolution designates the Senate majority party's membership for the 118th Congress on the following committees: the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; the Committee on Appropriations; the Committee on Armed Services; the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; the Committee on the Budget; the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources; the Committee on the Environment and Public Works; the Committee on Finance; the Committee on Foreign Relations; the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; the Committee on Indian Affairs; the Committee on the Judiciary; the Committee on Rules and Administration; the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship; the Committee on Veterans' Affairs; the Joint Economic Committee; the Select Committee on Ethics; the Select Committee on Intelligence; and the Special Committee on Aging. | To constitute the majority party's membership on certain committees for the One Hundred Eighteenth Congress, or until their successors are chosen. the following shall constitute the majority party's membership on the following committees for the One Hundred Eighteenth Congress, or until their successors are chosen: Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry: Ms. Stabenow (Chair), Mr. Brown, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Gillibrand, Ms. Smith, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Booker, Mr. Lujn, Mr. Warnock, Mr. Welch, Mr. Fetterman. Committee on Appropriations: Mrs. Murray (Chair), Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Reed, Mr. Tester, Mrs. Shaheen, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Coons, Mr. Schatz, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Manchin, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Heinrich, Mr. Peters. Committee on Armed Services: Mr. Reed (Chair), Mrs. Shaheen, Mrs. Gillibrand, Mr. Blumenthal, Ms. Hirono, Mr. Kaine, Mr. King, Ms. Warren, Mr. Peters, Mr. Manchin, Ms. Duckworth, Ms. Rosen, Mr. Kelly. Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Mr. Brown (Chair), Mr. Reed, Mr. Menendez, Mr. Tester, Mr. Warner, Ms. Warren, Mr. Van Hollen, Ms. Cortez Masto, Ms. Smith, Ms. Sinema, Mr. Warnock, Mr. Fetterman. Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: Ms. Cantwell (Chair), Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Schatz, Mr. Markey, Mr. Peters, Ms. Baldwin, Ms. Duckworth, Mr. Tester, Ms. Sinema, Ms. Rosen, Mr. Lujn, Mr. Hickenlooper, Mr. Warnock, Mr. Welch. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Mr. Manchin (Chair), Mr. Wyden, Ms. Cantwell, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Heinrich, Ms. Hirono, Mr. King, Ms. Cortez Masto, Mr. Kelly, Mr. Hickenlooper. Committee on the Environment and Public Works: Mr. Carper (Chair), Mr. Cardin, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Whitehouse, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Markey, Ms. Stabenow, Mr. Kelly, Mr. Padilla, Mr. Fetterman. Committee on Finance: Mr. Wyden (Chair), Ms. Stabenow, Ms. Cantwell, Mr. Menendez, Mr. Carper, Mr. Cardin, Mr. Brown, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Casey, Mr. Warner, Mr. Whitehouse, Ms. Hassan, Ms. Cortez Masto, Ms. Warren. Committee on Foreign Relations: Mr. Menendez (Chair), Mr. Cardin, Mrs. Shaheen, Mr. Coons, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Kaine, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Booker, Mr. Schatz, Mr. Van Hollen, Ms. Duckworth. Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: Mr. Sanders (Chair), Mrs. Murray, Mr. Casey, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Kaine, Ms. Hassan, Ms. Smith, Mr. Lujn, Mr. Hickenlooper, Mr. Markey. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Mr. Peters (Chair), Mr. Carper, Ms. Hassan, Ms. Sinema, Ms. Rosen, Mr. Padilla, Mr. Ossoff, Mr. Blumenthal. Select Committee on Intelligence: Mr. Warner (Chair), Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Heinrich, Mr. King, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Casey, Mrs. Gillibrand, Mr. Ossoff, Mr. Reed, (ex officio), Mr. Schumer (ex officio). Committee on the Judiciary: Mr. Durbin (Chair), Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Whitehouse, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Coons, Mr. Blumenthal, Ms. Hirono, Mr. Booker, Mr. Padilla, Mr. Ossoff, Mr. Welch. Committee on the Budget: Mr. Whitehouse (Chair), Mrs. Murray, Mr. Wyden, Ms. Stabenow, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Warner, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Kaine, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Lujn, Mr. Padilla. Committee on Rules and Administration: Ms. Klobuchar (Chair), Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Schumer, Mr. Warner, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Padilla, Mr. Ossoff, Mr. Bennet, Mr. Welch. Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship: Mr. Cardin (Chair), Ms. Cantwell, Mrs. Shaheen, Mr. Markey, Mr. Booker, Mr. Coons, Ms. Hirono, Ms. Duckworth, Ms. Rosen, Mr. Hickenlooper. Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Mr. Tester (Chair), Mrs. Murray, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Brown, Mr. Blumenthal, Ms. Hirono, Mr. Manchin, Ms. Sinema, Ms. Hassan, Mr. King. Special Committee on Aging: Mr. Casey (Chair), Mrs. Gillibrand, Mr. Blumenthal, Ms. Warren, Mr. Kelly, Mr. Warnock, Mr. Fetterman. Joint Economic Committee: Mr. Heinrich (Chair), Ms. Klobuchar, Ms. Hassan, Mr. Kelly, Mr. Welch, Mr. Fetterman. Select Committee on Ethics: Mr. Coons (Chair), Mr. Schatz, Mrs. Shaheen. Committee on Indian Affairs: Mr. Schatz (Chair), Ms. Cantwell, Mr. Tester, Ms. Cortez Masto, Ms. Smith, Mr. Lujn. | To constitute the majority party's membership on certain committees for the One Hundred Eighteenth Congress, or until their successors are chosen. |
This resolution recognizes the legacy and contributions of John Leslie "Wes" Montgomery to jazz music. | Observing the 100th anniversary of the birth of John Leslie Wes Whereas, on March 6, 1923, John Leslie Wes Wes Montgomery Whereas Wes Montgomery was naturally gifted in the musical arts and became proficient on the 4- and 6-string guitar in his youth; Whereas Wes Montgomery was a self-taught musician and learned to play guitar by listening to recordings of jazz guitarist Charlie Christian; Whereas Wes Montgomery developed a unique fingerstyle playing technique uncommon to jazz guitarists in his day, using the thumb to play bass notes simultaneously with melodic lines; Whereas Wes Montgomery crafted diverse and unconventional rhythms that became a defining representation of bebop-style jazz guitar; Whereas Wes Montgomery became famous after performing in jazz clubs in Indianapolis and was later recruited to tour with the Lionel Hampton Orchestra; Whereas, in 1957, Wes Montgomery joined his brothers Buddy and Monk to perform with other bands and record music with Pacific Jazz Records; Whereas, following the release of Wes Montgomerys albums The Wes Montgomery Trio The Incredible Guitar of Wes Montgomery Whereas, in 1967, Wes Montgomerys album A Day in the Life Whereas, on June 15, 1968, Wes Montgomery passed at his home in Indianapolis: Now, therefore, be it That it is the sense of the Senate that (1) the contributions of John Leslie Wes (2) the legacy of John Leslie Wes | Observing the 100th anniversary of the birth of John Leslie Wes Montgomery and commemorating his contributions to jazz music. |
This resolution expresses the sense that the federal government should adopt a global health solidarity strategy to end medically unnecessary deaths and respond to the full burden of disease in poor countries; the federal government should use laws and diplomatic influence to stop ongoing economic harms to developing countries; and it is the duty of the federal government to issue reparations, including for slavery and colonialism. | Honoring the life of Dr. Paul Farmer by recognizing the duty of the Federal Government to adopt a 21st century global health solidarity strategy and take actions to address past and ongoing harms that undermine the health and well-being of people around the world. Whereas Dr. Paul Farmer, who pioneered novel community-based strategies for the delivery of high-quality health care in impoverished settings, inspired a paradigmatic shift in global health, including inspiring robust United States leadership to address the global HIV/AIDS epidemic in the early 2000s through the United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria; Whereas, in spite of progress made in global health, weak health systems continue to cause millions of people, primarily the global poor, to die tragic and unnecessary deaths, including (1) annually, approximately (A) 680,000 deaths from HIV/AIDS; (B) 1,500,000 deaths from tuberculosis; (C) 627,000 deaths from malaria; (D) 295,000 deaths of mothers during and following pregnancy and childbirth; (E) 9,560,000 deaths among children under the age of 15; and (F) 560,000 deaths of children and young adults, living among the poorest billion people in the world, from non-communicable diseases and injuries; and (2) a SARSCoV2 case-fatality rate of up to 300 percent greater in low-income countries than in high-income countries during the first 2 years of the COVID19 pandemic; Whereas progress against unnecessary deaths in impoverished countries is being made, but progress is occurring so slowly that (1) based on rates of decline from 2013 to 2022, it will take approximately a century for core mortality statistics in low-income countries to converge with those of high-income countries, including (A) 92 years for the tuberculosis death rate; (B) 109 years for the maternal mortality rate; and (C) 88 years for the under-15 child mortality rate; and (2) the death rate in low- and middle-income countries from non-communicable diseases and injuries, which make up 40 to 60 percent of the disease burden of those countries, will never converge with that of high-income countries based on rates of reduction from 2013 to 2022; Whereas weak health systems that fail to prevent unnecessary deaths also lack the staff, health facility infrastructure, and medical technologies required for effective care delivery and disease containment, placing all countries at increased risk of pandemic disease; Whereas essential medical technologies, such as diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines for diseases that affect the global poor, are frequently unavailable or inaccessible to health systems in developing countries, because (1) investing in research and development of technologies for diseases that disproportionately affect the global poor is often unprofitable for pharmaceutical corporations; (2) costly intellectual property licensing fees from originator companies to generic manufacturers frequently leave the global poor unable to purchase or access medical technologies; and (3) originator technology companies often refuse to share or license intellectual property to generic manufacturers, which results in limited supply and high prices, as was the case with the COVID19 vaccine; Whereas, according to the Lancet Commission on Investing in Health, preventing most avertable deaths and conferring essential universal health coverage Whereas, historically, the United States and other global North-supported global health programs have inadvertently entrenched standards of care in low-income countries that would be unacceptable in rich countries by funding only health services narrowly defined as sustainable cost-effective appropriate Whereas the effectiveness and efficiency of current United States overseas development assistance for health is often undermined by (1) misalignment with the national health plans of the host country; (2) bypassing delivery systems with parallel inputs, leading to (A) fragmentation of care delivery; (B) poor donor coordination across partners; and (C) weak health systems; (3) favoring technical assistance from consultants from high-income countries, especially the United States, over funding health service delivery in beneficiary countries; and (4) promoting privatization of health services, which weakens (A) the public health system; (B) health care access; (C) health equity; and (D) financial risk protection; Whereas 98 percent of the annual $1,500,000,000,000 in health spending in aid-eligible low- and middle-income countries is mobilized domestically by the countries themselves, and only 2 percent of this spending comes from overseas development assistance for health; Whereas many of the poorest developing countries lack the tax capacity to mobilize the necessary resources to close the universal health coverage financing gap, meaning unnecessary deaths will continue in the poorest developing countries for the foreseeable future without external donor financing or dramatic increases in domestic tax capacity; Whereas the inability of many of the poorest developing countries to fully close the financing gap for universal health coverage and the provision of numerous other public goods and services is in part due to the intimate economic links between those countries and high-income countries, including the United States, which have been marked throughout history by acts of violence and coercion; Whereas these harms have entrenched a global economic architecture of upward wealth redistribution that has resulted in (1) depressed wages of workers and artificially low prices of natural resources in developing countries, amounting to an appropriation of tens of billions of tons of raw materials and hundreds of billions of hours of human labor through unequal exchange; (2) 3,500,000,000 people living under the poverty line of $5.50 from 1993 to 2023, even as global gross domestic product has more than tripled in size during this time; (3) more financial resources flowing out of developing countries than into developing countries each year, estimated by Global Financial Integrity to total a net negative of $2,000,000,000,000 annually in 2012; and (4) developing countries bearing nearly all deaths and the vast majority of economic losses attributable to climate change, despite rich countries bearing 92 percent of the responsibility for climate change; Whereas leadership from the United States to close the financing gaps for essential universal health coverage in low- and lower-middle income countries could precipitate increased global health financing from other donor partners, as evidenced by United States leadership that addressed the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the early 2000s, which spurred a 100-percent increase in global overseas development assistance among all donor partners from 2000 to 2006; Whereas official United States development assistance to lower-middle income countries is not a supplement for United States action to stop ongoing structural violence and economic injustices preventing countries from financing and delivering universal health care and other social services for their populations; and Whereas it is the view of the Senate that creating a decent, humane world without tragic, unnecessary deaths requires both a modest but meaningful increase in global health aid funding and a meaningful effort to stop the economic abuse of low- and middle-income countries: Now, therefore, be it That it is the sense of the Senate that (1) the Federal Government should adopt a new, 21st century global health solidarity strategy to end medically unnecessary deaths and respond to the full burden of disease in poor countries by (A) supporting developing countries to meet the material needs of their health systems by localizing investments in support of national public-sector and local priorities, referred to as accompaniment Five S's (i) staff, meaning the human resources necessary for high-quality service delivery, including clinical staff, transportation teams, and community health workers, especially by (I) supporting long-term training and education systems, including medical schools and teaching hospitals to train the health workforce and improve the quality of care across diseases; and (II) supporting professionalized community health worker programs whereby community health workers are recruited, adequately compensated, comprehensively trained, supported for long-term retention, positioned as bridges to care, and tasked with undertaking community work with appropriate patient ratios and a manageable scope of work; (ii) space, meaning the infrastructure needed for service delivery at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels to deliver safe and high-quality care to meet all health care needs; (iii) stuff, meaning the tools and resources necessary for high-quality care provision, including medical supplies, technologies, and equipment; (iv) systems, meaning the leadership and governance, health information systems, supply chain systems, logistics, laboratory capacity, and referral pathways required to meet the health needs of the population; and (v) social support, meaning the resources needed, beyond the direct delivery of health care, to ensure effective care; and (B) financing the discovery and development of new, urgently needed health technologies, such as diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines, particularly for neglected diseases of poverty, and ensuring their availability as global public goods; (2) the objectives of adopting a 21st century global health solidarity strategy to end medically unnecessary deaths and responding to the full burden of disease in poor countries will require (A) increasing annual global health spending to $125,000,000,000, sufficient (i) for the first time, to meet the United Nations development assistance target of spending the equivalent of 0.7 percent gross national income on development assistance, which 6 other countries have previously met; and (ii) to close over 100 percent of the essential universal health coverage financing gap for low-income countries, and 30 percent of the overall financing gap for low- and lower-middle income countries; (B) optimizing global health delivery spending by (i) introducing a new form of coordinated, multilateral fiscal cooperation for global public investment that (I) ensures increased and ongoing global public funding of common goods for health; and (II) exhibits shared governance with global South governments and meaningful participation of civil society, which is also essential for addressing intersectional crises of social inequalities including the climate crisis; and (ii) ensuring funding directly supports national health plans, public institutions, local priorities, and donor coordination, practices aligned with what Dr. Paul Farmer called accompaniment (C) focusing on health service delivery for vulnerable populations, such as (i) people living in poverty; (ii) women; and (iii) children; and (D) optimizing research and development spending for neglected diseases of poverty by ensuring the knowledge and technology produced by these efforts remains accessible to all as global public goods; (3) the Federal Government should pass and enforce laws and use its diplomatic influence to stop ongoing economic harms to developing countries that deplete impoverished countries of the resources required to provide health and social services for their populations by (A) supporting debt cancellation initiatives for low- and middle-income countries, particularly countries in need of debt cancellation, across bilateral, multilateral, and private creditors; (B) democratizing institutions of global governance, such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the World Trade Organization, to ensure fair and equal representation among member countries so that low- and middle-income countries can have greater decisionmaking power in the creation of policies that affect them; (C) supporting a United Nations Convention on Tax and other measures to dramatically reduce tax avoidance, tax evasion, and other forms of harmful licit and illicit financial flows from developing countries through fundamental reform of international tax cooperation; (D) supporting global labor rights and living wages, such as a global minimum wage set at local living-income thresholds; and (E) adopting new indicators of progress that measure social and ecological health and abandon gross domestic product as a measure of progress; and (4) it is the duty of the Federal Government to issue reparations, containing multiple elements, including apology, award, and guarantees of non-repetition of harms, for (A) the institution of slavery, the subsequent racial and economic discrimination against African Americans that resulted from the institution of slavery, and the impact of these forces on living African Americans, following the establishment of a commission substantively similar to the commission established under the Commission to Study Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act, H.R. 40, as introduced on January 4, 2021; (B) the harms of colonialism and subsequent forms of imperialism, which have undermined sovereignty, democracy, self-determination, social and economic rights, and human and ecological well-being in both the colonial and post-colonial eras; and (C) the disproportionate responsibility of the Federal Government for climate breakdown, the burden of which unjustly and overwhelmingly falls on the global South. | Honoring the life of Dr. Paul Farmer by recognizing the duty of the Federal Government to adopt a 21st century global health solidarity strategy and take actions to address past and ongoing harms that undermine the health and well-being of people around the world. |
This resolution expresses approval for the 50th anniversary celebration of the homecoming of U.S. prisoners of war from Vietnam and recognizes the service and sacrifices of such prisoners of war. | Expressing the approval of Congress for the 50th anniversary celebration of the homecoming of United States prisoners of war from Vietnam and in recognition of the extraordinary service and sacrifices of such prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. Whereas more than 2,700,000 members of the United States Armed Forces served in the Vietnam War; Whereas more than 58,000 members of the United States Armed Forces lost their lives and more than 300,000 were wounded; Whereas, during the conflict, approximately 766 members of the Armed Forces of the United States were taken captive as prisoners of war by the Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and the allies of that Government; Whereas prisoners of war, the majority of which were aviators, included members of the Air Force, Navy, Army, Marine Corps, and United States civilians, and during captivity the prisoners endured brutal conditions, including torture, forced labor, and prolonged solitary confinement; Whereas prisoners of war were held in more than a dozen prisons throughout North Vietnam and elsewhere, including in the infamous prison camp known to the prisoners of war from the United States as the Hanoi Hilton Whereas the return of the prisoners of war was a nonnegotiable condition for President Richard Nixon as his administration negotiated an end to the Vietnam War; Whereas, on January 27, 1973, the Agreement on Ending the War and Restoring Peace in Viet-Nam (commonly known as the Paris Peace Accords Whereas, between February and April 1973, 591 prisoners of war were released by the North Vietnamese and their allies; Whereas 116 prisoners of war died in captivity; Whereas the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (referred to in this preamble as POW/MIA Whereas, in 1972, the National League of POW/MIA Families adopted the National POW/MIA flag, which flies over Federal buildings, including the United States Capitol, on days the United States flag is flown; Whereas, 50 years after the prisoners of war held by the North Vietnamese gained their freedom, the resilience, courage, and patriotism of the prisoners of war continues to inspire generations of citizens of the United States; and Whereas the Richard Nixon Presidential Library will host the official 50th Anniversary celebration of the homecoming of United States POWs from Vietnam, from May 23 to 25, 2023, in Yorba Linda, California: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) expresses approval for the 50th anniversary celebration of the homecoming of United States prisoners of war from Vietnam; and (2) recognizes the extraordinary service and sacrifices of the United States prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. | Expressing the approval of Congress for the 50th anniversary celebration of the homecoming of United States prisoners of war from Vietnam and in recognition of the extraordinary service and sacrifices of such prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. |
This resolution supports Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid and can be up to 50 times stronger than heroin. The resolution also encourages the people of the United States to promote the prevention of fentanyl use. | Supporting the goals and ideals of Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day on August 21, 2023. Whereas families in the United States affected by the use of illicit fentanyl use Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day to (1) preserve the memory of the individuals lost to fentanyl overdose or poisoning who were unsuspecting victims, experimenting with the drug, or suffering from substance use disorder; (2) acknowledge the devastation caused by the use of illicit fentanyl and other dangerous drugs; and (3) share awareness about the dangers of the use of illicit fentanyl to prevent a public health crisis, self-harm, addiction, and death; Whereas Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day is celebrated each year on August 21 by State governors and attorneys general, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, parent-teacher associations, the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the Drug Enforcement Administration (referred to in this preamble as the DEA Whereas fentanyl is a highly addictive synthetic opioid that is 100 times more potent than morphine; Whereas, according to the DEA, illicit fentanyl is (1) manufactured with other illicit drugs to increase potency; (2) sold as a powder or mixed with other illicit drugs; and (3) pressed into counterfeit pills to look like legitimate pharmaceutical drugs; Whereas the fentanyl crisis in the United States is a serious public safety threat; Whereas the illicit fentanyl poisoning rate in 2022 was the highest in the history of the United States, and fentanyl poisoning was the number one cause of death among citizens of the United States aged 18 to 45; Whereas synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl and the analogues of fentanyl, are devastating communities and families at an unprecedented rate, claiming 2/3 Whereas drug-related deaths throughout the United States reached a new record in 2022, with at least 109,680 deaths; Whereas individuals increasingly use pills or other drugs without knowing those substances contain fentanyl; Whereas, in 2021, the DEA issued the first public safety alert by the agency in more than 6 years to raise awareness of a significant nationwide surge in counterfeit pills; Whereas the rate of fentanyl-related mass poisonings (events including 3 or more poisonings close in time at the same location) was rising as of 2022, according to the DEA; Whereas families in the United States affected by the use of illicit fentanyl have gained momentum in educating the public about the dangers of the use of illicit fentanyl and other drugs and actively engage with Federal agencies to promote such education and awareness; Whereas families in the United States affected by the use of illicit fentanyl seek to raise awareness of that issue and prevent fentanyl-related deaths, and those families join together in the effort to save lives on Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day; and Whereas parents, young people, schools, businesses, law enforcement agencies, religious institutions and faith-based organizations, service organizations, senior citizens, medical and military personnel, sports teams, and individuals throughout the United States will demonstrate a commitment to healthy, productive, and drug-free lifestyles on Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports the goals and ideals of Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day; (2) encourages the people of the United States to promote prevention of the use of fentanyl and to educate young people on Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, symbolizing a commitment to healthy, drug-free lifestyles; (3) encourages children, teenagers, and other individuals to choose to live drug-free lives; and (4) encourages the people of the United States to (A) promote drug prevention and the creation of drug-free communities; and (B) participate in drug prevention activities to show support for healthy, productive, and drug-free lifestyles. | Supporting the goals and ideals of Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day on August 21, 2023. |
This resolution commends the North Carolina Central University football team for winning the 2022 Celebration Bowl of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities National Championship. | Commending and congratulating the North Carolina Central University football team for winning the 2022 Historically Black Colleges and Universities National Football Championship in the 2022 Celebration Bowl. Whereas the Celebration Bowl is the event in which the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division Is 2 most prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities (referred to in this preamble as HBCUs Whereas the North Carolina Central University Eagles claimed the 2022 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Championship, and the Jackson State University Tigers won the Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship; Whereas, on Saturday, December 17th, 2022, the North Carolina Central University Eagles defeated Jackson State University with a 41 to 34 overtime victory at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia; Whereas this is the fourth HBCU Football Championship won by North Carolina Central University, following titles won in 1954, 2005, and 2006; Whereas North Carolina Central University Head Coach and alumnus Trei Oliver has achieved 5 conference championships and 3 Black College Football National Titles in his 20 years of coaching; Whereas North Carolina Central University quarterback Davius Richard and defensive back Khalil Baker were named the Most Valuable Players of the 2022 Celebration Bowl; Whereas quarterback Davius Richard sealed victory for the Eagles with a rushing touchdown and a successful extra point attempt by placekicker Adrian Olivo in overtime; and Whereas the 2022 Eagles are the third roster in North Carolina Central University football history to reach double-figure victories with 10 wins and 2 losses in a season: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) commends the North Carolina Central University football team for winning the 2022 Celebration Bowl; (2) congratulates the fans, students, and faculty of North Carolina Central University; and (3) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to (A) the Chancellor of North Carolina Central University, Dr. Johnson O. Akinleye; (B) the Provost of North Carolina Central University, Dr. David H. Jackson; and (C) the Head Coach of the North Carolina Central University football team, Trei Oliver. | Commending and congratulating the North Carolina Central University football team for winning the 2022 Historically Black Colleges and Universities National Football Championship in the 2022 Celebration Bowl. |
This resolution supports the goals and ideals of Social Work Month and World Social Work Day on March 21, 2023. | Supporting the goals and ideals of Social Work Month and World Social Work Day on March 21, 2023. Whereas social workers enter the profession of social work because they have a strong desire to help empower the individuals, families, and communities of the United States to overcome issues that prevent them from reaching their full potential; Whereas, for more than a century, social workers have improved human health and well-being and enhanced the basic needs of all individuals; Whereas social workers follow a code of ethics that calls on them to fight social injustice and respect the dignity and worth of all individuals; Whereas, each day, social workers positively touch the lives of millions of individuals in the United States in an array of settings, including schools, hospitals, the military, child welfare agencies, community centers, and Federal, State, and local governments; Whereas the 2023 Social Work Month theme, Social Work Breaks Barriers Whereas social workers are one of the largest providers of mental health, behavioral health, and social care services in the United States, working daily to help thousands of individuals in the United States overcome mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety, and meet basic needs; Whereas social workers are on the frontlines of the addiction crisis in the United States, helping individuals get necessary treatment and prevail over substance use disorders; Whereas social workers help individuals cope with death and grief; Whereas social workers help people and communities recover from natural disasters that are increasingly fueled by a warming climate, including hurricanes, drought, and flooding; Whereas social workers continue to help the United States live up to its values by advocating for equal rights for all, including people of color, people who are indigenous, people who are LBGTQIA2S+, and people who follow various faiths; Whereas the social work profession is one of the fastest growing professions in the United States, but the workforce is still not large enough to meet the demand; Whereas there is a need to make a meaningful investment in recruitment and retention within the social work profession; Whereas social workers serve in all levels of government; Whereas social workers have continued to push for changes that have made the United States a better place to live, including a livable wage, improved workplace safety, and social safety net programs that help ameliorate poverty, hunger, and homelessness; and Whereas social workers endeavor to work throughout society to meet individuals where they are and help empower those individuals and society to reach meaningful goals: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports the goals and ideals of Social Work Month and World Social Work Day on March 21, 2023; (2) recognizes with gratitude the contributions of the millions of social workers who have advanced the health and well-being of individuals, families, communities, and the United States since the founding of the social work profession more than a century ago and who continue to do so today; (3) acknowledges the diligent efforts of the individuals and groups who promote the importance of social work and observe Social Work Month and World Social Work Day; and (4) encourages individuals to engage in appropriate ceremonies and activities to promote further awareness of the life-changing role that social workers play. | Supporting the goals and ideals of Social Work Month and World Social Work Day on March 21, 2023. |
This resolution recognizes the importance of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 in advancing access, opportunity, and equity for individuals with disabilities. | Recognizing the importance of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 on the lives of individuals with disabilities and calling for further action to advance access, opportunity, and equity for individuals with disabilities. Whereas September 26, 2023, marks the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ( 29 U.S.C. 701 et seq. Whereas, with the enactment of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ( 29 U.S.C. 701 et seq. Whereas the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ( 29 U.S.C. 701 et seq. Whereas the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ( 29 U.S.C. 701 et seq. Whereas Congress worked in a bipartisan manner to enact legislation to address the civil rights of individuals with disabilities; Whereas Congress passed the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ( 29 U.S.C. 701 et seq. Whereas, in enacting the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ( 29 U.S.C. 701 et seq. Whereas the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ( 29 U.S.C. 701 et seq. Whereas section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ( 29 U.S.C. 791 (1) prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in Federal employment and has resulted in the Federal Government benefitting from the efforts of the nearly 10 percent of the Federal workforce who have disabilities; and (2) requires Federal agencies to establish an affirmative action program for the hiring, placement, and advancement of individuals with disabilities; Whereas section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ( 29 U.S.C. 793 Whereas title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ( 29 U.S.C. 796 et seq. Whereas section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ( 29 U.S.C. 794 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq. Whereas section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ( 29 U.S.C. 794 Whereas, on April 28, 1977, nearly 4 years after the enactment of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ( 29 U.S.C. 701 et seq. Whereas section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ( 29 U.S.C. 794d Whereas 50 years after the enactment of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ( 29 U.S.C. 701 et seq. Whereas 50 years after the enactment of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ( 29 U.S.C. 701 et seq. That the Senate (1) recognizes the importance of access, opportunity, and equity for individuals with disabilities, made possible by the enactment of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ( 29 U.S.C. 701 et seq. (2) encourages individuals of the United States to celebrate the advancements made possible by the enactment of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ( 29 U.S.C. 701 et seq. (3) pledges to continue to work in a bipartisan manner to address access and equity barriers that remain for individuals with disabilities, particularly multimarginalized individuals, including Black, indigenous, and other people of color, immigrants, LBGTQ people, low-income individuals, and people living in rural and underserved areas; (4) pledges to continue to work with State and local educational agencies to provide equal access to a free appropriate public education for all students with disabilities, including individuals with disabilities with multimarginalized identities; (5) pledges to continue to work with public health and healthcare delivery systems to address healthcare disparities and inadequate services for individuals with disabilities, from preventive care to home and community-based services; (6) calls on Federal agencies to improve equal employment opportunities for workers with disabilities in the Federal sector through recruitment, hiring, promotion, and retention initiatives; and (7) calls on the Department of Justice and the General Services Administration to improve their enforcement of, and oversight and compliance with, section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ( 29 U.S.C. 794d | Recognizing the importance of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 on the lives of individuals with disabilities and calling for further action to advance access, opportunity, and equity for individuals with disabilities. |
This resolution recognizes National Poison Prevention Week and thanks those who operate or support poison control centers in local communities. | Recognizing the week of March 19 through March 25, 2023, as National Poison Prevention Week Whereas the designation of National Poison Prevention Week was first authorized by Congress and President Kennedy in 1961, in Public Law 87319 Whereas National Poison Prevention Week occurs during the third full week of March each year; Whereas, in 2021 to 2022, poison centers managed more than 5,000,000 human exposure cases and information requests, including (1) opioid and fentanyl misuse; (2) suicide attempts, including those among adolescents and teenagers; and (3) accidental edible cannabis ingestion; Whereas poison centers are on the front lines assisting throughout the United States with emergency disasters in our communities, including the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment where Ohio poison centers are working around the clock with Federal, State, and local officials, as well as other poison centers including, the Pittsburgh Poison Center, to ensure that impacted communities have the resources they need to have their questions answered, and to provide guidance to local healthcare providers on how to assist people experiencing symptoms; Whereas poison control centers responded during the COVID19 pandemic to COVID19 related surges by conducting poison safety and poisoning prevention outreach in a virtual format, and handled increases in cases relating to hand sanitizer and household cleaning products; Whereas America's Poison Centers works with the 55 poison control centers in the United States to track (1) more than 1,000 commonly used household and workplace products that can cause poisoning; and (2) poisonings and the sources of those poisonings; Whereas the National Poison Data System database contains over 447,000 products, ranging from viral and bacterial agents to commercial chemical and drug products; Whereas local poison control centers save the people of the United States $1,800,000,000 in medical costs annually; Whereas America's Poison Centers and poison control centers partner with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, and State, local, Tribal, and territorial health departments to monitor occurrences of environmental, biological, and emerging threats in communities across the United States, including food poisoning, botulism, and vaping-associated lung injury; Whereas, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2020, an estimated 61,500 children younger than 5 years of age were treated in emergency rooms due to unintended poisonings; Whereas, in 2021, children younger than 6 years of age constituted 41 percent of all poison exposures; Whereas, from 2012 to 2022, the number of adolescents 10 to 19 years of age seen for a suicide attempt has nearly doubled, and that has disproportionately affected female adolescents; Whereas, in 2022, more than 90,000 children 19 years of age and younger were treated in an emergency room due to unintended pediatric poisoning, and more than 90 percent of those incidents occurred in the home, most often with acetaminophen, edible cannabis, melatonin, ibuprofen, laundry packets, bleach, diphenhydramine, blood pressure medications, sedatives, and anti-anxiety medication; Whereas an analysis of the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System shows (1) an increased incidence of ingestion of dangerous foreign bodies like button batteries and high-powered magnets during the COVID19 pandemic; and (2) evidence that parents and caregivers sought care for foreign body ingestions either because they knew the relative danger of the object ingested or because they sought advice from available resources like the poison control centers; Whereas 107,622 deaths due to drug overdose were reported in the United States in 2021, and the majority of those cases, approximately 71 percent, involved an opioid, primarily synthetic opioids like fentanyl; Whereas, in 2021, the most common substances that individuals called the poison help line about were prescription and non-prescription pain relievers, household cleaning substances, cosmetics and personal care products, and antidepressants; Whereas pain medications lead the list of the most common substances implicated in adult poison exposures, and are the single most frequent cause of pediatric fatalities reported to America's Poison Centers; Whereas poison control centers issue guidance and provide support to individuals, including individuals who experience medication and dosing errors; Whereas more than 40 percent of calls to the poison help line are from individuals 20 years of age or older, with nearly 50 percent of those calls involving patients older than 50 years of age, and a common reason for those calls is therapeutic errors, including questions regarding drug interactions, incorrect dosing route, timing of doses, and double doses; Whereas normal, curious children younger than 6 years of age are in stages of growth and development in which they are constantly exploring and investigating the world around them, and are often unable to read or recognize warning labels; Whereas America's Poison Centers engages in community outreach by educating the public on poison safety and poisoning prevention, and provides educational resources, materials, and guidelines to educate the public on poisoning prevention; Whereas individuals can reach a poison control center from anywhere in the United States by calling the poison help line at 18002221222 or accessing PoisonHelp.org; Whereas, despite regulations of the Consumer Product Safety Commission requiring that a child-resistant package be designed or constructed to be significantly difficult for children under 5 years of age to open, or obtain a harmful amount of the contents, within a reasonable time, children can still open child-resistant packages; and Whereas, each year during National Poison Prevention Week, the Federal Government assesses the progress made by the Federal Government in saving lives and reaffirms the national commitment of the Federal Government to preventing injuries and deaths from poisoning: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) recognizes the week of March 19 through March 25, 2023, as National Poison Prevention Week (2) expresses gratitude for the people who operate or support poison control centers in their local communities; (3) expresses gratitude for frontline workers supporting poison prevention during the COVID19 pandemic; (4) supports efforts and resources to provide poison prevention guidance or emergency assistance in response to poisonings; and (5) encourages (A) the people of the United States to educate their communities and families about poison safety and poisoning prevention; and (B) health care providers to practice and promote poison safety and poisoning prevention. | Recognizing the week of March 19 through March 25, 2023, as National Poison Prevention Week and encouraging communities across the United States to raise awareness of the dangers of poisoning and promote poison prevention. |
This resolution recognizes the celebration of Filipino American History Month in October 2023 as a testament to the advancement of Filipino Americans and a time to renew efforts toward researching and examining the history of Filipino Americans to give all people of the United States an opportunity to learn about their contributions. | Recognizing the month of October 2023 as Filipino American History Month and celebrating the history and culture of Filipino Americans and their immense contributions to the United States. Whereas the earliest documented Filipino presence in the continental United States was October 18, 1587, when the first Luzones Indios Whereas the Filipino American National Historical Society recognizes 1763 as the year in which the first permanent Filipino settlement in the United States was established in St. Malo, Louisiana; Whereas the recognition of the first permanent Filipino settlement in the United States adds a new perspective to the history of the United States by bringing attention to the economic, cultural, social, and other notable contributions made by Filipino Americans to the development of the United States; Whereas the Filipino American community is the third largest Asian American and Pacific Islander group in the United States, with a population of approximately 4,500,000; Whereas, from 2000 to 2019, the Filipino American community grew 78 percent, and Filipinos are the largest Asian community in Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, and West Virginia; Whereas, from the Civil War to the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, Filipinos and Filipino Americans have a longstanding history of serving in the Armed Forces of the United States; Whereas more than 250,000 Filipinos fought under the United States flag during World War II to protect and defend the United States in the Pacific theater; Whereas a guarantee to pay back the service of Filipinos through veterans benefits was reversed by the First Supplemental Surplus Appropriation Rescission Act, 1946 ( Public Law 79301 Public Law 79391 Whereas 26,000 Filipino World War II veterans were granted United States citizenship as a result of the Immigration Act of 1990 ( Public Law 101649 Whereas, in 1991, the Filipino American National Historical Society made efforts to recognize October as Filipino American History Month for the first time; Whereas, in 2009, Congress first recognized October as Filipino American History Month (S. Res. 298; H. Res. 780); Whereas, on February 17, 2009, President Barack Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 ( Public Law 1115 Whereas, since June 8, 2016, the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program has allowed Filipino World War II veterans and certain family members to be reunited more expeditiously than the immigrant visa process allowed at that time; Whereas, on December 14, 2016, President Barack Obama signed into law the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015 ( Public Law 114265 Whereas, on October 25, 2017, the Congressional Gold Medal was presented to Filipino World War II veterans in Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Building, a recognition for which the veterans had waited for more than 70 years; Whereas Filipino Americans have received the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force that may be bestowed on an individual serving in the Armed Forces, and continue to demonstrate a commendable sense of patriotism and honor in the Armed Forces; Whereas the late Peter Aquino Aduja of Hawaii and the late Thelma Garcia Buchholdt of Alaska became the first Filipino American elected to public office and the first Filipina American elected to a legislature in the United States, respectively, inspiring their fellow Filipino Americans to pursue public service in politics and government; Whereas Filipino American farmworkers and labor leaders, such as Philip Vera Cruz and Larry Itliong, played an integral role in the multiethnic United Farm Workers movement, alongside Cesar Chvez, Dolores Huerta, and other Latino workers; Whereas, on April 25, 2012, President Barack Obama nominated Lorna G. Schofield to be a United States District Judge for the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and she was confirmed by the Senate on December 13, 2012, to be the first Filipina American in United States history to serve as an Article III Federal judge; Whereas Filipino Americans play an integral role in the healthcare system of the United States as nurses, doctors, first responders, and other medical professionals, and approximately 1 in 4 working Filipino adults in the United States is a frontline healthcare worker; Whereas Filipino Americans contribute greatly to music, dance, literature, education, business, hospitality, journalism, sports, fashion, politics, government, science, technology, the fine arts, and other fields that enrich the United States; Whereas, as mandated in the mission statement of the Filipino American National Historical Society, efforts should continue to promote the study of Filipino American history and culture because the roles of Filipino Americans and other people of color have largely been overlooked in the writing, teaching, and learning of the history of the United States; Whereas it is imperative for Filipino American youth to have positive role models to instill (1) the significance of education, complemented by the richness of Filipino American ethnicity; and (2) the value of the Filipino American legacy; and Whereas it is essential to promote the understanding, education, and appreciation of the history and culture of Filipino Americans in the United States: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) recognizes the celebration of Filipino American History Month in October 2023 as (A) a testament to the advancement of Filipino Americans; (B) a time to reflect on and remember the many notable contributions that Filipino Americans have made to the United States; and (C) a time to renew efforts toward the research and examination of history and culture so as to provide an opportunity for all people of the United States to learn more about Filipino Americans and to appreciate the historic contributions of Filipino Americans to the United States; and (2) urges the people of the United States to observe Filipino American History Month with appropriate programs and activities. | Recognizing the month of October 2023 as Filipino American History Month and celebrating the history and culture of Filipino Americans and their immense contributions to the United States. |
This resolution recognizes the centrality of a free press to free societies and democratic governance and expresses concerns about threats to the exercise of freedom of expression globally. | Recognizing widening threats to freedom of the press and free expression around the world, reaffirming the vital role that a free and independent press plays in combating the growing threats of authoritarianism, misinformation, and disinformation, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2023. Whereas the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and various State constitutions protect freedom of the press in the United States; Whereas Thomas Jefferson, who championed the necessity of a free press for a thriving democratic society, wisely declared, Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost. Whereas article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in Paris on December 10, 1948, states, Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. Whereas, in 1993, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the third day of May of each year to be World Press Freedom Day (1) to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom; (2) to evaluate press freedom around the world; (3) to defend the media against attacks on its independence; and (4) to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives while working in their profession; Whereas the Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act of 2009 ( Public Law 111166 Whereas, on December 18, 2013, and December 18, 2019, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 68/163 and Resolution 74/157, respectively, on the safety of journalists and the problem of impunity by unequivocally condemning all attacks on, and violence against, journalists and media workers, including torture, extrajudicial killing, enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention, and intimidation and harassment in conflict and non-conflict situations; Whereas the United States Government has used the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (subtitle F of title XII of Public Law 114328 Whereas, in an effort to combat attacks against journalists, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken in February 2021, announced the Khashoggi Ban, a new policy allowing the Department of State to impose visa restrictions on individuals who, acting on behalf of a foreign government, are believed to have been directly engaged in serious, extraterritorial counter-dissident activities, including activities that suppress, harass, surveil, threaten, or harm journalists, activists, or other persons perceived to be dissidents for their work; Whereas Reporters Without Borders, in their compiled data from 2022, provide alarming indications about growing divisions resulting from the spread of disinformation with the potential to weaken democratic societies; Whereas, according to Reporters Without Borders, a record total of 533 journalists were in prison as of December 1, 2022, and the annual number of women journalists in prison has recently risen by nearly 30 percent; Whereas Freedom Houses Freedom in the World 2023 report marked the 17th consecutive year of decline in global freedom, with an estimated 39 percent of the global population living in countries deemed Not Free Whereas worsening media freedom has been one of the key drivers of declines in global freedom, including attacks and prosecutions against journalists, pressure on media outlets, repressive regulatory and legal frameworks, internet shutdowns, and blocks on online sources of information; Whereas journalists and media staff are being murdered, attacked, harassed and imprisoned around the world and the Committee to Protect Journalists has reported that (1) at least 67 journalists and media workers were killed around the world in 2022, representing a rise compared to the previous year of almost 50 percent; (2) the vast majority of murders of journalists occur with impunity, with nearly 80 percent of the perpetrators of 263 murders of journalists from September 1, 2012, to August 31, 2022, facing no punishment; (3) Iran, China, Burma, Turkey, and Belarus were responsible for nearly 60 percent of all imprisoned journalists; and (4) journalists and media outlets around the world have been targeted by government actors with sophisticated spyware products that pose a severe risk to their security and the security of their sources and families; Whereas, according to PEN America, at least 311 writers and public intellectuals, including columnists and editorial journalists, were imprisoned across 36 different countries during 2022; Whereas, since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Reporters Without Borders has documented attacks directly targeting journalists, including (1) the killing of 8 journalists and media workers; (2) the torture by electric shock, beatings, and mock executions of journalists working for the international press; (3) the targeted kidnappings of journalists and their families in occupied regions of Ukraine to put pressure on their reporting; and (4) the deliberate attacks targeting media facilities; Whereas, in the Ukrainian territory of Crimea, Ukrainian journalists and bloggers have repeatedly been threatened, arbitrarily arrested, and tortured for resisting Russian occupation, such as the detentions of Vladyslav Yesypenko Iryna Danylovych, Amet Suleimanov, Asan Akhmetov, Marlen Asanov, Nariman Celal, Oleksiy Bessarabov, Osman Arifmemetov, Remzi Bekirov, Ruslan Suleimanov, Rustem Sheikhaliev, Server Mustafayev, Seyran Saliev, Timur Ibragimov, and Vilen Temeryanov; Whereas media workers face heightened dangers in Russia, such as harassment, repression, censorship, and imprisonment, with 22 journalists imprisoned as of April 17, 2023, of whom 10 were arrested after the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine, including (1) Evan Gershkovich, a United States reporter with the Wall Street Journal, who was wrongfully detained on baseless espionage charges in March and faces up to 20 years in jail; (2) Ivan Safronov, a correspondent with Russian business dailies Kommersant and Vedomosti, who was sentenced to 22 years in jail on treason charges in September 2022; (3) Maria Ponomarenko, a correspondent with the RusNews independent news website, who was sentenced to 6 years in prison for spreading false information about the Russian military on February 15, 2023; (4) Sergey Mikhaylov, publisher of independent newspaper Listok, who was arrested for spreading false information about the Russian military in April 2022; (5) Mikhail Afanasyev, editor-in-chief of the online magazine Novy Fokus, who was arrested and charged with spreading false information about the Russian military in April 2022; (6) Novaya Gazeta, a landmark independent newspaper founded in 1993, which (A) suspended operations in Russia in March 2022 after receiving warnings from the authorities citing the countrys foreign agents law; and (B) was stripped of its print and online media licenses in September 2022; and (7) Meduza, a leading independent bilingual news website based outside of Russia, which (A) was designated by Russian authorities in January 2023 as an undesirable organization (B) was banned from operating in the Russian Federation; Whereas, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, the Government of the Peoples Republic of China had detained at least 43 journalists, as of December 1, 2022, and has unleashed an onslaught of attacks on press freedom in China and Hong Kong, including through (1) state-sponsored censorship and disinformation campaigns limiting access to information about any dissent, including recent protests against then-imposed COVID19 restrictions, and by censoring protest-related keywords on social media platforms; (2) attacks on press freedom in Hong Kong, including the passage of the National Security Law, which poses an existential threat to the citys tradition of press freedom, and the arrest and subsequent conviction of Jimmy Lai, owner of Hong Kongs largest media outlet, Apple Daily, and an outspoken democracy advocate; (3) arrests or other repressive actions against independent journalists and others in mainland China attempting to share uncensored news or opinion about current affairs, including Sophia Huang Xueqin, who has written about womens rights and the protests in Hong Kong, and has been arbitrarily detained for more than 500 days; (4) the detention of journalists critical of the Government of China, including Ruan Xiaohuan, who, after blogging about programming and politics, was sentenced to a 7-year term of imprisonment in early 2023, following 21 months of incommunicado detention; and (5) the continued detention of Uyghur journalists, who account for nearly 50 percent of imprisoned journalists in China, including Ilham Tohti, founder of the news website Uighurbiz, who was detained in 2014 and is serving a life sentence; Whereas Afghanistan, under the control of the Taliban, remains one of the most repressive countries for journalists, with journalists in Afghanistan being subject to arrest, beatings, and arbitrary restrictions on their work, including journalists Mortaza Behboudi and Khairullah Parhar, who have been detained by the Taliban since January 2023; Whereas Belarus has witnessed sweeping attacks against the press since Alexander Lukashenkas fraudulent election in August 2020, with journalists and media workers harassed, assaulted, imprisoned, or otherwise retaliated against for their work, including (1) Katsiaryna Andreyeva, a correspondent with Poland-based independent broadcaster Belsat TV, who, while serving a 2-year prison term for filming a live broadcast of the violent dispersal of a protest against Lukashenko in November 2020, was sentenced to 8 additional years in prison on treason charges in July 2022; (2) Ksenia Lutskina, a former correspondent for the state broadcaster Belteleradio, who was sentenced to 8 years in prison on charges of conspiring to seize state power in September 2022, and who is not receiving appropriate medical care despite having a preexisting brain tumor that has grown during her detention; (3) Maryna Zolatava, chief editor of independent news website Tut.by, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison on charges of incitement to hatred and distributing materials calling for actions aimed at harming national security in March 2023; (4) Andrey Kuznechyk, a journalist who, while working for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, was detained in November 2021, and sentenced in June 2022 to 6 years in prison on charges of forming an extremist group; and (5) Ihar Losik, another Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist who was arrested in June 2020, and sentenced in December 2021 to 15 years in jail on bogus charges of preparation of actions that violate public order, who attempted suicide in March 2023, and whose wife Darya was sentenced in January 2023 to 2 years in prison on a charge of facilitating extremist activity; Whereas Reporters Without Borders asserts that due to oppression by the military junta, press freedom in [Burma] has been set back ten years in ten days (1) media workers forced into hiding and confronting censorship, harassment, internet blocks, beatings, interrogations, threats, and injuries at the hands of the military; (2) multiple independent media outlets had forced to cease operations or close altogether or had their licenses revoked by the military; and (3) journalists being detained at alarming rates, with 75 journalists in prison as of April 17, 2023; Whereas Cuba remains a highly restricted environment for independent media, marked by internet restrictions and constant harassment of journalists and news outlets, including journalist Lzaro Yuri Valle Roca who was sentenced to 5 years in prison for enemy propaganda and resistance Whereas Egypts restrictions on the media have accelerated under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi since 2013, with at least 21 journalists imprisoned as of December 1, 2022, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, including (1) Alaa Abd El Fattah, a blogger sentenced to 5 years in prison for broadcasting false news water strike (2) Hisham Abdel Aziz, an Al Jazeera journalist who is on the verge of losing his eyesight following untreated glaucoma while in prison; and (3) Mahmoud Abou Zeid, who was released after 5 years in prison, but remains subject to a 5-year probation term that requires his continuous presence at a police station between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. daily; Whereas assaults on press freedom in El Salvador imperil its fragile democracy and include both verbal attacks on journalists by political leaders and the use of state power to intimidate independent media, such as (1) the ongoing criminal investigation against outlet El Faro, which was launched after it reported damaging information about the government, and which led the media outlet to relocate most of its operations to Costa Rica following harassment by Salvadorian police; (2) the online attacks and threats to journalists from the outlet Revista Factum, which has been banned from press conferences at the presidential residence; and (3) the adoption of a new law that imposes prison sentences ranging from 10 to 15 years for certain reporting on criminal groups, such as gangs; Whereas, in India, government authorities frequently impose internet and communication blackouts in certain areas, and have recently detained and charged journalists covering political demonstrations, called for the temporary blockage of journalists and media accounts on Twitter, and subjected journalists to searches and arrests, including (1) the February 2023 raid on the British Broadcasting Company offices in Delhi and Mumbai, during which tax authorities seized employees laptops and mobile phones, following an Income Tax Department order the previous month, widely viewed as an attempt to censor the outlet following the release of a documentary on key political figures in India; and (2) the house arrest of Gautam Navlakha, a journalist and activist, who has been awaiting trial since April 2020 on charges of instigating caste violence Whereas Pakistan maintains high levels of media censorship and impunity persists in cases of killings and physical attacks on journalists who criticize the military and state institutions, including (1) the arrest of journalists Imran Riaz Khan, in July 2022, under sedition charges for his criticism of the military; and (2) the assault of Ayaz Amir, an employee of Dunya News, on July 1, 2022, days after he had made comments criticizing former Prime Minister Imran Khan and the military; Whereas Iran was the leading jailer of journalists and the most prolific jailer of female journalists in 2022, subjecting media workers to aggressive intimidation, arbitrary summons, arrests, travel bans, conditional releases, torture, inhumane treatment, and unsubstantiated and unjust sentences, including (1) Niloofar Hamedi, correspondent of the daily newspaper Shargh, who was imprisoned in 2022 for trying to document the death of Mahsa Amini on charges that could result in the death penalty; (2) Elahe Mohammadi, journalist for the daily Ham Mihan, who was also imprisoned in 2022 for the same action and on the same charges; (3) Yalda Moaiery, a prominent female photojournalist who (A) while covering the nationwide protests in Tehran, was arrested by anti-riot police despite having press credentials; (B) was later charged with spreading propaganda against the system acting against national security (C) was sentenced to 6 years in prison; (4) freelance journalist Fariborz Kalantari, who was sentenced on February 7, 2021, to 7 years in prison and 74 lashes for using his telegram channel to circulate articles about corruption charges brought against the ex-Vice Presidents brother; (5) Mahmoud Mahmoudi, the editor of the weekly newspaper Agrin Rozh, who was arrested by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence in Sanandaj after issuing an open letter calling for the release of detained Kurdish activists; (6) freelance photojournalist Nooshin Jafari, who was arrested in 2021, and sentenced to a 4-year prison term for spreading anti-state propaganda insulting sanctities (7) Iranian journalist Navid Seyed-Mohammadi, a Kurdish reporter for the state-run Islamic Republic Radio and Television broadcaster, who was arrested in May 2020 and is serving a 7-year prison sentence for espionage for hostile states Whereas Mexico continues to be one of the worlds deadliest countries for journalists, where 25 journalists are currently counted as missing, and reporters covering stories on political corruption and organized crime are frequently assaulted and murdered, including (1) Gustavo Snchez Cabrera, a reporter who covered crime and politics and who was murdered in front of his son; (2) Ricardo Domnguez Lpez, the founder and editor of news website InfoGuaymas; (3) Lourdes Maldonado Lpez, a broadcast journalist, and Margarito Martinez, a photojournalist, who were both killed in Tijuana in January 2022; (4) Juan Carlos Muiz, a reporter who covered crime for the news website Testigo Minero; and (5) Fredid Romn, the founder of the newspaper La Realidad and a columnist for the newspaper Vrtice Diario de Chilpancingo; Whereas Haiti is the second deadliest country in the Western Hemisphere for journalists, with 7 journalists killed during 2022, following a steady uptick of violence against the press over the last several years; Whereas the years-long persecution of journalists in Nicaragua continues, including news outlets being forced to close and individual journalists being threatened, harassed, sued, surveilled, jailed, and forced into exile, including (1) Miguel Mendoza, who along with 6 other journalists and media workers, was among the group of 222 political prisoners released by Nicaraguan authorities in February 2023, sent to the United States, and subsequently stripped of their Nicaraguan citizenship; and (2) journalist Victor Ticay, who was arrested in April 2023, in connection to his April 5 reporting about a Catholic Easter celebration; Whereas Honduras remains one of the Western Hemispheres most dangerous countries for journalists, where those working for opposition media or who are outspoken critics of the government are subjected to harassment, intimidation, and death threats by the countrys security forces and its affiliates; Whereas criminal defamation lawsuits and legislation have been used in Peru to harass and silence investigative journalists who write about prominent political figures and the violent repression of protestors has also increased the risk to journalists covering ongoing social unrest in Peru; Whereas the Office of the Director of National Intelligence has concluded that the 2018 murder of Washington Post journalist and American resident Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul was approved by Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman and impunity continues for the Saudi officials involved in this crime; Whereas the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia maintains an especially hostile environment towards journalists through systematic and arbitrary arrests, torture and inhumane or degrading treatment, lengthy pre-trial detentions, political persecution, and conditional release restrictions, which inhibit reporters and columnists from traveling or returning to their professional work post-detention, including (1) Maha Al-Rafidi Al-Qahtani, a journalist and writer arrested in September 2019, held in solitary confinement and physically abused while in prison; (2) Abdulrahman Farhana, a columnist detained in February 2019, charged with membership in a terrorist organization; (3) Zuhair Kutbi, a journalist jailed in January 2019, who reportedly suffers from torture, malnourishment, and denial of cancer treatment in prison; and (4) blogger Raif Badawi, who recently completed a 10-year prison sentence on blasphemy and apostasy charges, and who remains subjected to a further 10-year travel ban, which prevents him from reuniting with his family who received asylum in Canada; Whereas the battle for a free press continues to be fought in South Asia and Southeast Asia, where (1) Bangladeshi journalists are subjected to arbitrary arrests and charges under the Digital Security Act, and suffer killings and physical attacks with near-total impunity (2) journalist, Nobel Prize laureate, and United States citizen Maria Ressa, despite rulings in her favor, continues to face lawfare for her reporting on President Dutertes war on drugs (3) Vietnamese journalists Pham Chi Dung, Nguyen Tuong Thuy, and Le Huu Minh Tuan were each sentenced to more than 10 years in prison; and (4) Pham Doan Trang, a Vietnamese journalist and writer, following a year in detention, was sentenced to 9 years in prison for anti-state propaganda arbitrary Whereas press freedom continues to face challenges in sub-Saharan Africa, including in (1) Ethiopia, where a crackdown on the press has included (A) the arbitrary arrests of journalists, which was exacerbated during the civil war and has continued even after the signing of a peace agreement in November 2022; (B) internet disruptions deployed during times of political tension, including as recently as April 2023, making it difficult and dangerous for the press to report the news; (C) the January 2023 suspension of 15 media outlets, including the BBCs Somali service, and their representatives from operating in the Somali Regional State; and (D) the failure to provide a credible accounting for the 2021 killings of journalists Dawit Kebede Araya and Sisay Fida; (2) Nigeria, where journalists have been repeatedly detained and charged for their work, including (A) Luke Binniyat, who was arrested in November 2021, released on bail in February 2022, and is facing 3 years in prison if convicted of sending false information under the Cybercrimes Act; (B) Agba Jalingo, publisher of the CrossRiverWatch news site, who was arrested on March 27, 2023, charged under the Cybercrimes Act for allegedly publishing false news, and released on bail on April 3, 2023; and (C) Haruna Mohammed Salisu, publisher of the WikkiTimes, who was arrested while covering the February 25, 2023, Federal elections, charged under the penal code with inciting the public to disturb the Bauchi state governor, and released on bail on March 1, 2023; (3) Eritrea, which is one of the worlds most censored nations, and where at least 16 journalists, including editors Dawit Isaak and Amanuel Asrat, are detained, with most of these detentions commencing during a 2001 crackdown on the independent press, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists; (4) Cameroon, where (A) 5 journalists were imprisoned as of December 2022; (B) at least 2 journalists have died in government custody under suspicious circumstances since 2010; and (C) journalist Martinez Zogo was abducted, tortured, and killed in January 2023; (5) Rwanda, where (A) at least 4 journalists were imprisoned as of December 1, 2022, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists; and (B) journalist John Williams Ntwali, who, after reporting on cases of torture, disappearances, and forced government evictions, was killed under suspicious circumstances; (6) Somalia, where recent violations include the months-long legal harassment of the freelance journalist and press freedom advocate Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, who was detained several times and convicted of disobeying government orders in connection to his objection to government plans to censor media coverage of security issues and was released on March 26, 2023, after more than 1 month in prison; (7) Burundi, where journalist Floriane Irangabiye is serving a 10-year prison sentence, following a January 2023 conviction in connection to her critical commentary on governance issues in the country; (8) in Mali and Burkina Faso, where foreign journalists have been expelled and French media outlets have been banned; and (9) in Zimbabwe, where the countrys overly broad cybercrime legislation has been used to detain journalists and silence the press; Whereas, in Turkey, where the Erdogan government maintains one of the worlds most repressive environments for journalists and continues to imprison at least 40 journalists in retaliation for their professional work, including 15 Kurdish journalists who were arrested in June 2022, but were never publicly charged; Whereas Hatice Duman, the longest imprisoned journalist in Turkey, who has been serving a life sentence on terrorism charges since April 9, 2003, told the Committee to Protect Journalists in November that she had little hope for freedom in her current retrial; Whereas, in Georgia, the free press is increasingly threatened, as evidenced by the conviction of former government minister and journalist Nika Gvaramia to a 42 month prison sentence on May 16, 2022, on charges widely denounced as politically motivated, and attempts to pass laws modeled after the Russian Federations infamous foreign agents Whereas, in Tajikistan, where the government continues its systematic repression of the free press in 2022 by sentencing 6 journalists to lengthy prison terms on spurious charges in secretive, closed-door trials held in detention centers amid allegations of torture and forced confessions, including (1) Ulfatkhonim Mamadshoeva, a 66-year-old ethnic Pamiri journalist and human rights defender, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison; and (2) journalists Daler Imomali, Abdullo Ghurbati, Zavqibek Saidamini, and Abdusattor Pirmuhammadzoda, who were sentenced to terms of imprisonment ranging from 7 to 10 years on spurious charges of extremism; Whereas, in Kyrgyzstan, where the government has taken worrying steps to undermine the countrys relative press freedom since the start of 2022, including by (1) blocking news websites under an arbitrary new false information (2) imposing spurious charges of illegal drug manufacture on investigative journalist Bolot Temirov and deporting him to the Russian Federation in retaliation for his reporting on corruption in the governments procurement processes; Whereas the Government of Morocco has imposed severe crackdowns on freedom of expression and supporters of a free press and is currently detaining 13 journalists, including (1) Taoufik Bouachrine, the publisher and editor-in-chief of Akhbar al-Youm, who was arrested in February 2018 on retaliatory charges related to his journalism and is serving a 15-year prison sentence; (2) Soulaimane Raissouni, a columnist and editor-in-chief Akhbar al-Youm, who succeeded publisher Taoufik Bouachrine and was arrested on similar retaliatory charges in May 2020, and is serving a 5-year prison sentence; (3) Ali Anouzla, a journalist and editor of the news website Lakome, who has been repeatedly arrested on retaliatory charges relating to his journalism including apologism for terrorism material aid for terrorism incitement to terrorism (4) Maati Monjib, a historian and advocate for free press, who was detained in December 2020 for 3 months on specious national security and fraud charges and remains subject to restrictive bail conditions; and (5) Omar Radi, a journalist who was arrested on suspicion of espionage in June 2020 shortly after Amnesty International reported that the Moroccan authorities hacked his phone and monitored his activities; Whereas, in 2022 and 2023, press freedom in Algeria continued to deteriorate at an alarming pace, with the newspaper Libert closing after 30 years in print following a decision by its owner, as a result of the interminable pressure exerted at the highest level in recent months against its editorial line, with the newspaper El Watan being subjected to strong pressures that led to a radical change in its editorial line, and before the recent adoption of an alarming media law, several journalists were summoned and prosecuted for their work, notably (1) Nadir Kerri, who was placed under judicial supervision; (2) Belkacem Haouam, who was detained for 2 months in response to an article he published in late 2022; and (3) Ihsane El Kadi, who was prosecuted several times and remains in prison after he was ultimately sentenced to 3 years in prison in April 2023; Whereas the Maduro regime of Venezuela continues to target independent media outlets, restrict the exercise of freedom of expression, and severely limit Venezuelan access to accurate information; Whereas American journalists have been victimized while reporting abroad, including (1) Christopher Allen, who was killed while covering the conflict in South Sudan on August 26, 2017, and whose killing has yet to be investigated by authorities after nearly 6 years; (2) Austin Tice, who was kidnapped in Syria and has been held in captivity since August 12, 2012; (3) Brent Renaud, who was killed by Russian forces while covering the war in Ukraine on March 13, 2022; and (4) Evan Gershkovich, who was arrested in Russia on charges of espionage on March 29, 2023; Whereas, under the auspices of the United States Agency for Global Media, the United States Government provides financial assistance to several editorially independent media outlets, including Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks (1) which report and broadcast news, information, and analysis in critical regions around the world; and (2) whose journalists regularly face harassment, fines, and imprisonment for their work; and Whereas press freedom (1) is a key component of democratic governance, activism in civil society, and socioeconomic development; and (2) enhances public accountability, transparency, and participation in civil society and democratic governance: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) declares that a free press (A) is a central component of free societies and democratic governance; (B) contributes to an informed civil society and government accountability; (C) helps to expose corruption; (D) enhances public accountability and transparency of governments at all levels; and (E) disseminates information that is essential to improving public health and safety; (2) expresses concerns about threats to the exercise of freedom of expression, including by the press, around the world; (3) recognizes and commends journalisms role in providing trusted, accurate, and timely information and in holding governments and leaders accountable to citizens; (4) is dismayed that, under cover of the COVID19 pandemic, many governments have restricted the work of journalists reporting on the public health crisis and on peaceful protests on a variety of issues; (5) pays tribute to journalists who made tremendous sacrifices, including the loss of their lives, in the pursuit of truth and justice; (6) condemns all actions around the world that suppress press freedom; (7) calls for the unconditional and immediate release of all wrongfully detained journalists; (8) reaffirms the centrality of press freedom to efforts of the United States Government to support democracy, mitigate conflict, and promote good governance domestically and around the world; and (9) calls upon the President and the Secretary of State (A) to preserve and build upon the leadership of the United States on issues relating to press freedom, on the basis of the protections for freedom of the press afforded the American people under the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States; (B) to transparently investigate and bring to justice the perpetrators of attacks against journalists; and (C) to promote the respect and protection of press freedom around the world. | Recognizing widening threats to freedom of the press and free expression around the world, reaffirming the vital role that a free and independent press plays in combating the growing threats of authoritarianism, misinformation, and disinformation, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2023. |
This resolution supports World Quantum Day to recognize the importance of quantum physics and encourage related education. | Commemorating and supporting the goals of World Quantum Day Whereas quantum physics describes nature at the scale of atoms and subatomic particles; Whereas World Quantum Day Whereas the United States has recognized quantum information science and technology as a key technology area for economic competition; Whereas quantum physics helps us to understand and develop technologies critical to everyday life, such as GPS, semiconductors, and lasers; Whereas quantum information science is a multidisciplinary field, bridging science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (referred to in this preamble as STEM Whereas STEM is a critical part of education for children, and aptitude in STEM is essential for a knowledge-based society and for economic competition; Whereas the United States needs to reinforce STEM education for all students in order to better prepare children for future careers in emerging technologies, including quantum, to succeed in a 21st-century economy; Whereas STEM can be a fun and interesting part of education for children, and learning about quantum principles of superposition and entanglement can be an engaging way to teach children and attract the children to study STEM; Whereas the Planck constant is a fundamental constant governing quantum physics, which is used to define universal measurements such as the kilogram; and Whereas the rounded first significant digits of the Planck constant are 4.14, and thus April 14 of each year is internationally recognized as World Quantum Day: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports the goals of World Quantum Day (2) encourages schools and educators to observe the day with appropriate activities that teach students about quantum physics and engage students in the study of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. | Commemorating and supporting the goals of World Quantum Day. |
This resolution (1) recognizes Girl Scouts of the United States of America for 111 years of providing girls with a safe, inclusive, all-girl space where they can hone their skills and develop leadership abilities; and (2) congratulates all Girl Scouts who earned the Gold Award in 2022. | Recognizing Girl Scouts of the United States of America on its 111th birthday and celebrating its legacy of providing girls with a safe, inclusive space where they can explore their world, build meaningful relationships, and have access to experiences that prepare them for a life of leadership. Whereas March 12, 2023, marks the 111th anniversary of Girl Scouts of the United States of America (referred to in this preamble as Girl Scouts Whereas, as of 2023, more than 50,000,000 women trailblazers, visionaries, and leaders are Girl Scouts alumnae who have made the world a better place; Whereas, in July, 2023, Girl Scouts will host its triennial convention where more than 10,000 girls, alumnae, and supporters from across the movement will gather to explore, create, and grow alongside thousands of fellow change-makers, dreamers, and doers; Whereas, during a time when girls are dealing with the impact of COVID19 pandemic-related learning loss, Girl Scouts offers important out-of-school and afterschool learning enrichment and skill building opportunities that expand their world, allow them to cultivate their talents, and ensure they can confidently pursue their passions and make the world a better place; Whereas, since its founding, Girl Scouts has emphasized public service and civic engagement and has fostered in girls a sense of community; Whereas, during a time when girls are experiencing increased levels of anxiety, stress, loneliness, and depression, Girl Scouts continues to provide community, consistency, and connection for girls and is a safe haven in all the uncertainty; Whereas the commitment of the Girl Scouts to getting girls outdoors, including through exciting summer camp experiences, instills a lifelong appreciation for nature and the environment that is more critical than ever as the United States emerges from the COVID19 pandemic; Whereas, at a time when civics education is missing from many schools, Girl Scouts engages girls of all grade levels in civics programming that deepens their understanding of democracy and government, prepares them for a lifetime of civic engagement, and motivates them to take action on issues that are important to them; Whereas Girl Scouts offers girls 21st-century programming in science, technology, engineering, math, the outdoors, entrepreneurship, and beyond, helping girls develop invaluable life skills; Whereas, to earn the Gold Award, Girl Scouts take on projects that have a measurable and sustainable impact on a community by assessing a need, designing a solution, completing a project, and inspiring others to sustain it; and Whereas, as a member organization of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, Girl Scouts is (1) part of an international sisterhood of 10,000,000 girls and young women in 152 countries; and (2) committed to offering girls more opportunities to engage with communities worldwide, make meaningful global connections, and explore global citizenship: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) recognizes Girl Scouts of the United States of America for 111 years of providing girls with a safe, inclusive, all-girl space where those girls can hone their skills and develop leadership abilities; (2) congratulates all Girl Scouts who earned the Gold Award in 2022; and (3) encourages Girl Scouts of the United States of America to continue to champion the ambitions, nurture the creativity, and support the talents of future women leaders. | Recognizing Girl Scouts of the United States of America on its 111th birthday and celebrating its legacy of providing girls with a safe, inclusive space where they can explore their world, build meaningful relationships, and have access to experiences that prepare them for a life of leadership. |
This resolution designates the week of February 27-March 3, 2023, as Public Schools Week. | Designating the week of February 27 through March 3, 2023, as Public Schools Week Whereas public education is a significant institution in a 21st-century democracy; Whereas public schools in the United States educate students about the values and beliefs that hold the individuals of the United States together as a nation; Whereas public schools prepare young individuals of the United States to contribute to the society, economy, and citizenry of the country; Whereas 90 percent of children in the United States attend public schools; Whereas Federal, State, and local lawmakers should (1) prioritize support for strengthening the public schools of the United States; (2) empower superintendents, principals, and other school leaders to implement, manage, and lead school districts and schools in partnership with educators, parents, and other local education stakeholders; and (3) support services and programs that are critical to helping students engage in learning, including counseling, extracurricular activities, and mental health support; Whereas public schools should foster inclusive, safe, and high-quality environments in which children can learn to think critically, problem solve, and build relationships; Whereas public schools should provide environments in which all students have the opportunity to succeed beginning in their earliest years, regardless of who a student is or where a student lives; Whereas Congress should support (1) efforts to advance equal opportunity and excellence in public education; (2) efforts to implement evidence-based practices in public education; and (3) continuous improvements to public education; Whereas every child should (1) receive an education that helps the child reach the full potential of the child; and (2) attend a school that offers a high-quality educational experience; Whereas Federal funding, in addition to State and local funds, supports the access of students to inviting classrooms, well-prepared educators, and services to support healthy students, including nutrition and afterschool programs; Whereas teachers, paraprofessionals, and principals should provide students with a well-rounded education and strive to create joy in learning; Whereas superintendents, principals, other school leaders, teachers, paraprofessionals, and parents make public schools vital components of communities and are working hard to improve educational outcomes for children across the country; and Whereas the week of February 27 through March 3, 2023, is an appropriate period to designate as Public Schools Week: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate designates the week of February 27 through March 3, 2023, as Public Schools Week | Designating the week of February 27 through March 3, 2023, as Public Schools Week. |
World Health Organization Pandemic Treaty Implementation Resolution This resolution prohibits any international agreement that is drafted by the World Health Organization and relates to pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response from legally binding the United States unless the Senate ratifies the agreement as a treaty. The bill also outlines requirements for negotiating and ratifying such an agreement. The Department of State must (1) consult closely and on a timely basis with the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations while negotiating the agreement, and (2) designate at least two Members of that committee to serve as advisors to the negotiation. The State Department must consult with the advisors immediately before initialing the agreement and keep them fully apprised of the negotiations. Additionally, the President must submit to the Senate the agreement (and all annexes and related materials) within 60 days of signing it. The President must also certify that the submitted materials constitute the totality of the agreement and that adopting the agreement serves U.S. national interests. Members may object to the consideration of any legislation that implements the agreement until the President submits it to the Senate for ratification. | Relating to the establishment of a means for the Senate to provide advice and consent regarding the form of an international agreement relating to pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. Whereas clause 2 of section 2 of article II of the Constitution of the United States empowers the President by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two-thirds of the Senators present concur Whereas without appropriate and meaningful consultation with the Senate (1) the requirement for Senate advice and consent to treaties remains unfulfilled; and (2) in some cases, executive agreements, political agreements, and other arrangements have been improperly used by the executive branch to circumvent the appropriate review of significant agreements by Congress; Whereas, as an appropriate exercise of the advice and consent power entrusted to the Senate, the Senate may refuse to consider legislative measures intended to authorize or appropriate funds to implement international agreements which, in the opinion of the Senate, constitute treaties under the Constitution of the United States to which the Senate has not given its advice and consent to ratification; Whereas clause 2 of section 5 of article I of the Constitution of the United States, grants plenary power to the Senate to determine the Rules of its Proceedings Whereas an international agreement should take the form of a treaty requiring Senate advice and consent and should be transmitted by the President to the Senate for the Senates consideration and approval if (1) the agreement involves commitments or risks affecting the Nation as a whole; (2) the agreement is intended to affect State laws; (3) the agreement will not take effect until after subsequent legislation is enacted by Congress; (4) similar agreements were subjected to the advice and consent of the Senate; (5) similar agreements are typically subject to the approval of national legislatures in other countries; (6) Congress has expressed a preference regarding its involvement in such type of agreement; (7) the agreement involves a high degree of formality; (8) the agreement is not routine, is not expected to have a short duration, and does not need to be promptly concluded; or (9) if the agreement is intended to implement an existing treaty or make technical amendments to an existing treaty, the relevant Senate committee has previously indicated that such implementation or amendments are significant enough to require submission to the Senate for its advice and consent: Now, therefore, be it 1. Short title This Resolution may be cited as the World Health Organization Pandemic Treaty Implementation Resolution 2. Purpose The purpose of this Resolution is for the Senate, as the article I branch of the United States Government that is entrusted with the Advice and Consent power under clause 2 of section 2 of article II of the Constitution of the United States, to establish, through the use of the rulemaking authority of the Senate, a means for determining the form that an international agreement, protocol, legal instrument or agreed outcome with legal force, signed by the President or by his designee, shall take and to which the President intends the United States to become a Party or to otherwise be bound under international law, in whole or in part. 3. Declarations (a) In general Exercising the rulemaking authority of the Senate, the Senate declares, under clause 2 of section 2 of article II of the Constitution of the United States, that any international convention, agreement, protocol, legal instrument, or agreed outcome with legal force relating to pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response drafted by the intergovernmental negotiating body of the World Health Assembly that (1) is intended to be adopted pursuant to article 19 or any other provision of the Constitution of the World Health Organization; and (2) establishes significant international commitments by the United States under the authority of World Health Assembly Decision SSA2(5) or any related decision, meets 1 or more of the factors set forth in the last clause of the preamble, indicating that such agreement should take the form of a treaty requiring Senate approval. (b) Limitation of agreement The Senate declares that any agreement described in subsection (a) (1) involves a significant political and economic commitment of the United States to foreign countries; and (2) does not legally bind the United States until after (A) the President transmits such agreement to the Senate for its consideration as a treaty, subject to the applicable constitutional advice and consent procedures; and (B) the Senate provides its consent to such treaty through a resolution of ratification. 4. Advice (a) Referral Any agreement described in section 3(a) that is transmitted to the Senate pursuant to section 3(b)(2)(A) shall be referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate (b) Consultation with the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate (1) Consultations during negotiations The Secretary of State, or the designee of the Secretary, shall (A) at the request of the Chair or the Ranking Member of the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate (i) negotiating objectives; (ii) the status of negotiations in progress; and (iii) the nature of any potential changes to the laws of the United States or the administration of such laws that may be recommended to Congress to carry out (I) an agreement described in section 3(a); or (II) any requirement of, amendment to, or recommendation under, such agreement; and (B) consult closely and on a timely basis with, and keep fully apprised of the negotiations, the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate (2) Consultations before signing agreement Before signing an agreement described in section 3(a), the President shall (A) consult closely, and on a timely basis, with the members of the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate (B) keep such members fully apprised of the measures other nations have taken to comply with the provisions of such agreement that are to take effect on the date on which such agreement enters into force. (c) Designated Senate advisors (1) Designation The Secretary of State (A) shall designate not fewer than 2 members of the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate (B) may designate additional members of the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate (2) Consultations with designated congressional advisors During negotiations regarding an agreement described in section 3(a), the Secretary of State or an officer of the Department of State who has been confirmed to such position by the Senate and designated by the Secretary, shall consult closely and on a timely basis (including immediately before initialing any agreement) with, and keep fully apprised of the negotiations, the Senate advisors designated pursuant to paragraph (1). (3) Accreditation Each Senator designated as a Senate advisor pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be accredited by the Secretary of State on behalf of the President as an official advisor to the United States delegation to any relevant international conferences, meetings, and negotiating sessions relating to an agreement described in section 3(a). 5. Consent (a) Submission of treaty to the Senate An international convention, agreement, protocol, legal instrument, or agreed outcome with legal force relating to pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response described in section 3(a) shall not become effective with respect to the United States until after the President, not later than 60 days after such agreement is signed, submits to the Senate (1) such agreement, including all related materials, annexes, and other relevant documents; and (2) a certification that (A) the materials submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) constitute the totality of such agreement in question; and (B) the adoption of the treaty is in the vital national security interest of the United States. (b) Declaration Exercising the rulemaking authority granted to the Senate under clause 2 of section 5 of article I of the Constitution of the United States, the Senate declares that it shall not be in order for the Senate to consider any bill, any joint or concurrent resolution, any amendment to such bill or amendment, or any conference report authorizing or providing budget authority to implement, in whole or in part, any international pandemic preparedness, prevention, and response convention, agreement, protocol, legal instrument, or agreed outcome with legal force of the World Health Assembly, the purpose of which is to implement, in whole or in part, an agreement described in section 3(a). (c) Sunset This section shall remain in effect until the date on which the President submits the agreement and certification required under subsection (a) to the Senate as a treaty for its constitutional advice and consent. | World Health Organization Pandemic Treaty Implementation Resolution |
This resolution authorizes (1) Daniel Schwager, a former employee of the Office of the Secretary of the Senate, to provide relevant testimony in the case of United States v. Sahady, except concerning matters for which a privilege should be asserted; and (2) the Senate Legal Counsel to represent Mr. Schwager and any current or former officer or employee of his office in connection with this case. | To authorize testimony and representation in United States v. Sahady Whereas, in the case of United States v. Sahady Whereas, pursuant to sections 703(a) and 704(a)(2) of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, 2 U.S.C. 288b(a) and 288c(a)(2), the Senate may direct its counsel to represent current and former officers and employees of the Senate with respect to any subpoena, order, or request for evidence relating to their official responsibilities; Whereas, by the privileges of the Senate of the United States and Rule XI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, no evidence under the control or in the possession of the Senate may, by the judicial or administrative process, be taken from such control or possession but by permission of the Senate; and Whereas, when it appears that evidence under the control or in the possession of the Senate may promote the administration of justice, the Senate will take such action as will promote the ends of justice consistent with the privileges of the Senate: Now, therefore, be it That Daniel Schwager, a former employee of the Office of the Secretary of the Senate, is authorized to provide relevant testimony in the case of United States v. Sahady 2. The Senate Legal Counsel is authorized to represent Mr. Schwager, and any current or former officer or employee of the Secretary's office, in connection with the production of evidence authorized in section one of this resolution. | To authorize testimony and representation in United States v. Sahady. |
This resolution designates August 1, 2023, as Gold Star Children's Day to honor the sacrifices and hardships of the children of fallen service members. | Designating August 1, 2023, as Gold Star Children's Day Whereas the recognition of Gold Star Families in the United States dates back to World War I, when the families of fallen service members displayed a service flag with a gold star in the window of their homes; Whereas, in 1936, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into law legislation declaring Gold Star Mothers Day, a national observance honoring the mothers of fallen service members annually on the last Sunday of September; Whereas, since 2010, the Senate has honored Gold Star Spouses by resolution annually, recognizing the unique sacrifices made by spouses of fallen service members; Whereas thousands of sons and daughters of military families have lost mothers or fathers who served in the Armed Forces and also deserve national recognition for the burden and legacy they carry; and Whereas no date has existed to specifically recognize the children of fallen service members of the United States as part of a national debt of gratitude that the people of the United States owe to the service members who sacrificed all in protecting the freedom of the United States and the people of the United States: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates August 1, 2023, as Gold Star Childrens Day (2) honors the sacrifices and hardships of the children of fallen service members; and (3) encourages the people of the United States to observe Gold Star Childrens Day in support of children of the fallen men and women of the Armed Forces of the United States. | Designating August 1, 2023, as Gold Star Children's Day. |
This resolution designates National Cholesterol Education Month and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) Awareness Day. The resolution also encourages all individuals in the United States to know their LDL-C number. High levels of LDL-C increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. | Designating September 2023 as National Cholesterol Education Month Whereas cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for men and women; Whereas projected rates of cardiovascular disease are expected to increase significantly in the United States by 2060; Whereas, compared to urban areas, rural areas in the United States have higher death rates for cardiovascular disease and stroke, and a 40 percent higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease; Whereas risk factors contributing to cardiovascular disease and poor health outcomes include elevated low density lipoprotein cholesterol (referred to in this preamble as LDLC Whereas lipoprotein(a) cholesterol is predominantly genetically inherited and can build up in the walls of blood vessels creating cholesterol deposits, or plaques, and lead to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; Whereas LDLC is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and having lower LDLC is associated with a reduced risk of heart attack and stroke; Whereas more than 25.5 percent of adults in the United States have high LDLC; Whereas more than 200 studies with more than 2,000,000 patients have broadly established that elevated LDLC unequivocally causes atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; Whereas atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the build-up of cholesterol plaque within the walls of arteries and includes acute coronary syndrome, peripheral arterial disease, and events such as heart attacks and strokes; Whereas the resources needed to bend the curve on cardiovascular disease exist, yet 71 percent of hypercholesterolemia patients at high risk of a cardiovascular event never achieve recommended LDLC treatment guideline thresholds; Whereas only 33 percent of individuals with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease who are taking statins, a guideline recommended lipid lowering therapy, actually achieve LDLC goals; Whereas, although clinical guidelines recommend that a patient hospitalized for heart attack receive an LDLC test in the 90 days following discharge from a hospital, only 27 percent of patients receive such test; Whereas African-American adults are less likely to receive an LDLC test in the 90 days following discharge from a hospital, despite having a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease; Whereas significant gaps in care lead to subsequent cardiovascular events; Whereas the Million Hearts program seeks to improve access to and quality of care to reduce heart disease, stroke, and death; and Whereas September is recognized as National Cholesterol Education Month to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease and the importance of knowing ones LDLC number: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) encourages all individuals in the United States to know their low density lipoprotein cholesterol (referred to in this resolution as LDLC (2) designates September 2023, as National Cholesterol Education Month (3) designates September 30, 2023, as LDLC Awareness Day (4) recognizes the urgent need for screening and treating of elevated LDLC to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes. | Designating September 2023 as National Cholesterol Education Month and September 30, 2023, as LDLC Awareness Day. |
This resolution authorizes the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs to make specified expenditures, employ personnel, and conduct certain investigations during the 118th Congress. | Authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. 1. General authority In carrying out its powers, duties, and functions under the Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of the Standing Rules of the Senate and Senate Resolution 445 (108th Congress), agreed to October 9, 2004, including holding hearings, reporting such hearings, and making investigations as authorized by paragraphs 1 and 8 of rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (in this resolution referred to as the committee (1) make expenditures from the contingent fund of the Senate; (2) employ personnel; and (3) with the prior consent of the Government department or agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and Administration, use on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis the services of personnel of any such department or agency. 2. Expenses (a) Expenses for period ending September 30, 2023 The expenses of the committee for the period March 1, 2023, through September 30, 2023, under this resolution shall not exceed $7,688,429, of which amount (1) not to exceed $400,000 may be expended for the procurement of the services of individual consultants, or organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 ( 2 U.S.C. 4301(i) (2) not to exceed $20,000 may be expended for the training of the professional staff of the committee (under procedures specified by section 202(j) of that Act). (b) Expenses for fiscal year 2024 period The expenses of the committee for the period October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024, under this resolution shall not exceed $13,180,165, of which amount (1) not to exceed $400,000 may be expended for the procurement of the services of individual consultants, or organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 ( 2 U.S.C. 4301(i) (2) not to exceed $20,000 may be expended for the training of the professional staff of the committee (under procedures specified by section 202(j) of that Act). (c) Expenses for period ending February 28, 2025 The expenses of the committee for the period October 1, 2024, through February 28, 2025, under this resolution shall not exceed $5,491,734, of which amount (1) not to exceed $400,000 may be expended for the procurement of the services of individual consultants, or organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 ( 2 U.S.C. 4301(i) (2) not to exceed $20,000 may be expended for the training of the professional staff of the committee (under procedures specified by section 202(j) of that Act). 3. Expenses and agency contributions (a) Expenses of the committee (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), expenses of the committee under this resolution shall be paid from the contingent fund of the Senate upon vouchers approved by the chairman of the committee. (2) Vouchers not required Vouchers shall not be required for (A) the disbursement of salaries of employees paid at an annual rate; (B) the payment of telecommunications provided by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper; (C) the payment of stationery supplies purchased through the Keeper of the Stationery; (D) payments to the Postmaster of the Senate; (E) the payment of metered charges on copying equipment provided by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper; (F) the payment of Senate Recording and Photographic Services; or (G) the payment of franked and mass mail costs by the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper. (b) Agency contributions There are authorized to be paid from the appropriations account for Expenses of Inquiries and Investigations (1) for the period March 1, 2023, through September 30, 2023; (2) for the period October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024; and (3) for the period October 1, 2024, through February 28, 2025. 4. Investigations (a) In general The committee, or any duly authorized subcommittee of the committee, is authorized to study or investigate (1) the efficiency and economy of operations of all branches of the Government including the possible existence of fraud, misfeasance, malfeasance, collusion, mismanagement, incompetence, corruption, or unethical practices, waste, extravagance, conflicts of interest, and the improper expenditure of Government funds in transactions, contracts, and activities of the Government or of Government officials and employees and any and all such improper practices between Government personnel and corporations, individuals, companies, or persons affiliated therewith, doing business with the Government, and the compliance or noncompliance of such corporations, companies, or individuals or other entities with the rules, regulations, and laws governing the various governmental agencies and its relationships with the public; (2) the extent to which criminal or other improper practices or activities are, or have been, engaged in the field of labor-management relations or in groups or organizations of employees or employers, to the detriment of interests of the public, employers, or employees, and to determine whether any changes are required in the laws of the United States in order to protect such interests against the occurrence of such practices or activities; (3) organized criminal activity which may operate in or otherwise utilize the facilities of interstate or international commerce in furtherance of any transactions and the manner and extent to which, and the identity of the persons, firms, or corporations, or other entities by whom such utilization is being made, and further, to study and investigate the manner in which and the extent to which persons engaged in organized criminal activity have infiltrated lawful business enterprise, and to study the adequacy of Federal laws to prevent the operations of organized crime in interstate or international commerce, and to determine whether any changes are required in the laws of the United States in order to protect the public against such practices or activities; (4) all other aspects of crime and lawlessness within the United States which have an impact upon or affect the national health, welfare, and safety, including but not limited to investment fraud schemes, commodity and security fraud, computer fraud, and the use of offshore banking and corporate facilities to carry out criminal objectives; (5) the efficiency and economy of operations of all branches and functions of the Government with particular reference to (A) the effectiveness of present national security methods, staffing, and processes as tested against the requirements imposed by the rapidly mounting complexity of national security problems; (B) the capacity of present national security staffing, methods, and processes to make full use of the Nations resources of knowledge and talents; (C) the adequacy of present intergovernmental relations between the United States and international organizations principally concerned with national security of which the United States is a member; and (D) legislative and other proposals to improve these methods, processes, and relationships; (6) the efficiency, economy, and effectiveness of all agencies and departments of the Government involved in the control and management of energy shortages including, but not limited to, their performance with respect to (A) the collection and dissemination of accurate statistics on fuel demand and supply; (B) the implementation of effective energy conservation measures; (C) the pricing of energy in all forms; (D) coordination of energy programs with State and local government; (E) control of exports of scarce fuels; (F) the management of tax, import, pricing, and other policies affecting energy supplies; (G) maintenance of the independent sector of the petroleum industry as a strong competitive force; (H) the allocation of fuels in short supply by public and private entities; (I) the management of energy supplies owned or controlled by the Government; (J) relations with other oil producing and consuming countries; (K) the monitoring of compliance by governments, corporations, or individuals with the laws and regulations governing the allocation, conservation, or pricing of energy supplies; and (L) research into the discovery and development of alternative energy supplies; and (7) the efficiency and economy of all branches and functions of Government with particular references to the operations and management of Federal regulatory policies and programs. (b) Extent of inquiries In carrying out the duties provided in subsection (a), the inquiries of this committee or any subcommittee of the committee shall not be construed to be limited to the records, functions, and operations of any particular branch of the Government and may extend to the records and activities of any persons, corporation, or other entity. (c) Special committee authority For the purposes of this section, the committee, or any duly authorized subcommittee of the committee, or its chairman, or any other member of the committee or subcommittee designated by the chairman is authorized, in its, his, her, or their discretion (1) to require by subpoena or otherwise the attendance of witnesses and production of correspondence, books, papers, and documents; (2) to hold hearings; (3) to sit and act at any time or place during the sessions, recess, and adjournment periods of the Senate; (4) to administer oaths; and (5) to take testimony, either orally or by sworn statement, or, in the case of staff members of the Committee and the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, by deposition in accordance with the Committee Rules of Procedure. (d) Authority of other committees Nothing contained in this section shall affect or impair the exercise of any other standing committee of the Senate of any power, or the discharge by such committee of any duty, conferred or imposed upon it by the Standing Rules of the Senate or by the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946. (e) Subpoena authority All subpoenas and related legal processes of the committee and any duly authorized subcommittee of the committee authorized under Senate Resolution 70 (117th Congress), agreed to February 24, 2021, are authorized to continue. | Authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. |
This resolution states that the Senate supports Brazil's democratic institutions and condemns the violent siege against several Brazilian government institutions on January 8, 2023. The resolution also urges social media and group messaging companies to address how their platforms are used to spread disinformation and misinformation in Brazil. | Condemning the violent insurrection in Brazil on January 8, 2023, and expressing United States solidarity with the people of Brazil, as well as support for safeguarding Brazil's democratic institutions. Whereas Brazil is a strategic partner and major non-NATO ally of the United States, and the bilateral relationship, which includes cooperation on economic, environmental, defense, and human rights issues, is predicated on a shared commitment to democratic values, including absolute respect for free and fair elections; Whereas the people of Brazil voted in the first and second round of general elections on October 2, 2022, and October 30, 2022, respectively, which were unanimously recognized as free and fair electoral processes by independent electoral observers; Whereas Luiz Incio Lula da Silva won the second round presidential election on October 30, 2022, receiving 50.9 percent of all votes cast by Brazilians for the presidency and defeating incumbent president Jair Bolsonaro; Whereas, in accordance with Brazils constitution, President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva was sworn into office as the 39th President of Brazil on January 1, 2023; Whereas, prior to Brazils general elections, former president Jair Bolsonaro repeatedly made false and unfounded accusations questioning the transparency and integrity of the countrys electoral processes, publicly attacked the impartiality of Brazils Supreme Court and Supreme Electoral Tribunal, and encouraged his supporters to amplify these baseless claims; Whereas, on July 6, 2022, the then-head of Brazils Supreme Electoral Tribunal warned while in Washington, DC, that former president Jair Bolsonaros undemocratic rhetoric and baseless allegations of electoral fraud exacerbated the risk of Brazil experiencing political unrest as or more severe than the United States Capitol insurrection on January 6, 2021; Whereas, in the aftermath of Brazils general elections, former president Jair Bolsonaro refused to formally concede to President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva and continued to share voter fraud conspiracies on social media; Whereas, on January 8, 2023, one week after President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva was inaugurated, supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro engaged in a violent, organized siege of Brazils presidential palace, Congress, and Supreme Court and called for President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva to be removed from office via military or other violent intervention if necessary, marking the worst assault on Brazilian democracy since the countrys transition from a military dictatorship in the 1980s; Whereas, similar to the violent siege against the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021, Brazils January 8, 2023, insurrection exposed the resiliency and fragility of democracy and the harmful consequences of public officials deliberately spreading electoral disinformation and disregarding the rule of law; Whereas the heads of Brazils three branches of government issued a joint statement condemning the terrorist acts Whereas President Joe Biden swiftly condemned the assault on democracy and on the peaceful transfer of power in Brazil Whereas Brazilian authorities are currently pursuing investigations to ensure all rioters, financiers, and public officials responsible for the events on January 8, 2023, are held accountable, including by examining the role of social media in organizing and amplifying the riots and opening investigations into the actions of former senior officials, including former president Jair Bolsonaro: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) expresses its ongoing solidarity with the people of Brazil and unwavering support for Brazils democratic institutions in the aftermath of the January 8, 2023, insurrection; (2) condemns the violent siege conducted by former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaros supporters against Brazils presidential palace, Congress, and Supreme Court that was fueled, in part, by disinformation spread by former president Jair Bolsonaro over several months; (3) commends Brazils electoral institutions for conducting free, fair, and transparent elections on October 2, 2022, and October 30, 2022; (4) urges social media and group messaging companies to take concrete steps to address the ways its platforms are used to facilitate disinformation and misinformation in Brazil, and to work with Brazilian authorities to address any role such platforms had in facilitating and amplifying the violent events on January 8, 2023; (5) urges the President to expeditiously review all requests from Brazilian authorities related to the investigation into the January 8, 2023, insurrection, including any future extradition requests for former senior Brazilian officials; (6) encourages the United States Senate and House of Representatives to support any requests from the Brazilian Congress related to its investigation of the violent siege that occurred on January 8, 2023, including sharing best practices from the investigation conducted by the United States House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol; (7) endorses President Biden's invitation of President da Silva to Washington, District of Columbia, to continue United States-Brazil collaboration on a wide-ranging shared agenda; and (8) reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the alliance and strategic partnership between the United States and the Government of Brazil on the defense of democracy and human rights and other issues of shared priorities, including defense cooperation, food security, environmental cooperation, and inclusive and sustainable development. | Condemning the violent insurrection in Brazil on January 8, 2023, and expressing United States solidarity with the people of Brazil, as well as support for safeguarding Brazil's democratic institutions. |
This resolution authorizes (1) Daniel Schwager, a former employee of the Office of the Secretary of the Senate, to provide relevant testimony in the case of United States v. Grillo, except concerning matters for which a privilege should be asserted; and (2) the Senate Legal Counsel to represent Mr. Schwager and any current or former officer or employee of his office in connection with this case. | To authorize testimony and representation in United States v. Grillo Whereas, in the case of United States v. Grillo Whereas, pursuant to sections 703(a) and 704(a)(2) of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, 2 U.S.C. 288b(a) and 288c(a)(2), the Senate may direct its counsel to represent current and former officers and employees of the Senate with respect to any subpoena, order, or request for evidence relating to their official responsibilities; Whereas, by the privileges of the Senate of the United States and Rule XI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, no evidence under the control or in the possession of the Senate may, by the judicial or administrative process, be taken from such control or possession but by permission of the Senate; and Whereas, when it appears that evidence under the control or in the possession of the Senate may promote the administration of justice, the Senate will take such action as will promote the ends of justice consistent with the privileges of the Senate: Now, therefore, be it That Daniel Schwager, a former employee of the Office of the Secretary of the Senate, is authorized to provide relevant testimony in the case of United States v. Grillo 2. The Senate Legal Counsel is authorized to represent Mr. Schwager, and any current or former officer or employee of the Secretary's office, in connection with the production of evidence authorized in section one of this resolution. | To authorize testimony and representation in United States v. Grillo. |
This resolution supports the designation of National Gun Violence Awareness Month and the designation of National Gun Violence Awareness Day. | Expressing support for the designation of June 2, 2023, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day National Gun Violence Awareness Month Whereas, each year in the United States, more than (1) 43,000 individuals are killed and 76,000 individuals are wounded by gunfire; (2) 17,000 individuals are killed in homicides involving guns; (3) 25,000 individuals die by suicide using a gun; and (4) 500 individuals are killed in unintentional shootings; Whereas, since 1968, more individuals have died from guns in the United States than have died on the battlefields of all the wars in the history of the United States; Whereas 2022 was an especially deadly year for the United States, with an estimated 20,100 people killed in homicides involving guns or nonsuicide-related shootings; Whereas, in 2022, unintentional shootings by children surpassed 350 incidents for the third year in a row, resulting in nearly 140 deaths annually; Whereas, by one count, in 2022 in the United States, there were 646 mass-shooting incidents in which not fewer than 4 people were killed or wounded by gunfire; Whereas, from 2010 to 2021 in the United States, 65,000 military veterans died by suicide, the overwhelming majority of such deaths being the result of a firearm; Whereas, every year in the United States, nearly 4,000 children and teens are killed by gun violence and 15,000 children and teens are shot and wounded; Whereas approximately 9,300 individuals in the United States under 25 years of age die because of gun violence annually, including Hadiya Pendleton, who, in 2013, was killed at 15 years of age in Chicago, Illinois, while standing in a park; Whereas, on June 2, 2023, to recognize the 26th birthday of Hadiya Pendleton (born June 2, 1997), people across the United States will recognize National Gun Violence Awareness Day (1) Hadiya Pendleton and other victims of gun violence; and (2) the loved ones of those victims; and Whereas June 2023 is an appropriate month to designate as National Gun Violence Awareness Month That the Senate (1) supports (A) the designation of National Gun Violence Awareness Month (B) the designation of National Gun Violence Awareness Day (2) calls on the people of the United States to (A) promote greater awareness of gun violence and gun safety; (B) wear orange, the color that hunters wear to show that they are not targets, on National Gun Violence Awareness Day; (C) concentrate heightened attention on gun violence during the summer months, when gun violence typically increases; and (D) bring community members and leaders together to discuss ways to make communities safer. | Expressing support for the designation of June 2, 2023, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day and June 2023 as National Gun Violence Awareness Month. |
This resolution supports the designation of September 21, 2023, as National Teach Ag Day and recognizes the important role of agricultural education and the National FFA Organization in developing the next generation of agricultural leaders. | Supporting the designation of September 21, 2023, as National Teach Ag Day Whereas agricultural education and the National FFA Organization change lives and prepare students for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success; Whereas, in the United States, more than 11,000 agricultural educators across all 50 States, Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands teach students about agriculture, food, and natural resources; Whereas teacher recruitment and retention continues to be a significant challenge, with a significant teacher shortage during the 20222023 school year; Whereas the National Association of Agricultural Educators advances agricultural education and promotes the professional interests and growth of agricultural educators, and recruits and prepares students who have a desire to teach agriculture; Whereas the National Association of Agricultural Educators was established in 1948; and Whereas current and future agricultural educators will celebrate National Teach Ag Day That the Senate (1) supports the designation of September 21, 2023, as National Teach Ag Day (2) recognizes the important role of agricultural education and the National FFA Organization in developing the next generation of agricultural leaders who will change the world; and (3) celebrates the 75th anniversary of the National Association of Agricultural Educators. | Supporting the designation of September 21, 2023, as National Teach Ag Day and celebrating 75 years of the National Association of Agricultural Educators. |
This resolution authorizes Michael J. Mastrian, Director of the Senate Radio and Television Gallery, to testify in the case of United States v. Neely. It also authorizes the Senate Legal Counsel to represent Mr. Mastrian and any current or former officer or employee of his office in connection with this case. | To authorize testimony and representation in United States v. Neely Whereas, in the case of United States v. Neely Whereas, pursuant to sections 703(a) and 704(a)(2) of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, 2 U.S.C. 288b(a) and 288c(a)(2), the Senate may direct its counsel to represent current and former officers and employees of the Senate with respect to any subpoena, order, or request for evidence relating to their official responsibilities; Whereas, by the privileges of the Senate of the United States and Rule XI of the Standing Rules of the Senate, no evidence under the control or in the possession of the Senate may, by the judicial or administrative process, be taken from such control or possession but by permission of the Senate; and Whereas, when it appears that evidence under the control or in the possession of the Senate may promote the administration of justice, the Senate will take such action as will promote the ends of justice consistent with the privileges of the Senate: Now, therefore, be it That Michael J. Mastrian, Director of the Senate Radio and Television Gallery, is authorized to provide relevant testimony in the case of United States v. Neely 2. The Senate Legal Counsel is authorized to represent Mr. Mastrian, and any current or former officer or employee of his office, in connection with the production of evidence authorized in section one of this resolution. | To authorize testimony and representation in United States v. Neely. |
This resolution encourages people around the world to work to achieve the goal of zero new HIV transmissions, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths, in order to end the HIV epidemic in the United States and around the world by 2030. The resolution supports continued funding for prevention, care and treatment services, and research programs for communities impacted by HIV and people living with HIV in the United States and globally. The resolution supports continued leadership by the United States in domestic, bilateral, multilateral, and private sector efforts to fight HIV. Finally, the resolution urges other members of the international community to sustain and scale up their support for and financial contributions to efforts around the world to combat HIV. | Commemorating and supporting the goals of World AIDS Day. Whereas, as of the end of 2022, an estimated 39,000,000 people were living with human immunodeficiency virus (referred to in this preamble as HIV AIDS Whereas in the United States, more than 770,000 people with AIDS have died since the beginning of the HIV epidemic, including over 19,000 deaths among people with diagnosed HIV in 2021, with the disease disproportionately affecting communities of color; Whereas in 2021, over 35,000 people became newly diagnosed with HIV in the United States; Whereas communities of color are disproportionately affected by HIV in the United States; Whereas in order to address the HIV epidemic in the United States, on August 18, 1990, Congress enacted the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act ( Public Law 101381 Ryan White CARE Act Whereas the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program provides services and support for over half of all people diagnosed with HIV in the United States; Whereas to further focus attention on the HIV/AIDS epidemic among minority communities in the United States, in 1998 the Minority AIDS Initiative was established to provide funds to State and local institutions and organizations to best serve the health care costs and support the needs of racial and ethnic minorities living with HIV; Whereas the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals established a global target to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030; Whereas in order to further address the global HIV/AIDS epidemic, in 2003, Congress and the White House created the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (referred to in this preamble as PEPFAR Whereas the United States PEPFAR program remains the largest commitment in history by any country to combat a single disease; Whereas 25,000,000 lives have been saved through PEPFAR; Whereas, as of September 30, 2022, PEPFAR has supported treatment for more than 20,000,000 people, and has enabled 5,500,000 infants of mothers living with HIV to be born HIV-free; Whereas in fiscal year 2021, PEPFAR directly supported HIV testing and counseling for 64,700,000 people; Whereas the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria was launched in 2002, and, as of 2022, has helped provide antiretroviral therapy to approximately 24,500,000 people living with HIV/AIDS and to 710,000 pregnant women to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS to their children, saving an estimated 59,000,000 lives; Whereas the United States is the largest donor to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and every $1 contributed by the United States leverages an additional $2 from other donors, as required by law; Whereas, with United States leadership, global partners pledged record amounts to combat infectious diseases at the seventh replenishment of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS in September 2022; Whereas considerable progress has been made in the fight against HIV/AIDS, including a nearly 40-percent reduction in new HIV infections, a nearly 60-percent reduction in new HIV infections among children, and a 50-percent reduction in the number of AIDS-related deaths between 2010 and 2022; Whereas approximately 29,800,000 people had access to antiretroviral therapy in 2022, compared to only 7,800,000 people who had access to such therapy in 2010; Whereas research funded by the National Institutes of Health found that HIV treatment not only saves the lives of people living with HIV, but people living with HIV on effective antiretroviral therapy and who are durably virally suppressed cannot sexually transmit HIV, proving that HIV treatment is prevention; Whereas it is estimated that, without treatment, half of all infants living with HIV will die before their second birthday; Whereas, despite the remarkable progress in combating HIV, significant challenges remain; Whereas there were approximately 1,300,000 new HIV infections in 2022 globally, structural barriers continue to make testing and treatment programs inaccessible to highly vulnerable populations, and an estimated 5,400,000 people living with HIV globally still do not know their HIV status; Whereas the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over 35,000 people were diagnosed with HIV in the United States in 2021 and 13 percent of the 1,200,000 people in the United States living with HIV are not aware of their HIV status; Whereas men who have sex with men (referred to in this preamble as MSM Whereas southern States bear the greatest burden of HIV in the United States, accounting for 52 percent of new infections in 2021; Whereas people living with HIV are frequently susceptible to other infections, such as hepatitis B and C and tuberculosis; Whereas the opioid and heroin epidemics have led to increased numbers of new HIV infections among people who inject drugs, and the crisis has disproportionately affected nonurban areas, where HIV prevalence rates have been low historically and have limited services for HIV prevention and treatment and substance use disorder treatment; Whereas 2023 marked the 20th anniversary of the PEPFAR program, an initiative launched by President George W. Bush with bi-partisan support that has become the primary policy instrument of the United States to address HIV/AIDS in the developing world; Whereas December 1 of each year is internationally recognized as World AIDS Day Whereas in 2023, commemorations for World AIDS Day recognize the essential role of communities in the global HIV/AIDS response: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports the goals and ideals of World AIDS Day, including the goal to achieve zero new human immunodeficiency virus (referred to in this resolution as HIV AIDS (2) commends achievements in combating HIV/AIDS through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act, the Minority HIV/AIDS Initiative, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Office of Minority Health, and the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services; (3) commends achievements in combating HIV/AIDS made by the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS; (4) supports efforts to end the HIV epidemic in the United States and around the world by 2030; (5) supports continued funding for prevention, care, and treatment services, and research programs for communities impacted by HIV and people living with HIV in the United States and globally; (6) urges, in order to ensure that an AIDS-free generation is achievable, rapid action by all countries toward further expansion and scale-up of antiretroviral treatment programs, including efforts to reduce disparities and improve access for children to life-saving medications; (7) encourages the scaling up of comprehensive prevention services, including biomedical and structural interventions, to ensure inclusive access to programs and appropriate protections for all people at risk of contracting HIV, especially in communities disproportionately impacted; (8) calls for greater focus on the HIV-related vulnerabilities of women and girls, including women and girls at risk for or who have survived violence or faced discrimination as a result of the disease; (9) supports continued leadership by the United States in domestic, bilateral, multilateral, and private sector efforts to fight HIV; (10) encourages input from civil society in the development and implementation of domestic and global HIV policies and programs that guide the response; (11) encourages and supports greater degrees of ownership and shared responsibility by developing countries in order to ensure the sustainability of the domestic responses to HIV/AIDS by those countries; and (12) urges other members of the international community to sustain and scale up their support for and financial contributions to efforts around the world to combat HIV. | Commemorating and supporting the goals of World AIDS Day. |
This resolution designates the week of May 14-May 20, 2023, as National Police Week. The resolution further recognizes law enforcement officers across the United States in the pursuit of preserving safe and secure communities; the need to ensure that such officers have the equipment, training, and resources necessary to protect their health and safety while they are protecting the public; and the law enforcement community for acts of sacrifice and heroism. The resolution expresses condolences and appreciation to the loved ones of each law enforcement officer who has made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. | Designating the week of May 14 through May 20, 2023, as National Police Week Whereas Federal, State, local, and Tribal police officers, sheriffs, and other law enforcement officers across the United States serve with valor, dignity, and integrity; Whereas law enforcement officers are charged with (1) pursuing justice for all individuals; and (2) performing the duties of a law enforcement officer with fidelity to the constitutional and civil rights of the public the officers serve; Whereas law enforcement officers swear an oath to uphold the public trust even though, through the performance of the duties of a law enforcement officer, the officers may become targets for senseless acts of violence; Whereas law enforcement officers have bravely continued to meet the call of duty to ensure the security of their neighborhoods and communities at the risk of their own personal safety in the time of a viral pandemic; Whereas the resolve to service is clearly demonstrated by law enforcement officers across the country who have tragically fallen ill or passed away due to complications of COVID19 contracted in the line of duty; Whereas, in 1962, President John Fitzgerald Kennedy signed Public Law 87726 Peace Officers Memorial Day Whereas the Joint Resolution also authorizes the President to designate the week in which Peace Officers Memorial Day falls as National Police Week Whereas the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, dedicated on October 15, 1991, is the national monument to honor those law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty; Whereas Peace Officers Memorial Day, 2023, honors the 443 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty during 2022, including (1) JMar C. Abel; (2) Jennifer S. Abramowitz; (3) Paul C. Adam; (4) Neil P. Adams; (5) Austin D Aldridge; (6) Darren Almendarez; (7) Emanuele Alongi; (8) Jorge D. Alvarado, Jr.; (9) Jamie J. Arakawa; (10) Jorge A. Arias; (11) Steven H. Armbruster; (12) Terry R. Arnold; (13) Bart L. Arnold; (14) Fernando U. Arroyos; (15) J. Adam Ashworth; (16) Jan-Harold L. Astree; (17) Darrell Avery; (18) Clarence G. Backherms; (19) Troy T. Bailey; (20) Thomas E. Baker III; (21) Chris A. Bardwell; (22) Richard L. Barnes; (23) Roy A. Barr, Jr.; (24) Hugh P. Bartlett, Jr.; (25) James P. Bast; (26) Anthony N. Bautista; (27) Gary L. Bean; (28) Chad M. Beattie; (29) Gregory J. Bednarek; (30) Fred D. Beers III; (31) Wayne E. Bennett; (32) John W. Berry III; (33) Richard A. Bianchi, Jr.; (34) Kahlil J. Biddle; (35) Collin B. Birnie; (36) John G. Blankenship; (37) Matthew W. Blansett; (38) Steven S. Bobbitt; (39) Oscar Y. Bolanos-Anavisca, Jr.; (40) Mickey J. Bowen; (41) Christopher M. Bracks; (42) Gerald T. Brennan; (43) John B. Broadaway; (44) Christopher J. Broadhead; (45) Marzell J. Brooks; (46) Shannon M. Browning; (47) Tamar A. Bucci; (48) Barbara Burnette; (49) Lane A. Burns; (50) Seara B. Burton; (51) Lorenzo Bustos; (52) Ronald R. Butler; (53) Ned P. Byrd; (54) Ramon Caban, Jr.; (55) Lawrence E. Cabana; (56) Dominique B. Calata; (57) Joseph C. Capriotti; (58) Gino Caputo; (59) Jeffrey H. Carson; (60) Sidnee T. Carter; (61) Jody W. Cash; (62) Charles W. Catron; (63) Joshua D. Caudell; (64) Jacob R. Chaffins; (65) Michael D. Chandler; (66) Jennifer L. Chavis; (67) F. Brent Chomyszak; (68) Philip C. Closi; (69) William E. Collins, Jr.; (70) Edward A. Contreras, Jr.; (71) Benjamin L. Cooper; (72) Trey S. Copeland; (73) Isaiah A. Cordero; (74) Loren M. Courts; (75) Rodrick C. Covington; (76) Robert P. Craft; (77) Thomas C. Craig; (78) Daniel L. Creighbaum; (79) Enrico J. Crisafi; (80) James J. Critchelow; (81) Kennis W. Croom; (82) Donald R. Crooms; (83) Tommy W. Cudd; (84) Scott R. Dawley; (85) Manuel P. De La Rosa; (86) Jose A. De Leon; (87) William J. Deblock; (88) Jeffrey P. Dela Cruz; (89) Kenneth P. Delano; (90) Vincent A. Demarino; (91) Dustin W. Demonte; (92) John J. Donohue; (93) Tracy J. Dotson; (94) Laurence J. Dougherty; (95) Cornelius J. Douglas; (96) Matthew E. Dow; (97) Jade N. Drennan; (98) Jason T. Dumlao; (99) Michael D. Dunn; (100) Patrick D. Dupree; (101) Kevin D. Dupree; (102) Robert E. Duran; (103) Arthur G. Duron; (104) Ray E. East; (105) Cesar Echaverry, Jr.; (106) Bruce R. Eckhoff; (107) Peter C. Egan; (108) Scott P. Enser; (109) Ricky A. Entmeier; (110) Marshall S. Ervin, Jr.; (111) Jerry Esparza; (112) Branden P. Estorffe; (113) David G. Evans; (114) Christopher N. Fariello; (115) Thomas J. Fennessy; (116) Carmen M. Figueroa; (117) Steven R. Finley; (118) Matthew R. Fishman; (119) Addison M. Ford, Sr.; (120) David Formeza; (121) Frederick L. Forni; (122) Darryl W. Fortner; (123) Melissa M. France; (124) Dominic M. Francis; (125) Ralph H. Frasure; (126) Sean M. Free; (127) Michael S. Fuller; (128) Tolbert A. Furr; (129) Joseph J. Gallagher; (130) Charles E. Galloway, Jr.; (131) Pedro Garcia; (132) Maria A. Garcia; (133) Brian J. Gaunt; (134) Michael E. German; (135) Matthew S. Gibbs; (136) Christopher D. Gibson; (137) Michael L. Gillis; (138) Sheli Y. Godbold; (139) Michael W. Godwin; (140) Joseph W. Goertz; (141) Jose E. Gomez; (142) Diane Gonzalez; (143) Raul H. Gonzalez, Jr.; (144) Hector M. Gonzalez, Jr.; (145) Darryl L. Goodrich, Jr.; (146) Edward R. Gorczynski, Jr.; (147) Vincent K. Gough; (148) Thomas J. Graham, Jr.; (149) John L. Grampovnik; (150) Frank D. Gualdino; (151) Jack L. Guthrie, Jr.; (152) Ramon Gutierrez, Jr.; (153) Raymond J. Gutierrez; (154) Loi H. Ha; (155) Ray C. Hamilton; (156) Alex A. Hamzy; (157) Burke N. Hannibal; (158) William R. Hargraves; (159) Ty'Isha R. Harper; (160) Raymond Harris; (161) Michael R. Hartwick; (162) William C. Hayes; (163) Shawn P. Hennessee; (164) David H. Henry; (165) Jeffrey L. Hermanson; (166) Glenn R. Hilliard; (167) Braxton M. Hofman; (168) James D. Holdman, Jr.; (169) Gregory T. Horne, Sr.; (170) Matthew S. Horton; (171) John S. Horton; (172) Michael A. Houlahan; (173) Robert A. Howard; (174) Michael S. Howard; (175) Dennis J. Howard; (176) Richard C. Howe; (177) Jose M. Huerta; (178) Raymond D. Hughes; (179) Jeremiah J. Hunt; (180) Bridgette L. Hunter; (181) Travis D. Hurley; (182) Thomas K. Hutchison; (183) David L. Ingle; (184) Jordan T. Jackson; (185) Valerie K. Jacobs; (186) Walter D. Jenkins, Jr.; (187) Christopher A. Jenkins; (188) Jewel Jenkins; (189) Matthew A. Jimenez; (190) Franklin Joe; (191) Bradley S.H. Johnson; (192) Lonnie D. Johnson, Jr.; (193) Walter L. Johnson; (194) David P. Jones; (195) Corille C. Jones; (196) Kenneth C. Jones; (197) William D. Kelley; (198) Gary R. Kelley; (199) Daniel J. Kin; (200) Douglas M. King; (201) Kevin K. Kokinis; (202) Jonathan R. Koleski; (203) Lawrence G. Koren; (204) Nicholas J. Kozak; (205) Daniel R. Krupa; (206) Emilio Laboy; (207) Blane L. Lane; (208) Jesus D. Lara, III; (209) James A. Lear; (210) William D. Lebo; (211) Amber J. Leist; (212) Tyler R. Lenehan; (213) Todd L. Leveille; (214) Michael A. Levison; (215) Howard C. Liebengood; (216) Oliver J. Little; (217) Matthew S. Locke; (218) Mark A. Loecken; (219) Anthony L. Lombardo; (220) Richard D.R. Lopez; (221) Adrian Lopez, Sr.; (222) Raphael A. Lora; (223) John D. Luck; (224) Carl R. Ludwig; (225) Kenneth Maccallum; (226) Michel O. Maceda; (227) Martin F. Mack, III; (228) Barbara A. Majors Fenley; (229) Vladimir N. Maleev; (230) Frederick G. Maley; (231) Brian J. Maley; (232) Anthony D. Martin; (233) Anthony W. Martin; (234) Julio C. Martinez; (235) Ruben Martinez, Sr.; (236) David A. Mathura; (237) Anthony P. Mazurkiewicz; (238) Brian K. Mcadams, Sr.; (239) Robert F. Mccormack; (240) James M. Mcwhorter; (241) Gregory L. Means; (242) Joseph J. Mecca, Jr.; (243) Logan K. Medlock; (244) Armando F. Meneses; (245) John P. Mestas; (246) Joshua P. Micun; (247) Robert M. Miller; (248) Bradley A. Miller; (249) Robert C. Mills; (250) John Minchilli; (251) David E. Mize; (252) Patrick G. Monroe; (253) James B. Montgomery; (254) Matthew C. Moore; (255) Marquis D. Moorer; (256) Wilbert D. Mora; (257) Ivan M. Morales; (258) Gerardo Morales; (259) George C. Moreno; (260) Michael K. Morgan; (261) James R. Morgan; (262) Christopher M. Mortensen; (263) Vince A. Mullins; (264) Terence P. Mulvey; (265) Dennis P. Murphy; (266) Stacy A. Murrow; (267) Andrew L. Myers; (268) David W. Myers, Jr.; (269) Shaneca C. Napier; (270) Thomas L. Neal; (271) Jeffery W. Neel; (272) Robert D. Negri, Jr.; (273) Christopher J. Nelson; (274) Paul D. Newell; (275) David J. Nieves; (276) Brian J. Norton; (277) Steven R. Nothem, II; (278) Wayne B. Nowell, Jr.; (279) Hector M. Nunez; (280) Cecil E. Nunley; (281) Michael R. ODonnell; (282) Caleb D. Ogilvie; (283) Cody A. Olafson; (284) Kenneth C. Olander; (285) Earnest F. Oldham; (286) Carlos D. Ortiz; (287) Scott B. Owens; (288) Tyrell A. Owens-Riley; (289) John E. Painter; (290) Michael D. Paredes; (291) Kyle L. Patterson; (292) Johnny R. Patterson; (293) Scott M. Patton; (294) Andrew S. Peery; (295) Jay V. Pena; (296) Josip Peperni; (297) Jose A. Perez; (298) Ramiro Perez, III; (299) Edward L. Perez; (300) Matthew A. Perlungher; (301) William E. Petry; (302) Mark A. Pike; (303) Stephen C. Plum, Jr.; (304) Neil E. Porter; (305) Kevin L. Pounders; (306) Lawrence J. Prehn; (307) Nicholas Purpero; (308) Michael J. Queeney; (309) Joseph F. Quillen, Jr.; (310) David M. Ragle; (311) Andrea R.J. Rainer; (312) Noah C. Rainey; (313) Lorin M. Readmond; (314) Michael J. Reass; (315) Kevin D. Redding; (316) Jake A. Reed; (317) Robert J. Reidy; (318) Jamie L. Reynolds; (319) Frank K. Rezac, Jr.; (320) Austin W. Richardson; (321) Jeffrey M.D. Richardson; (322) Donald E. Riffe, Jr.; (323) Michael J. Riley; (324) Scott O. Riner; (325) Sean S. Rios; (326) Kaitlyn B. Ritnour; (327) Jason Rivera; (328) Robert Rivera; (329) Jose R. Rivera; (330) Ricky N. Roberts; (331) Steven M. Robin; (332) Ernest M. Robinson; (333) Daniel C. Rocha; (334) Steven L. Rodriguez; (335) Frank Rodriguez, Jr.; (336) Lewis W. Roller; (337) Pedro Romo; (338) Frank Rosado; (339) Brian L. Rowland; (340) Harold L. Russell, II; (341) Rhonda J. Russell; (342) Donald L. Sahota; (343) Anthony C. Salas; (344) Daniel H. Salazar; (345) Daniel J. Sanchez; (346) Mike E. Sanchez, Jr.; (347) Robert E. Sandoval; (348) Douglas W. Sanford; (349) Joseph A. Santana; (350) Raquel V. Saunders; (351) Toamalama W.L. Scanlan; (352) Billy W. Scheets; (353) Donald M. Scoby; (354) Coby B. Seckinger; (355) Brian L. Sember; (356) Noah J. Shahnavaz; (357) William J. Shibley; (358) Brian R. Shields; (359) Daryl W. Shuey; (360) Nichole M. Shuff-Balint; (361) Deborah Simpson-Rosario; (362) Daniel Sincavage; (363) Branden T. Sisca; (364) Helen M. Smith; (365) Reginald K. Smith; (366) Lee E. Smith; (367) Justin L. Smith; (368) Gerald R. Smith; (369) Mark Smith; (370) Lonnie P. Sneed; (371) Walter L. Soileau, Jr.; (372) William Soto; (373) Dustin K. Speckels; (374) Michael R. Springer; (375) John D. Stayrook; (376) Richard L. Stephens; (377) Myiesha B. Stewart; (378) Edward L. Stewart; (379) John Stewart; (380) Charles G. Stipetich; (381) Kevin J. Stolinsky; (382) Jeremiah J. Story; (383) Terry W. Stowe; (384) Trey M. Sutton; (385) James R. Svec; (386) Leonard J. Swanson; (387) Robert B. Swartz; (388) James G. Sweeney; (389) Gary R. Taccone; (390) Yiu T. Tao; (391) Steven M. Taylor; (392) Christopher E.J. Taylor; (393) Timothy D. Tellez; (394) Justin M. Terry; (395) Truong T. Thai; (396) Kenneth J. Thurman, Sr.; (397) Joseph R. Tinoco; (398) Houston R. Tipping; (399) Lloyd M. Todd; (400) Erin L. Tokley; (401) Richard L. Tostenson; (402) Gregory L. Triplett; (403) Joseph A. Tripoli; (404) Brandon P. Tsai; (405) Talmadge L. Tucker, Jr.; (406) Nicholas W. Tullier; (407) Christopher M. Tully; (408) Brian W. Turner; (409) Jeffrey R. Turner; (410) Dillon M. Vakoff; (411) Lee D. Vance, Jr.; (412) Sean E. Vandenberg; (413) Charles B. Vannatta; (414) Daniel F. Vasquez; (415) Christopher M. Vaughn; (416) Phillip J. Vavrinec, Jr.; (417) Nicholas J. Vella; (418) Rachel E. Vielmas; (419) Janell L. Visser; (420) Thomas D. Vitale; (421) Matthew A. Vogel; (422) Brian L. Vogel; (423) Matthew S. Von Seydewitz; (424) Charles C. Vroom, IV; (425) Michael E. Wall; (426) Daniel T. Wallace; (427) Adam J. Webb; (428) Gary L. Weinke; (429) Nicholas D. Weist; (430) Timothy E. Werner; (431) Manuel C. Widner; (432) Jeremy M.B. Wilkins; (433) John K. Williams; (434) Jayme L. Williams; (435) Freddie L. Wilson; (436) LaQuintin J. Wilson; (437) John J. Wojciechowski; (438) Curtis M. Worland; (439) Dale L. Wyman; (440) Matthew E. Yates; (441) Robert C. Ynclan; (442) Robert P. Young; (443) Kay W. Zeger, Jr.; and (444) Kristina M. Zell; Whereas, according to the Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted Program of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (also known as the LEOKA Program That the Senate (1) designates the week of May 14 through May 20, 2023, as National Police Week (2) expresses unwavering support for law enforcement officers across the United States in the pursuit of preserving safe and secure communities; (3) recognizes the need to ensure that law enforcement officers have the equipment, training, and resources that are necessary in order to protect the health and safety of the officers while the officers protect the public; (4) recognizes the law enforcement community for continual unseen acts of sacrifice and heroism, especially in the midst of the COVID19 pandemic crisis faced by the United States; (5) acknowledges that police officers and other law enforcement personnel, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, should be remembered and honored; (6) expresses condolences and solemn appreciation to the loved ones of each law enforcement officer who has made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty; and (7) encourages the people of the United States to observe National Police Week by honoring law enforcement personnel and promoting awareness of the essential mission that law enforcement personnel undertake in service to their communities and the United States. | Designating the week of May 14 through May 20, 2023, as National Police Week. |
This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that (1) for purposes of federal law, an individual's sex means the individual's biological sex at birth; and (2) distinctions between the sexes are justified in certain settings, laws, and policies. | Establishing a Womens Bill of Rights to reaffirm legal protections afforded to women under Federal law. Whereas males and females possess unique and immutable biological differences that manifest prior to birth and increase as they age and experience puberty; Whereas biological differences between the sexes mean that only females may get pregnant, give birth, and breastfeed children; Whereas biological differences between the sexes mean that males are, on average, larger in size and possess greater body strength than females; Whereas biological differences between the sexes can expose females to more harm than males from specific forms of violence, including sexual violence; Whereas women have achieved inspirational and significant accomplishments in education, athletics, and employment; and Whereas recent misguided court rulings related to the definition of sex That the Senate reaffirms that (1) for the purposes of Federal law, the sex (2) for the purposes of Federal laws addressing sex, the terms woman girl man boy (3) for the purposes of Federal law, the word mother father (4) there are important reasons to distinguish between the sexes with respect to athletics, prisons, domestic violence shelters, restrooms, and other areas, particularly where biology, safety, and privacy are implicated; (5) policies and laws that distinguish between the sexes are subject to intermediate constitutional scrutiny and permitted when they serve an important governmental objective and are substantially related to achieving that objective; and (6) for the purposes of complying with Federal laws that require State and local government agencies to collect or report data disaggregated by sex, such as Federal antidiscrimination laws, agencies are required to base such data on the biological sex of individuals at birth. | Establishing a Womens Bill of Rights to reaffirm legal protections afforded to women under Federal law. |
This resolution supports the designation of Malnutrition Awareness Week. | Supporting the designation of the week of September 18 through September 22, 2023, as Malnutrition Awareness Week Whereas malnutrition is the condition that occurs when an individual does not get enough protein, calories, or nutrients; Whereas malnutrition is a significant problem in the United States and around the world, crossing all age, racial, class, gender, and geographic lines; Whereas malnutrition can be driven by social determinants of health, including poverty or economic instability, access to affordable healthcare, and low health literacy; Whereas there are inextricable and cyclical links between poverty and malnutrition; Whereas the Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as when an individual or household does not have regular, reliable access to the foods needed for good health; Whereas communities of color, across all age groups, are disproportionately likely to experience both food insecurity and malnutrition; Whereas Black children are almost 3 times more likely to live in a food-insecure household than White children; Whereas infants, older adults, individuals with chronic diseases, and other vulnerable populations are particularly at risk for malnutrition; Whereas the American Academy of Pediatrics has found that failure to provide key nutrients during early childhood may result in lifelong deficits in brain function; Whereas disease-associated malnutrition affects between 30 and 50 percent of patients admitted to hospitals, and the medical costs of hospitalized patients with malnutrition can be 300 percent more than the medical costs of properly nourished patients; Whereas, according to the report entitled National Blueprint: Achieving Quality Malnutrition Care for Older Adults, 2020 Update 1/2 Whereas, according to recent surveys conducted by the Aging Network (1) 76 percent of older adults receiving meals at senior centers and other congregate facilities report improved health outcomes; and (2) 84 percent of older adults receiving home-delivered meals indicate improved health outcomes; Whereas disease-associated malnutrition in older adults alone costs the United States more than $51,300,000,000 each year; and Whereas the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition established Malnutrition Awareness Week That the Senate (1) supports the designation of Malnutrition Awareness Week (2) recognizes registered dietitian nutritionists and other nutrition professionals, health care providers, school food service workers, social workers, advocates, caregivers, and other professionals and agencies for their efforts to advance awareness about, treatment for, and prevention of malnutrition; (3) recognizes the importance of Federal nutrition programs, including the nutrition programs under title III of the Older Americans Act of 1965 ( 42 U.S.C. 3021 et seq. (4) supports increased funding for the critical programs described in paragraph (3); (5) recognizes (A) the importance of medical nutrition therapy under the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq. (B) the need for vulnerable populations to have access to nutrition counseling; (6) recognizes the importance of the innovative research conducted by the National Institutes of Health relating to (A) nutrition, dietary patterns, and the human gastrointestinal microbiome; and (B) how the factors described in subparagraph (A) influence the prevention or development of chronic disease throughout the lifespan; (7) supports access to malnutrition screening and assessment for all patients; (8) encourages the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to evaluate the implementation of newly approved malnutrition electronic clinical quality measures; and (9) acknowledges the importance of access to healthy food for children, especially in childcare settings and schools, and the benefits of evidence-based nutrition standards. | Supporting the designation of the week of September 18 through September 22, 2023, as Malnutrition Awareness Week. |
This resolution requests that the Department of State provide Congress with information on Saudi Arabia's human rights practices. The resolution also requests a description of the steps the United States has taken to promote human rights in Saudi Arabia and an assessment of circumstances that necessitate continuation of security assistance to Saudi Arabia. It also requests certain other items of information, including, for example, an assessment of the likelihood of Saudi Arabia using U.S. security assistance in the war in Yemen. | Requesting information on Saudi Arabias human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. 1. Request for information on Saudi Arabias human rights practices (a) Statement requested The Senate requests that the Secretary of State, not later than 30 days after the date of the adoption of this resolution, transmits to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives 22 U.S.C. 2304(c) (b) Elements The statement submitted under subsection (a) should include (1) all available credible information concerning alleged violations of internationally recognized human rights by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including (A) torture and inhuman treatment of detainees; (B) execution of people for nonviolent offenses; (C) discrimination against women; (D) severe restrictions on religious freedom; (E) forced disappearances; (F) transnational repression; and (G) the denial of the right to life in the context of the armed conflict in Yemen caused by indiscriminate or disproportionate operations; (2) a description of the steps that the United States Government has taken (A) to promote respect for and observance of human rights as part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabias activities, including in the context of the armed conflict in Yemen; (B) to discourage any practices that are inimical to internationally recognized human rights; and (C) to publicly or privately call attention to, and disassociate the United States and any security assistance provided for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from, any practices described in subparagraph (B); (3) an assessment, notwithstanding any practices described in paragraph (2)(B), whether extraordinary circumstances exist that necessitate a continuation of security assistance for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; (4) if such circumstances exist, a description of the circumstances and the extent to which security assistance should be continued (subject to such conditions as Congress may impose under section 502B of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 ( 22 U.S.C. 2304 (5) other information, including (A) an assessment from the Secretary of State of the likelihood that United States security assistance (as defined in section 502B(d) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 ( 22 U.S.C. 2304(d) (B) a description and assessment of the actions that the United States Government is taking to ensure end use monitoring protocols for all weapons sold or transferred to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for use in Yemen; (C) an assessment of any impact or adverse effect to Israels qualitative military edge of security assistance provided by the United States or other countries; (D) a description of any actions that the United States Government is taking to address allegations of detention, torture, or forced disappearances of United States citizens by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; (E) a description of any actions that the United States Government is taking to deter incidents of intimidation or harassment by the Government of Saudi Arabia against United States citizens, individuals in the United States, and their family members who are not United States citizens, whether living in Saudi Arabia or in the United States; and (F) a description of any actions that the United States Government is taking to prevent the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from aiding Saudi citizens accused of violent crimes in the United States to flee from the United States. | Requesting information on Saudi Arabias human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. |
This resolution establishes a Senate committee to join with a corresponding House of Representatives committee, which shall notify the President that a quorum of each chamber has assembled. | Establishing a Committee to Inform the President of the United States that a quorum of each House is assembled. That a committee consisting of two Senators be appointed to join such committee as may be appointed by the House of Representatives to wait upon the President of the United States and inform him that a quorum of each House is assembled and that the Congress is ready to receive any communication he may be pleased to make. | Establishing a Committee to Inform the President of the United States that a quorum of each House is assembled. |
This resolution condemns Russia's wrongful detention of U.S. citizens and residents and demands their immediate release. The resolution also calls on the United States to designate Vladimir Kara-Murza as wrongfully detained under U.S. law; demands that Russian leadership be held accountable for their inhumane and unjust actions against their own citizens; and calls on the United States to designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism. | Condemning the wrongful detainment of United States citizens and residents by the Russian Federation, and for other purposes. Whereas the Constitution of the Russian Federation guarantees the right to assemble, freedom from censorship, and the freedom of speech and thought to its citizens; Whereas, under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin, the Government of the Russian Federation has failed to protect these ideals and has used the power of the state to diminish the rights of Russians and others within its borders and across the territories Russia unlawfully occupies; Whereas President Putins regime has used the power of the state to unlawfully detain individuals committed to fighting corruption within the Russian Federation; Whereas President Putins regime has unjustly targeted and detained individuals such as Sergei Magnitsky, who provided evidence that $230,000,000 had been stolen from the Russian treasury by senior Russian officials; Whereas Sergei Magnitsky died at the age of 37 after being denied critical medical care while being unjustly detained in inhuman conditions; Whereas President Putins regime also utilizes the power of the state to target political opponents and repress freedom of speech, thought, and expression; Whereas Alexey Navalny, a Russian opposition leader and vocal critic of President Putin, has been unjustly detained and subject to poisoning by the Kremlin; Whereas the Putin regime has also used its power to unjustly detain citizens of the United States; Whereas United States citizen Paul Whelan is currently serving a 16-year prison sentence after being wrongfully detained by the Russian Federation for espionage; Whereas, following Paul Whelans conviction on June 15, 2020, the Department of State released a statement demanding his immediate release, and this statement continues to be ignored by the Government of the Russian Federation; Whereas, on April 12, 2022, United States resident Vladimir Kara-Murza was arrested for condemning Russias war in Ukraine and was charged with spreading deliberately false information Whereas, on April 17, 2023, Vladimir Kara-Murza was convicted of treason and sentenced to 25 years in prison; Whereas additional United States citizens continue to be detained in Russia for unjust cause, including American journalist Evan Gershkovich; Whereas wrongful detention, as defined in section 302 of the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act ( 22 U.S.C. 1741 Whereas, under section 302 of the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act ( 22 U.S.C. 1741 Whereas a referral to SPEHA, pursuant to Executive Order No. 14078 (relating to Bolstering Efforts To Bring Hostages and Wrongfully Detained United States Nationals Home), allows SPEHA to utilize additional tools not regularly available in order to deter and disrupt hostage-taking and wrongful detentions by imposing costs on terrorist organizations, criminal groups, and other malicious actors who take hostages for financial, political, or other gains and thus threaten the integrity of the international political system and the safety of United States nationals and other persons abroad; Whereas, on April 17, 2023, United States Ambassador to the Russian Federation Lynne Tracy stated, The right to have political opinions, or to disagree with the decisions of ones own government, are fundamental freedoms enshrined in both the Russian constitution and international treaties to which Russia is a party. Whereas the Government of the Russian Federation, under the leadership of President Putin, has clearly failed to uphold the values guaranteed in the Russian constitution and the international treaties the Russian Federation is party to; Whereas the actions of President Putins regime, including illegal detainments, military operations against sovereign nation states, and attacks on political opponents, constitute acts of international terrorism; Whereas, under chapter 113B international terrorism (1) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population; (2) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or (3) to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping; Whereas, at a minimum, the Government of the Russian Federations treatment of detained Americans, Russian citizens, and others through inhuman prison conditions, including the lack of medical care, and the lack of due process constitutes a danger to human life which would be a criminal violation in the United States and is clearly intended to intimidate or coerce the free exercise of rights available to individuals in the Russian Federation; and Whereas United States law authorizes the designation of countries that have repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism as state sponsors of terrorism: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) calls on the United States Government to designate Vladimir Kara-Murza as wrongfully detained under United States law; (2) condemns the wrongful detainment of all United States citizens and residents by the Government of the Russian Federation and demands their immediate release from such detention; (3) stands with the people of Russia in their desire to exercise freedom of speech and expression, without retaliation by an oppressive regime; (4) demands that the Russian leadership be held accountable for their inhumane and unjust actions against their own citizens who want nothing less than to be represented by a fair and just government; and (5) calls on the United States Government to immediately designate the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism under United States law. | Condemning the wrongful detainment of United States citizens and residents by the Russian Federation, and for other purposes. |
This resolution calls for the creation of a Green New Deal with the goals of achieving greenhouse gas and toxic emissions reductions needed to stay under 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming; establishing millions of high-wage union jobs and ensuring economic security for all; investing in infrastructure and industry; securing clean air and water, climate and community resiliency, healthy food, access to nature, and a sustainable environment for all; and promoting justice and equality. The resolution calls for accomplishment of these goals through a 10-year national mobilization effort. The resolution also enumerates the goals and projects of the mobilization effort, including building smart power grids (i.e., power grids that enable customers to reduce their power use during peak demand periods); upgrading all existing buildings and constructing new buildings to achieve maximum energy and water efficiency; removing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation and agricultural sectors; cleaning up existing hazardous waste and abandoned sites; ensuring businesspersons are free from unfair competition; and providing higher education, high-quality health care, and affordable, safe, and adequate housing to all. | Recognizing the duty of the Federal Government to create a Green New Deal. Whereas the October 2018 report entitled Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 C (1) human activity is the dominant cause of observed climate change over the past century; (2) a changing climate is causing sea levels to rise and an increase in wildfires, severe storms, droughts, and other extreme weather events that threaten human life, healthy communities, and critical infrastructure; (3) global warming at or greater than 2 degrees Celsius beyond preindustrialized levels will cause (A) mass migration from the regions most affected by climate change; (B) more than $500,000,000,000 in lost annual economic output in the United States by the year 2100; (C) wildfires that, by 2050, will annually burn at least twice as much forest area in the western United States than was typically burned by wildfires in the years preceding 2019; (D) a loss of more than 99 percent of all coral reefs on Earth; (E) more than 350,000,000 more people to be exposed globally to deadly heat stress by 2050; and (F) a risk of damage to $1,000,000,000,000 of public infrastructure and coastal real estate in the United States; and (4) global temperatures must be kept less than 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrialized levels to avoid the most severe impacts of a changing climate, which will require (A) global reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from human sources of 40 to 60 percent from 2010 levels by 2030; and (B) net-zero global emissions by 2050; Whereas, because the United States has historically been responsible for a disproportionate amount of greenhouse gas emissions, having emitted 20 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions through 2014, and has a high technological capacity, the United States must take a leading role in reducing emissions through economic transformation; Whereas the United States is currently experiencing several related crises, with (1) life expectancy declining while basic needs, such as clean air, clean water, healthy food, and adequate health care, housing, transportation, and education, are inaccessible to a significant portion of the United States population; (2) a 4-decade trend of wage stagnation, deindustrialization, and antilabor policies that has led to (A) hourly wages overall stagnating since the 1970s despite increased worker productivity; (B) the third-worst level of socioeconomic mobility in the developed world before the Great Recession; (C) the erosion of the earning and bargaining power of workers in the United States; and (D) inadequate resources for public sector workers to confront the challenges of climate change at the Federal, State, and local level; and (3) the greatest income inequality since the 1920s, with (A) the top 1 percent of earners accruing 91 percent of gains in the first few years of economic recovery after the Great Recession; (B) a large racial wealth divide amounting to a difference of 20 times more wealth between the average White family and the average Black family; and (C) a gender earnings gap that results in women earning approximately 80 percent as much as men, at the median; Whereas climate change, pollution, and environmental destruction have exacerbated systemic racial, regional, social, environmental, and economic injustices (referred to in this preamble as systemic injustices frontline and vulnerable communities Whereas climate change constitutes a direct threat to the national security of the United States (1) by impacting the economic, environmental, and social stability of countries and communities around the world; and (2) by acting as a threat multiplier; Whereas the Federal Government-led mobilizations during World War II and the New Deal created the greatest middle class that the United States has ever seen, but many members of frontline and vulnerable communities were excluded from many of the economic and societal benefits of those mobilizations; and Whereas the Senate recognizes that a new national, social, industrial, and economic mobilization on a scale not seen since World War II and the New Deal era is a historic opportunity (1) to create millions of good, high-wage jobs in the United States; (2) to provide unprecedented levels of prosperity and economic security for all people of the United States; and (3) to counteract systemic injustices: Now, therefore, be it That it is the sense of the Senate that (1) it is the duty of the Federal Government to create a Green New Deal (A) to achieve the greenhouse gas and toxic emissions reductions needed to stay under 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming, through a fair and just transition for all communities and workers; (B) to create millions of good, high-wage union jobs and encourage collective bargaining agreements to ensure prosperity and economic security for all people of the United States; (C) to invest in the infrastructure and industry of the United States to sustainably meet the challenges of the 21st century; (D) to secure for all people of the United States for generations to come (i) clean air and water; (ii) climate and community resiliency; (iii) healthy food; (iv) access to nature; and (v) a sustainable environment; and (E) to promote justice and equity by stopping current, preventing future, and repairing historic oppression of indigenous peoples, communities of color, migrant communities, deindustrialized communities, depopulated rural communities, the poor, low-income workers, women, the elderly, the unhoused, people with disabilities, and youth (referred to in this resolution as frontline and vulnerable communities (2) the goals described in subparagraphs (A) through (E) of paragraph (1) (referred to in this resolution as the Green New Deal goals Green New Deal mobilization (A) building resiliency against climate change-related disasters, such as extreme weather, including by leveraging funding and providing investments for community-defined projects and strategies; (B) repairing and upgrading the infrastructure in the United States, including (i) by eliminating pollution and greenhouse gas emissions as much as technologically feasible; (ii) by guaranteeing universal access to clean water; (iii) by reducing the risks posed by climate impacts; and (iv) by ensuring that any infrastructure bill considered by Congress addresses climate change; (C) meeting 100 percent of the power demand in the United States through clean, renewable, and zero-emission energy sources, including (i) by dramatically expanding and upgrading renewable power sources; and (ii) by deploying new capacity; (D) building or upgrading to energy-efficient, distributed, and smart (E) upgrading all existing buildings in the United States and building new buildings to achieve maximum energy efficiency, water efficiency, safety, affordability, comfort, and durability, including through electrification; (F) spurring massive growth in clean manufacturing in the United States and removing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing and industry as much as is technologically feasible, including by expanding renewable energy manufacturing and investing in existing manufacturing and industry; (G) working collaboratively with farmers and ranchers in the United States to remove pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector as much as is technologically feasible, including (i) by supporting family farming; (ii) by investing in sustainable farming and land use practices that increase soil health; and (iii) by building a more sustainable food system that ensures universal access to healthy food; (H) overhauling transportation systems in the United States to remove pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector as much as is technologically feasible, including through investment in (i) zero-emission vehicle and non-motorized alternative modes of transportation infrastructure and manufacturing; (ii) clean, affordable, and accessible public transit; and (iii) high-speed rail; (I) mitigating and managing the long-term adverse health, economic, and other effects of pollution and climate change, including by providing funding for community-defined projects and strategies; (J) removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and reducing pollution by restoring natural ecosystems through proven low-tech solutions that increase soil carbon storage, such as land preservation and afforestation; (K) restoring and protecting threatened, endangered, and fragile ecosystems through locally appropriate and science-based projects that enhance biodiversity and support climate resiliency; (L) cleaning up existing hazardous waste sites and abandoned sites and ensuring economic development and sustainability on those sites; (M) identifying other emission and pollution sources and creating solutions to remove them; and (N) promoting the international exchange of technology, expertise, products, funding, and services, with the aim of making the United States the international leader on climate action and to help other countries achieve a Green New Deal; (3) a Green New Deal must be developed through transparent and inclusive consultation, collaboration, and partnership with frontline and vulnerable communities, labor organizations, worker cooperatives, civil society groups, academia, and businesses; and (4) to achieve the Green New Deal goals and mobilization, a Green New Deal will require (A) providing and leveraging, in a way that ensures that the public receives appropriate ownership stakes and returns on investment, adequate capital (including through community grants, public banks, and other public financing), technical expertise, supporting policies, and other forms of assistance to communities, organizations, Federal, State, and local government agencies, and businesses working on the Green New Deal mobilization; (B) ensuring that the Federal Government takes into account the complete environmental and social costs and impacts of emissions through (i) existing laws; (ii) new policies and programs; and (iii) ensuring that frontline and vulnerable communities shall not be adversely affected; (C) providing resources, training, and high-quality education, including higher education, to all people of the United States, with a focus on frontline and vulnerable communities, so that all people of the United States may be full and equal participants in the Green New Deal mobilization; (D) making public investments in the research and development of new clean and renewable energy technologies and industries; (E) directing investments to spur economic development, deepen and diversify industry and business in local and regional economies, and build wealth and community ownership, while prioritizing high-quality job creation and economic, social, and environmental benefits in frontline and vulnerable communities, and deindustrialized communities, that may otherwise struggle with the transition away from greenhouse gas intensive industries; (F) ensuring the use of democratic and participatory processes that are inclusive of and led by frontline and vulnerable communities and workers to plan, implement, and administer the Green New Deal mobilization at the local level; (G) ensuring that the Green New Deal mobilization creates high-quality union jobs that pay prevailing wages, hires local workers, offers training and advancement opportunities, and guarantees direct replacement of lost wages, health care, retirement, and other benefits for workers affected by the transition; (H) guaranteeing a job with a family-sustaining wage, adequate family and medical leave, paid vacations, and retirement security to all people of the United States; (I) strengthening and protecting the right of all workers to organize, unionize, and collectively bargain free of coercion, intimidation, and harassment; (J) strengthening and enforcing labor, workplace health and safety, antidiscrimination, and wage and hour standards across all employers, industries, and sectors; (K) enacting and enforcing trade rules, procurement standards, and border adjustments with strong labor and environmental protections (i) to stop the transfer of jobs and pollution overseas; and (ii) to grow domestic manufacturing in the United States; (L) ensuring that public lands, waters, and oceans are protected and that eminent domain is not abused; (M) obtaining the free, prior, and informed consent of indigenous peoples for all decisions that affect indigenous peoples and their traditional territories, honoring all treaties and agreements with indigenous peoples, and protecting and enforcing the sovereignty and land rights of indigenous peoples; (N) ensuring a commercial environment where every businessperson is free from unfair competition and domination by domestic or international monopolies; and (O) providing all people of the United States with (i) high-quality health care; (ii) affordable, safe, and adequate housing; (iii) economic security; and (iv) clean water, clean air, healthy and affordable food, and access to nature. | Recognizing the duty of the Federal Government to create a Green New Deal. |
This resolution calls on the government of Venezuela to immediately release Eyvin Hernandez, a U.S. citizen and Los Angeles County public defender, from unjust imprisonment. The resolution urges the President and other U.S. government officials to use all tools at their disposal to secure the immediate release of Eyvin Hernandez. The resolution also expresses support for all American citizens wrongfully detained in Venezuela. | Calling for the immediate release of Eyvin Hernandez, a United States citizen and Los Angeles County public defender, who was wrongfully detained by the Venezuelan regime in March 2022. Whereas, since 2006, Eyvin Hernandez has been a public defender for Los Angeles County, dedicating his career to representing the most vulnerable people in the county; Whereas Eyvin Hernandez is a man of impeccable character and a beloved member of his community, admired by many who know him for his deep devotion to justice, respect for humanity, willingness to help others, patience, kindness, and intellect; Whereas Eyvin Hernandez has volunteered his time to advocate for children in the juvenile justice system, to mentor aspiring young lawyers through the Latina Lawyer Bar Association and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Law Fellows Program, and to participate in the Los Angeles County Public Defenders Union, Local 148, where he previously served on the board of directors; Whereas Eyvin Hernandez is an alumnus of the UCLA School of Law and of El Camino College, UCLA, where he majored in physics and mathematics; Whereas Eyvin Hernandezs family immigrated to the United States when he was a toddler, fleeing the civil war in El Salvador and seeking a better life; Whereas, on March 31, 2022, Eyvin Herndandez was captured by armed, masked men in the vicinity of the Colombia-Venezuela border, and, once his United States citizenship was discovered, was transferred to Venezuela and detained; Whereas the Venezuelan regime charged Eyvin Hernandez with criminal association and conspiracy, which could lead to 16 years of imprisonment; Whereas there has been no serious effort to provide legitimate evidence to corroborate those allegations nor to hold trial proceedings to adjudicate his case, highlighting the fabricated grounds for Eyvin Hernandezs detention; Whereas Eyvin Hernandez was not included in the October 2022 prisoner exchange that allowed 7 Americans imprisoned in Venezuela to return home to the United States; Whereas, on October 21, 2022, the Department of State designated Eyvin Hernandez as wrongfully detained; Whereas, in June 2023, the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs attempted to secure Eyvin Hernandezs release during a visit to Caracas; Whereas, even in prison, Eyvin Hernandez has served as an advocate for his fellow detained Americans, translating their needs to the guards in Spanish and helping them articulate their cases to officials of the Department of State; Whereas the Los Angeles County community, including Eyvin Hernandezs former mentees, colleagues, classmates, friends, and family, have created a coalition to advocate for his release, highlight the arbitrary and unjust nature of his detention, and continue fighting to bring him home; and Whereas Eyvin Hernandez is a valued citizen of the city of Los Angeles, the State of California, and the United States: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) calls on the Venezuelan regime to immediately release Eyvin Hernandez from unjust imprisonment; (2) urges all officials of the executive branch of the United States, including President Joseph R. Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, and Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens, to use all the tools at the disposal of the executive branch to secure the immediate release of Eyvin Hernandez; (3) condemns the Venezuelan regimes continued use of detentions of citizens and lawful permanent residents of the United States for political purposes; (4) expresses continued support for all citizens and lawful permanent residents of the United States wrongfully detained in Venezuela, along with all other citizens and lawful permanent residents of the United States wrongfully detained abroad; and (5) expresses solidarity with and sympathy for Eyvin Hernandez, his friends and family, and those advocating for his immediate release, for the personal hardship experienced as a result of the arbitrary and baseless detention of their loved one. | Calling for the immediate release of Eyvin Hernandez, a United States citizen and Los Angeles County public defender, who was wrongfully detained by the Venezuelan regime in March 2022. |
This resolution recognizes Gloria Molina's historic political career and extends sympathies to her friends and loved ones. Molina was the first Latina Assembly Member in California, the first Latina on the Los Angeles City Council, and the first Latina on the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors. | Honoring the life, achievements, and legacy of Gloria Molina, the first Latina elected to the California State Legislature, Los Angeles City Council, and Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. Whereas Gloria Molina was born on May 31, 1948, in Montebello, California, to Leonard Molina and Concepcin Molina, who immigrated from Casa Grandes, Chihuahua, Mexico; Whereas Gloria Molina was the oldest of 10 siblings and assisted her parents in raising her siblings; Whereas Gloria Molina graduated from El Rancho High School in 1966, and attended Rio Hondo Community College, East Los Angeles Community College, and California State University, Los Angeles; Whereas Gloria Molinas activism was sparked by the Chicano movement and passion for womens empowerment; Whereas Gloria Molina began her advocacy advancing health care and political access for Latinas as President of Comisin Feminil Mexicana National; Whereas, before being elected to public office, Gloria Molina volunteered for President Carters campaign office in California in 1975, and later served as a staffing specialist in the White House Office of Presidential Personnel; Whereas, in 1979, Gloria Molina served as the Director of Intergovernmental and Congressional Affairs for the region IX office of the United States Department of Health and Human Services; Whereas Gloria Molina was elected to the California State Assembly from the 56th Assembly District in 1982, where she combined passionate advocacy with formidable political skill to strengthen communities in the 56th Assembly District and statewide, and served until her 1987 election to the Los Angeles City Council; Whereas Gloria Molina was the first ever Latina elected to, and only the third person of Mexican ancestry to serve on, the Los Angeles City Council in 1987; Whereas, in 1991, after decades of gerrymandering that excluded Latino representation on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Gloria Molina was elected as the first Latina to serve as a Los Angeles County Supervisor; Whereas Gloria Molina served honorably for 23 years, representing a district that stretched from Koreatown, Pico-Union, and East Los Angeles, all the way east to Pomona and included much of the San Gabriel Valley; Whereas Gloria Molina became renowned during her service as a County Supervisor as a fiscal watchdog committed to overseeing good government reforms, maintenance of the countys public health care system, and quality-of-life issues for the millions of county residents living in unincorporated Los Angeles County; Whereas, throughout her career, Gloria Molina served on various boards, including the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), the Southwest Voter Education and Registration Project, the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), and the California Community Foundation; Whereas Gloria Molina also served for over 10 years as 1 of 4 Vice Chairs of the Democratic National Committee (DNC); Whereas Gloria Molina, a strong advocate for the arts and the celebration of Mexican American culture, traditions, and history, in 2011 established LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes in Downtown Los Angeles, and in 2014, the Eastside Arts Initiative to support community-based arts organizations, including CASA 0101 and Self-Help Graphics; Whereas Gloria Molina, a master quilter and artist, formed the East LA Stitchers (TELAS) to inspire Latinas to express their culture through this art form; Whereas Gloria Molina was a champion for social justice and fought tirelessly for the most vulnerable Angelenos, from fighting against a plan to build a prison in the Eastside to helping grow the public transportation system and ending the forced sterilizations of women at General Hospital in Los Angeles; Whereas, throughout a distinguished career, Gloria Molina touched the lives of countless people and will have her life and legacy preserved in Los Angeles; Whereas the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors voted to dedicate the East Los Angeles Civic Center station in Gloria Molina's name; Whereas the CASA 0101 Theater in Boyle Heights designated its main theater as the Gloria Molina Auditorium Whereas the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution to rename Grand Park the Gloria Molina Grand Park Whereas the Los Angeles City Council adopted a motion to rename a portion of the Observation Deck in the Tom Bradley Tower which overlooks Grand Park, as the Gloria Molina Observation deck Whereas Gloria Molina passed away on May 14, 2023, at the age of 74 after battling cancer for 3 years: Now, therefore be it That the Senate (1) extends its deepest sympathies to the friends and loved ones of Gloria Molina of Mount Washington, California, in their bereavement; and (2) recognizes and celebrates Gloria Molinas historic 32-year political career and the series of firsts that inspired generations of women and Latinos to seek public office, being the first Latina Assembly Member in California, the first Latina on the Los Angeles City Council, and the first Latina on the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors. | Honoring the life, achievements, and legacy of Gloria Molina, the first Latina elected to the California State Legislature, Los Angeles City Council, and Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. |
This resolution condemns the murder of Eswatini human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko and expresses concern about reports of continued human rights violations in Eswatini. The resolution also calls on Eswatini (1) to fully investigate the murder, (2) to uphold human rights and freedoms, (3) to engage in a national dialogue regarding democratic reforms, and (4) to fully staff and empower Commission of Human Rights and Public Accountability (CHRPA) investigators. It also calls on the United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights to conduct an independent investigation and encourages the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to maintain and to expand support for human rights in Eswatini. | Condemning the human rights record of the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini and the brutal killing of Eswatini activist Thulani Maseko on January 21, 2023. Whereas Eswatini, one of the worlds last absolute monarchies, is ruled by King Mswati III, who has been in power for more than 36 years, and exercises ultimate authority over all branches of the national government and effectively controls local and national governance through his influence over traditional chiefs and the selection of House of Assembly candidates and control over the national electoral system; Whereas human rights and democracy advocates in Eswatini have faced repression and persecution, including arbitrary arrests, detention, and torture, and have faced on political gatherings and restrictions on their civil liberties, including with respect to expression, assembly, and freedom of the press; Whereas the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini has used laws such as the Suppression of Terrorism Act of 2008, and the Sedition and Subversive Activities Act of 1938, to suppress free speech and stifle criticism of the monarch; Whereas, from June to October 2021, the country witnessed nationwide demonstrations against security sector abuses, with protests evolving into demands for democratic reforms; Whereas King Mswati IIIs government employed excessive force and arbitrary arrests and detention, as well as internet shutdowns, to repress pro-democracy protests and related advocacy activities, restrict the activities of human rights advocates, and impose blanket bans on protests demanding democracy and respect for internationally recognized human rights; Whereas official sources note security forces in Eswatini responded with violence against protestors, reportedly killing more than 46 people, injuring more than 245, and detaining or arresting hundreds of others, although the international community suggests the true death toll is higher; Whereas the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini detained two members of parliament on spurious charges for more than 18 months under the Suppression of Terrorism Act, and charged them with terrorism and murder for allegedly encouraging pro-democracy protests and calling for a democratically elected prime minister and other reforms; Whereas regional human rights organizations continue to receive reports of lawyers and judges being harassed, threatened, and intimidated for their actual, alleged, or suspected support of the ongoing pro-democracy movement, in contravention of their constitutional rights; Whereas, following a visit to Eswatini by Southern African Development Community (SADC) delegates in November 2021, King Mswati III agreed to provide for a national dialogue to address the civil unrest structured in the format of a sibaya, a royally convened and controlled traditional civic consultative forum, but since then has ignored widespread demands of the pleas of citizens, opposition politicians, civil society, and the regional and international community for a genuine consultative forum inclusive of diverse political views, while continuing the governments crackdown on dissenting voices; Whereas, in October 2021, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on the Eswatini authorities to ensure that the people of Eswatini are able to exercise their civil and political rights peacefully; Whereas reports indicate that the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini has contracted with international security companies to train government security forces to respond to violence in the country, resulting in increased intimidation against dissenting voices; Whereas Thulani Maseko, a prominent human rights lawyer, Chairman of the Multi-Stakeholder Forum, an organization comprised of various civil society groups calling for constitutional reforms in Eswatini, and a champion of social justice, routinely criticized King Mswati III for undermining judicial independence and called for a more democratic legal system in Eswatini; Whereas, in 2014, Thulani Maseko and fellow human rights advocate Bheki Makhubu were charged and sentenced to two years in prison for writing and publishing an article that criticized the countrys Chief Justice and drew attention to the lack of independence of Eswatinis judicial system; Whereas, on June 30, 2015, Thulani Maseko and Bheki Makhubu were acquitted and released after Eswatinis supreme court found that they had been wrongly convicted; Whereas Thulani Maseko made an immense contribution to the advancement of justice and human rights in Eswatini and, more broadly, throughout southern Africa, including through fact-finding missions, including to Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Malawi, where he reported on the deterioration of civic space; Whereas, on January 21, 2023, Thulani Maseko was shot and killed by an unknown gunman at his home in Luyengo, Mbabane, in front of his wife and children; Whereas the assassination of Thulani Maseko occurred amid a rise in Swazi government intimidation of King Mswati IIIs critics, many of whom have called for political reforms in Eswatini, and an overall escalation of violence in the country, including the killings of members of the security forces and attacks on traditional leaders, as well as state security force element attacks on and legal harassment of pro-democracy advocates; Whereas the United States Department of State, mulitlateral organizations such as the SADC, the African Union, and the European Union, as well as the human rights community, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have called for a full and transparent investigation into Mr. Masekos murder; Whereas, on January 25, 2023, the Department of State delivered a statement underscoring United States condemnation and broader global condemnation of Mr. Masekos murder, the need for an impartial and transparent investigation and accountability for those responsible for his killing, nonviolence on all sides, and tangible movement on a credible, inclusive national dialogue; Whereas the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini has failed to announce progress on an independent investigation to identify and bring to justice those responsible for Thulani Masekos murder; and Whereas a failure to investigate the unlawful killing of Thulani Maseko and to bring the perpetrators to justice would be a violation of Eswatinis obligations as a State Party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) condemns the brutal murder of Thulani Maseko and the worsening cycle of political violence and instability in Eswatini; (2) expresses deep concern about reports of continued human rights violations against the people of Eswatini, and the harassment of advocates for human rights and democratic practice and constitutionalism in Eswatini; (3) calls on the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini to (A) undertake a full, transparent, and impartial criminal investigation into the assassination of Thulani Maseko and hold perpetrators accountable; (B) cease surveilling and intimidating human rights activists fighting to protect fundamental freedoms; (C) uphold internationally recognized human rights, including the rights of freedom of assembly and freedom of speech, as well as corresponding rights in the Eswatini constitution; (D) expeditiously initiate pre-dialogue preparations and announce a firm date by which a credible, inclusive dialogue on constitutional and political reform will begin starting prior to scheduled September 2023 elections; (E) engage in good faith in a credible, inclusive national dialogue to address longstanding demands for democratic reforms; and (F) fully staff and empower a full complement of Commission of Human Rights and Public Accountability (CHRPA) human rights investigation staff, install an appointed Commissioner, make CHRPA fully independent from the Ministry of Justice and other government interference in line with commitments to treaty conventions and the Paris Principle, and take action to address CHRPAs recommendations; (4) calls on the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to conduct an independent investigation into Mr. Masekos assassination and human rights violations in Eswatini; (5) encourages the Secretary of State and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development to (A) maintain and expand support for journalists, human rights advocates, and the rule of law and media freedoms in Eswatini; and (B) encourage the SADC to take action to address the political and human rights crisis in Eswatini, including by working to convene a credible consultative forum inclusive of diverse political views and civil society to address issues related to political space and democratic reform; and (6) encourages the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury to consider targeted sanctions against any individuals and entities committing violations of internationally recognized human rights in Eswatini. | Condemning the human rights record of the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini and the brutal killing of Eswatini activist Thulani Maseko on January 21, 2023. |
This resolution commends the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a federally owned electric utility corporation, on the 90th anniversary of the signing of the Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933. It also honors the accomplishments of the TVA in improving navigation, controlling floods, promoting environmental stewardship, and providing electricity. Further, it recognizes the TVA, its employees, and its retirees for their service in the areas of energy, the environment, and economic development in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Virginia. | Commending the Tennessee Valley Authority on the 90th anniversary of the signing of the Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933. Whereas the Tennessee Valley Authority (referred to in this preamble as the TVA Whereas the long-standing mission of the TVA, born during the Great Depression, is to improve the quality of life across a 7-State region, including Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Virginia; Whereas the integrated management of the Tennessee River system by the TVA provides a wide range of benefits that include reliable, affordable, and resilient electrical power, flood control, improving water quality and supply, enhancing recreation, and protecting public land; Whereas the TVA has improved navigation of the Tennessee River system and facilitated river freight transportation; Whereas the TVA has reduced the risk of flood damage through the construction of locks, dams, and reservoirs throughout the Tennessee Valley; Whereas the TVA provides reliable, affordable, resilient, and clean electricity and has stimulated economic growth; Whereas the TVA continues to promote economic development by helping companies and communities attract investments that bring good jobs to the Tennessee Valley; and Whereas the TVA continues to pursue new ideas and innovate through the service of a committed and skilled workforce: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) commends the Tennessee Valley Authority on the 90th anniversary of the signing of the Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933 ( 16 U.S.C. 831 et seq. (2) honors the accomplishments of the Tennessee Valley Authority in improving the quality of life for the citizens throughout the Valley by improving navigation, controlling floods, promoting environmental stewardship, and providing reliable, affordable, resilient, and clean electricity throughout the Tennessee Valley; (3) recognizes the Tennessee Valley Authority, and all its employees and retirees, for its long and proud history of service in the areas of energy, the environment, and economic development throughout Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Virginia; and (4) respectfully requests the Secretary of the Senate to transmit a copy of this resolution for appropriate display to (A) the Chairman of the Board of the Tennessee Valley Authority, William Kilbride; and (B) the Chief Executive Officer of the Tennessee Valley Authority, Jeffrey Lyash. | Commending the Tennessee Valley Authority on the 90th anniversary of the signing of the Tennessee Valley Authority Act of 1933. |
This resolution congratulates the Dominican Republic, Panama, Costa Rica, and Ecuador for being members of the Alliance for Development in Democracy. (The Dominican Republic, Panama, and Costa Rica created and later Ecuador joined the Alliance for Development in Democracy as an initiative to strengthen democracy and economic growth through common ties.) It also calls on the President to pursue greater engagement and to deepen regional integration with these countries. | Recognizing the formation of the Alliance for Development in Democracy and urging the United States to pursue deeper ties with its member countries. Whereas, on September 22, 2021, Presidents Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic, Laurentino Cortizo of the Republic of Panama, and Carlos Alvarado of the Republic of Costa Rica met in New York during the opening of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly to form the Alliance for Development in Democracy (referred to in this preamble as the ADD Whereas the member countries of the ADD have committed to work through the ADD to advance institutions that protect the rule of law and individual freedoms; Whereas the ADD promotes regional integration by strengthening cultural, commercial, and demographic ties in the context of free, peaceful, and democratic societies; Whereas the Department of Defense and the Department of State have repeatedly emphasized that the economic encroachment of the Government of the Peoples Republic of China into the Western Hemisphere is coercive and represents an acute threat to the national security of the United States and of allies of the United States in the Western Hemisphere; Whereas, during the years preceding the date of adoption of this resolution, United States trade has doubled with the Republic of Costa Rica and the Republic of Panama, and tripled with the Dominican Republic; Whereas, combined, the three founding members of the ADD represent the third-largest trading partner of the United States in the Western Hemisphere; Whereas, on December 10, 2021, the ADD formed a business council to promote the development of trade, investment, and commerce between the ADD and the United States; Whereas, on June 10, 2022, Canada, a critical ally and strategic partner of the United States, and the members of the ADD issued a joint statement committing to working together to address democratic challenges and to prevent the erosion of democracy in the Western Hemisphere; Whereas, on June 16, 2022, the Republic of Ecuador formally joined the ADD as the fourth member of the ADD; Whereas, on July 25, 2022, the United States and the founding members of the ADD signed a memorandum of understanding to advance the Consultative Dialogue on Supply Chains and Economic Growth between the United States and the ADD to strengthen supply chain resiliency; and Whereas the ADD has sought to comprehensively address the migratory flows that transit though territories within the jurisdiction of the member countries of the ADD: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) congratulates the Dominican Republic, the Republic of Panama, and the Republic of Costa Rica for forming the Alliance for Development in Democracy (referred to in this resolution as the ADD (2) affirms that the ADD provides a counterweight to the growing influence of autocratic and anti-United States forces in the Western Hemisphere; (3) calls on the President to (A) pursue and prioritize engagement with the ADD regarding the full spectrum of the national security and economic interests of the United States in the Western Hemisphere; and (B) deepen regional integration on economic issues including increasing trade, expanding market access, and integrating investment markets throughout the Western Hemisphere, including by pursuing nearshoring, reshoring, and friendshoring initiatives; and (4) calls on the President to use the diplomatic capital of the United States, including the voice and vote of the United States in international organizations, to support member countries of the ADD in promoting policies that (A) enhance the regional integration specified in paragraph (3)(B) by strengthening democratic institutions and promoting economic prosperity; (B) strengthen the critical infrastructure of those countries, such as ports, airports, and other logistical assets to facilitate regional trade; (C) manage migrant flows across the Western Hemisphere and within the jurisdiction of those countries; (D) counter corruption, organized crime, and illegal drug trafficking across the Western Hemisphere and within the jurisdiction of those countries; and (E) strengthen the resiliency of supply chains critical to foreign investment and trade with those countries. | Recognizing the formation of the Alliance for Development in Democracy and urging the United States to pursue deeper ties with its member countries. |
This resolution celebrates Coast Guard ombudsmen and Ombudsman Appreciation Day on March 26, 2023, and congratulates the volunteers of the Coast Guard Ombudsman program on 37 years of service. | Honoring the volunteers of the Coast Guard Ombudsman program on Ombudsman Appreciation Day. Whereas the Coast Guard Ombudsman program was formally established by Admiral James S. Gracey, the 17th Commandant of the Coast Guard, to provide a link between the Coast Guard command and Coast Guard families through the engagement of spouses of members of the Coast Guard; Whereas the leadership of Wanda Allen-Yearout for over 36 years helped establish and shape the Coast Guard Ombudsman program into the robust volunteer force it is today; Whereas Ombudsman Appreciation Day is celebrated on March 26, 2023, to honor Coast Guard ombudsmen for the dedicated service they provide to the mission-ready workforce of the Coast Guard; Whereas Coast Guard ombudsmen serve as volunteers (1) providing information and referral resources; and (2) acting as advocates for the families of members of the Coast Guard; Whereas the selfless Coast Guard ombudsmen volunteers are essential to the success of the Coast Guard, supporting families to enable service members and service commands to focus on mission requirements; Whereas, in 2022, Coast Guard service members were helping the public and carrying out missions, and ombudsmen across the Coast Guard were helping by making over 350,000 contacts with, and volunteering more than 13,000 hours to assist, Coast Guard families; Whereas, recognizing that military service involves sacrifices and difficulties with separation from family, frequent moves, new schools, and long distances from loved ones, Coast Guard ombudsmen respond to ensure military families are not alone by providing vital information to facilitate the transitions of those families to new assignments and to overcome family challenges; Whereas Coast Guard ombudsmen were vital to supporting family members after the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001, the most extensive organizational transformation of the Coast Guard since World War II; Whereas, as the Coast Guard responded to and rescued displaced people during Hurricane Katrina, Coast Guard ombudsmen, often consisting of spouses of Coast Guard rescuers and hurricane evacuees (1) tracked and accounted for Coast Guard families; (2) rendered assistance; and (3) communicated vital evacuation information; Whereas, during the COVID19 pandemic, Coast Guard ombudsmen recognized challenges and ensured the operational readiness of the Coast Guard was maintained by providing direct support to Coast Guard families; and Whereas, by volunteering on the home front, being available for Coast Guard families, and helping Coast Guard families obtain the resources and information necessary for success, Coast Guard ombudsmen help ensure that members of the Coast Guard and their families remain Always Ready to meet the needs of the United States: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) celebrates Ombudsman Appreciation Day and Coast Guard ombudsmen on March 26, 2023; (2) is grateful to the women and men who volunteer their time as Coast Guard ombudsmen to assist the families of members of the Coast Guard; and (3) congratulates the volunteers of the Coast Guard Ombudsman program on 37 years of service. | Honoring the volunteers of the Coast Guard Ombudsman program on Ombudsman Appreciation Day. |
This resolution marks the 60th anniversary of the Polaris Sales Agreement. (The agreement established basic policy and terms for the sale of Polaris missiles by the United States to the United Kingdom, and formed a basis of cooperation between the two countries on strategic nuclear defense and deterrence.) The resolution also commends the Royal Navy for maintaining a continuous at-sea deterrent and reaffirms the United Kingdom as a valued ally of the United States. | Marking the 60th anniversary of the Polaris Sales Agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Whereas, on December 21, 1962, President John F. Kennedy and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Harold Macmillan met in Nassau, Bahamas, and issued a joint statement (commonly referred to as the Statement on Nuclear Defense Systems Whereas, on April 6, 1963, Secretary of State Dean Rusk and Her Majesty's Ambassador to the United States David Ormsby-Gore signed the Polaris Sales Agreement, reaffirming the Statement on Nuclear Defense Systems and agreeing that the United States Government shall provide and the Government of the United Kingdom shall purchase from the United States Government Polaris missiles, equipment, and supporting services; Whereas the HMS Resolution launched the first Polaris missile of the United Kingdom on February 15, 1968, and, in 1969, commenced the first strategic deterrent patrol for the United Kingdom, initiating a continuous at-sea deterrent posture for the United Kingdom that remains in effect; Whereas the Polaris Sales Agreement was amended to include the Trident II (D5) strategic weapon system on October 19, 1982, in Washington, DC, through an exchange of notes between Secretary of State Jonathan Howe and Her Majesty's Ambassador to the United States Oliver Wright; and Whereas through an exchange of letters in 2008 between Secretary of Defense the Honorable Robert Gates and Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom the Right Honorable Desmond Browne and under the auspices of the Polaris Sales Agreement, the United States Government and the Government of the United Kingdom agreed to continue cooperation to design a common missile compartment for the follow-on ballistic missile submarines of each nation: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) marks the 60th anniversary of the Polaris Sales Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the United States of America, done at Washington April 6, 1963; (2) congratulates the Royal Navy for steadfastly maintaining a Continuous At-Sea Deterrent; (3) recognizes the important contribution of the Continuous At-Sea Deterrent to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization; (4) reaffirms that the United Kingdom is a valued and special ally of the United States; and (5) looks forward to continuing and strengthening the shared commitment of the United States and the United Kingdom to sustain submarine-based strategic deterrents well into the future. | Marking the 60th anniversary of the Polaris Sales Agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. |
This resolution (1) supports the designation of June 2023 as National Dairy Month, and (2) encourages the people of the United States to visit with dairy producers to learn more about agriculture and the vital role dairy producers play in our global food system. | Expressing support for the designation of June 2023 as National Dairy Month Whereas the dairy industry of the United States serves as a key driver in the national food system and supports the people of the United States both nutritionally and economically; Whereas the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans published under section 301 of the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 ( 7 U.S.C. 5341 (1) finds that healthy dietary patterns feature dairy products, as such products provide essential nutrients that keep the people of the United States healthy and serve as a leading source of (A) calcium, which helps maintain strong bones and aids in heart function; and (B) vitamin D, which aids in calcium absorption; (2) finds that some products sold as milks (3) provides daily recommendations of dairy products for key age groups, including (A) 3 cup-equivalents for pre-teens, teenagers, and adults; (B) 2 cup-equivalents for children 4 to 8 years of age; and (C) 2 cup-equivalents for children 2 to 4 years of age; Whereas studies have shown that following the daily recommendations of dairy products provided in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans leads to improved bone health and reduced risk of (1) osteoporosis, which is a condition in which bones become more fragile over time and more prone to fractures; and (2) cardiovascular diseases, which are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels that lead to heart attacks and strokes and are among the leading causes of death in the United States; Whereas individuals who are lactose intolerant can choose low-lactose and lactose-free dairy products; Whereas 42 percent of individuals in the United States take in less than their estimated average required amount of calcium, and 94 percent take in less than their estimated average required amount of vitamin D; Whereas a global study of more than 136,000 adults from 21 countries found that consuming at least 2 servings of dairy products per day is associated with lower risk for heart disease, stroke, and death; Whereas the annual all-inclusive expense of providing care for osteoporotic fractures among Medicare beneficiaries was an estimated $57,000,000,000 in 2018 (1) which, when broken down by individual, represents all-cause health care costs exceeding $30,000 in the year following a fracture, of which the patient paid an average of $3,000; and (2) is expected to increase to more than $95,000,000,000 by 2040; Whereas Congress authorized dairy products as eligible foods under the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children program under section 17 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 ( 42 U.S.C. 1786 Whereas Congress authorized the supplemental nutrition assistance program under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq. Whereas the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act ( 19 U.S.C. 4501 et seq. Whereas dairy production efficiently and affordably provides essential nutrients, while only contributing to 1.3 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions of the United States; Whereas, between 1944 and 2007, advancements allowed the dairy industry of the United States to produce 59 percent more milk with 79 percent fewer cows and reduce its carbon footprint by 63 percent; Whereas, in 2022, the average dairy cow in the United States produced 24,087 pounds (or 46,180 cups) of milk per year; Whereas 27,932 licensed dairy farms produce milk in all 50 States, with California, Wisconsin, Idaho, New York, and Texas serving as the top 5 producers, producing 53 percent of the dairy in the United States; and Whereas the dairy industry of the United States directly and indirectly provides $793,750,000,000 in total economic impact to the United States and supports 3,200,000 jobs: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports the designation of June 2023 as National Dairy Month (A) the important role dairy plays in a healthy diet; (B) the exceptional work of dairy producers in being stewards of the land and livestock; and (C) the economic impact of the United States dairy industry; and (2) encourages the people of the United States to visit with dairy producers to learn more about agriculture and the vital role dairy producers play in the global food system. | Expressing support for the designation of June 2023 as National Dairy Month to recognize the important role dairy plays in a healthy diet and the exceptional work of dairy producers in being stewards of the land and livestock. |
This resolution opposes the enactment of a national sales tax, supports the passage of a responsible tax cut, and opposes paying for any tax cuts with cuts to Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid, or cuts to pay and benefits for servicemenbers, veterans, or law enforcement. | Opposing a national sales tax on working families and supporting a tax cut to benefit the middle class. Whereas hardworking families have faced significant economic challenges over the past few years, including high gas prices, rising costs for groceries, and increasing rent and home prices due to record-high inflation; Whereas elected leaders should be working to relieve individuals in the United States of the financial pressure at the kitchen table, and pass legislation that brings down costs rather than raises prices; Whereas Republicans in Congress have introduced and plan to consider H.R. 25, the FairTax Act of 2023, which would impose a new national sales tax and increase the price of all goods and services by 30 percent; Whereas, under this legislation, it is estimated that, for a family in the United States (1) the average yearly grocery bill would rise by $3,500; (2) the cost of buying a car would go up $10,000; and (3) the cost of buying a home would increase by $125,000; Whereas the price increases brought on by the FairTax Act of 2023 would disproportionately impact retirees, seniors, and those living on a fixed income by raising prices on individuals whose incomes will remain flat as prices rise; Whereas this misguided legislation, which places a financial burden on seniors and hardworking families, also eliminates all income taxes for the ultra-rich; Whereas in recent years, Republicans in Congress have given massive tax cuts to billionaires and giant corporations at the expense of middle class families; Whereas Republicans in Congress have suggested paying for past tax cuts for corporations and the ultra-wealthy by cutting Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid; Whereas Democrats in Congress passed the largest middle class tax cut in generations through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 ( Public Law 1172 Whereas individuals in the United States deserve real bipartisan tax reform and a simpler, fairer tax code aimed at supporting the middle class: Now therefore, be it That the Senate (1) strongly opposes H.R. 25, the FairTax Act of 2023, which would impose an effective 30 percent sales tax on all goods and services, raising prices for hardworking families, seniors, and other individuals in the United States working to make ends meet; (2) supports the passage of a responsible tax cut that would actually benefit hardworking families and grow the middle class, while making the ultra-wealthy and billion-dollar corporations pay their fair share; and (3) opposes paying for any tax cuts with cuts to Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid, or cuts to pay and benefits for our servicemembers, veterans, or law enforcement. | Opposing a national sales tax on working families and supporting a tax cut to benefit the middle class. |
This resolution strongly condemns any instances of antisemitism occurring at colleges and universities in the United States. The resolution also encourages higher education leaders (e.g., presidents, deans, and administrators) to publicly condemn speech that incites or celebrates violence against any people based on religious beliefs, national origin, or ancestry; and encourages institutions of higher education to engage with Jewish student organizations and ensure that Jewish students, faculty, and staff can pursue their academic and personal aspirations without fear. | Condemning antisemitism at institutions of higher education in the United States and encouraging college and university leaders, administrators, and faculty to speak out against antisemitism. Whereas, in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023, there has been a rise in incidents of antisemitism, including hate speech and intimidation, on college campuses and universities in the United States, creating an atmosphere of fear for Jewish students and faculty; Whereas the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance has developed a widely accepted working definition of antisemitism which can serve as a helpful tool for education administrators and faculty to identify antisemitism; Whereas acts of hate, discrimination, and violence based on religion or ethnicity have no place at institutions that exist to further education and understanding between diverse student bodies; and Whereas freedom of speech and expression are foundational principles of institutions of higher education in the United States, but when these principles are used to promote violence, hatred, or discrimination on the basis of religious beliefs, national origin, or ancestry, higher education leaders have the right and an obligation to respond: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) strongly condemns any instances of antisemitism occurring at colleges and universities in the United States; (2) encourages higher education leaders, including presidents, deans, and administrators, to publicly condemn speech that incites or celebrates violence against any people based on religious beliefs, national origin, or ancestry; and (3) encourages institutions of higher education to engage with Jewish student organizations and ensure that Jewish students, faculty, and staff can pursue their academic and personal aspirations without fear. | Condemning antisemitism at institutions of higher education in the United States and encouraging college and university leaders, administrators, and faculty to speak out against antisemitism. |
This resolution elects Senator Patty Murray from Washington as the President pro tempore of the Senate. | To elect Patty Murray, a Senator from the State of Washington, to be President pro tempore of the Senate of the United States. That Patty Murray, a Senator from the State of Washington, be, and she is hereby, elected President of the Senate pro tempore. | To elect Patty Murray, a Senator from the State of Washington, to be President pro tempore of the Senate of the United States. |
This resolution expresses the sense that the current influx of migrants at the southern land border constitutes a crisis. | Expressing the sense of the Senate that the current influx of migrants is causing a crisis at the southern border. Now, therefore, be it That it is the sense of the Senate that the current influx of migrants at the southern land border of the United States constitutes a crisis. | Expressing the sense of the Senate that the current influx of migrants is causing a crisis at the southern border. |
This resolution designates September 23, 2023, through October 1, 2023, as Blue Star Welcome Week and expresses gratitude for the sacrifices made by service members, transitioning veterans, and their families. | Designating September 23, 2023, through October 1, 2023, as Blue Star Welcome Week Whereas Blue Star Families seeks to empower military families by connecting them with their neighbors, individuals, and organizations to create vibrant communities of mutual support; Whereas Blue Star Families annually designates the week beginning the second to last Saturday in September and concluding 8 days thereafter as Blue Star Welcome Week Whereas, during Blue Star Welcome Week, the Senate recognizes the 600,000 active duty and transitioning military families who move to new communities each year during permanent change of station moves, nearly half of which occur during the summer; Whereas only 33 percent of military family respondents to the 2022 Military Family Lifestyle Survey conducted by Blue Star Families reported that they feel a sense of belonging to their local civilian community; and Whereas a sense of belonging is essential to the well-being and readiness of military families: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates September 23, 2023, through October 1, 2023, as Blue Star Welcome Week (2) expresses gratitude for the sacrifices made by service members, transitioning veterans, and their families; (3) commits to ensuring that military-connected families feel a strong sense of belonging to their local civilian communities; and (4) encourages civilians across the United States to welcome military-connected families into their communities. | Designating September 23, 2023, through October 1, 2023, as Blue Star Welcome Week. |
This resolution sets the daily meeting time of the Senate at 12:01 p.m. unless otherwise ordered. | Fixing the hour of daily meeting of the Senate. That the daily meeting of the Senate be 12:01 p.m. unless otherwise ordered. | Fixing the hour of daily meeting of the Senate. |
This resolution condemns China's Hong Kong national security law (officially called The Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) and related human rights abuses. The resolution also (1) supports the people of Hong Kong as they fight to exercise fundamental rights and freedoms; and (2) calls upon the Hong Kong government to drop all sedition and national security law-related charges and free all defendants immediately, including Jimmy Lai, Cardinal Zen, and at least 47 individuals known collectively as the Hong Kong 47. | Condemning Beijings destruction of Hong Kongs democracy and rule of law. Whereas, in 1997, Great Britain handed Hong Kong over to Chinese rule under guarantees that Hong Kong would become a Special Administrative Region under the one country, two systems fundamental rights Whereas the Government of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) has repeatedly undermined Hong Kongs autonomy since the 1997 handover, including actions which resulted in political protests in Hong Kong, including the Umbrella Movement in 2014, a protest against Beijings attempt to reform Hong Kongs electoral system, and the 20192020 protests, which opposed the Hong Kong Governments attempt to implement an extradition law that would have subjected Hong Kongers to prosecution in mainland China; Whereas the Hong Kong Police Force used excessive force to try to quell the 20192020 protestors, many of whom were under the age of 30; Whereas the Government of the People's Republic of China responded to these protests by passing and implementing the Law of the Peoples Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (commonly referred to as the Hong Kong national security law Whereas, since its enactment in June 2020, this law has been used by the Government of the Peoples Republic of China as a pretext to crack down on legitimate and peaceful expression, including the exercise of freedoms of assembly, speech, and religious belief provided for under the Basic Law, to replace the Hong Kong legislature with individuals loyal to the Chinese Communist Party, and to pass new immigration laws that subject Hong Kong citizens and residents, as well as PRC nationals and foreign nationals, to exit bans in Hong Kong similar to those implemented in mainland China; Whereas more than 200 people have been arrested under the Hong Kong national security law since its enactment in June 2020; Whereas the Government of the Peoples Republic of China is using the Hong Kong national security law to harass, target, and threaten non-Hong Kong citizens and those outside of Hong Kong, based upon for unsubstantiated and vague allegations of endangering national security Whereas, Jimmy Lai, a 75-year-old Hong Kong pro-democracy advocate and media entrepreneur, has been targeted and persecuted for decades, most recently through multiple prosecutions, including related to exercising his rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, his sentencing to over five years in prison under politically motivated fraud charges and the seizure of his multimillion dollar independent media organization Apple Daily by the Hong Kong authorities; Whereas Mr. Lai is now one of the highest profile cases facing trial under vaguely defined charges under the so-called national security law Whereas, Cardinal Zen, a 90-year-old Roman Catholic cardinal, and five other colleagues were found guilty of politically motivated charges related to failing to register a humanitarian fund that helped anti-government protesters; Whereas the Government of the Peoples Republic of Chinas undermining of democracy in Hong Kong has ramifications for the international order, including with regard to the future of Taiwan; Whereas the Hong Kong Government has conducted a public relations campaign to convince global business leaders that Hong Kong remains a critical and attractive international financial center, while simultaneously undermining the independence of institutions that encouraged its growth over the past several decades; Whereas Hong Kong still maintains a separate voting share from the Peoples Republic of China at many multilateral organizationsincluding the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, the Financial Action Task Force, the International Olympic Committee, and the World Trade Organizationeffectively doubling the Peoples Republic of Chinas voting power at these critical institutions; and Whereas the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act ( Public Law 11676 22 U.S.C. 5701 Whereas, in 1997, Great Britain handed Hong Kong over to Chinese rule under guarantees that Hong Kong would become a Special Administrative Region under the one country, two systems fundamental rights Whereas the Government of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) has repeatedly undermined Hong Kongs autonomy since the 1997 handover, including actions which resulted in political protests in Hong Kong, including the Umbrella Movement in 2014, a protest against Beijings attempt to reform Hong Kongs electoral system, and the 20192020 protests, which opposed the Hong Kong Governments attempt to implement an extradition law that would have subjected Hong Kongers to prosecution in mainland China; Whereas the Hong Kong Police Force used excessive force to try to quell the 20192020 protestors, many of whom were under the age of 30; Whereas the Government of the People's Republic of China responded to these protests by passing and implementing the Law of the Peoples Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (commonly referred to as the Hong Kong national security law Whereas, since its enactment in June 2020, this law has been used by the Government of the Peoples Republic of China as a pretext to crack down on legitimate and peaceful expression, including the exercise of freedoms of assembly, speech, and religious belief provided for under the Basic Law, to replace the Hong Kong legislature with individuals loyal to the Chinese Communist Party, and to pass new immigration laws that subject Hong Kong citizens and residents, as well as PRC nationals and foreign nationals, to exit bans in Hong Kong similar to those implemented in mainland China; Whereas more than 200 people have been arrested under the Hong Kong national security law since its enactment in June 2020; Whereas at least 47 individuals known collectively as the Hong Kong 47, including Benny Tai Yiu-ting and Joshua Wong Chi-fung, are facing national security charges for organizing or participating in a peaceful unofficial primary election, many of whom have been held in lengthy pretrial detention; Whereas the Government of the Peoples Republic of China is using the Hong Kong national security law to harass, target, and threaten non-Hong Kong citizens and those outside of Hong Kong, based upon for unsubstantiated and vague allegations of endangering national security Whereas, Jimmy Lai, a 75-year-old Hong Kong pro-democracy advocate and media entrepreneur, has been targeted and persecuted for decades, most recently through multiple prosecutions, including related to exercising his rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, his sentencing to over five years in prison under politically motivated fraud charges and the seizure of his multimillion dollar independent media organization Apple Daily by the Hong Kong authorities; Whereas Mr. Lai is now one of the highest profile cases facing trial under vaguely defined charges under the so-called national security law Whereas, Cardinal Zen, a 90-year-old Roman Catholic cardinal, and five other colleagues were found guilty of politically motivated charges related to failing to register a humanitarian fund that helped anti-government protesters; Whereas the Government of the Peoples Republic of Chinas undermining of democracy in Hong Kong has ramifications for the international order, including with regard to the future of Taiwan; Whereas the Hong Kong Government has conducted a public relations campaign to convince global business leaders that Hong Kong remains a critical and attractive international financial center, while simultaneously undermining the independence of institutions that encouraged its growth over the past several decades; Whereas Hong Kong still maintains a separate voting share from the Peoples Republic of China at many multilateral organizationsincluding the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, the Financial Action Task Force, the International Olympic Committee, and the World Trade Organizationeffectively doubling the Peoples Republic of Chinas voting power at these critical institutions; and Whereas the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act ( Public Law 11676 22 U.S.C. 5701 That the Senate (1) condemns the Government of the People's Republic of China's Hong Kong national security law (2) urges all governments that value democracy or autonomy to hold the Chinese Communist Party accountable for its destruction of Hong Kongs autonomy, rule of law, and freedoms; (3) supports the people of Hong Kong as they fight to exercise fundamental rights and freedoms, as enumerated by (A) the Joint Declaration of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the People's Republic of China on the Question of Hong Kong, done at Beijing December 19, 1984; (B) the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, done at New York December 19, 1966; and (C) the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, done at Paris December 10, 1948; (4) condemns the Government of the People's Republic of Chinas practice of bringing false and politically motivated charges, such as fraud, against Hong Kongers in order to tarnish their reputations in advance of their national security law trials; (5) calls upon the Hong Kong Government to immediately drop all sedition and national security law-related charges and free all defendants immediately, including Jimmy Lai and Cardinal Zen; (6) expresses extreme concern about the Government of the People's Republic of China' State-directed theft of Apple Daily, and holds that Hong Kong no longer has credibility as an international business center due to the erosion of the regulatory and legal environments that have promoted its economic growth for decades; (7) encourages the United States Government and other governments to take steps at multilateral institutions to ensure that voting procedures recognize that there is no longer a meaningful distinction between Hong Kong and mainland China; and (8) urges the United States Government to use all available tools, including those authorized by the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, in response to the Government of the Peoples Republic of Chinas actions in Hong Kong. That the Senate (1) condemns the Government of the People's Republic of China's Hong Kong national security law (2) urges all governments that value democracy or autonomy to hold the Chinese Communist Party accountable for its destruction of Hong Kongs autonomy, rule of law, and freedoms; (3) supports the people of Hong Kong as they fight to exercise fundamental rights and freedoms, as enumerated by (A) the Joint Declaration of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the People's Republic of China on the Question of Hong Kong, done at Beijing December 19, 1984; (B) the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, done at New York December 19, 1966; and (C) the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, done at Paris December 10, 1948; (4) condemns the Government of the People's Republic of Chinas practice of bringing false and politically motivated charges, such as fraud, against Hong Kongers in order to tarnish their reputations in advance of their national security law trials; (5) calls upon the Hong Kong Government to immediately drop all sedition and national security law-related charges, including those against the Hong Kong 47, Jimmy Lai, and Cardinal Zen, and free all defendants immediately; (6) expresses extreme concern about the Government of the People's Republic of China' State-directed theft of Apple Daily, and holds that Hong Kong no longer has credibility as an international business center due to the erosion of the regulatory and legal environments that have promoted its economic growth for decades; (7) encourages the United States Government and other governments to take steps at multilateral institutions to ensure that voting procedures recognize that there is no longer a meaningful distinction between Hong Kong and mainland China; and (8) urges the United States Government to use all available tools, including those authorized by the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, in response to the Government of the Peoples Republic of Chinas actions in Hong Kong. May 4, 2023 Reported with an amendment and an amendment to the preamble | Condemning Beijings destruction of Hong Kongs democracy and rule of law. |
This resolution designates May 9, 2023, as National Fentanyl Awareness Day to bring attention to the impact of fake or counterfeit fentanyl pills. | Supporting the mission and goals of National Fentanyl Awareness Day in 2023, including increasing individual and public awareness of the impact of fake or counterfeit fentanyl pills on families and young people. Whereas drug traffickers are mass-producing fake or counterfeit pills and falsely marketing them as legitimate prescription pills to deceive the people of the United States; Whereas many fake or counterfeit pills are made to look like prescription name-brand opioids, stimulants, or anxiety medications; Whereas drug traffickers are using fake or counterfeit pills to exploit the opioid crisis and prescription drug misuse; Whereas the Drug Enforcement Administration (referred to in this preamble as the DEA Whereas 6 out of every 10 pills with fentanyl tested by the DEA contain a potentially lethal dose; Whereas counterfeit pills may also contain fentanyl-related substances and methamphetamine; Whereas the number of counterfeit pills with fentanyl seized by law enforcement agencies has increased by nearly 502 percent since 2019; Whereas more than 50,000,000 counterfeit pills were seized within the last year, which represents 379,000,000 doses of illicit fentanyl. Whereas fake or counterfeit pills have been identified in all 50 States and the District of Columbia; Whereas illicit fentanyl has also been detected in illicit drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and MDMA. Whereas, for the 12-month period ending in September 2022, more than 106,000 individuals in the United States died of drug-induced deaths, and 72,000 of those deaths involved illicit fentanyl and other synthetic opioids; Whereas, over the last 20 years, drug-induced deaths among individuals 15 to 35 years of age have increased 6-fold, largely driven by the increase in illicit fentanyl drugs; Whereas, for the 12-month period ending in June 2022, illicit fentanyl was involved in more deaths of individuals under 50 years of age than any single other cause; Whereas fake counterfeit pills are easily accessible and often sold on social media and e-commerce platforms, making them accessible to teens and youth; Whereas illicit fentanyl is involved in more deaths of youths than all other drug types combined; Whereas, between 2019 and 2021, drug overdose and poisoning deaths for individuals 14 to 18 years of age increased by 120 percent, a rate of increase which was 43 percent higher than the national rate and higher than the rate for any other 5-year age group; Whereas, between 2019 and 2021, the involvement of illicit fentanyl in drug overdose and poisoning deaths for individuals 14 to 18 years of age increased by 232 percent, a rate of increase which was 94 percent higher than the national rate and higher than the rate for any other 5-year age group; Whereas, in 2021, illicit fentanyl was involved in 80 percent of drug-induced deaths of individuals between 14 and 23 years of age, compared to 66 percent of drug-induced deaths of individuals of all ages; Whereas only 48 percent of youth and 36 percent of teens in the United States are aware that fentanyl is being used to create counterfeit pills; Whereas only 40 percent of youth and 31 percent of teens consider themselves knowledgeable about fentanyl; and Whereas, in 2021, there were 71,238 reported overdose deaths due to illicit fentanyl and other synthetic opioids: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports the recognition and goals of National Fentanyl Awareness Day, which include increasing individual and public awareness of the impact of fake or counterfeit fentanyl pills on families and young people; (2) applauds the work of Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies that work to combat the proliferation of counterfeit pills; (3) encourages the use of existing authorities to proactively stop and prevent the spread of illicit counterfeit pills; and (4) designates May 9, 2023, as National Fentanyl Awareness Day | Supporting the mission and goals of National Fentanyl Awareness Day in 2023, including increasing individual and public awareness of the impact of fake or counterfeit fentanyl pills on families and young people. |
This resolution recognizes the 16th anniversary of the establishment of the Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Program and designates the week of September 25-October 1, 2023, as Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week. | Expressing support for the recognition of the week of September 25 through October 1, 2023, as Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week Whereas the Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Program was originally established using funds authorized by the College Cost Reduction and Access Act ( Public Law 11084 Whereas 2023 marks the 16th anniversary of the establishment of Federal funding for Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions by Congress; Whereas Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions are degree-granting postsecondary institutions that have an undergraduate enrollment of not less than 10 percent Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander students; Whereas the purpose of the Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Program is to improve the availability and quality of postsecondary education programs to serve Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander students; Whereas, since 2007, more than 260 colleges and universities throughout the United States, including the United States territories in the Pacific, have been eligible for Federal funding as Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions; Whereas, as of the date of adoption of this resolution, there are 206 eligible Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions operating in the United States, including the United States territories in the Pacific; Whereas, as of the 20222023 academic year, 58 Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions were receiving or had received Federal funding in the United States, including the United States territories in the Pacific; Whereas Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions are of critical importance, as they enroll, support, and graduate large proportions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander college students, the overwhelming majority of whom are first-generation and from families with low income; Whereas Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions comprise only 6.5 percent of all institutions of higher education, yet enroll 46 percent of all Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander undergraduate students in the United States, including the United States territories in the Pacific; Whereas Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions employ many of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander faculty, staff, and administrators in the United States; Whereas Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions award more than 50 percent of the associates degrees and more than 40 percent of the bachelors degrees attained by all Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander college students in the United States, including the United States territories in the Pacific; Whereas more than 1/2 Whereas Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions play a vital role in preserving the diverse culture, experiences, heritage, and history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders; Whereas Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions create culturally relevant academic and co-curricular programs, research, and services, which increase student retention, transfer, and graduation rates, while also enhancing the overall educational experiences of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander students; Whereas celebrating the vast contributions of Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions strengthens the culture of the United States; and Whereas the achievements and goals of Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions deserve national recognition: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) recognizes the achievements and goals of Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions in their work to provide quality educational opportunities to Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and other students who attend their institutions; (2) encourages institutions of higher education that are eligible to receive Federal funding as Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions to obtain Federal funding and establish programs to serve the unique needs of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander students, families, and communities; (3) recognizes 2023 as the 16th anniversary of the establishment of the Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Program; (4) designates the week of September 25 through October 1, 2023, as Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week; and (5) calls on the people of the United States, including the United States territories in the Pacific, and interested groups to observe Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week with appropriate activities, ceremonies, and programs to demonstrate support for Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions. | Expressing support for the recognition of the week of September 25 through October 1, 2023, as Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week. |
This resolution expresses support for the designation of National Sarcoma Awareness Month. Sarcoma is a cancer of connective tissues, such as nerves, muscles, joints, fat, bones, and blood vessels. | Expressing support for the designation of July 2023 as National Sarcoma Awareness Month Whereas sarcoma is a rare cancer of the bones or connective tissues, such as nerves, muscles, joints, fat, and blood vessels, that can arise nearly anywhere in the body; Whereas, in the United States (1) about 16,000 individuals are diagnosed with sarcoma each year; (2) approximately 7,200 individuals die from sarcoma each year; and (3) about 50,000 individuals struggle with sarcoma at any given time; Whereas, each year, about 1 percent of cancers diagnosed in adults and around 15 percent of cancers diagnosed in children are sarcoma; Whereas more than 70 types of sarcoma have been identified; Whereas the potential causes of sarcoma are not well understood; Whereas treatment for sarcoma can include surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy; Whereas sarcoma is often misdiagnosed and underreported; and Whereas July 2023 would be an appropriate month to designate as National Sarcoma Awareness Month (1) to raise awareness about sarcoma; and (2) to encourage more individuals in the United States to get properly diagnosed and treated: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate supports the designation of July 2023 as National Sarcoma Awareness Month | Expressing support for the designation of July 2023 as National Sarcoma Awareness Month. |
This resolution expresses support for National Child Abuse Prevention Month. | Expressing support for the goals and ideals of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Whereas children are fundamental to the success of the United States and will shape the future of the United States; Whereas elected representatives and leaders in the communities of the United States must be ever vigilant and proactive in support of evidence-based means to prevent child abuse and neglect and support families; Whereas adverse childhood experiences (referred to in this preamble as ACEs Whereas at least 5 of the top 10 leading causes of death are associated with ACEs; Whereas preventing ACEs could reduce many health conditions, including (1) up to 21,000,000 cases of depression; (2) up to 1,900,000 cases of heart disease; and (3) up to 2,500,000 cases of overweight and obesity; Whereas every child is filled with tremendous promise, and we all have a collective responsibility to prevent ACEs, foster the potential of every child, and promote positive childhood experiences; Whereas primary prevention of child abuse and neglect can reduce the lifetime economic burden associated with child maltreatment; Whereas, in 2021, an estimated 7,176,600 children were referred to child protective services agencies, alleging maltreatment; Whereas, in 2022, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Childrens CyberTipline received more than 32,000,000 reports of suspected online child sexual exploitation, which marked the highest number of reports ever received in 1 year; Whereas 88,300,000 pieces of child exploitation materials were reported in 2022; Whereas reports indicate that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys experience sexual abuse before their eighteenth birthday, with 42,000,000 estimated child sexual abuse survivors in the United States; Whereas approximately 1 in 7 children in the United States experienced child abuse, neglect, or both between 2022 and 2023; Whereas 43 percent of children exposed to inappropriate sexual content on social media are under 13 years old, and 1 in 5 are 9 years old or younger; Whereas 91 percent of child sexual abuse victims are abused by a person they know and trust; Whereas children who are sexually abused, especially when not provided appropriate treatment and support, often suffer lifelong consequences, such as physical and mental health challenges and higher risk of drug and alcohol misuse and suicide; Whereas education and awareness of possible signs of child abuse and neglect should be prioritized for purposes of prevention; Whereas by intervening to prevent adversity and build resilience during the most critical years of development of a child, voluntary, evidence-based, home-visiting programs have shown positive impact on (1) reducing the recurrence of child abuse and neglect; (2) decreased low-birthweight babies; (3) improved school readiness for children; and (4) increased high school graduation rates: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Child Abuse Prevention Month; (2) recognizes child abuse and neglect and child sexual abuse are preventable and that a healthy and prosperous society depends on strong families and communities; (3) supports efforts to increase the awareness of, and provide education for, the general public of the United States, with respect to preventing child abuse and neglect and building protective factors for families; (4) supports the efforts to help survivors of childhood sexual abuse heal; (5) supports justice for victims of childhood sexual abuse; and (6) recognizes the need for prevention, healing, and justice efforts related to childhood abuse and neglect and sexual abuse. | Expressing support for the goals and ideals of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. |
This resolution congratulates the people of Greece as they celebrate the 202nd anniversary of the independence of Greece. The resolution also (1) expresses support for the principles of democratic governance to which the people of Greece are committed, and (2) commends Greece's support for the people of Ukraine in their fight for freedom against Russian aggression. | Recognizing the 202nd anniversary of the independence of Greece and celebrating democracy in Greece and the United States. Whereas the people of ancient Greece developed the concept of democracy, in which the supreme power to govern was vested in the people; Whereas the founding fathers of the United States, many of whom read Greek political philosophy in the original Greek language, drew heavily on the political experience and philosophy of ancient Greece in forming the representative democracy of the United States; Whereas Petros Mavromichalis, the former Commander in Chief of Greece and a founder of the modern Greek State, said to the citizens of the United States in 1821, It is in your land that liberty has fixed her abode and in imitating you, we shall imitate our ancestors and be thought worthy of them if we succeed in resembling you. Whereas, in an October 21, 1823, letter to Greek scholar Adamantios Koraes discussing the ongoing Greek struggle for independence, Thomas Jefferson wrote that [n]o people sympathise more feelingly than ours with the sufferings of your countrymen, none offer more sincere and ardent prayers to heaven for their success Whereas, on January 19, 1824, in a speech in support of his resolution to send an American envoy to Greece amid its struggle for independence, then-Congressman Daniel Webster recognized the struggle of an interesting and gallant people . . . contending against fearful odds, for being, and for the common privilege of human nature Whereas individual American Philhellenes, including future abolitionist Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe, future abolitionist Jonathan Peckham Miller, and George Jarvis, traveled to Greece to fight alongside and provide aid to the Greek people in their struggle for independence; Whereas the people of the United States generously sent humanitarian assistance to the people of Greece during their struggle for independence, often through philhellene committees; Whereas Greece heroically resisted Axis forces at a crucial moment in World War II, forcing Adolf Hitler to change his timeline and delaying the attack on Russia; Whereas Winston Churchill said that if there had not been the virtue and courage of the Greeks, we do not know which the outcome of World War II would have been no longer will we say that Greeks fight like heroes, but that heroes fight like Greeks Whereas hundreds of thousands of Greeks were killed during World War II; Whereas Greece consistently allied with the United States in major international conflicts throughout its history as a modern State; Whereas the United States has demonstrated its support for the trilateral partnership of Greece, Israel, and Cyprus by enacting into law the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act of 2019 (title II of division J of Public Law 11694 3+1 Whereas this support was bolstered in the United States-Greece Defense and Interparliamentary Partnership Act of 2021 (subtitle B of title XIII of Public Law 11781 Whereas the United States and Greeces commitment to security cooperation led to the conclusion of a Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement, which was updated in 2021, in order to enhance defense ties between the two countries and promote stability in the broader region; Whereas the ongoing United States-Greece Strategic Dialogue reflects Greeces importance to the United States as a geostrategic partner, especially in the Eastern Mediterranean and Balkans, and as an important NATO ally; Whereas Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to Greece in February 2023, for the fourth United States-Greece Strategic Dialogue and along with the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias reaffirmed the importance of the United States-Greece relationship and pledged to continue and increase cooperation based on shared values and interests; Whereas Greece and the United States have joined their democratic allies in standing in support of Ukraine following Russias unprovoked invasion and in December 2022, Foreign Minister of Greece Nikos Dendias said Greeces support towards the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of Ukraine is principled and unwavering Whereas the Government and people of Greece actively participate in peacekeeping and peace-building operations conducted by international organizations, including the United Nations, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the European Union, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe; Whereas Greece remains an integral part of the European Union; Whereas the Greek-American community has greatly contributed to American society and has helped forge the strong ties between the United States and Greece; Whereas the Governments and people of Greece and the United States are at the forefront of efforts to advance freedom, democracy, peace, stability, and human rights; Whereas those efforts and similar ideals have forged a close bond between the peoples of Greece and the United States; and Whereas it is proper and desirable for the United States to celebrate March 25, 2023, Greek Independence Day, with the people of Greece and to reaffirm the democratic principles from which those two great countries were founded: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) extends sincere congratulations and best wishes to the people of Greece as they celebrate the 202nd anniversary of the independence of Greece; (2) expresses support for the principles of democratic governance to which the people of Greece are committed; (3) commends the Greek-American community for its contributions to the United States and its role as a bridge between the two countries; (4) notes the important role that Greece has played in the wider European region and in the community of nations since gaining its independence 202 years ago; and (5) commends Greeces support for the people of Ukraine in their fight for freedom against Russian aggression. | Recognizing the 202nd anniversary of the independence of Greece and celebrating democracy in Greece and the United States. |
This resolution designates May 20, 2023, as Kids to Parks Day. The resolution recognizes the importance of outdoor recreation and the preservation of open spaces to the health and education of young people of the United States. | Designating May 20, 2023, as Kids to Parks Day Whereas the 13th annual Kids to Parks Day will be celebrated on May 20, 2023; Whereas the goals of Kids to Parks Day are (1) to promote healthy outdoor recreation and responsible environmental stewardship; (2) to empower young people; and (3) to encourage families to get outdoors and visit the parks and public land of the United States; Whereas, on Kids to Parks Day, individuals from rural, suburban, and urban areas of the United States can be reintroduced to the splendid national, State, and neighborhood parks located in their communities; Whereas communities across the United States offer a variety of natural resources and public land, often with free access, to individuals seeking outdoor recreation; Whereas the people of the United States, young and old, should be encouraged to lead more healthy and active lifestyles; Whereas Kids to Parks Day is an opportunity for families to take a break from their busy lives and enjoy a day of active, wholesome fun; and Whereas Kids to Parks Day will (1) broaden an appreciation for nature and the outdoors in young people; (2) foster a safe setting for independent play and healthy adventure in neighborhood parks; and (3) facilitate self-reliance while strengthening communities: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates May 20, 2023, as Kids to Parks Day (2) recognizes the importance of outdoor recreation and the preservation of open spaces for the health and education of the young people of the United States; and (3) encourages the people of the United States to observe Kids to Parks Day with safe family trips to parks. | Designating May 20, 2023, as Kids to Parks Day. |
This resolution condemns Hamas in the harshest terms for its attacks on Israel. It also decries Hamas's abductions and threats against hostages and calls on the United States to lead a global campaign to demand the release of those hostages. | Condemning Hamas for its premeditated, coordinated, and brutal terrorist attacks on Israel and demanding that Hamas immediately release all hostages and return them to safety, and for other purposes. Whereas, on October 7, 2023, Hamas, the Iran-backed terror group, launched premeditated, coordinated, and brutal terrorist attacks from the Gaza Strip into Israel, targeting the Israeli people; Whereas, on October 7, 2023, Hamas invaded more than 20 communities bordering the Gaza Strip and attacked innocent young people attending the Tribe of Nova music festival; Whereas, since October 7, 2023, Hamas has killed more than 1,400 Israelis, along with at least 30 United States citizens, and wounded nearly 4,000 people; Whereas reports and videos have surfaced of Hamas executing Israeli civilians, including entire families being slaughtered and horrific acts of violence targeting young children; Whereas, since October 7, 2023, Hamas has fired more than 5,000 rockets into Israel; Whereas it is estimated that nearly 240 people were abducted and are being held hostage in the Gaza Strip; Whereas more than 20 countries have verified their citizens were either killed or are unaccounted for, with many believed to be taken hostage by Hamas; Whereas children and the elderly are among those taken hostage by Hamas; Whereas some hostages, including multiple United States citizens, are known to be in dire need of urgent medical assistance; Whereas Hamas has threatened to execute hostages and broadcast the executions publicly; Whereas, in 1997, the United States designated Hamas a foreign terrorist organization; Whereas United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned the attacks by Hamas in the strongest terms and unequivocally called for the immediate release of all abducted persons Whereas the deliberate murder and hostage-taking of innocent civilians are prohibited by international law: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) condemns Hamas in the harshest terms for its premeditated, coordinated, and brutal terrorist attacks on Israel; (2) decries Hamass abductions and threats made against hostages, including threats to use hostages as human shields; (3) demands that Hamas provide access and medical care to all hostages; (4) demands that Hamas immediately release all hostages and return them to safety; (5) calls on the United States to lead a global effort to demand the release of the hostages held captive by Hamas; and (6) expresses sympathy to the hostages and those wounded, and to their families, and mourns those killed by Hamass terrorist attacks. | Condemning Hamas for its premeditated, coordinated, and brutal terrorist attacks on Israel and demanding that Hamas immediately release all hostages and return them to safety, and for other purposes. |
This resolution authorizes the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs to make specified expenditures and employ personnel for the 118th Congress. | Authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Indian Affairs. 1. General authority In carrying out its powers, duties, and functions imposed by section 105 of Senate Resolution 4 (95th Congress), agreed to February 4, 1977, and in exercising the authority conferred on it by that section, the Committee on Indian Affairs (in this resolution referred to as the committee (1) make expenditures from the contingent fund of the Senate; (2) employ personnel; and (3) with the prior consent of the Government department or agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and Administration, use on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis the services of personnel of any such department or agency. 2. Expenses (a) Expenses for period ending September 30, 2023 The expenses of the committee for the period March 1, 2023, through September 30, 2023, under this resolution shall not exceed $1,689,435, of which amount (1) not to exceed $50,000 may be expended for the procurement of the services of individual consultants, or organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 ( 2 U.S.C. 4301(i) (2) not to exceed $20,000 may be expended for the training of the professional staff of the committee (under procedures specified by section 202(j) of that Act). (b) Expenses for fiscal year 2024 period The expenses of the committee for the period October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024, under this resolution shall not exceed $2,896,174, of which amount (1) not to exceed $50,000 may be expended for the procurement of the services of individual consultants, or organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 ( 2 U.S.C. 4301(i) (2) not to exceed $20,000 may be expended for the training of the professional staff of the committee (under procedures specified by section 202(j) of that Act). (c) Expenses for period ending February 28, 2025 The expenses of the committee for the period October 1, 2024, through February 28, 2025, under this resolution shall not exceed $1,206,739, of which amount (1) not to exceed $50,000 may be expended for the procurement of the services of individual consultants, or organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 ( 2 U.S.C. 4301(i) (2) not to exceed $20,000 may be expended for the training of the professional staff of the committee (under procedures specified by section 202(j) of that Act). 3. Expenses and agency contributions (a) Expenses of the committee (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), expenses of the committee under this resolution shall be paid from the contingent fund of the Senate upon vouchers approved by the chairman of the committee. (2) Vouchers not required Vouchers shall not be required for (A) the disbursement of salaries of employees paid at an annual rate; (B) the payment of telecommunications provided by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper; (C) the payment of stationery supplies purchased through the Keeper of the Stationery; (D) payments to the Postmaster of the Senate; (E) the payment of metered charges on copying equipment provided by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper; (F) the payment of Senate Recording and Photographic Services; or (G) the payment of franked and mass mail costs by the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper. (b) Agency contributions There are authorized to be paid from the appropriations account for Expenses of Inquiries and Investigations (1) for the period March 1, 2023, through September 30, 2023; (2) for the period October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024; and (3) for the period October 1, 2024, through February 28, 2025. | Authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Indian Affairs. |
This resolution supports the designation of October 23, 2023, as Beirut Veterans Remembrance Day to honor members of the Armed Forces who were killed or injured by the terrorist attack on the Marine Corps headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon, on October 23, 1983. | Expressing support for the designation of October 23, 2023, as Beirut Veterans Remembrance Day Whereas, in 1982, the United States deployed members of the Armed Forces to Lebanon as part of a multinational peacekeeping force; Whereas, on October 23, 1983, a truck packed with explosives drove into the lobby of the Marine Corps headquarters building at Beirut International Airport in Beirut, Lebanon; Whereas 241 members of the Armed Forces were killed in the Marine Corps headquarters bombing in Beirut, Lebanon, including 220 Marines, 18 Sailors, and 3 Soldiers; Whereas many of the members of the Armed Forces who died in the Marine Corps headquarters bombing were from the 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment Battalion Landing Team, based out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; Whereas, in the Marine Corps headquarters bombing, Marines suffered the highest loss of life in a single day for Marines since D-Day on Iwo Jima in 1945; Whereas, on the same day as the Marine Corps headquarters bombing, a suicide bomber killed 58 French paratroopers housed in another building in Beirut, Lebanon; and Whereas, on October 23, 2023, the United States remembers the members of the Armed Forces who were killed or injured by the terrorist attack on the Marine Corps headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon, on October 23, 1983: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports the designation of October 23, 2023, as Beirut Veterans Remembrance Day (2) encourages the people of the United States to take time on October 23, 2023, to honor and recognize the memory of the brave members of the Armed Forces who served in Lebanon and should never be forgotten. | Expressing support for the designation of October 23, 2023, as Beirut Veterans Remembrance Day to remember the tragic terrorist bombing of the Marine Corps headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1983. |
This resolution recognizes August 23, 2023, as National Poll Worker Recruitment Day. | Recognizing August 23, 2023, as National Poll Worker Recruitment Day That the Senate (1) recognizes August 23, 2023 , as National Poll Worker Recruitment Day (2) recognizes the need for, and appreciation of, the service of poll workers; and (3) encourages eligible people to help America vote in the 2023 elections by serving as poll workers. | Recognizing August 23, 2023, as National Poll Worker Recruitment Day. |
This resolution states that the Senate holds the Russian government responsible for the illegal kidnapping of children from Ukraine and condemns these actions. The resolution also (1) declares that illegal adoptions are contrary to the Genocide Convention (the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide); (2) claims that Russia is attempting to wipe out a generation of Ukrainian children; and (3) asserts that Russia's invasion of Ukraine has increased the risks of children being exposed to human trafficking, exploitation, child labor, gender-based violence, hunger, injury, trauma, deprivation of education and shelter, and death. | Condemning the deportation of children from Ukraine to the Russian Federation and the forcible transfer of children within territories of Ukraine that are temporarily occupied by Russian forces. Whereas, on January 12, 1951, the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (commonly known as the Genocide Convention Whereas, on February 24, 2022, the Russian Federation launched an illegal and unprovoked further invasion of Ukraine; Whereas, on March 22, 2022, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry announced that the Russian military had forcefully and illegally kidnapped 2,389 Ukrainian children from temporarily occupied areas of Ukraine; Whereas forcibly transferring children of one group to another group is a violation of Article II(e) of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, adopted and opened for signature in 1948 and entered into force in 1951 (commonly known as the Genocide Convention Whereas the unlawful deportation or transfer of people constitutes a breach of Article 147 of the Convention (IV) relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, done at Geneva August 12, 1949 (commonly referred to as the Fourth Geneva Convention Whereas, Maria Lvova-Belova, Childrens Rights Commissioner for the President of Russia, admitted to kidnapping Ukrainian children and facilitating forced adoptions to Russian families; Whereas Ukrainian authorities have stated that a number of the kidnapped Ukrainian children have families who remain in Ukraine, but have been separated due to the Russian invasion; Whereas, on May 30, 2022, the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, signed a decree simplifying the procedure of obtaining Russian citizenship for Ukrainian orphans and children without parental care, thereby expediting the process of illegal adoption of deported Ukrainian children by Russian families; Whereas, on June 2, 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that 200,000 children are among the Ukrainians who have been forcefully resettled in Russia; Whereas, on June 16, 2022, Russian authorities announced that children born in occupied Ukrainian territories after the February 24, 2022, invasion will be deemed Russian citizens; Whereas, on July 11, 2022, United Nations Secretary General Antnio Guterres ordered an investigation into the deaths and injuries of Ukrainian children; Whereas, on July 13, 2022, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken issued a statement calling upon Russia to immediately halt its systemic filtration operations in Ukraine Whereas, on December 5, 2022, Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, announced that at least 2,800,000 Ukrainians have been deported to Russia; Whereas, on March 17, 2023, the International Criminal Court issued warrants of arrest, relating to the war crimes described in subsections (a)(vii) and (b)(viii) of section 2 of article 8 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, for (1) Vladimir Putin, for (A) the unlawful deportation of population (children); and (B) the unlawful transfer of population (children) from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation; and (2) Maria Lvova-Belova, Presidential Commissioner for Childrens Rights in Russia, for (A) the unlawful deportation of population (children); and (B) the unlawful transfer of population (children) from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation; and Whereas, as of March 27, 2023, the official platform Children of War (1) at least 465 Ukrainian children have been killed and 942 Ukrainian children have been wounded since Russias renewed invasion of Ukraine began; and (2) there has been 16,207 verified cases of Ukrainian children being deported to Russia out of a possible 744,000 cases: Now, therefore, be it Whereas, on January 12, 1951, the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (commonly known as the Genocide Convention Whereas, on February 24, 2022, the Russian Federation launched an illegal and unprovoked further invasion of Ukraine; Whereas, on March 22, 2022, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry announced that the Russian military had forcefully and illegally kidnapped 2,389 Ukrainian children from temporarily occupied areas of Ukraine; Whereas forcibly transferring children of one group to another group can constitute a violation of Article II(e) of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, adopted and opened for signature in 1948 and entered into force in 1951 (commonly known as the Genocide Convention Whereas the unlawful deportation or transfer of protected people constitutes a breach of Article 147 of the Convention (IV) relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, done at Geneva August 12, 1949 (commonly referred to as the Fourth Geneva Convention Whereas, Maria Lvova-Belova, Childrens Rights Commissioner for the President of Russia, admitted to kidnapping Ukrainian children and facilitating forced adoptions to Russian families; Whereas Ukrainian authorities have stated that a number of the kidnapped Ukrainian children have families who remain in Ukraine, but have been separated due to the Russian invasion; Whereas, on May 30, 2022, the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, signed a decree simplifying the procedure of obtaining Russian citizenship for Ukrainian orphans and children without parental care, thereby expediting the process of illegal adoption of deported Ukrainian children by Russian families; Whereas, on June 2, 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that 200,000 children are among the Ukrainians who have been forcefully resettled in Russia; Whereas on June 16, 2022, Russian authorities announced that children born in occupied Ukrainian territories after the February 24, 2022, invasion will be deemed Russian citizens; Whereas, on July 11, 2022, United Nations Secretary General Antnio Guterres ordered an investigation into the deaths and injuries of Ukrainian children; Whereas, on January 27, 2023, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, accused Russia of violating the fundamental principles of child protection Whereas, on July 13, 2022, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken issued a statement calling upon Russia to immediately halt its systemic filtration operations in Ukraine Whereas, on December 5, 2022, Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, announced that at least 2,800,000 Ukrainians have been deported to Russia; Whereas on March 17, 2023, the International Criminal Court issued warrants of arrest, relating to the war crimes described in subsections (a)(vii) and (b)(viii) of section 2 of article 8 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, for (1) Vladimir Putin, for (A) the unlawful deportation of population (children); and (B) the unlawful transfer of population (children) from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation; and (2) Maria Lvova-Belova, Presidential Commissioner for Childrens Rights in Russia, for (A) the unlawful deportation of population (children); and (B) the unlawful transfer of population (children) from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation; and Whereas, as of June 1, 2023, the official platform Children of War (1) at least 484 Ukrainian children have been killed and 992 Ukrainian children have been wounded since Russias renewed invasion of Ukraine began; and (2) there has been 19,505 verified cases of Ukrainian children being deported to Russia: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) holds the Government of the Russian Federation, under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, responsible for the wrongful and illegal kidnapping of children from Ukraine and officially condemns these actions in the strongest terms; (2) condemns (A) the forcible mass transfer of millions of Ukrainian civilians, hundreds of thousands of whom are children, to the Russian Federation or territories controlled by the Russian Federation; and (B) the facilitation of illegal adoptions, which could constitute a violation of Russias obligations under the Genocide Convention and amount to genocide; (3) claims that the Russian Federation is attempting to wipe out a generation of Ukrainian children, thereby crippling Ukraines ability to nurture the next generation of Ukrainian citizens and leaders and to rebuild their country after Russias unprovoked war, with the purpose of demolishing Ukraines unique language, culture, history, and identity; (4) asserts that the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation has significantly increased the risks of children being exposed to human trafficking and exploitation, child labor, gender-based violence, hunger, injury, trauma, deprivation of education and shelter, and death; (5) urges the President to use all legal means necessary to hold accountable those responsible for the forcible deportation and displacement of children in Ukraine; (6) asserts that United States policy should involve assisting in reunification efforts between Ukrainian children deported or displaced by Russias ongoing invasion of Ukraine and their families; and (7) calls upon the President to impose sanctions on those responsible for the forcible deportation and displacement of Ukrainian children, including through the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act ( 22 U.S.C. 10101 et seq. June 13, 2023 Reported without amendment and an amendment to the preamble | Condemning the deportation of children from Ukraine to the Russian Federation and the forcible transfer of children within territories of Ukraine that are temporarily occupied by Russian forces. |
This resolution designates Rare Disease Day. | Designating February 28, 2023, as Rare Disease Day Whereas a rare disease or disorder is a disease or disorder that affects a small number of patients; Whereas, in the United States, a rare disease or disorder affects fewer than 200,000 individuals; Whereas, as of the date of the adoption of this resolution, more than 25,000,000 individuals in the United States are living with at least 1 of the more than 7,000 known rare diseases or disorders; Whereas children with rare diseases or disorders account for a significant portion of the population affected by rare diseases or disorders in the United States; Whereas many rare diseases and disorders are serious and life-threatening; Whereas this year marks the 40th anniversary of the enactment of the Orphan Drug Act ( Public Law 97414 Whereas, in 2022, the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, in the Food and Drug Administration (referred to in this preamble as FDA Whereas the 117th Congress passed into law as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 ( Public Law 117328 Whereas, although the FDA has approved more than 1,100 drugs and biological products for an orphan indication for the treatment of a rare disease or disorder, approximately 90 percent of rare diseases do not have a treatment approved by the FDA for their condition; Whereas limited treatment options and financing life-altering and lifesaving treatments can be challenging for individuals with rare diseases or disorders and their families; Whereas rare diseases and disorders include sickle cell anemia, spinal muscular atrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, thyroid eye disease, myotonic dystrophy, t-cell prolymphocytic leukemia, Sanfilippo syndrome, microtia, cystinosis, meatal atresia, and conductive deafness; Whereas individuals with rare diseases or disorders can experience difficulty in obtaining accurate diagnoses and finding physicians or treatment centers with expertise in their rare disease or disorder; Whereas the 116th Congress passed the Medicaid Services Investment and Accountability Act of 2019 ( Public Law 11616 Whereas the FDA and the National Institutes of Health support innovative research on the treatment of rare diseases and disorders; Whereas Rare Disease Day is observed each year on the last day of February; Whereas Rare Disease Day is a global event that was first observed in the United States on February 28, 2009, and was observed in more than 100 countries in 2022; and Whereas Rare Disease Day is expected to be observed globally for years to come, providing hope and information for rare disease and disorder patients around the world: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates February 28, 2023, as Rare Disease Day (2) recognizes the importance of, with respect to rare diseases and disorders (A) improving awareness; (B) encouraging accurate and early diagnosis; and (C) supporting national and global efforts to develop effective treatments, diagnostics, and cures. | Designating February 28, 2023, as Rare Disease Day. |
This resolution expresses support for recognizing January 22 of each year as the Day of Tears and lowering flags to half-staff to honor unborn lives lost to abortion. | Memorializing the unborn by lowering the United States flag to half-staff on the 22nd day of January each year. Whereas, on January 22, 1973, the majority of the members of the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that abortion was a right secured by the Constitution of the United States; Whereas, on June 24, 2022, the majority of the members of the Supreme Court of the United States overturned Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113 (1973), to affirm that the Constitution of the United States does not confer a right to abortion; and Whereas, since January 22, 1973, more than 60,000,000 unborn children have perished: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports the recognition of the Day of Tears in the United States on the 22nd day of January each year; (2) encourages the people of the United States to lower their flags to half-staff to mourn and honor the innocents who have lost their lives to abortion; and (3) encourages legislators to enact laws that respect the sanctity of life. | Memorializing the unborn by lowering the United States flag to half-staff on the 22nd day of January each year. |
This resolution supports the designation of May 2023 as American Stroke Month. | Expressing support for the designation of May 2023 as American Stroke Month. Whereas quick identification and treatment for stroke results in a higher chance of survival and reduces recovery time for individuals experiencing a stroke; Whereas appropriate treatment depends on the type of stroke an individual is experiencing, which must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional; Whereas, when dealing with a time-sensitive medical emergency, like a stroke, the right care at the right time and at the right facility really matters; Whereas a system of care allows for scientifically proven measures to be applied to every patient, every time; Whereas every 40 seconds, an individual in the United States has a stroke; Whereas stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability and the fifth-leading cause of death in the United States, causing more than 160,000 deaths each year; Whereas the total annual health care costs of stroke are expected to reach $240,700,000,000 by 2030; Whereas nearly half of adults in the United States have high blood pressure, which is a leading cause and controllable risk factor for stroke; Whereas the acronym F.A.S.T., which is used to help detect warning signs and symptoms of stroke and respond effectively, stands for face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, and time to call 911; Whereas, during American Stroke Month in May, and year-round, the Together to End Stroke initiative of the American Stroke Association strives to teach people everywhere that stroke is largely preventable, treatable, and beatable; and Whereas more research and education is needed to help prevent and treat stroke: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) expresses support for the designation of May 2023 as American Stroke Month (2) recognizes and reaffirms the commitment of the United States to fighting stroke (A) by promoting awareness about the causes, risks, and prevention of stroke; (B) by supporting research on stroke; and (C) by improving access to affordable quality care to reduce long term disability and mortality; (3) commends the efforts of States, territories, and possessions of the United States, localities, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and other entities, and the people of the United States who support American Stroke Month; and (4) encourages all individuals in the United States to familiarize themselves with the risk factors associated with stroke, recognize the warning signs and symptoms, and on first sign of a stroke, dial 911 immediately, in order to begin to reduce the devastating effects of stroke on the population of the United States. | Expressing support for the designation of May 2023 as American Stroke Month. |
This resolution recognizes the vital role of women-owned businesses to the economy. | Celebrating the extraordinary accomplishments and vital role of women business owners in the United States. Whereas there are over 13,000,000 women-owned businesses in the United States; Whereas women-owned businesses (1) employ more than 10,900,000 people in the United States; (2) generate nearly $1,900,000,000,000 in revenue annually; (3) have grown at nearly twice the national average; and (4) have grown from 4.6 percent to 42 percent of all businesses in the United States between 1972 and 2019; and Whereas women entrepreneurs founded nearly 40 percent of new businesses in 2021: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) recognizes the vital role of women-owned businesses to the economy of the United States; (2) commends the exceptional entrepreneurial spirit of women business owners in the United States; and (3) celebrates women entrepreneurs in the United States. | Celebrating the extraordinary accomplishments and vital role of women business owners in the United States. |
This resolution expresses support for the designation of BatWeek and acknowledges the important role bats play as pollinators and pest control for agriculture. | Expressing support for the designation of the week of October 24, 2023, to October 31, 2023, as BatWeek Whereas bats are vital to the sustainability of natural ecosystems, national economies, and human health by controlling damaging insect pests, pollinating plants that produce fruits and vegetables, dispersing seeds to ensure healthy functioning forests and fields, and saving farmers in the United States more than $3,000,000,000 in pest control every year; Whereas bats have captured the human imagination through backyard sightings, folklore, art, myths, and legends, making outreach and education about the importance of bats instrumental; Whereas bats are present throughout the world, except in extremely cold regions, and are the second-largest order of mammals with over 1,400 species; Whereas white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease that has killed millions of bats in North America, has now spread to 40 States and 12 species of hibernating bats; Whereas the disease has caused significant declines in populations of the tricolored bat, the little brown bat, and the northern long-eared bat, which is listed as endangered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 ( 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. Whereas the Department of the Interior, through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the United States Geological Survey, the National Park Service, and the Bureau of Land Management, is leading the international response to the disease in partnership with the United States Forest Service and more than 150 Federal and State agencies, Tribes, nongovernmental organizations, and universities; Whereas the United States Geological Survey and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service co-lead the multinational, multiagency North American Bat Monitoring Program, which, since 2015, has consolidated nearly 89,000,000 records from partners in 49 States, 9 Canadian Provinces, and 19 Tribal organizations, demonstrating the power of collaborative conservation science to monitor changes in North American bat populations; Whereas the United States Geological Survey conducts scientific research on bats that helps resource managers and policymakers make informed decisions regarding the conservation of bats across North America; and Whereas, in the past decade, the international partnership of States, Tribes, Federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other institutions has made extraordinary progress to understand white-nose syndrome, slow the spread of the disease, and develop treatments that hold promise for ending this epidemic: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) expresses support for the designation of BatWeek (2) encourages the observance of BatWeek with appropriate events and activities; (3) acknowledges the important role bats play as pollinators and pest control for agriculture; and (4) intends to (A) continue working to conserve bat species and their habitat; and (B) work to defeat the disease known as white-nose syndrome. | Expressing support for the designation of the week of October 24, 2023, to October 31, 2023, as BatWeek. |
This resolution designates August 2023 as National Anti-Counterfeiting and Consumer Education and Awareness Month. | Recognizing the importance of trademarks in the economy and the role of trademarks in protecting consumer safety, by designating the month of August as National Anti-Counterfeiting and Consumer Education and Awareness Month Whereas public awareness is crucial to safeguard consumers and businesses from unsafe and unreliable products that, through illicit activity, threaten intellectual property rights, the economic market, and even the health and well-being of consumers; Whereas Federal statutes such as the Act of July 5, 1946 (commonly referred to as the Trademark Act of 1946 Lanham Act 15 U.S.C. 1051 et seq. Lanham Act Public Law 98473 Whereas the Lanham Act provided the foundation for modern Federal trademark protection, creating legal rights and remedies for brand owners suffering from trademark infringement, helping consumers make informed choices by reducing the amount of confusingly similar products, and making the marketplace more fair, competitive, and safe for all; Whereas, according to the World Intellectual Property Organization, there was an estimated 73,700,000 active trademark registrations around the world in 2021, a 14.3 percent increase from the previous year; Whereas counterfeit products undermine laws, including the Lanham Act, that ensure the safety of consumers, businesses, and brand owners against illegitimate products in the marketplace, from which criminal groups and bad actors are benefitting at the expense of the public and private sector; Whereas counterfeiters use different online platforms to attract consumers to buy illegitimate goods, usually enticing consumers through cheaper prices; Whereas the growth of both global commerce and electronic commerce has expedited the evolving problem because it has given third-party actors an enhanced opportunity to reach consumers that they may have not previously been able to reach; Whereas the deceptive tactics of counterfeiters and their counterfeit products pose actual and potential harm to the health and safety of United States citizens, especially the most vulnerable consumers in society, such as senior citizens and children; Whereas, according to the 2023 Special 301 Report issued by the Office the United States Trade Representative, counterfeit items often do not comply with regulated safety standards, and as a result, vast amounts of unsafe products are constantly circulating the market and endangering the public; Whereas goods originating in China and Hong Kong account for more than 80 percent of all global customs seizures of dangerous counterfeit goods, including foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other goods; Whereas many international criminals used the COVID19 pandemic to exploit the market with numerous counterfeits, and as a result, have defrauded United States citizens; Whereas counterfeit medical products pose a particular threat to the safety and health of consumers in the United States because the counterfeit product does not provide the same level of protection as an authentic article; Whereas these dangers were elevated during the COVID19 pandemic by significant trafficking in counterfeit personal protective equipment, medical devices, and COVID19 treatments; Whereas, according to the World Trademark review, as of March 25, 2021, there were 2,054 COVID19 related seizures, including counterfeit masks and medicines totaling in excess of $47,200,000, with 265 arrests; Whereas, in September 2021, the Drug Enforcement Administration ( DEA Whereas counterfeit products threaten the United States economy and job creation, and according to United States Customs and Border Protection, counterfeiting and piracy cost businesses in the United States more than $200,000,000,000 per year and has led to the loss of 750,000 jobs; Whereas, in 2022, the United States Customs and Border Protection seized more than 24,500,000 counterfeit goods, with an estimated manufacturers suggested retail price of over $2,980,000,000 if the goods were genuine, which equates to about $8,164,383 in counterfeit goods seizures every day; Whereas the manufacturing, trade, and consumption of counterfeit products are on the rise; Whereas, according to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, as of 2020, at least 20 percent of counterfeit and pirated goods sold abroad displace sales in the United States, and of the $143,000,000,000 sold of such goods, the United States economy suffers a loss of around $29,000,000,000 per year; Whereas businesses of all sizes collectively spend millions of dollars to protect and enforce their own brand and products by removing counterfeit products from both online and physical marketplaces; Whereas businesses must devote resources to combating counterfeit products instead of using those resources to grow their business by hiring new employees and developing new products; Whereas one of the most effective ways to protect consumers of the dangers of counterfeit products is through educational campaigns and awareness programs; and Whereas organizations such as the Congressional Trademark Caucus, Federal enforcement agencies, the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, and State enforcement agencies are actively working to raise awareness of the value of trademarks and the impact and harms caused by counterfeit products on both the national and State economies: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates the month of August 2023 as National Anti-Counterfeiting and Consumer Education and Awareness Month (2) supports the goals and ideals of National Anti-Counterfeiting and Consumer Education and Awareness Month to educate the public and raise public awareness about the actual and potential dangers counterfeit products pose to consumer health and safety; (3) affirms the continuing importance and need for comprehensive Federal, State, and private sector-supported education and awareness efforts designed to equip the consumers of the United States with the information and tools needed to safeguard against illegal counterfeit products in traditional commerce, internet commerce, and other electronic commerce platforms; and (4) recognizes and reaffirms the commitment of the United States to combating counterfeiting by promoting awareness about the actual and potential harm of counterfeiting to consumers and brand owners and by promoting new education programs and campaigns designed to reduce the supply of, and demand for, counterfeit products. | Recognizing the importance of trademarks in the economy and the role of trademarks in protecting consumer safety, by designating the month of August as National Anti-Counterfeiting and Consumer Education and Awareness Month. |
This resolution recognizes the important role of fathers and wishes all fathers and father figures a happy Father's Day. | Recognizing Father's Day and the role of father engagement in improving the overall health and life outcomes for both the mother and baby. Whereas Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June and will be celebrated in the United States on Sunday, June 18, 2023; Whereas increased father engagement can play an important role in (1) improving maternal health care; (2) addressing maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States; (3) bettering the development of the child; and (4) the long-term growth of the child; Whereas research has found that supporting families holistically and actively by including and engaging fathers in all aspects of maternal health care, from preconception, through pregnancy, and during the first-year postpartum, can positively impact short term and long term health outcomes, improving (1) pregnancy and postpartum health, as when fathers are involved and engaged, mothers are (A) more likely to receive early and regular prenatal care; (B) at reduced risk of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (referred to in this preamble as PMADs (C) less likely to smoke, drink, or misuse drugs during the pregnancy and perinatal period; (D) more likely to eat well and take recommended vitamins; (E) more likely to follow the recommendations of a physician; (F) less likely to experience complications during pregnancy and labor; and (G) more likely to have a healthy, safe birth, and more likely to sustain breastfeeding; and (2) the health and well-being of the baby, including (A) improving healthy development; (B) improving outcomes in school; (C) reducing rates of teen pregnancies; (D) reducing risk of substance use; and (E) improving future executive function; Whereas methods to empower fathers as advocates for both mother and baby include (1) addressing cultural beliefs about fatherhood and the role of men in maternal health and families, especially beliefs that discourage father participation; (2) peer-to-peer, father-to-father encouragement and support; (3) involving fathers in prenatal and postpartum care; (4) providing fathers with information about what to expect before, during, and after birth, and how a father can better understand and support their partner, as well as to help the mother and father bond together as a parenting team; and (5) educating and engaging fathers in conversations and guidance about mental health, breastfeeding practices, health care appointments, safe sleep, physical touch, and father-child bonding and early childhood development; Whereas 1 in 5 women experience a PMAD, with suicide being the leading cause of preventable maternal deaths; Whereas the added support of father engagement reduces the risks of PMADs and contributes to (1) a lower chance of preterm birth; and (2) a healthier birth weight; Whereas the support of the father during pregnancy can help promote cessation of smoking, drinking, and drug use in the mother; Whereas father involvement during pregnancy has been linked with a 36 percent reduction in smoking in a mother; Whereas increasing outreach for fathers to join group prenatal care models and to attend prenatal and postnatal appointments will help prepare both parents and create opportunities for the parents to view pregnancy and parenting as a team effort; Whereas evidence shows that when fathers are involved during pregnancy appointments and milestones, mothers are 1.5 times more likely to receive prenatal care in the first trimester, which improves health outcomes for both the mother and baby; Whereas the participation of the father during prenatal care appointments provides the mother with additional support to recognize potential pregnancy-related complications that could lead to maternal morbidity and mortality, such as (1) preeclampsia; (2) preterm labor; (3) PMADs; (4) pregnancy loss or miscarriage; (5) stillbirth; (6) high blood pressure; (7) cervical infections; (8) gestational diabetes; (9) placental abruption; (10) ectopic pregnancy; and (11) uterine rupture; Whereas physical contact between the father and the baby just after birth and in the months following birth has been shown to support and improve the health and development of the baby, improve the mental health of the father, and foster father-child bonding in the short term and long term; Whereas studies show that engaging fathers in conversations about safe sleep guidelines can help increase safe sleep and reduce infant deaths; Whereas providing fathers with guidance about infant crying and the risks of shaken baby syndrome can reduce infant deaths; Whereas the active support of the father during breastfeeding greatly increases the chances of sustained breastfeeding, which improves the physical and mental health of the baby and the mother; Whereas removing barriers to father engagement can encourage greater involvement during pregnancy, delivery, and parenthood, such as (1) offering moderated father support groups and classes; (2) changing messaging about societal perceptions on the role of the father in pregnancy and parenting; and (3) health care providers offering prenatal appointments outside of regular work hours, through telehealth and through take-home father-focused resources; and Whereas support from a warm and emotionally responsive father improves the life and development of their child as the child grows into adolescence, as the child (1) is less emotionally reactive; (2) experiences less depression; (3) is less prone to mood and anxiety disorders; and (4) relates better with other children; Whereas the sustained involvement of a father with their child to the age of 7 helps negate the risk of psychological maladjustment; Whereas a trusting relationship between a caring father and son will help the son grow into a strong father themselves; Whereas a litany of research relates positive outcomes with increased father involvement with their child, including (1) higher academic achievement; (2) better school readiness and performance; (3) higher self-esteem; and (4) greater social awareness; Whereas the involvement of a loving father in the life of a 16-year-old child predicts less psychological distress for that child when they reach adulthood; Whereas 1,300 step families are formed every day and 1 out of every 25 families with children have adopted a child, demonstrating a variety of fatherhood experiences; and Whereas the genuine love of a father is irreplaceable, and the positive externalities that coincide with the love of a father prove both the power of genuine affection and the responsibility fathers have in caring for their children: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) recognizes the important role of fathers in increasing positive maternal health outcomes and reducing maternal mortality and morbidity; (2) acknowledges that father engagement efforts provide continuous physical and emotional support, which can contribute to healthier pregnancies, safer deliveries, and successful postpartum recoveries; (3) acknowledges that sustained engagement by a father throughout the life of their child is a privileged responsibility that fulfills the father as much as the child; and (4) wishes all fathers and father figures in the United States a happy Father's Day. | Recognizing Father's Day and the role of father engagement in improving the overall health and life outcomes for both the mother and baby. |
This resolution supports the designation of National Latino/a Physician Day. | Expressing support for the annual designation of October 1st as National Latino/a Physician Day. Whereas the Hispanic or Latino/a population in the United States is estimated to rise from 57,470,000 in 2016 to 111,216,000 by 2060; Whereas it is estimated that 66 percent of the population growth of the United States from 2016 to 2060 will be comprised of Latino/as; Whereas, by 2060, Latino/as are estimated to account for more than 1 in 4 persons in the United States and 1 in 3 children in the United States; Whereas only 6 percent of physicians in the United States are Latino/a; Whereas the Latino/a population faces significant barriers to medical care, including high poverty, fewer facilities in their communities, and language and cultural barriers; Whereas research shows that when physicians are of the same ethnicity, culture, and language as their patients, care and outcomes improve; Whereas Latino/a physicians are integral to the health of the people of the United States; Whereas the first National Latino/a Physician Day occurred on October 1, 2022, across the United States, supported by multiple national organizations and the Latino/a community, including premedical students, medical students, resident physicians, and attending physicians; and Whereas the annual designation of October 1st as National Latino/a Physician Day will bring awareness to the benefits that Latino/a physicians bring to the growing Latino/a population and the health of the people of the United States as a whole: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports the goal to increase the number of Latino/a physicians in the United States and increase diversity in medicine; and (2) supports the annual designation of October 1st as National Latino/a Physician Day | Expressing support for the annual designation of October 1st as National Latino/a Physician Day. |
This resolution recognizes the importance of mental health and behavioral health for children and supports efforts to provide access to programs and services that support the mental health and well-being of children. | Supporting the designation of the week of May 7, 2023, as Childrens Mental Health Awareness Week Childrens Mental Health Awareness Day Whereas children in the United States have been documented to have undergone an acute public health crisis of mental and behavioral health for many years, even before the additional challenges of the COVID19 pandemic; Whereas a 2022 study found as many as 1 in 5 children in the United States have a mental, emotional, or behavioral health condition; Whereas the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, based on survey data from the Youth Risk behavior survey, estimate that, in 2021, more than 4 in 10 (42 percent) high school students felt persistently sad or hopeless, and nearly 1 in 3 (29 percent) experienced poor mental health; Whereas, in 2019, according to the Census Bureau, over 11 percent of children aged 3 to 17 received treatment or counseling from a mental health professional; Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is (1) the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10 to 14; (2) the third leading cause of death among individuals aged 15 to 24; and (3) the tenth leading cause of death for individuals aged 5 to 9; Whereas there has been a significant increase in demand for mental health services for children, including a more than 30 percent increase in mental health visits to emergency departments for children aged 12 to 17 from 2019 to April 2020; Whereas barriers exist to access to mental health delivery systems, particularly impacting children and adults who have been exposed to adverse childhood experiences; and Whereas the stigma surrounding mental and behavioral health persists, and acknowledging this public health crisis and creating awareness as early as possible is as important as ever: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) recognizes the importance of connecting children with appropriate mental and behavioral health services and supports; (2) seeks to create awareness for the additional challenges children and their families have faced during the COVID19 pandemic due to isolation from family and peers, barriers to services, and exposure to traumas; (3) supports programs and services aimed at providing access to care, building resiliency, and addressing trauma; and (4) shows appreciation and gratitude for family members, friends, educators, mental and behavioral health service providers, and others in their support for the mental health and well-being of children. | Supporting the designation of the week of May 7, 2023, as Childrens Mental Health Awareness Week and May 11, 2023, as Childrens Mental Health Awareness Day. |
This resolution commends the officers of the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Service in observance of its 225th anniversary. | Commending the officers of the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Service for 225 years of work protecting, promoting, and advancing the health and safety of the United States. Whereas the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Service traces its antecedents to the creation of the Marine Hospital Service in the Act entitled An Act for the relief of sick and disabled seamen Whereas the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Service has compiled an exceptional record of service to the health of the people of the United States and the world through concerted efforts in disease prevention, health promotion, environmental intervention, disease control, biomedical research, health care delivery, health program management, policy development, and implementation; Whereas the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Service has been instrumental in the achievement of many innovations and breakthroughs throughout the field of health care; Whereas the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Service continues to serve underserved and vulnerable populations in hard-to-fill, and often hazardous and remote, duty stations; Whereas, because of the diverse and varied training and background of its officers, the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Service has maintained a highly effective, mobile, and adaptive cadre of health and medical experts that have performed efficiently during public health emergencies, including pandemics, epidemics, natural disasters, and other adverse situations, with courage, proficiency, and valor; Whereas the officers of the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Service have worked to eradicate diseases such as smallpox, and have improved the health of mothers, children, and handicapped individuals through significant accomplishments such as the control of tuberculosis and the development of protective vaccines; and Whereas the officers of the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service have bravely put themselves at great personal risk to combat recent disease outbreaks related to Ebola, Zika, H1N1 flu, and COVID19: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate commends all of the officers of the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Service in observance of the 225th anniversary of the Commissioned Corps. | Commending the officers of the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Service for 225 years of work protecting, promoting, and advancing the health and safety of the United States. |
This resolution states that the Senate unequivocally supports the longstanding U.S. recognition of the state of Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India and supports India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The resolution also condemns China's use of military force along the disputed India-China border as well as other provocations. | Reaffirming the state of Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and condemning the People's Republic of China's provocations in South Asia. Whereas, since the Sino-Indian war of 1962, the United States has recognized the McMahon Line as the international boundary between the Peoples Republic of China and the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh; Whereas the United States recognizes the state of Arunachal Pradesh not as disputed territory but as an integral part of the Republic of India, and this recognition is not qualified in any way; Whereas the Government of the Peoples Republic of China claims Arunachal Pradesh as its own territory, which it calls South Tibet Whereas, in December 2021, the Peoples Republic of Chinas Ministry of Civil Affairs published a detailed map of the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh which assigned Mandarin-language names to 15 geographic features, including eight residential settlements, four mountain peaks, two rivers, and one mountain pass, as well as the names of the administrative regions where each of these are located; Whereas, in December 2022, Peoples Republic of China and Indian troops engaged in a skirmish in Arunachal Pradesh along the Line of Actual Control, the biggest clash in the Eastern Sector in six years; Whereas the Peoples Liberation Army engaged in provocative moves in the Western Sector along the Line of Actual Control starting in April 2020, including increasing troop deployments, building new infrastructure in contested areas, and harassing Indian patrols, particularly around the Depsang Plains, Galwan Valley, Hot Springs, and Pangong Lake; Whereas these provocations by the Peoples Republic of China upended then-improving India-China relations and ultimately led to the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020, which resulted in the death of 20 Indian soldiers; Whereas the People's Republic of China has constructed two Chinese villages close to the Line of Actual Control near Arunachal Pradesh and expanded its territorial claims in Bhutanese territory in the Eastern Sector; Whereas Arunachal Pradesh contains the Buddhist town of Tawang, home to the revered Tawang Monastery and is the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso; Whereas the Peoples Republic of China has raised diplomatic objections to visits to Arunachal Pradesh by the Dalai Lama and other leaders and has refused to grant residents of the Indian state visas for travel to China; Whereas the provocations by the Peoples Republic of China impede poverty alleviation and economic development in Arunachal Pradesh, where nearly 25 percent of the population lives in multidimensional poverty according to Indias 2021 National Multidimensional Poverty Index, leading many international donors to be cautious of providing assistance due to the states perceived status as disputed territory; Whereas the Government of India has increased its funding for border infrastructure to improve accessibility in Arunachal Pradesh, as well as for village infrastructure, housing, tourist centers, road connectivity, and decentralized renewable energy production through Indias Vibrant Villages program; Whereas the Government of India has taken steps to defend itself from aggression and security threats from the Peoples Republic of China, including through securing its telecommunications infrastructure and conducting investment screening; Whereas it is in the interest of the United States to work both bilaterally with India through our Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, as well as multilaterally through the Quad with Japan and Australia, and through the I2U2 with Israel and the United Arab Emirates; Whereas there is significant and continuing progress in the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership, including ambitions for building an advanced and comprehensive defense partnership in which the Armed Forces of the United States and India coordinate across all domains; and Whereas the Government of India is playing a significant leadership role on the global stage, including as part of its G20 presidency in 2023: Now, therefore, be it Whereas, since the Sino-Indian war of 1962, the United States has recognized the McMahon Line as the international boundary between the Peoples Republic of China and the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh; Whereas the United States recognizes the state of Arunachal Pradesh not as disputed territory but as an integral part of the Republic of India, and this recognition is not qualified in any way; Whereas the Government of the Peoples Republic of China claims large portions of Arunachal Pradesh as its own territory, which it calls South Tibet Whereas, in December 2021, the Peoples Republic of Chinas Ministry of Civil Affairs published a detailed map of the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh which assigned Mandarin-language names to 15 geographic features, including eight residential settlements, four mountain peaks, two rivers, and one mountain pass, as well as the names of the administrative regions where each of these are located; Whereas, in December 2022, Peoples Republic of China and Indian troops engaged in a skirmish in Arunachal Pradesh along the McMahon Line, the most significant clash in the Eastern Sector of the disputed India-China border in six years; Whereas the Peoples Liberation Army disregarded established protocols and engaged in provocative moves in the Western Sector of the disputed India-China border starting in April 2020, including increasing troop deployments, building new infrastructure in contested areas, and harassing Indian patrols, particularly around the Depsang Plains, Galwan Valley, Hot Springs, and Pangong Lake; Whereas these provocations by the Peoples Republic of China upended India-China relations and ultimately led to the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020, which resulted in the death of 20 Indian soldiers; Whereas the People's Republic of China has constructed two villages close to the McMahon Line near Arunachal Pradesh and expanded its territorial claims in Bhutanese territory in the Eastern Sector of the disputed India-China border; Whereas Arunachal Pradesh contains the Buddhist town of Tawang, home to the revered Tawang Monastery and is the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso; Whereas the Peoples Republic of China has raised diplomatic objections to visits to Arunachal Pradesh by the Dalai Lama and other leaders and has refused to grant residents of the Indian state visas for travel to China; Whereas the provocations by the Peoples Republic of China impede poverty alleviation and economic development in Arunachal Pradesh, where nearly 25 percent of the population lives in multidimensional poverty according to Indias 2021 National Multidimensional Poverty Index, leading many international donors to be cautious of providing assistance due to the states misperceived status as disputed territory; Whereas the Government of India has increased its funding for border infrastructure to improve accessibility in Arunachal Pradesh, as well as for village infrastructure, housing, tourist centers, road connectivity, and decentralized clean energy production through Indias Vibrant Villages program; Whereas the Government of India has taken steps to defend itself from provocations and security threats from the Peoples Republic of China, including through securing its telecommunications infrastructure and conducting investment screening; Whereas it is in the interest of the United States to work both bilaterally with India through our Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, as well as multilaterally through the Quad with Japan and Australia, and through the I2U2 with Israel and the United Arab Emirates; and Whereas there is significant and continuing progress in the U.S.-India Major Defense Partnership, including ambitions for building an advanced and comprehensive defense partnership in which the Armed Forces of the United States and India coordinate across all domains: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) unequivocally recognizes the state of Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of the Republic of India and supports the countrys sovereignty and territorial integrity; (2) condemns the Peoples Republic of Chinas use of military force to change the status quo along the Line of Actual Control, as well as additional provocations including the construction of villages in contested areas, expansion of territorial claims in Bhutan, and publication of maps assigning Mandarin-language names to cities and features in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh; (3) commends the Government of India for taking steps to defend itself against aggression and security threats from the Peoples Republic of China, including through securing its telecommunications infrastructure, examining its procurement processes and supply chains, implementing investment screening standards, and expanding its cooperation with Taiwan in public health and other sectors; (4) supports, as part of a joint vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, Indias continued defense modernization, including its diversification away from countries that fail to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other nations; (5) applauds the Government of India for increasing its development efforts in Arunachal Pradesh, including for improving border infrastructure, connectivity, and energy security, including renewable energy production; (6) commits to deepening United States assistance to the region, including through the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development using funding mechanisms such as the Countering PRC Influence Fund; (7) encourages like-minded international partners and donors to likewise bolster their assistance efforts to Arunachal Pradesh; (8) supports further strengthening the United States-India bilateral partnership, including through enhanced defense interoperability and information-sharing especially for early warning systems, the United States-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology, further economic cooperation, and our broad and long-standing people-to-people ties; and (9) promotes enhancing our multilateral cooperation with India through the Quad, the East Asia Summit alongside our partners in the Association for Southeast Asian Nations, and other international fora. That the Senate (1) unequivocally supports the longstanding United States recognition of the state of Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of the Republic of India and supports the countrys sovereignty and territorial integrity; (2) condemns the Peoples Republic of Chinas use of military force to change the status quo along the disputed India-China border, as well as additional provocations, including the construction of villages, the expansion of territorial claims in disputed areas, and publication of maps assigning Mandarin-language names to cities and features in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh; (3) commends the Government of India for taking steps to defend itself against provocations and security threats from the Peoples Republic of China, including through securing its telecommunications infrastructure, examining its procurement processes and supply chains, implementing investment screening standards, and expanding its cooperation with Taiwan in public health and other sectors; (4) supports, as part of a joint vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, Indias continued defense modernization, including its diversification away from countries that seek to undermine the rules-based international order; (5) commits to deepening United States assistance to the region, including through the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development using funding mechanisms such as the Countering PRC Influence Fund; (6) encourages like-minded international partners to likewise bolster their engagement with the government and people of the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh; and (7) supports further strengthening the United States-India bilateral partnership, including through enhanced defense interoperability and information-sharing especially for early warning systems, the United States-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology, further economic cooperation, and our broad and long-standing people-to-people ties. July 25, 2023 Reported with an amendment and an amendment to the preamble | Reaffirming the state of Arunachal Pradesh as Indian territory and condemning the People's Republic of China's provocations in South Asia. |
This resolution recognizes June 2023 as Immigrant Heritage Month in honor of the contributions immigrants and their children have made to the United States. It also welcomes immigrants presently in the United States and individuals seeking to immigrate to the United States to contribute to the health, safety, diversity, and prosperity of the United States. | Recognizing the month of June 2023 as Immigrant Heritage Month Whereas the United States is stronger if all individuals have the opportunity to live up to their full potential; Whereas about 18 percent of health care workers in the United States are immigrants, including (in order of highest percentage of health care workers who are foreign-born) (1) 27 percent of physicians; (2) 26 percent of dentists; (3) 20 percent of pharmacists; (4) 18 percent of dental assistants; (5) 15 percent of medical assistants; (6) 16 percent of registered nurses; (7) 15 percent of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses; (8) 13 percent of dietitians and nutritionists; and (9) 13 percent of optometrists; Whereas the Association of American Medical Colleges attested to the Supreme Court of the United States that the health care system of the United States relies on immigrant health care providers in their current roles; Whereas immigrants working in health care professions serve throughout the United States and often in rural or underserved communities; Whereas immigrants fill approximately 1/4 Whereas immigrants working in a health care occupation range from those granted temporary protected status under section 244 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1254a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals DACA Whereas more than 12 percent of the immigrants working in health care occupations (310,000 individuals) are humanitarian migrants, including refugees, asylees, special immigrant visa holders, and parole entrants; Whereas 60,000 DACA recipients perform critical roles in the health care industry; Whereas medical students, residents, and physicians rely on DACA for their ability to practice medicine and provide medical care to approximately 4,600 patients per year; Whereas, in response to COVID19, immigrants put their own lives on the line to save lives every day, working as diagnostic and treatment practitioners, physician assistants, physicians, nurses, health aides, nursing assistants and orderlies, health care support workers, medical students and residents, and health technologists and technicians; Whereas more than 5,200,000 undocumented immigrants, including more than 1/2 Whereas immigrant essential workers, including first responders, health care workers, agricultural workers and meat packers, child care providers, and hospitality and transportation workers, have heroically helped provide medical care, food, shelter, and comfort to the individuals of the United States impacted by COVID19; Whereas undocumented immigrants alone contribute an estimated $227,000,000,000 of spending power annually to the United States economy, after the payment of $49,000,000,000 of combined Federal, State, and local taxes each year; Whereas the majority of farm workers in the United States are immigrants, and regardless of politics, have been deemed essential workers Whereas immigrants have served in the Armed Forces since the founding of the United States and have fought in every major conflict in United States history, including the Civil War, World Wars I and II, and the conflicts in Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq; Whereas immigrants have put their lives on the line to protect the ideals of the United States and democracy, as well as to protect the lives of the people of the United States, by serving as translators and interpreters for the Armed Forces, including in Afghanistan and Iraq, and performing sensitive and trusted activities for United States military personnel stationed with the International Security Assistance Force; Whereas immigrants who serve in emerging industries with pronounced labor shortages in the United States, such as artificial intelligence, that rely on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (referred to in this preamble as STEM Whereas, when immigrants have a trusting relationship with local law enforcement agencies, immigrants report crime and work with law enforcement agencies on neighborhood crime reduction strategies; Whereas the United States has the largest number of immigrants in the world and those immigrants represent almost every country in the world, contributing to the rich diversity of people, cultures, cuisine, literature, art, language, academia, music, media, fashion, and customs; Whereas the United States is more diverse than ever before in its history, with greater shares than ever before of immigrants from India, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines, El Salvador, Vietnam, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, South Korea, and Guatemala, and, since 2000, an increase of more than 90 percent of Black immigrants from across the African continent, the Caribbean, Jamaica, and Haiti; Whereas Black immigrants and their children make up roughly 1/5 Whereas, in response to recent civil unrest in the United States, immigrants of all backgrounds have pledged their support to fight racial injustice, hand-in-hand with Black immigrants, to fight for accountability from law enforcement and the criminal justice system, and to demand that law enforcement protect all individuals, regardless of their skin color; Whereas celebrating the racial, ethnic, linguistic, and religious differences of immigrants has resulted in a unified, patriotic, and prosperous United States; Whereas immigration has long been one of the greatest competitive advantages of the United States; Whereas immigrants of all skill levels have helped make the economy of the United States the strongest in the world, complementing existing businesses in the United States in times of need and founding successful businesses of their own; Whereas more than 44 percent of Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children, which generate $7,000,000,000,000 in annual revenue and employ millions of individuals in the United States; Whereas, although approximately 14 percent of the population of the United States is immigrants, a considerably larger share of the labor force (18 percent) is immigrants; Whereas immigrants are entrepreneurial self-starters who create their own opportunity and employment opportunities for others, with 13 percent of employed immigrants being self-employed compared to 9 percent of employed, native-born individuals of the United States; Whereas immigrant-owned businesses provide jobs across the United States, supporting the creation of additional jobs through entrepreneurial activity in addition to the jobs they fill within their business; Whereas immigrants are more likely to have advanced degrees than native-born people of the United States; Whereas more than 1,000,000 international students are enrolled in colleges and universities across the United States, comprising about 5 percent of the total higher education population and helping make the United States the global leader in higher education; Whereas approximately 100,000 international students each year would hope to stay and work in the United States, if an immigration option were available to them; Whereas the immigration system of the United States has not been meaningfully updated in more than 30 years and is now outdated and overburdened, turning away highly skilled workers and international student graduates and putting the global leadership of the United States at risk; Whereas allowing international student graduates interested in remaining in the United States to secure a permanent immigration status would expand the economy by $233,000,000,000 during the next decade and would help reduce STEM-related talent shortages by 25 percent; Whereas national security experts agree that it is essential for the United States to maintain its military exceptionalism by being the leader in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, cyber, quantum, robotics, directed energy, and hypersonic weapons, which are all STEM fields where immigrants fill dangerous labor shortages in the United States; Whereas, due to population aging and longer life expectancy of the population in the United States requiring an increase in health care workers, immigrants are expected to fill a crucial need in the future health care system of the United States essential to keeping the people of the United States healthy; Whereas, if undocumented individuals who came to the United States as children (commonly referred to as Dreamers Whereas future population growth in the United States will require increased immigration, and by increasing immigration substantially, will keep the United States economically competitive with China and other global economies and reduce future fiscal imbalances for popular programs like programs under the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 301 et seq. Whereas, without immigration, the working-age population of the United States will not grow and increasing immigration will help alleviate labor shortages, easing inflation; Whereas significantly increasing annual immigration levels would double the size of the United States economy by 2050, dramatically lower the ratio of working-age individuals to senior-age individuals, and increase the average income for workers in the United States; Whereas President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., most recently honored the accomplishments, contributions, and sacrifices of immigrants by proclaiming June 2023 to be Immigrant Heritage Month Whereas continued integration of immigrants from around the world in a manner that encourages and facilitates a pathway to citizenship, economic and social mobility, and civic engagement will perpetuate the prosperity of the United States and reinforce the patriotism all people of the United States feel for the United States, no matter the color of skin, country of origin, or religious background of the individual: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) recognizes June 2023 as Immigrant Heritage Month (2) pledges to celebrate immigrant contributions to, and immigrant heritages in, each State; (3) welcomes immigrants presently in the United States and individuals seeking to immigrate to the United States to contribute to the health, safety, diversity, and prosperity of the United States by finding their place in the vibrant, multiethnic, and integrated society of the United States; (4) encourages the people of the United States to work with their immigrant neighbors and colleagues to advance the current and future well-being of the United States; and (5) commits to working with fellow Members of Congress, the executive agencies that administer immigration laws and policies, and the President to promote smart and just immigration policy for immigrants presently in the United States, their families, and individuals seeking to immigrate to the United States in the future. | Recognizing the month of June 2023 as Immigrant Heritage Month, a celebration of the accomplishments and contributions of immigrants and their children in making the United States a healthier, safer, more diverse, prosperous country, and acknowledging the importance of immigrants and their children to the future successes of the United States. |
This resolution supports the designation of May 10, 2023, as National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Mental Health Day. | Supporting the designation of May 10, 2023, as National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Mental Health Day Whereas the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (referred to in this preamble as AANHPI Whereas the AANHPI community is extremely diverse in terms of socioeconomic levels, education, employment, languages, cultures of origin, acculturation, migrant status, and colonization status; Whereas, in 2021, 77 percent of the estimated 2,600,000 AANHPI individuals who meet criteria for a mental health problem did not receive treatment; Whereas, in 2021, only 24.5 percent of Asian adults with a mental health problem received mental health services in the past year, and Asian adults have the lowest rates of utilization of mental health services out of any racial population; Whereas, from 2018 to 2020, AANHPI youth 10 to 24 years of age were the only racial or ethnic population in this age category whose leading cause of death was suicide; Whereas it is imperative to disaggregate AANHPI population data to get an accurate representation of the depth and breadth of the mental health issues for each subpopulation so that specific culturally and linguistically appropriate solutions can be developed; Whereas language access continues to be a critical issue for AANHPI individuals seeking mental health services, whether due to the limited number of providers with the necessary language skills to provide in-language services or the significant language loss faced by Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities due to colonization; Whereas there is a need to significantly increase the number of providers, including paraprofessionals, representing AANHPI communities and providing them with the necessary training and ongoing support; Whereas historical discrimination and current racial violence toward AANHPI individuals increases trauma and stress, underlying precursors to mental health problems; Whereas there is a critical need to raise awareness about and improve mental health literacy among the AANHPI community to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues; and Whereas May is both National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, an opportunity to celebrate the vast contributions of this population to the United States, and National Mental Health Awareness Month, recognizing the importance of mental health to the well-being and health of AANHPI families and communities and connecting the importance of one's cultural heritage to good mental health: Now, therefore be it That the Senate (1) supports the designation of May 10, 2023, as National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Mental Health Day (2) recognizes the importance of mental health to the well-being and health of families and communities; (3) acknowledges the importance of raising awareness about mental health and improving the quality of care for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities; (4) recognizes that celebrating cultural and linguistic heritage is beneficial to mental health; and (5) encourages Federal, State, and local health agencies to adopt laws, policies, and guidance to improve help-seeking rates for mental health services for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community and other communities of color. | Supporting the designation of May 10, 2023, as National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Mental Health Day. |
This resolution recognizes November 2023 as National Native American Heritage Month and the Friday after Thanksgiving as Native American Heritage Day. | Recognizing National Native American Heritage Month and celebrating the heritages and cultures of Native Americans and the contributions of Native Americans to the United States. Whereas, from November 1, 2023, through November 30, 2023, the United States celebrates National Native American Heritage Month; Whereas National Native American Heritage Month is an opportunity to consider and recognize the contributions of Native Americans to the history of the United States; Whereas Native Americans are descendants of the original, Indigenous inhabitants of what is now the United States; Whereas the Bureau of the Census estimates that (1) in 2020, there were 9,666,058 individuals of American Indian and Alaska Native descent in the United States; and (2) in 2020, there were 680,442 individuals of Native Hawaiian descent in the United States; Whereas Native Americans maintain vibrant cultures and traditions and hold a deeply rooted sense of community; Whereas Native Americans have moving stories of tragedy, triumph, and perseverance that need to be shared with future generations; Whereas Native Americans speak and write in their Indigenous languages, which have influenced and contributed in a variety of ways to the United States, including the naming of places and sites throughout the United States; Whereas Congress has consistently reaffirmed support for self-governance and self-determination policies for Native American communities and the commitment of the United States to improving the lives of all Native Americans; Whereas the United States is committed to (1) strengthening the government-to-government relationship with Indian Tribes; and (2) upholding the Federal trust responsibility to Native American communities; Whereas Congress has recognized the contributions of the Iroquois Confederacy and the influence of the Iroquois Confederacy on the Founding Fathers in the drafting of the Constitution of the United States with the concepts of (1) freedom of speech; (2) the separation of governmental powers; and (3) the system of checks and balances between the branches of government; Whereas, with the enactment of the Native American Heritage Day Act of 2009 ( Public Law 11133 (1) reaffirmed the government-to-government relationship between the United States and Native American governments; and (2) recognized the important contributions of Native Americans to the culture of the United States; Whereas Native Americans have made distinct and important contributions to the United States and the world in many fields, including agriculture, environmental stewardship, wayfinding, medicine, music, dance, language, and art; Whereas contemporary applications of traditional knowledge systems of Native Americans have expanded scientific, environmental, and intercultural understanding; Whereas Native Americans have distinguished themselves as inventors, entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, and scholars; Whereas Native Americans have served with honor and distinction in the Armed Forces of the United States for centuries and have the highest per capita involvement of any population currently serving in the Armed Forces of the United States; Whereas the United States has recognized the contribution of the Native American code talkers in World War I and World War II, who used Indigenous languages to communicate an unbreakable military code, saving countless lives in both conflicts; and Whereas the people of the United States have reason to honor the great achievements and contributions of Native Americans and their ancestors: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) recognizes the month of November 2023 as National Native American Heritage Month (2) recognizes the Friday after Thanksgiving as Native American Heritage Day Public Law 11133 (3) encourages the people of the United States to observe National Native American Heritage Month and Native American Heritage Day with appropriate programs and activities. | Recognizing National Native American Heritage Month and celebrating the heritages and cultures of Native Americans and the contributions of Native Americans to the United States. |
This resolution expresses sincere condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of Katie Goldstein, Irina McCarthy, Kevin McCarthy, Stephen Strauss, Jacquelyn Sundheim, Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza, and Eduardo Uvaldo, who were the victims of the tragic shooting along the parade route on July 4, 2022, in Highland Park, Illinois. The resolution also honors the memory and the lives of the victims. | Expressing the condolences of the Senate and honoring the memory of the victims on the first anniversary of the mass shooting at the Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois, on July 4, 2022. Whereas, on July 4, 2022, a gunman opened fire at the corner of Central Avenue and Second Street in Highland Park, Illinois, during the annual Fourth of July parade; Whereas the gunman took the lives of 7 individuals and injured 46 more individuals; Whereas the 7 individuals who lost their lives that day were (1) Katie Goldstein, age 64, of Highland Park, Illinois, a beloved wife and mother, who was known for her kind, caring personality, and for bringing neighbors delicious baked goods during the holidays; (2) Irina McCarthy, age 35, of Highland Park, Illinois, a wife and mother of 2-year-old Aiden, who met her husband Kevin through their mutual work in the pharmaceutical industry; (3) Kevin McCarthy, age 37, of Highland Park, Illinois, a husband and father of 2-year-old Aiden, who died protecting his son from gunfire; (4) Stephen Strauss, age 88, of Highland Park, Illinois, a brother, husband, father, and grandfather, who was a joke-teller and avid reader and greatly enjoyed the Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra; (5) Jacquelyn Sundheim, age 63, of Highland Park, Illinois, a kind and caring wife and mother, who was a lifelong member of North Shore Congregation Israel, in Glencoe, where she also taught preschool and served as the events coordinator; (6) Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza, age 78, of Morelos, Mexico, who was attending the parade with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; and (7) Eduardo Uvaldo, age 69, of Waukegan, Illinois, who was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather; Whereas dozens of individuals were wounded by gunfire or injured fleeing the scene of the mass shooting; Whereas the Highland Park Police Department and the Highland Park Fire Department led dozens of agencies in responding to the shooting with bravery and professionalism, including (1) the Illinois State Police; (2) the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; (3) the Federal Bureau of Investigation; (4) the United States Secret Service; (5) the United States Marshals Service; (6) the Naval Criminal Investigative Service; (7) the Lake County Major Crimes Task Force; (8) the Chicago Police Department; (9) the Lake County Sheriffs Office; (10) the Cook County Sheriffs Office; (11) the Northwest Central Dispatch System; (12) the Regional Emergency Dispatch Center (RED Center); (13) the Glenview Public Safety Dispatch Center; (14) the Highland Park Community Emergency Response Team (CERT); (15) the Deerfield-Bannockburn Fire Protection District; (16) the Northbrook Fire Department; (17) the Winnetka Fire Department; (18) the Northfield Fire Department; (19) the Buffalo Grove Fire Department; (20) the Prospect Heights Fire Department; (21) the Libertyville Fire Department; (22) the Lincolnshire-Riverwoods Fire Protection District; (23) the Evanston Fire Department; (24) the Glenview Fire Department; (25) the Lake Bluff Fire Department; (26) the Skokie Fire Department; (27) the Wilmette Fire Department; (28) the Des Plaines Fire Department; (29) the Glencoe Department of Public Safety; (30) the Lake Forest Fire Department; (31) the Morton Grove Fire Department; (32) the Park Ridge Fire Department; (33) the Waukegan Fire Department; (34) the Niles Fire Department; (35) the Addison Fire Protection District; (36) the Streamwood Fire Department; (37) the Hanover Park Fire Department; and (38) the police departments of (A) Addison; (B) Antioch; (C) Arlington Heights; (D) Bannockburn; (E) Barrington; (F) Barrington Hills; (G) Bartlett; (H) Berwyn; (I) Buffalo Grove; (J) Carpentersville; (K) Cary; (L) Crystal Lake; (M) Deerfield; (N) Des Plaines; (O) Elk Grove Village; (P) Elmhurst; (Q) Evanston; (R) Fox Lake; (S) Franklin Park; (T) Glencoe; (U) Glenview; (V) Grayslake; (W) Gurnee; (X) Hanover Park; (Y) Harwood Heights; (Z) Hoffman Estates; (AA) Inverness; (BB) Kenilworth; (CC) Kildeer; (DD) Lake Bluff; (EE) Lake Forest; (FF) Lake Villa; (GG) Lake Zurich; (HH) Libertyville; (II) Lincolnshire; (JJ) Lincolnwood; (KK) McHenry; (LL) Morton Grove; (MM) Mount Prospect; (NN) Mundelein; (OO) Niles; (PP) Norridge; (QQ) North Chicago; (RR) North Riverside; (SS) Northbrook; (TT) Northfield; (UU) Palatine; (VV) Prospect Heights; (WW) Riverwoods; (XX) Rolling Meadows; (YY) Rosemont; (ZZ) Round Lake; (AAA) Round Lake Beach; (BBB) Round Lake Park; (CCC) Schiller Park; (DDD) Skokie; (EEE) Streamwood; (FFF) Vernon Hills; (GGG) Wauconda; (HHH) Waukegan; (III) Western Springs; (JJJ) Wheeling; (KKK) Wilmette; (LLL) Winnetka; (MMM) Winthrop Harbor; and (NNN) Zion; Whereas the emergency responders and the doctors, nurses, and other health care providers at Highland Park Hospital, Glenbrook Hospital, Evanston Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, and University of Chicago Medicine Comer Childrens Hospital provided professional and dedicated care to the victims; Whereas, during the year following the shooting, many volunteer counselors traveled to North Shore School District 112 and Township High School District 113 to assist the community in the process of healing; Whereas members of the Highland Park, Highwood, Waukegan, and North Chicago communities, along with communities across the entire North Shore, the State of Illinois, the United States, and the world remain united in support of the victims of this horrific massacre and their families on its 1-year anniversary; Whereas, according to the Gun Violence Archive, the tragic mass shooting that occurred in Highland Park was 1 of 10 mass shootings that occurred on July 4, 2022; and Whereas senseless gun violence has caused devastation, trauma, and grief to too many families and communities across the United States: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) expresses sincere condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of Katie Goldstein, Irina McCarthy, Kevin McCarthy, Stephen Strauss, Jacquelyn Sundheim, Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza, and Eduardo Uvaldo, the victims of the devastating shooting along the parade route on July 4, 2022, in Highland Park, Illinois; (2) honors the lives and memory of the victims, with gratitude for their selfless dedication to others; (3) continues to extend support to the individuals who were injured and subjected to the trauma of the shooting; (4) expresses gratitude to the law enforcement officers, medical personnel, and emergency responders who responded to the shooting with professionalism, dedication, and bravery; and (5) stands in solidarity with the victims of senseless gun violence in communities across the United States. | Expressing the condolences of the Senate and honoring the memory of the victims on the first anniversary of the mass shooting at the Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois, on July 4, 2022. |
This resolution designates October 1-October 7, 2023, as Religious Education Week. | Designating the week of October 1, 2023, through October 7, 2023, as Religious Education Week Whereas the free exercise of religion is an inherent, fundamental, and inalienable right protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States; Whereas the United States has long recognized that the free exercise of religion is important to the intellectual, ethical, moral, and civic development of individuals in the United States, as evidenced by the Founders of the United States, such as (1) Benjamin Franklin, who believed religion to be uniquely capable of educating a citizenry for democracy (2) George Washington, who said in his farewell address, Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. Whereas religious education is useful for self-development because it asks students to consider and respond to questions concerning the meaning and purpose of life, engages students in questions about morality and justice, and enables students to identify their values; Whereas studies like the one published by the International Journal of Mental Health Systems in 2019 have shown that religious education can be instrumental to improving adolescent mental health Whereas religious education fosters respect for other religious groups and individuals generally by acknowledging a source for human dignity and worth; Whereas the Supreme Court of the United States found in Pierce v. Society of Sisters, 268 U.S. 510 (1925), that the State does not have power to standardize its children by forcing them to accept instruction from public teachers only. The child is not the mere creature of the state; those who nurture him and direct his destiny have the right, coupled with the high duty, to recognize and prepare him for additional obligations. Whereas religious instruction can come from a variety of sources, including sectarian schools and released time programs; Whereas, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, in 2015, 4,350,000 children in the United States attended sectarian elementary and secondary schools where those children received religious education; and Whereas the Supreme Court of the United States held in Zorach v. Clauson, 343 U.S. 306 (1952), that State statutes providing for the release of public school students from school to attend religious classes are constitutional, and, as a result, an estimated 540,000 public school students in the United States take advantage of released time programs each year: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) affirms the importance of religious education in the civic and moral development of the people of the United States; (2) celebrates the schools and organizations that are engaged in religious instruction of the children of the United States to aid those children in intellectual, ethical, moral, and civic development; (3) calls on each of the 50 States, each territory of the United States, and the District of Columbia to accommodate individuals who wish to be released from public school attendance to attend religious classes; and (4) designates the week of October 1, 2023, through October 7, 2023, as Religious Education Week | Designating the week of October 1, 2023, through October 7, 2023, as Religious Education Week to celebrate religious education in the United States. |
This resolution urges the Senate to give its advice and consent to the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The resolution affirms that it is in the national interest for the United States to become a formal signatory of the convention, and it recommends that this ratification remain a top federal priority. | Calling upon the United States Senate to give its advice and consent to the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Whereas the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) was adopted by the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea in December 1982 and entered into force in November 1994 to establish a treaty regime to govern activities on, over, and under the worlds oceans; Whereas the UNCLOS builds on four 1958 Law of the Sea conventions to which the United States is a party, namely the Convention on the Territorial Sea and the Contiguous Zone, the Convention on the High Seas, the Convention on the Continental Shelf, and the Convention on Fishing and Conservation of the Living Resources of the High Seas; Whereas the UNCLOS and an associated 1994 agreement relating to implementation of the treaty were transmitted to the Senate on October 6, 1994, and, in the absence of Senate advice and consent to ratification, the United States is not a party to the treaty or the associated 1994 agreement; Whereas the treaty has been ratified by 169 parties, which includes 168 countries and the European Union, but not the United States; Whereas the United States, like most other countries, maintains that coastal States under the UNCLOS have the right to regulate economic activities in their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), but do not have the right to regulate foreign military activities in their EEZs; Whereas the treatys provisions relating to navigational rights, including navigational rights in EEZs, reflect the diplomatic position of the United States on the issue dating back to the adoption of the UNCLOS in 1982; Whereas becoming a party to the treaty would codify the current position of the United States, which recognizes the provisions within the UNCLOS as customary international law; Whereas becoming a party to the treaty would give the United States standing to participate in discussions relating to the treaty and thereby improve the ability of the United States to intervene as a full party to disputes relating to navigational rights and to defend United States interpretations of the treatys provisions, including those relating to whether coastal States have a right under the UNCLOS to regulate foreign military activities in their EEZs; Whereas becoming a party to the treaty would allow the United States to be a member of the International Seabed Authority and thereby participate directly in setting and voting on the policies organizing and controlling mineral-related activities in the international seabed area as global demand for critical minerals increases; Whereas more than 97 percent of the global internet traffic relies on infrastructure located on the international seabed compared to space-based infrastructure; Whereas lack of full-party membership to UNCLOS limits the access and influence of the United States to critical territorial dispute management, including matters involving pursuit and competition of extended outer continental shelf submissions, facilitated primarily by article 76, which represents the main tool assisting sovereign authority delimitation agreements; Whereas relying on customary international norms to defend United States interests in those issues is not sufficient, because customary international law is not universally accepted and is subject to change over time based on State practice; Whereas relying on other countries to assert claims on behalf of the United States at the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague is woefully insufficient to defend and uphold United States sovereign rights and interests; Whereas the Permanent Court of Arbitration, in the July 12, 2016, ruling on the case In the Matter of the South China Sea Arbitration, stated that the Tribunal communicated to the Parties and the U.S. Embassy that it had decided that only interested States parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea will be admitted as observers send a representative to observe the hearing Whereas, on November 25, 2018, the Russian Federation violated international norms and binding agreements, including the UNCLOS, in firing upon, ramming, and seizing Ukrainian vessels and crews attempting to pass through the Kerch Strait; Whereas, on May 25, 2019, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea ruled in a vote of 191 that [t]he Russian Federation shall immediately release the Ukrainian naval vessels Berdyansk, Nikopol and Yani Kapu, and return them to the custody of Ukraine [t]he Russian Federation shall immediately release the 24 detained Ukrainian servicemen and allow them to return to Ukraine Whereas, despite the Tribunals ruling aligning with the position of the United States Government on the November 25, 2018, incident, the continued nonparticipation of the United States in the UNCLOS limits the ability of the United States to effectively respond to the Russian Federations actions and to any potential future violations by the Russian Federation and any other signatory of UNCLOS; Whereas the Secretary of Defense, the Honorable Lloyd Austin, stated that the United States has long treated the UNCLOSs provisions related to navigation and overflight as reflective of longstanding and customary international law. Our military already acts in a manner consistent with these rights and freedoms, so accession to the Convention will not impact the manner in which we conduct our operations Whereas the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Lisa Franchetti, stated that the United States played a major role in drafting the Convention, and it is favorable to U.S. interests on all significant issues as a result. Further, our Navy already acts in a manner consistent with the Conventions navigational and overflight provisions. Accession would not impose any additional constraints on the Navys ability to fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows Whereas Admiral Franchetti further stated that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea would give our objections to excessive maritime claims a stronger legal foundation that does not rely exclusively on customary international law. When protesting excessive maritime claims asserted by the Peoples Republic of China in the South China Sea, the Russian Federation in the Arctic region, and others, the United States would come from a position of increased authority and influence Whereas the Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral John C. Aquilino, stated that theres really two main reasons [to ratify the UNCLOS]: as the group gets together, it would be certainly beneficial if we had a seat at the table when there were discussions occurring as it applied to potential adjustments and the interpretations of those international laws and the second reason is it puts us in an increased position of credibility . . . we adhere to the UNCLOS treaty in our operations, and it would make our position much stronger if we were signatories Whereas the Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command, General Gregory M. Guillot, stated, I support U.S. accession to the Law of the Sea Convention (UNCLOS). UNCLOS provides a comprehensive regime for the governance of the worlds oceans, including the Arctic, and U.S. accession would further demonstrate our commitment to an international rules-based order. Acceding to the treaty would enable U.S. representation during critical international negotiations that impact the maritime domain, provide an additional mechanism to counter countries like Russia and China that continue to exploit our absence from key ocean governance diplomatic forums, and ultimately help protect our nations rights and interests in this critical sphere of operations Whereas the Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command, General Gregory M. Guillot, further stated in regard to United States ratification of the UNCLOS that I believe accession to the Law of the Sea Convention would help the U.S. protect its interests in the Arctic. Accession would demonstrate our commitment to a rules-based order, ensure our best interests are represented during international negotiations regarding territorial disputes and challenges to longstanding maritime customs and practices, and improve our ability to advocate for our ocean governance interests around the globe, including in the Arctic. Engagement through UNCLOS is particularly critical today as multiple nations vie for access and control in the Arctic and seek to modify international norms to accommodate expansionist ambitions around the globe in general, and in the Arctic in particular. Finally, accession would preclude Russia and China from exploiting U.S. absence in forums Whereas the Secretary of the Navy, Honorable Carlos Del Toro, stated accession would lock in Whereas the past Commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command, retired Admiral Philip S. Davidson, stated that our accession to the UNCLOS would help our position legally across the globe and would do nothing to limit our military operations in the manner in which were conducting them now Whereas the past Commander of United States Pacific Command, retired Admiral Harry B. Harris, stated I believe that UNCLOS gives Russia the potential to, quote, unquote own Whereas the past Commander of United States Pacific Command, retired Admiral Harry B. Harris, stated I think that by not signing onto it that we lose the credibility for the very same thing that were arguing for which is the followingaccepting rules and norms in the international arena. The United States is a beaconwere a beacon on a hill but I think that light is brighter if we sign on to UNCLOS Whereas the past Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, retired General Joseph F. Dunford, stated that by remaining outside the Convention, the United States remains in scarce company with Iran, Venezuela, North Korea, and Syria by failing to join the Convention, some countries may come to doubt our commitment to act in accordance with international law Whereas the past President and Chief Executive Officer of the United States Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Thomas J. Donahue, stated that we support joining the Convention because it is in our national interestboth in our national security and our economic interests becoming a party to the Treaty benefits the U.S. economically by providing American companies the legal certainty and stability they need to hire and invest companies will be hesitant to take on the investment risk and cost to explore and develop the resources of the seaparticularly on the extended continental shelf (ECS)without the legal certainty and stability accession to LOS provides Whereas the past President and Chief Executive Officer of the United States Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Thomas J. Donahue, further stated that the benefits of joining cut across many important industries including telecommunications, mining, shipping, and oil and natural gas joining the Convention will provide the U.S. a critical voice on maritime issuesfrom mineral claims in the Arctic to how International Seabed Authority (ISA) funds are distributed Whereas the past Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, retired Admiral Paul Zukunft, stated on February 12, 2016, With the receding of the icepack, the Arctic Ocean has become the focus of international interest. All Arctic states agree that the Law of the Sea Convention is the governing legal regime for the Arctic Ocean . . . yet, we remain the only Arctic nation that has not ratified the very instrument that provides this accepted legal framework governing the Arctic Ocean and its seabed. Ratification of the Law of the Sea Convention supports our economic interests, environmental protection, and safety of life at sea, especially in the Arctic Ocean. Whereas the past Chief of Naval Operations, retired Admiral Michael Gilday, stated that acceding to the Convention would strengthen our strategic position on issues pertaining to the [South China Sea and the Arctic]. The United States would have increased credibility when responding to excessive maritime claims and militarization efforts in the South China Sea. With respect to the Arctic, becoming a party to the Convention would allow the U.S. to position itself to safeguard access for the purposes of maritime traffic, resource exploitation, and other human activities, while ensuring other states comply with the law of the sea Whereas the past United States Special Representative of State for the Arctic and former Commandant of the Coast Guard, retired Admiral Robert Papp, Jr., stated that as a non-party to the Law of the Sea Convention, the U.S. is at a significant disadvantage relative to the other Arctic Ocean coastal States those States are parties to the Convention, and are well along the path to obtaining legal certainty and international recognition of their Arctic extended continental shelf becoming a Party to the Law of the Sea Convention would allow the United States to fully secure its rights to the continental shelf off the coast of Alaska, which is likely to extend out to more than 600 nautical miles That the Senate (1) affirms that it is in the national interest for the United States to become a formal signatory of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), done at Montego Bay December 10, 1982; (2) urges the United States Senate to give its advice and consent to the ratification of the UNCLOS; and (3) recommends the ratification of the UNCLOS remain a top priority for the Federal Government, the importance of which was most recently underscored by the strategic challenges the United States faces in the Indo-Pacific, the Arctic, and the Black Sea regions. | Calling upon the United States Senate to give its advice and consent to the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. |
Subsets and Splits