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This resolution expresses support for the goals of National Physician Suicide Awareness Day. | Supporting the designation of September 17, 2023, as National Physician Suicide Awareness Day Whereas physicians work under intense pressure and are exposed to trauma on the job; Whereas the risk of suicide within the medical profession is among the highest rates of any occupation; Whereas each year in the United States roughly 300 to 400 physicians die by suicide; Whereas the suicide rate (1) among male physicians is 1.41 times higher than the general male population; and (2) among female physicians is even more pronounced, being 2.27 times higher than the general female population; Whereas difficult working conditions, burdensome administrative tasks, long hours, grief over losing patients, and watching the families of patients suffer add a layer of extreme stress for many frontline workers; Whereas mental health and physical health are equally important components of overall health; Whereas there are structural barriers in place that discourage self-care and mental health help-seeking behaviors among physicians; and Whereas a day of public awareness and education campaigns is held on September 17 each year to shine a light on the tragedy of physician suicide: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports the goal of National Physician Suicide Awareness Day to bring national attention to the mental health crisis affecting physicians in the United States; (2) dedicates a day of reflection to honor the memory of physicians who have died by suicide; (3) recognizes the need for greater research into understanding and addressing the issues surrounding physician suicide, including the barriers to treatment, help-seeking behaviors to address burnout, and mental care options to prevent physician suicide; and (4) encourages the President to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe National Physician Suicide Awareness Day with appropriate awareness and educational activities. | Supporting the designation of September 17, 2023, as National Physician Suicide Awareness Day to raise awareness of, and promote a national discussion about, physician suicide and to reduce the stigma of mental health issues. |
This resolution supports the designation of April 2023 as the Month of the Military Child and urges the observation of the month with appropriate activities that show appreciation for military children. | Supporting the designation of April 2023 as the Month of the Military Child Whereas millions of brave United States servicemembers and veterans have demonstrated their courage and commitment to freedom by serving the Armed Forces of the United States of America in active-duty posts around the world; Whereas there are more than 1,600,000 children connected to the military across the United States; Whereas it is only fitting that the people of the United States take time to recognize the contributions of servicemembers and veterans, celebrate their spirit, and let the men and women of the United States in uniform know that while they are taking care of us, the people of the United States are taking care of their children; Whereas the recognition of a Month of the Military Child Whereas, when a servicemember joins the military, it is a family commitment to the United States, and military children are heroes in their own way; and Whereas a month-long salute to military children will encourage the United States to provide direct support to military children and families: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports the designation of April 2023 as the Month of the Military Child (2) urges the people of the United States to observe the Month of the Military Child with appropriate ceremonies and activities that honor, support, and show appreciation for military children. | Supporting the designation of April 2023 as the Month of the Military Child. |
This resolution designates July 22, 2023, as National Day of the American Cowboy. | Designating July 22, 2023, as National Day of the American Cowboy Whereas pioneering men and women, recognized as cowboys Whereas the cowboy embodies honesty, integrity, courage, compassion, respect, a strong work ethic, and patriotism; Whereas the cowboy spirit exemplifies strength of character, sound family values, and good common sense; Whereas the cowboy archetype transcends ethnicity, gender, geographic boundaries, and political affiliations; Whereas the cowboy, who lives off the land and works to protect and enhance the environment, is an excellent steward of the land and its creatures; Whereas cowboy traditions have been a part of American culture for generations; Whereas the cowboy continues to be an important part of the economy through the work of many thousands of ranchers across the United States who contribute to the economic well-being of every State; Whereas millions of fans watch professional and working ranch rodeo events annually, making rodeo one of the most-watched sports in the United States; Whereas membership and participation in rodeo and other organizations that promote and encompass the livelihood of cowboys span every generation and transcend race and gender; Whereas the cowboy is a central figure in literature, film, and music and occupies a central place in the public imagination; Whereas the cowboy is an American icon; and Whereas the ongoing contributions made by cowboys and cowgirls to their communities should be recognized and encouraged: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates July 22, 2023, as National Day of the American Cowboy (2) encourages the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. | Designating July 22, 2023, as National Day of the American Cowboy. |
This resolution expresses condolences for the death of and honors David F. Durenberger, former Senator for Minnesota. | Honoring the life of David Ferdinand Durenberger, former Senator for the State of Minnesota. Whereas David F. Durenberger (1) was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota, in 1934; (2) graduated from St. Johns University in Collegeville, Minnesota, and the University of Minnesota Law School; and (3) practiced law in St. Paul, Minnesota; Whereas David F. Durenberger served in the Army from 1956 to 1963; Whereas David F. Durenberger was first elected to the Senate in 1978 and was reelected in 1982 and 1988; Whereas David F. Durenberger was the lead Republican sponsor in the Senate of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ( 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq. Whereas, while serving in the Senate, David F. Durenberger secured protections for Minnesotas natural treasures, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Voyageurs National Park, the Mississippi River, and parks and trails throughout the Twin Cities; Whereas David F. Durenberger worked with the late Senator Paul Wellstone and a bipartisan coalition of Senators to secure the passage of the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993 ( Public Law 10382 AmeriCorps Whereas David F. Durenberger served the Senate as Chairman of the Select Committee on Intelligence during the 99th Congress; Whereas David F. Durenberger continued to work to improve access to health care after leaving office as chair of the National Institute of Health Policy and as a senior health policy fellow at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul; and Whereas David F. Durenberger is survived by his wife of 27 years, Susan Foote, as well as his 4 sons, 2 stepchildren, and 14 grandchildren: Now, therefore, be it That (1) the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of David F. Durenberger, former member of the Senate; (2) the Senate directs the Secretary of the Senate to communicate this resolution to the House of Representatives and transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to the family of David F. Durenberger; and (3) when the Senate adjourns today, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the late David F. Durenberger. | Honoring the life of David Ferdinand Durenberger, former Senator for the State of Minnesota. |
This resolution designates September 2023 as School Bus Safety Month. | Designating September 2023 as School Bus Safety Month Whereas, in an average year, on every school day in the United States, approximately 506,520 public and private school buses carry more than 26,000,000 K-12 students to and from school; Whereas school buses comprise the largest mass transportation fleet in the United States; Whereas, in an average year, 48 percent of all K-12 students ride a school bus for each of the 180 school days in a year, and school bus operators drive school buses a total of nearly 4,400,000,000 miles; Whereas the Child Safety Network (referred to in this preamble as the CSN Whereas the designation of School Bus Safety Month will allow broadcast and digital media and social networking industries to commit to disseminating public service announcements that are produced to (1) provide free resources designed to safeguard children; (2) recognize school bus operators and professionals; and (3) encourage the driving public to engage in safer driving behavior near school buses when students board and disembark from school buses; Whereas key leaders who deserve recognition during School Bus Safety Month and beyond have (1) provided security awareness training materials to more than 14,000 public and private schools; (2) trained more than 118,139 school bus operators; and (3) provided more than 166,798 counterterrorism guides to individuals who are key to providing both safety and security for children in the United States; and Whereas School Bus Safety Month offers the Senate and the people of the United States an opportunity to recognize and thank the school bus operators and the professionals focused on school bus safety and security in the United States: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate designates September 2023 as School Bus Safety Month | Designating September 2023 as School Bus Safety Month. |
This resolution designates September 2023 as Macedonian American Heritage Month and recognizes the contributions of Macedonian Americans to the United States in various fields. | Designating September 2023 as Macedonian American Heritage Month Whereas, since the 1880s, tens of thousands of Macedonians have immigrated to the United States seeking civil liberties, human rights, religious freedom, economic opportunity, and security in response to the 1903 Ilinden Uprising against the Ottoman Empire, the 19121913 Balkan Wars, World War I and World War II, the 19461949 Greek Civil War, and the communist policies of Yugoslavia; Whereas these Macedonian American immigrants have settled across the United States, contributing to their communities in innumerable ways as loyal and patriotic citizens; Whereas there are an estimated 500,000 individuals of Macedonian heritage living in the United States, with sizeable communities in the States of Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Florida, Texas, Arizona, and California; Whereas the Macedonian American community in the United States is a vibrant community that is embedded within the mosaic of the United States, partaking in all walks of life, business, medicine, law, technology, civic engagement, government, the military, education, the arts, culinary world, athletics, and more; Whereas Macedonian American entrepreneurs have exhibited resilience, determination, and a commitment to hard work by overcoming challenges to achieve business success and contribute to the foundation of commerce in the United States; Whereas Macedonian American athletes have achieved remarkable success in various sporting disciplines and contributed to the rich tapestry of the sporting tradition in the United States by winning medals at the Olympic Games, winning league championships, and owning sports teams; Whereas Macedonian American artists have demonstrated exceptional skill in various art forms, including the visual arts, literature, music, dance, theater, film, and photography, leaving an indelible mark on the artistic tradition of the United States; Whereas members of the Macedonian American community have contributed greatly to the field of medicine, including in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedic surgery and sports medicine, and obstetrics and gynecology, among others; Whereas Macedonian Americans have been elected to serve in legislatures and courtrooms across the country, collaborating on the never-ending work of democracy in the United States; and Whereas it is important to highlight these critical contributions and the cultural impact of Macedonian Americans in the United States: Now, therefore, be it: That the Senate (1) designates September 2023 as Macedonian American Heritage Month (2) recognizes the numerous contributions of Macedonian Americans to the United States in various fields, including arts, sciences, business, politics, academics, medicine and sports; and (3) urges the people of the United States to observe Macedonian American Heritage Month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs that honor the cultural contributions and achievements of Macedonian Americans. | Designating September 2023 as Macedonian American Heritage Month and celebrating the language, history, and culture of Macedonian Americans and their incredible contributions to the United States. |
This resolution recognizes Black History Month as an opportunity to reflect on U.S. history and to commemorate the contributions of African Americans. It calls for the United States to (1) honor the contribution of pioneers who helped to ensure its legacy; and (2) move forward as a nation "indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." | Celebrating Black History Month. Whereas, in 1776, people envisioned the United States as a new nation dedicated to the proposition stated in the Declaration of Independence that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness Whereas Africans were first brought involuntarily to the shores of the United States as early as the 17th century; Whereas African Americans suffered enslavement and subsequently faced the injustices of lynch mobs, segregation, and denial of the basic and fundamental rights of citizenship; Whereas, in 2023, the vestiges of those injustices and inequalities remain evident in the society of the United States; Whereas, in the face of injustices, people of good will and of all races in the United States have distinguished themselves with a commitment to the noble ideals on which the United States was founded and have fought courageously for the rights and freedom of African Americans and others; Whereas African Americans, such as Lieutenant Colonel Allen Allensworth, Maya Angelou, Arthur Ashe, Jr., James Baldwin, James Beckwourth, Clara Brown, Blanche Bruce, Ralph Bunche, Shirley Chisholm, Holt Collier, Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong, Larry Doby, Frederick Douglass, W. E. B. Du Bois, Ralph Ellison, Medgar Evers, Aretha Franklin, Alex Haley, Dorothy Height, Jon Hendricks, Olivia Hooker, Lena Horne, Charles Hamilton Houston, Mahalia Jackson, Stephanie Tubbs Jones, B.B. King, Martin Luther King, Jr., Coretta Scott King, Thurgood Marshall, Constance Baker Motley, Rosa Parks, Walter Payton, Bill Pickett, Homer Plessy, Bass Reeves, Hiram Revels, Amelia Platts Boynton Robinson, Jackie Robinson, Aaron Shirley, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Booker T. Washington, the Greensboro Four, the Tuskegee Airmen, Prince Rogers Nelson, Recy Taylor, Fred Shuttlesworth, Duke Ellington, Langston Hughes, Muhammad Ali, Elijah Cummings, Ella Fitzgerald, Mamie Till, Toni Morrison, Gwen Ifill, Diahann Carroll, Chadwick Boseman, John Lewis, Katherine Johnson, Rev. C.T. Vivian, Hank Aaron, Edith Savage-Jennings, Septima Clark, Mary Mcleod Bethune, Cicely Tyson, John Hope Franklin, Colin Powell, bell hooks, Bob Moses, Sidney Poitier, Bill Russell, and Chief Justice of South Carolina Ernest Finney, along with many others, worked against racism to achieve success and to make significant contributions to the economic, educational, political, artistic, athletic, literary, scientific, and technological advancement of the United States; Whereas the contributions of African Americans from all walks of life throughout the history of the United States reflect the greatness of the United States; Whereas many African Americans lived, toiled, and died in obscurity, never achieving the recognition those individuals deserved, and yet paved the way for future generations to succeed; Whereas African Americans continue to serve the United States at the highest levels of business, government, and the military; Whereas the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass inspired the creation of Negro History Week, the precursor to Black History Month; Whereas Negro History Week represented the culmination of the efforts of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the Father of Black History Whereas Black History Month, celebrated during the month of February, originated in 1926 when Dr. Carter G. Woodson set aside a special period in February to recognize the heritage and achievements of Black people in the United States; Whereas Dr. Carter G. Woodson stated, We have a wonderful history behind us. . . . If you are unable to demonstrate to the world that you have this record, the world will say to you, You are not worthy to enjoy the blessings of democracy or anything else. Whereas, since its founding, the United States has imperfectly progressed toward noble goals; Whereas the history of the United States is the story of people regularly affirming high ideals, striving to reach those ideals but often failing, and then struggling to come to terms with the disappointment of that failure, before committing to try again; Whereas, on November 4, 2008, the people of the United States elected Barack Obama, an African-American man, as President of the United States; and Whereas, on February 22, 2012, people across the United States celebrated the groundbreaking of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which opened to the public on September 24, 2016, on the National Mall in Washington, District of Columbia: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) acknowledges that all people of the United States are the recipients of the wealth of history provided by Black culture; (2) recognizes the importance of Black History Month as an opportunity to reflect on the complex history of the United States, while remaining hopeful and confident about the path ahead; (3) acknowledges the significance of Black History Month as an important opportunity to commemorate the tremendous contributions of African Americans to the history of the United States; (4) encourages the celebration of Black History Month to provide a continuing opportunity for all people in the United States to learn from the past and understand the experiences that have shaped the United States; and (5) agrees that, while the United States began as a divided country, the United States must (A) honor the contribution of all pioneers in the United States who have helped to ensure the legacy of the great United States; and (B) move forward with purpose, united tirelessly as a nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. | Celebrating Black History Month. |
This resolution condemns those acting on behalf of Russia for committing acts of genocide against the Ukrainian people. It also calls on the United States, in cooperation with North Atlantic Treaty Organization and European Union allies, to undertake measures to support the Ukrainian government to prevent acts of Russian genocide against the Ukrainian people. It also urges the President to impose sanctions on those responsible for or complicit in such acts of genocide. | Recognizing Russian actions in Ukraine as a genocide. Whereas the Russian Federations illegal, premeditated, unprovoked, and brutal war against Ukraine includes extensive, systematic, and flagrant atrocities against the people of Ukraine; Whereas article II of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (in this preamble referred to as the Genocide Convention any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such: (a) Killing members of the group; (b) Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; (c) Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; (d) Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group; (e) Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group Whereas, on October 3, 2018, the Senate unanimously agreed to Senate Resolution 435, 115th Congress, which commemorated the 85th anniversary of the Holodomor and recognize[d] the findings of the Commission on the Ukraine Famine as submitted to Congress on April 22, 1988, including that Joseph Stalin and those around him committed genocide against the Ukrainians in 19321933 Whereas substantial and significant evidence documents widespread, systematic actions against the Ukrainian people committed by Russian forces under the direction of political leadership of the Russian Federation that meet one or more of the criteria under article II of the Genocide Convention, including (1) killing members of the Ukrainian people in mass atrocities through deliberate and regularized murders of fleeing civilians and civilians in passing as well as purposeful targeting of homes, schools, hospitals, shelters, and other residential and civilian areas; (2) causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the Ukrainian people by launching indiscriminate attacks against civilians and civilian areas, conducting willful strikes on humanitarian evacuation corridors, and employing widespread and systematic sexual violence against Ukrainian civilians, including women, children, and men; (3) deliberately inflicting upon the Ukrainian people conditions of life calculated to bring about their physical destruction in whole or in part, including displacement due to annihilated villages, towns, and cities left devoid of food, water, shelter, electricity, and other basic necessities, starvation caused by the destruction of farmlands and agricultural equipment, the placing of Russian landmines across thousands of acres of useable fields, and blocking the delivery of humanitarian food aid; (4) imposing measures intended to prevent births among the Ukrainian people, demonstrated by the Russian militarys expansive and direct targeting of maternity hospitals and other medical facilities and systematic attacks against residential and civilian areas as well as humanitarian corridors intended to deprive Ukrainians of safe havens within their own country and the material conditions conducive to childrearing; and (5) forcibly mass transferring millions of Ukrainian civilians, hundreds of thousands of whom are children, to the Russian Federation or territories controlled by the Russian Federation; Whereas the intent of the Russian Federation and those acting on its behalf in favor of those heinous crimes against humanity has been demonstrated through frequent pronouncements and other forms of official communication denying Ukrainian nationhood, including President Putins ahistorical claims that Ukraine is part of a single whole no historical basis Whereas some Russian soldiers and brigades accused of committing war crimes in Bucha, Ukraine, and elsewhere were rewarded with medals by President Putin; Whereas the Russian state-owned media outlet RIA Novosti published the article What Should Russia do with Ukraine de-Nazification de-Ukrainianization ethnic component Whereas article I of the Genocide Convention confirms that genocide, whether committed in time of peace or in time of war, is a crime under international law which [the Contracting Parties] undertake to prevent and to punish Whereas although additional documentation and analysis of atrocities committed by the Russian Federation in Ukraine may be needed to punish those responsible, the substantial and significant documentation already undertaken, combined with statements showing intent, compel urgent action to prevent future acts of genocide; and Whereas the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act ( 22 U.S.C. 10101 et seq. That the Senate (1) condemns those acting on behalf of the Russian Federation for committing acts of genocide against the Ukrainian people; (2) calls on the United States, in cooperation with allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union, to undertake measures to support the Government of Ukraine to prevent acts of Russian genocide against the Ukrainian people; (3) supports tribunals and international criminal investigations to hold Russian political leaders and military personnel to account for a war of aggression, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide; and (4) urges the President to use the authorities under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act ( 22 U.S.C. 10101 et seq. | Recognizing Russian actions in Ukraine as a genocide. |
This resolution designates August 16, 2023, as National Airborne Day. | Designating August 16, 2023, as National Airborne Day Whereas the members of the airborne forces of the Armed Forces of the United States have a long and honorable history as bold and fierce warriors who, for the national security of the United States and the defense of freedom and peace, project the ground combat power of the United States by air transport to the far reaches of the battle area and to the far corners of the world; Whereas, on June 25, 1940, experiments with airborne operations by the United States began after the Army Parachute Test Platoon was first authorized by the Department of War; Whereas, in July 1940, 48 volunteers began training for the Army Parachute Test Platoon; Whereas the first official Army parachute jump took place on August 16, 1940, to test the innovative concept of inserting United States ground combat forces behind a battle line by means of a parachute; Whereas the success of the Army Parachute Test Platoon, before the entry of the United States into World War II, validated the airborne operational concept and led to the creation of a formidable force of airborne formations that included the 11th Whereas included in those divisions, and among other separate formations, were many airborne combat, combat support, and combat service support units that served with distinction and achieved repeated success in armed hostilities during World War II; Whereas the achievements of the airborne units during World War II prompted the evolution of those units into a diversified force of parachute and air-assault units that, over the years, have fought in Korea, the Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, the Persian Gulf region, and Somalia, and have engaged in peacekeeping operations in Lebanon, the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, Haiti, Bosnia, and Kosovo; Whereas, since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the members of the United States airborne forces, including members of the XVIII Airborne Corps, the 82nd Whereas the continued evolution of United States Army airborne units allowed for the reactivation of the 11th Airborne Division on June 6, 2022, to lead the Armed Forces of the United States in Arctic warfighting capabilities, support United States Indo-Pacific Command operations, and continue the storied legacy of the 11th Airborne Division that dates back to World War II; Whereas the modern airborne forces also include other elite forces composed of airborne trained and qualified special operations warriors, including Army Special Forces, Marine Corps Reconnaissance Battalions, Navy SEALs, and Air Force combat control and pararescue teams; Whereas, of the members and former members of the United States airborne forces, thousands have achieved the distinction of making combat jumps, dozens have earned the Medal of Honor, and hundreds have earned the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, or other decorations and awards for displays of heroism, gallantry, intrepidity, and valor; Whereas the members and former members of the United States airborne forces are all members of a proud and honorable tradition that, together with the special skills and achievements of those members, distinguishes the members as intrepid combat parachutists, air assault forces, special operation forces, and, in the past, glider infantry; Whereas individuals from every State of the United States have served gallantly in the airborne forces, and each State is proud of the contributions of its paratrooper veterans during the many conflicts faced by the United States; Whereas the history and achievements of the members and former members of the United States airborne forces warrant special expressions of the gratitude of the people of the United States; and Whereas, since the airborne forces, past and present, celebrate August 16 as the anniversary of the first official jump by the Army Parachute Test Platoon, August 16 is an appropriate day to recognize as National Airborne Day: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates August 16, 2023, as National Airborne Day (2) calls on the people of the United States to observe National Airborne Day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. | Designating August 16, 2023, as National Airborne Day. |
This resolution designates National Brain Tumor Awareness Month. | Designating May 2023 as National Brain Tumor Awareness Month Whereas more than an estimated 94,390 individuals will be diagnosed with a primary brain tumor in the United States in 2023, and an estimated 93,470 individuals in the United States were diagnosed with a primary brain tumor in 2022; Whereas an estimated 1,000,000 Americans are living with a brain tumor in the United States; Whereas, in the United States, brain tumors are (1) the leading cause of death from cancer in children who are under 14 years of age and teens who are under 19 years of age; and (2) the second leading cause of death from cancer in young adults who are between 15 and 39 years of age; Whereas the average 5-year survival rate for an individual in the United States following the diagnosis of a primary malignant brain tumor is only 35.7 percent; Whereas it is estimated that 18,990 individuals in the United States will die as a result of a malignant brain tumor in 2023; Whereas brain tumors may be malignant or benign but can be life-threatening in either case; Whereas treatment of brain tumors is complicated by the fact that more than 100 types of brain tumors exist; Whereas the treatment and removal of brain tumors present significant challenges due to the uniquely complex and fragile nature of the brain; Whereas brain tumors affect the primary organ in the human body that controls not only cognitive ability, but the actions of every other organ and limb in the body, leading to brain tumors being described as a disease that affects the whole individual; Whereas brain tumor research is supported by a number of private, nonprofit research foundations and by Federal medical research institutions; Whereas basic research may fuel advancements and development of new treatments for brain tumors; Whereas obstacles to the development of new treatments for brain tumors remain, and there are limited strategies for the screening or early detection of brain tumors; Whereas, despite the high number of individuals diagnosed with a brain tumor every year and the devastating prognoses for those individuals, only a few treatments have been approved for malignant brain tumors since the 1980s and none of the treatments extend survival more than 2 years of life, on average, or are considered to be curative. Whereas the mortality rates associated with brain tumors have changed little during the 30-year period preceding the date of introduction of this resolution; Whereas there is a need for greater public awareness of brain tumors, including the difficulties associated with research on brain tumors and the opportunities for advances in brain tumor research and treatment; and Whereas May 2023, during which brain tumor advocates nationwide unite in awareness, outreach, and advocacy activities, is an appropriate month to recognize as National Brain Tumor Awareness Month That the Senate (1) designates May 2023 as National Brain Tumor Awareness Month (2) encourages increased public awareness of brain tumors to honor the individuals who have lost their lives to a brain tumor or currently live with a brain tumor diagnosis; (3) supports efforts to develop better treatments for brain tumors that will improve the quality of life and the long-term prognoses of individuals diagnosed with a brain tumor; (4) expresses its support for individuals who are battling brain tumors, as well as the families, friends, and caregivers of those individuals; and (5) urges a collaborative approach to brain tumor research, which is a promising means of advancing understanding of, and treatment for, brain tumors. | Designating May 2023 as National Brain Tumor Awareness Month. |
This resolution expresses support for the designation of the first Monday in March as COVID-19 Victims Memorial Day. | Memorializing those lost to the COVID19 pandemic. Whereas the first Monday in March is recognized as COVID19 Victims Memorial Day Whereas SARSCoV2 is a coronavirus that causes COVID19 disease (referred to in this preamble as COVID19 Whereas, in late 2019, COVID19 emerged and began to spread throughout the world, creating a pandemic that has had a catastrophic impact on human life, communities, and the economy of the United States; Whereas, in March 2020, communities in the United States began to experience increased death due to the COVID19 pandemic, and families lost parents, siblings, children, friends, and neighbors to the virus; Whereas, beginning in 2020, many across the United States were, and continue to be, personally impacted by the COVID19 pandemic, including mourning their loved ones or suffering from the unknown long-term health implications of the virus; Whereas, by the end of February 2023, there had been more than 100,000,000 known cases of COVID19 in the United States, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 1,100,000 individuals tragically lost their lives due to illness related to COVID19; Whereas the COVID19 pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on low-income communities and communities of color, individuals with disabilities, individuals with weakened immune systems, individuals with other risk factors, such as physical or mental comorbidities, and individuals living in congregate settings, such as long-term care facilities and prisons; Whereas frontline and essential workers and health care and public health professionals have taken selfless actions to protect their neighbors and communities, support struggling local economies, and find innovative ways to provide services; Whereas local, State, Tribal, and Federal Government entities have provided critical support to businesses, communities, and the people of the United States in need; and Whereas each life lost to the COVID19 pandemic and each sacrifice made shall never be forgotten: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) will memorialize those lost to the COVID19 pandemic; (2) recognizes the suffering of those who contracted the SARSCoV2 virus and those who continue to struggle with the ongoing impacts of the COVID19 pandemic; and (3) expresses support for the annual designation of the first Monday in March as COVID19 Victims Memorial Day | Memorializing those lost to the COVID19 pandemic. |
This resolution supports the goals and ideals of World Sickle Cell Awareness Day. | Expressing support for the designation of June 19, 2023, as World Sickle Cell Awareness Day Whereas sickle cell disease (referred to in this preamble as SCD Whereas the 2023 theme of World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, Shine the Light on Sickle Cell Whereas, in 1972, Dr. Charles Whitten established the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America to improve research, education, and health care for SCD patients and which is now headquartered in Hanover, Maryland; Whereas, in 1972, Congress passed the National Sickle Cell Anemia Control Act ( Public Law 92294 Whereas sickle cell trait (referred to in this preamble as SCT Whereas SCT occurs when an individual inherits 1 copy of the sickle cell gene from 1 parent, and, when both parents have SCT, there is a 25 percent chance that any of their children will have SCD; Whereas there are an estimated 3,000,000 individuals with SCT in the United States, with many unaware of their status; Whereas an estimated 100,000 individuals have SCD in the United States, with 1 out of every 365 African-American births and 1 out of every 16,300 Hispanic-American births resulting in SCD, and nearly 1 out of 13 African-American babies are born with SCT; Whereas SCD affects millions of individuals throughout the world, especially individuals of genetic descent from sub-Saharan regions of Africa, South America, the Caribbean, Central America, Saudi Arabia, India, Turkey, Greece, and Italy; Whereas the variance relating to disease prevalence of SCT ranges greatly by region, with rates as high as 40 percent in certain regions of sub-Saharan Africa, eastern Saudi Arabia, and central India; Whereas, in many countries that are poor in resources, more than 90 percent of children with SCD do not live to see adulthood; Whereas approximately 1,000 children in Africa are born with SCD each day, more than 1/2 Whereas the high prevalence of SCD in the central and western regions of India results in approximately 20 percent of babies diagnosed with SCD in those regions dying before the age of 2; Whereas, in 2006, the World Health Assembly passed a resolution, adopted by the United Nations in 2009, recognizing SCD as a public health priority with a call to action for each country to implement measures to tackle the disease; Whereas screening newborns for SCD is a crucial first step for families to obtain a timely diagnosis, to obtain comprehensive care, and to decrease the mortality rate for children with respect to SCD; Whereas approved treatments for SCD are limited, with the Food and Drug Administration approving only 4 SCD therapies since 2017, but, as of the date of adoption of this resolution, there are more than 40 SCD therapies in development; Whereas there is an immediate need for lifesaving therapeutics that can improve the duration and quality of life for individuals with SCD; Whereas, in 2020, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine developed a comprehensive strategic plan and blueprint for action to address SCD, which highlights the need to develop new innovative therapies and to address barriers to the equitable access of approved treatments; Whereas, in 2020, the Department of Health and Human Services, in partnership with the American Society of Hematology and the SickleInAfrica Consortium, and in collaboration with the World Health Organization, hosted a webinar for a joint effort to strengthen efforts to combat SCD during the COVID19 pandemic and beyond; Whereas the late Kwaku Ohene-Frempong, M.D., Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, an American Society of Hematology member who founded and served as a member of the Global Sickle Cell Disease Network, was a leader in advancing the body of knowledge in SCD research, public health, and medicine and is recognized as immeasurably benefitting thousands of children worldwide; Whereas there are emerging genetic therapy technologies, including gene editing, that can modify a patients own hematopoietic stem cells to enable them to generate healthy red blood cells to prevent sickle cell crises; Whereas hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (commonly known as HSCT) is currently the only cure for SCD, and while advancements in treatment for complications associated with SCD have been made, more research is needed to find widely available and accessible treatments and cures to help individuals with SCD; and Whereas, although June 19, 2023, has been designated as World Sickle Cell Awareness Day to increase public awareness across the United States and global community about SCD, there remains a continued need for empirical research, early detection screenings, novel effective treatments leading to a cure, and preventative care programs with respect to complications from sickle cell anemia and conditions relating to SCD: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports the goals and ideals of World Sickle Cell Awareness Day; (2) commits to ensuring equitable access to new sickle cell disease (referred to in this resolution as SCD (3) calls on the Department of Health and Human Services to create global policy solutions aimed at providing support for the global community with respect to SCD and, in partnership with local governments, the domestic resources needed to provide access to newborn screening programs, therapeutic interventions, and support services with respect to SCD; (4) supports eliminating barriers to equitable access to innovative SCD therapies, including cell, gene, and gene-editing therapies in the Medicare and Medicaid systems for the most vulnerable patients; (5) encourages the people of the United States and the world to hold appropriate programs, events, and activities on World Sickle Cell Awareness Day to raise public awareness of SCD traits, preventative-care programs, treatments, and other patient services for those suffering from SCD, complications from SCD, and conditions relating to SCD; (6) encourages the President to form a Sickle Cell Disease Interagency Group, which should include the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, to work toward policies that will support equitable and appropriate access to innovative SCD therapies; and (7) with respect to the policies described in paragraph (6), urges the interagency group described in that paragraph to consider options that not only address access to potential future curative treatments for SCD, but also address the bias that the population most affected by SCD continues to face within the United States and global healthcare systems. | Expressing support for the designation of June 19, 2023, as World Sickle Cell Awareness Day in order to increase public awareness across the United States and global community about sickle cell disease and the continued need for empirical research, early detection screenings, novel effective treatments leading to a cure, and preventative care programs with respect to complications from sickle cell anemia and conditions relating to sickle cell disease. |
This resolution expresses support for Red Ribbon Week during the period of October 23 through October 31, 2023, which promotes a commitment to healthy, drug-free lifestyles. It also encourages participation in drug prevention activities and the development of drug-free communities. | Supporting the goals and ideals of Red Ribbon Week during the period of October 23 through October 31, 2023. Whereas the National Family Partnership started the Red Ribbon Campaign in 1988 (1) to educate the people of the United States and encourage participation in drug prevention activities; (2) to preserve the memory of Enrique Kiki Special Agent Camarena (A) served the Drug Enforcement Administration for 11 years; and (B) was murdered in the line of duty in 1985, while engaged in the battle against illicit drugs; (3) to commemorate the service of Special Agent Camarena to the Drug Enforcement Administration and the people of the United States; and (4) to further the cause for which Special Agent Camarena gave his life; Whereas the Red Ribbon Campaign is the longest-standing drug use prevention program in the United States, bringing drug awareness to millions of people in the United States each year; Whereas Red Ribbon Week is celebrated every year during the period of October 23 through October 31 by (1) State Governors and attorneys general; (2) the National Family Partnership; (3) parent-teacher associations; (4) Boys and Girls Clubs of America; (5) the Young Marines; (6) the Drug Enforcement Administration; and (7) hundreds of other organizations throughout the United States; Whereas the objective of Red Ribbon Week is to promote the creation of drug-free communities through drug use prevention efforts, education programs, parental involvement, and community-wide support through specific actions such as lighting up buildings and landmarks, and activities that engage the public; Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drug overdoses are the leading cause of death in people in the United States between the ages of 18 to 45, outnumbering deaths by firearms, motor vehicle crashes, suicide, or homicide; Whereas nearly 110,000 people died from drug overdoses in the United States in 2022; Whereas reducing the demand for illicit controlled substances would (1) curtail lethal addictions and overdoses; and (2) reduce the violence associated with drug trafficking; Whereas, although public awareness of illicit drug use is increasing, emerging drug threats and growing epidemics continue to demand attention; Whereas the Drug Enforcement Administration hosts a National Take Back Day twice a year, on the last Saturdays of October and April, for the public to safely dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs that can lead to accidental poisoning, overdose, or misuse; Whereas the National Family Partnership hosts Lock Your Meds, a multi-media campaign and program to encourage individuals, businesses, and communities to dispose of drugs appropriately and to reduce the demand for drugs; Whereas Lock Your Meds is statewide in Idaho, North Carolina, and throughout the southeastern United States; Whereas synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and the analogues of fentanyl devastated communities and families at an unprecedented rate, claiming more than 70,000 lives in 2022; Whereas the presence of fentanyl and the analogues of fentanyl pose hazards to police officers and law enforcement agents; Whereas 6 out of 10 fake prescription pills containing fentanyl tested at Drug Enforcement Administration laboratories contain a potentially deadly dose of fentanyl; Whereas the Drug Enforcement Administration has created a special exhibit entitled The Faces of Fentanyl Whereas the Drug Enforcement Administration seized more than 59,600,000 fentanyl-laced, fake prescription pills and more than 13,000 pounds of fentanyl powder in 2022; Whereas, nearly 6,000 people in the United States died from a drug overdose involving heroin in 2022, a rate of nearly 2 deaths for every 100,000 people in the United States; Whereas, from 2021 to 2022, drug overdose deaths involving cocaine increased by nearly 13 percent, with almost 28,000 people in the United States dying from such an overdose in 2022; Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2,500,000 people in the United States aged 12 or older reported having used methamphetamine in 2020; Whereas psychostimulants with abuse potential, such as methamphetamine, were involved in 1.2 times as many drug overdose deaths as cocaine; 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 their commitment to healthy, productive, and drug-free lifestyles by wearing and displaying red ribbons during the week-long celebration of Red Ribbon Week; Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports the goals and ideals of Red Ribbon Week during the period of October 23 through October 31, 2023; (2) encourages the people of the United States to wear and display red ribbons during Red Ribbon Week to symbolize their commitment to healthy, drug-free lifestyles; (3) encourages the people of the United States to light up buildings and landmarks to send a drug-free message; (4) encourages children, teens, and other individuals to choose to live drug-free lives; and (5) encourages the people of the United States (A) to promote the creation of drug-free communities; and (B) to participate in drug use prevention activities to show support for healthy, productive, and drug-free lifestyles. | Supporting the goals and ideals of Red Ribbon Week during the period of October 23 through October 31, 2023. |
This resolution designates July 2023 as Plastic Pollution Action Month. | Designating July 2023 as Plastic Pollution Action Month Whereas plastic pollution represents a global threat that will require individual and collective action, both nationally and internationally, to address; Whereas 450,000,000 tons of plastic is produced each year, a number that is projected to triple by 2050; Whereas, in the United States (1) the rate of plastic waste recycling decreased in 2021 to between 4 and 6 percent; and (2) less than 3 percent of plastic waste is recycled into a similar quality product; Whereas a recent study from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development found that, in 2022, the United States (1) mismanaged 4 percent of plastic waste; (2) landfilled 73 percent of plastic waste; (3) incinerated 19 percent of plastic waste; and (4) recycled 4 percent of plastic waste; Whereas single-use plastics account for at least 40 percent of the plastic produced every year; Whereas over 12,000,000 tons of plastic waste enter the ocean every year from land-based sources alone; Whereas if no action is taken, the flow of plastics into the ocean is expected to triple by 2040; Whereas recent studies estimate that there are 171,000,000,000,000 pieces of plastic in the oceans of the world; Whereas of the 171,000,000,000,000 pieces of plastic in the ocean, 1 percent floats, 5 percent washes up on beaches, and 94 percent sinks to the bottom; Whereas nearly 1,300 marine species have consumed plastics; Whereas plastics, and associated chemicals of plastics, are ingested by humans and are associated with well-established human health risks; Whereas studies have found microplastic particles in human blood, lungs, colons, and placentas; Whereas studies suggest that humans ingest over 800 microplastics per day; Whereas taking action to reduce plastic use, collect and clean up litter, and reuse and recycle more plastics will lead to less plastic pollution; Whereas, every July, people challenge themselves to reduce their plastic footprint through Plastics Free July Whereas, over the last 40 years, over 17,000,000 volunteers have joined the International Coastal Cleanup to collect more than 350,000,000 pounds of plastic and debris while simultaneously recording their findings to inform research and upstream action; Whereas switching to reusable items instead of single-use items can prevent waste, save water, and reduce litter; and Whereas July 2023, is an appropriate month to designate as Plastic Pollution Action Month to recommit to taking action, individually and as a country, to reduce plastic pollution: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates July 2023 as Plastic Pollution Action Month (2) recognizes the dangers to human health and the environment posed by plastic pollution; and (3) encourages all individuals in the United States to protect, conserve, maintain, and rebuild public health and the environment by responsibly participating in activities to reduce plastic pollution in July 2023 and year-round. | Designating July 2023 as Plastic Pollution Action Month. |
This resolution expresses deepest condolences and solidarity with the people of Turkey (Turkiye) and Syria following the February 6, 2023, earthquake and commends those involved with the humanitarian response. The resolution also urges the U.S. government to continue providing emergency relief and reconstruction to both countries, while ensuring the assistance to Syria does not directly benefit the Assad regime or fuel continued regime atrocities against the Syrian people. | Expressing deepest condolences to and solidarity with the people of Trkiye and Syria following the devastating earthquake on February 6, 2023. Whereas, on February 6, 2023, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck southern and central Trkiye, a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ally, and western Syria; Whereas this is the most powerful earthquake recorded in Trkiye since 1939; Whereas, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake epicenter was located approximately 16 miles east of Nurdagi, in Trkiyes Gaziantep province; Whereas the USGS has registered more than 100 aftershocks between magnitudes 4.5 and 7.5; Whereas the reported death toll has reached 42,000, thousands more people have been reported injured, hundreds of thousands have been displaced from their homes, and thousands of buildings have collapsed; Whereas the World Health Organization estimates that 23,000,000 people, including 1,400,000 children, in Trkiye and Syria have likely been affected by the earthquake and more than 4,000,000 people already rely on humanitarian assistance in the region of northwest Syria that was affected by the earthquake; Whereas countless people in the region and across the world have lost family, friends, and loved ones to the earthquakes and will be mourning their loss; Whereas the United States Government responded immediately to the disaster and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has deployed a nearly 200-member Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to Trkiye, including nearly 160 urban search-and-rescue teams, to provide life-saving assistance on both sides of the Trkiye-Syria border; Whereas USAID has committed $85,000,000 to date for USAIDs humanitarian partners to deliver urgently needed aid for millions of people in Trkiye and Syria; Whereas individuals, businesses, and philanthropic and humanitarian organizations across the United States and throughout the international community have responded in support of Trkiye and Syria; Whereas humanitarian access has been constrained by road closures, infrastructural damage, and weather conditions in Trkiye; and Whereas access to the one official crossing for cross-border aid from the United Nations from Trkiye to northern Syria was heavily damaged, further delaying humanitarian access: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) expresses its deepest condolences to and solidarity with the people of Trkiye and Syria following the devastating earthquake on February 6, 2023; (2) commends the efforts and honors the sacrifice of the men and women engaged in the humanitarian response on the ground in the affected regions of Trkiye and Syria; (3) commends as well the international humanitarian and nongovernmental organizations engaged in this effort; (4) urges the United States Government, in coordination with appropriate local authorities in Trkiye and internationally recognized organizations and institutions in Syria, as well as other donors, to continue to provide emergency relief and reconstruction efforts in both countries as provided in the humanitarian exemptions of the United States Treasurys Syria Sanctions program; (5) urges the United States Government to ensure that earthquake assistance does not (A) violate the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019 (title LXXIV of Public Law 11692 22 U.S.C. 8791 (B) facilitate reconstruction efforts that directly benefit the Assad regime; (C) signal or support normalization with the Assad regime; or (D) fuel continued regime atrocities against the people of Syria; (6) encourages efforts by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and allies to assist Trkiye by providing (A) search-and-rescue teams; (B) firefighters and structural engineers; (C) medical personnel and supplies; and (D) technical experts; (7) urges the international community to continue to find alternative border crossings to ensure aid gets into affected areas in Syria; (8) calls on the United Nations Security Council, to pass a resolution to allow for additional border crossings from Trkiye into northern Syria for aid convoys; and (9) to allow full access for humanitarian aid organizations, urges the immediate cessation of violence in northern Syria. | Expressing deepest condolences to and solidarity with the people of Trkiye and Syria following the devastating earthquake on February 6, 2023. |
This resolution expresses support for the Rise Up for LGBTQI+ Youth in Schools Initiative. | Supporting the goals and ideals of the Rise Up for LGBTQI+ Youth in Schools Initiative, a call to action to communities across the country to demand equal educational opportunity, basic civil rights protections, and freedom from erasure for all students, particularly LGBTQI+ young people, in K12 schools. Whereas young people, teachers, school staff, families, and communities must be free from transphobia, homophobia, racism, sexism, and ableism in K12 schools; Whereas K12 schools must be safe and inclusive learning environments that include and affirm LGBTQI+ young people, especially those who are transgender, nonbinary, intersex, Black, Indigenous, people of color, and people with disabilities and those who are from communities that experience marginalization; Whereas, for more than 2 decades, Congress has supported a resolution for a National Day of Silence, and, for a decade, Congress has supported a resolution for No Name-Calling Week; Whereas advocates have designated 2023 to 2024 as a time for communities to support the Rise Up for LGBTQI+ Youth in Schools Initiative in support of LGBTQI+ young people in schools by building on the goals of National Day of Silence and No Name-Calling Week to create a sustained call to action to demand equal educational opportunities, basic civil rights protections, and freedom from erasure for all students; Whereas LGBTQI+ young people frequently experience bias-based bullying and harassment, discrimination, and punitive discipline that increases the likelihood they will enter the school-to-prison pipeline; Whereas over 200 anti-LGBTQI+ education bills are introduced each year in State legislatures across the country, the majority of which specifically target transgender and nonbinary young people, including (1) in Idaho, where on March 30, 2020, Governor Brad Little signed the first bill into law barring transgender students from playing on the school sports teams that correspond with their gender identity; (2) between 2021 and 2022, 17 additional States have enacted laws prohibiting transgender students from playing alongside their peers on school sports teams; (3) in Tennessee in 2021, Governor Bill Lee signed a bill that allows any student, parent, or employee to sue if they interact with a transgender person in a school bathroom or other facility; and (4) in 2022, Alabama and Oklahoma enacted laws that prevent transgender students from using the school bathroom or locker room that corresponds with their gender identity; Whereas GLSENs 2021 National School Climate Survey found that LGBTQI+ students who experienced LGBTQI+ discrimination at school in the past year, including being prevented from using the restroom that aligns with the students gender identity and being barred from playing on the school sports team that aligns with the students gender identity, were nearly 3 times as likely to have missed school in the past month, had lower GPAs, reported lower feelings of school belonging, and had higher levels of depression compared to LGBTQI+ students who had not experienced LGBTQI+ discrimination; Whereas LGBTQI+ young people are more likely than their non-LGBTQI+ peers to experience mental health concerns, including stress, anxiety, and depression; Whereas nearly half of LGBTQI+ young people seriously considered suicide in the last year, a trend that increases among Indigenous, Black, and multiracial LGBTQI+ young people; Whereas the GLSENs 2021 National School Climate Survey found that, among LGBTQI+ students who said that they were considering dropping out of school, 31.4 percent indicated that they were doing so because of the hostile climate created by gendered school policies and practices; Whereas States are passing or attempting to pass legislation that erases or censors LGBTQI+ individuals, history, and contributions from classroom literature and curricula, including (1) in March 2022, in Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 1557 into law censoring instruction related to LGBTQI+ people, commonly referred to as the Dont Say Gay or Trans (2) in May 2021, in Arizona, Governor Doug Ducey signed HB 2035, which would require parental consent for a child to learn about topics such as the United States Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. 644 (2015), that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples; and (3) in 2021, Arkansas, Florida, Montana, and Tennessee enacted laws that treat instruction related to LGBTQI+ individuals in history, science, the arts, or any academic class as a sensitive topic that requires parental notification and allows parents to opt their child out of such instruction; Whereas these laws harm students and force families to consider leaving their homes, as demonstrated in a Williams Institute report, which found that 56 percent of LGBTQI+ parents of students in Florida considered moving out of Florida and 16.5 percent have taken steps to move out of Florida because of HB 1557; Whereas States have gone farther by specifically targeting transgender students and their families with policies that attack mental health counseling and gender-affirming care for transgender students, including (1) in 2022, in Texas, Governor Greg Abbot issued a directive to the Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate the parents of young people seeking gender-affirming care for child abuse, which purported to require school professionals to report parents who are supportive of their transgender child for investigation; and (2) by early March 2023, 34 States have introduced over 135 bills that prohibit or create barriers to the social affirmation of transgender and nonbinary students in schools, such as using a student's chosen name and pronouns, regardless of the risk to the student's safety, health, and well-being; Whereas 85 percent of transgender and nonbinary young people say that recent debates prompted by State legislation restricting the rights of transgender individuals have negatively impacted their mental health; Whereas every young person must have equal educational opportunity and freedom from the fear that their basic civil and educational rights will be taken away from them; Whereas young people who develop in positive school climates, free from bullying, harassment, and discrimination, report greater physical and psychological safety, greater mental well-being, and improved educational and life outcomes; Whereas positive school transformation must recognize that safety is too low of a bar and that all communities deserve to be acknowledged and affirmed in schools; Whereas students and families, educators, and community members in Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Montana, Tennessee, Texas, and in all States and territories are advocating for safe and inclusive learning environments that affirm LGBTQI+ young people, particularly those who are transgender, nonbinary, Black, Indigenous, people of color, and people with disabilities; and Whereas we must all demand the best possible future for all young people in schools, particularly those who identify as LGBTQI+, without exception: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports the goals and ideals of the Rise Up for LGBTQI+ Youth in Schools Initiative in demanding the best possible future for all young people in schools, particularly those who identify as LGBTQI+; and (2) encourages each State, territory, and locality to support the Rise Up for LGBTQI+ Youth in Schools Initiative and adopt laws and policies that prohibit bias-based victimization, exclusion, and erasure. | Supporting the goals and ideals of the Rise Up for LGBTQI+ Youth in Schools Initiative, a call to action to communities across the country to demand equal educational opportunity, basic civil rights protections, and freedom from erasure for all students, particularly LGBTQI+ young people, in K12 schools. |
This resolution suspends a rule that prohibits the taking of pictures in the Senate Chamber to permit the Senate Photographic Studio to photograph the Senate in actual session on May 2, 2023. | Authorizing the taking of a photograph in the Senate Chamber. That rule 13.1 of the United States Senate Chamber and Galleries Regulations (prohibiting the taking of pictures in the Senate Chamber) be temporarily suspended for the sole and specific purpose of permitting the Senate Photographic Studio to photograph the Senate in actual session on May 2, 2023. 2. The Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate is authorized and directed to make the necessary arrangements therefore, which arrangements shall provide for a minimum of disruption to Senate proceedings. | Authorizing the taking of a photograph in the Senate Chamber. |
This resolution designates the week beginning on October 15, 2023, as National Chemistry Week. The resolution also recognizes the need to promote the fields of science, including chemistry, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and to encourage youth, including from underrepresented groups, to pursue careers in these fields. | Designating the week of October 15 through 21, 2023, as National Chemistry Week Whereas chemistry is the science of the basic units of matter and, consequently, plays a role in every aspect of human life; Whereas chemistry has broad applications, including in food science, soil science, maintaining water quality, energy production, sustainability, medicine, and electronics; Whereas the science of chemistry is vital to improving the quality of human life and plays an important role in addressing critical global challenges; Whereas innovations in chemistry continue to spur economic growth, create jobs, and have applications for a wide range of industries; Whereas the practitioners of chemistry are catalysts of positive change in their communities and the world; Whereas National Chemistry Week is part of a broader vision to improve human life through chemistry and to advance the chemistry enterprise; Whereas the purpose of National Chemistry Week is to reach the public with educational messages about chemistry in order to foster greater understanding of and appreciation for the applications and benefits of chemistry; Whereas National Chemistry Week strives to stimulate the interest of young people, including women and underrepresented groups, in enthusiastically studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and in pursuing science-related careers that lead to innovations and major scientific breakthroughs; Whereas National Chemistry Week signifies the collaborative nature of science and promotes partnership between scientific societies, academia, industry, and the public; Whereas National Chemistry Week highlights many of the everyday uses of chemistry, including in food, dyes, pigments, plastics, soaps, detergents, health products, and energy technologies; Whereas the theme of the 34th annual National Chemistry Week is The Healing Power of Chemistry Whereas students who participate in National Chemistry Week deserve recognition and support for their efforts: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates the week beginning on October 15, 2023, as National Chemistry Week (2) supports the goals and welcomes the participants of the 34th annual National Chemistry Week; (3) recognizes the need to promote the fields of science, including chemistry, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and to encourage youth, including from underrepresented groups, to pursue careers in these fields; and (4) commends the American Chemical Society and the partners of that society for seeking opportunities to engage with the public and for organizing and convening events and activities surrounding National Chemistry Week each year. | Designating the week of October 15 through 21, 2023, as National Chemistry Week. |
This resolution elects Senate members to the Joint Committee on Printing and the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library. | Providing for members on the part of the Senate of the Joint Committee on Printing and the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library. That the following named Members be, and they are hereby, elected members of the following joint committees of Congress: Joint Committee on Printing: Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Merkley, Mr. Padilla, Mrs. Fischer, and Mr. Hagerty. Joint Committee of Congress on the Library: Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Warner, Mr. Ossoff, Mrs. Fischer, and Mrs. Hyde-Smith. | Providing for members on the part of the Senate of the Joint Committee on Printing and the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library. |
This resolution calls for the federal government to establish a national biodiversity strategy, which must include a goal of conserving at least 30% of U.S. lands and waters to protect biodiversity and address climate change by 2030 and other goals necessary to reduce the threats to biodiversity. | Expressing the need for the Federal Government to establish a national biodiversity strategy for protecting biodiversity for current and future generations. Whereas the planet is facing an unprecedented biodiversity crisis, largely driven by human activity; Whereas recent scientific studies have confirmed human-driven activities are significantly damaging the ecosystems of the planet by (1) altering 75 percent of the area of terrestrial environments and 66 percent of marine environments; (2) directly exploiting wildlife and plant species; (3) accelerating climate change, directly harming nature and exacerbating other threats; (4) polluting air, land, and water; and (5) introducing invasive species; Whereas recent scientific studies have shown that human-driven threats have harmed biodiversity by (1) threatening approximately 1,000,000 species with imminent or near extinction, including (A) more than 40 percent of amphibians; (B) 33 percent of corals, sharks, shark relatives, and marine mammals; (C) more than 60 percent of cycads and more than 30 percent of conifer trees; and (D) approximately 10 percent of the more than 5,000,000 insect species on the planet; and (2) causing population sizes of wild species to decline by (A) an average of 68 percent for species of mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles; (B) approximately 3,000,000,000 birds in North America since 1970; (C) approximately 50 percent for species of live corals; and (D) an average of more than 20 percent overall; Whereas human activity is accelerating the decline of important economic and cultural services, including (1) land productivity, with a reduction in the productivity of approximately 1/4 (2) land and freshwater resources, with more than 1/3 (3) global crops, with approximately $500,000,000,000 of global crops at risk due to pollinator loss; (4) marine fisheries, with 1/3 (5) environmental health, with 25 percent of greenhouse gas emissions caused by land clearing, crops, and fertilization; Whereas the decline of biodiversity disproportionately impacts indigenous and other communities that rely on nature for essential services, including Native Americans and Alaska Natives, who offer unique perspectives and traditional ecological knowledge critical to preserving biodiversity; Whereas the decline of biodiversity and ecosystem services observed worldwide is occurring in the United States; Whereas the United States possesses an abundance and great diversity of species of fish, wildlife, and plants that are of significant value to the United States for intrinsic, aesthetic, ecological, educational, cultural, recreational, economic, and scientific reasons; Whereas the decline of biodiversity presents a direct threat to the security, health, and well-being of the people of the United States by causing economic harm through the loss of valuable ecosystem services, including zoonotic disease buffering, pollination, water filtration, soil replenishment, the provision of game species, medicinal products, and recreational opportunities; Whereas communities of color, low-income communities, Tribal communities, and other populations that have been systematically and deliberately targeted for citing environmentally degrading activities and excluded from conservation efforts face disproportionate impacts from biodiversity loss; Whereas Federal agencies are tasked with protecting and conserving biodiversity in the United States and worldwide through a variety of legal and policy channels; Whereas there is no coordinating policy to maximize the effectiveness of the conservation efforts of the Federal Government and collaboration by the Federal Government with States, local governments, Indian Tribes, private landowners, and other nongovernmental stakeholders; Whereas the United States should play a leading role on the international stage in addressing the biodiversity crisis, yet the United States (1) is not a party to (A) the Convention on Biological Diversity, done at Rio de Janeiro June 5, 1992; (B) the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (commonly known as the Convention on Migratory Species (C) other relevant international agreements; (2) does not issue a periodic national biodiversity outlook, contrary to most other countries; and (3) does not have a national biodiversity strategy as part of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services; and Whereas scientific research highlights essential pathways forward, including (1) establishing the effective conservation, restoration, and durable protection of not less than 30 percent of an ecologically representative area of the lands, freshwaters, and oceans in the United States and in the world by 2030 by working collaboratively with governments, land owners, fishers, indigenous peoples, communities, and others; (2) restoring or rewilding species, degraded habitats, and ensuring integrity and connectivity of protected areas; (3) retaining and protecting highly intact ecosystems; (4) reducing pesticide use to levels not higher than necessary for ecologically sustainable and safe food production; and (5) addressing the threats posed by invasive species: Now, therefore, be it That it is the sense of the Senate that (1) it is in the national interest for the Federal Government to establish a national biodiversity strategy to (A) ensure the conservation and restoration of the biodiversity of the United States; (B) secure and restore the ecosystem services provided by nature for current and future generations; (C) deliver on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; (D) set ambitious, yet necessary, goals for protecting biodiversity in the coming decades; (E) promote social equity and justice in the conservation of the biodiversity of the United States; (F) coordinate the actions of Federal agencies to advance the conservation of biodiversity; (G) promote collaboration among Federal, State, and Tribal governments, nongovernmental stakeholders, civil society, and international parties to advance conservation; (H) honor the Federal trust obligations to Indian Tribes and Native Americans; and (I) provide global leadership in addressing the biodiversity crisis; and (2) the national biodiversity strategy described in paragraph (1) should include direction on (A) achieving the national goal of conserving not less than 30 percent of the lands and waters of the United States to protect biodiversity and address climate change by 2030 (referred to in this resolution as 30x30 (B) taking action to protect threatened, endangered, and at-risk species from further imperilment or extinction; (C) climate adaptation and mitigation strategies for biodiversity conservation, including (i) leading international agreements to combat climate change, including the decision of the 21st Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change adopted in Paris on December 12, 2015 (commonly known as the Paris Agreement (ii) establishing climate refugia and climate corridors for conservation of species affected by climate change; and (iii) the rapid build-out of renewable energy; (D) reviewing existing laws, plans, programs, and strategies that are relevant to addressing threats to biodiversity to assess how the laws, plans, programs, and strategies can contribute to the objectives of this resolution and, as necessary, recommending new laws, plans, programs, and strategies; (E) ensuring integration of biodiversity protection across the activities of the Federal Government, including foreign policy and foreign assistance; (F) advancing conservation in collaboration with State and Tribal governments and on private lands through incentives, funding, technical support, and partnerships; (G) incorporating indigenous knowledge and practices to support conservation and biodiversity, safeguarding the rights and needs of indigenous peoples, and ensuring fulfillment of the Federal trust obligations that apply to government decision making that impacts the interests of Native Americans; (H) ensuring equitable access to nature, inclusive decision making on biodiversity protection, and just allocations of resources to achieve the goals of this resolution, including with respect to systematically and deliberately targeted populations such as communities of color, low-income communities, and Native American communities; (I) establishing regular monitoring and reporting on the status of biodiversity in the United States and globally, including a quadrennial assessment reported to Congress and the people of the United States; (J) prioritizing programs to identify knowledge gaps and accelerate research and development of new conservation solutions across sectors; (K) assessing and integrating the role of the United States in international biodiversity, ecosystem services, and nature conservation in (i) national security and foreign policy strategies, including in international development policies, planning and finance, diplomatic dialogues, and trade agreements; and (ii) advancing global adoption of and progress toward 30x30; and (L) funding existing conservation programs, developing new funding sources, and reducing subsidies that harm biodiversity in amounts commensurate with the scale of the harm to biodiversity. | Expressing the need for the Federal Government to establish a national biodiversity strategy for protecting biodiversity for current and future generations. |
This resolution honors the Thai garment workers who were freed from the El Monte, California, sweatshop in 1995 and the many legal, cultural, and policy changes that resulted from the sweatshop case. The resolution also recognizes the individuals who continue to fight against exploitative working conditions. | Honoring the Thai-American garment workers who opened the countrys eyes to sweatshop conditions in the United States and, against all odds, expanded rights for immigrant workers and survivors of human trafficking while holding corporations responsible for the conditions in which their clothes are made. Whereas Thai garment workers were forced to work behind barbed wire and under armed guard in an apartment complex in El Monte, California, sewing garments for 16 to 18 hours a day, 7 days a week under the threat of harm to themselves and their families in Thailand; Whereas the workers were trafficked into the United States, held against their will, had their passports taken from them, and were denied contact with the outside world until August 2, 1995, when a multiagency law enforcement raid exposed their conditions of involuntary servitude; Whereas the workers were threatened with deportation until community advocates intervened and helped the workers find freedom, shelter, new jobs, and the chance to rebuild their lives in the United States; Whereas the workers filed a landmark lawsuit against their captors and against the companies they were sewing for, which was the first Federal lawsuit of its kind, transformed the garment industry, and launched anti-sweatshop legislation and campaigns across the country and around the world that reverberate to this day; Whereas advocates fought for the workers to stay in the United States and pioneered the use of S visas, in partnership with Federal prosecutors, which led to the creation of T and U visas to protect workers who serve as material witnesses to come forward and report abuse and exploitation without fear of immigration-based retaliation; Whereas the workers have inspired countless individuals, and their story has been documented in books, an animated short, museums, including the National Museum of American History, and is taught in high school, college, and law school curricula; Whereas the workers freed from the El Monte sweatshop went on to contribute in invaluable ways to the United States as activists, spokespersons, small business owners, health care professionals, service providers, and more; and Whereas the workers are now inducted into the United States Department of Labors Hall of Honor, taking their rightful place in the labor history of the United States for their courage, resilience, and groundbreaking efforts: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) honors the Thai garment workers freed from the El Monte sweatshop for their courage, persistence, and resilience; (2) recognizes the many legal, cultural, and policy changes that have resulted from the El Monte sweatshop case; (3) recognizes the individuals that continue to fight against forced labor and human trafficking, for corporate accountability, and for an end to exploitative working conditions; and (4) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate transmit (A) an enrolled copy of this resolution to the Director of the National Museum of American History; and (B) 5 copies of this resolution to the Secretary of Labor. | Honoring the Thai-American garment workers who opened the countrys eyes to sweatshop conditions in the United States and, against all odds, expanded rights for immigrant workers and survivors of human trafficking while holding corporations responsible for the conditions in which their clothes are made. |
This resolution designates Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary and uncontrolled movements of muscles in the face, torso, and extremities. It is caused by prolonged use of certain medications, including ones used to treat schizophrenia. | Designating the week of May 1, 2023, through May 7, 2023, as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week Whereas many people with serious, chronic mental illness, such as schizophrenia and other schizoaffective disorders, bipolar disorder, or severe depression, require treatment with medications that work as dopamine receptor blocking agents (referred to in this preamble as DRBAs Whereas many people who have gastrointestinal disorders, including gastroparesis, nausea, and vomiting also require treatment with DRBAs; Whereas, while ongoing treatment with DRBAs can be lifesaving, for some people it can also lead to Tardive Dyskinesia; Whereas Tardive Dyskinesia is a movement disorder that is characterized by random, involuntary, and uncontrolled movements of different muscles in the face, trunk, and extremities; Whereas, in some cases, Tardive Dyskinesia may (1) cause people to experience movement of the arms, legs, fingers, and toes; (2) affect the tongue, lips, and jaw; and (3) cause swaying movements of the trunk or hips and may impact the muscles associated with walking, speech, eating, and breathing; Whereas Tardive Dyskinesia can develop months, years, or decades after a person starts taking DRBAs and even after a person has discontinued use of those medications; Whereas not everyone who takes a DRBA develops Tardive Dyskinesia, but if Tardive Dyskinesia develops, it is often persistent; Whereas common risk factors for Tardive Dyskinesia include advanced age and alcoholism or other substance use disorders; Whereas postmenopausal women and people with a mood disorder are also at higher risk of developing Tardive Dyskinesia; Whereas a person is at higher risk for Tardive Dyskinesia after taking DRBAs for 3 months, but the longer the person is on these medications, the higher the risk of developing Tardive Dyskinesia; Whereas studies suggest that the overall risk of developing Tardive Dyskinesia after taking DRBAs is between 10 and 30 percent; Whereas it is estimated that over 600,000 people in the United States suffer from Tardive Dyskinesia; Whereas, according to the National Alliance for Mental Illness, 1 in every 4 patients receiving long-term treatment with an antipsychotic medication will experience Tardive Dyskinesia; Whereas years of difficult and challenging research have resulted in recent scientific breakthroughs, with 2 new treatments for Tardive Dyskinesia approved by the Food and Drug Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services; Whereas Tardive Dyskinesia is often unrecognized, and patients suffering from the illness are commonly misdiagnosed; Whereas regular screening for Tardive Dyskinesia in patients taking DRBA medications is recommended by the American Psychiatric Association; Whereas patients suffering from Tardive Dyskinesia often suffer embarrassment due to abnormal and involuntary movements, which leads them to withdraw from society and increasingly isolate themselves as the disease progresses; Whereas caregivers of patients with Tardive Dyskinesia face many challenges and are often responsible for the overall care of the Tardive Dyskinesia patient; Whereas the Senate can raise awareness of Tardive Dyskinesia in the public and medical community: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates the week of May 1, 2023, through May 7, 2023, as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week (2) encourages each individual in the United States to become better informed about and aware of Tardive Dyskinesia. | Designating the week of May 1, 2023, through May 7, 2023, as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. |
This resolution congratulates the Kansas City Chiefs for their victory in Super Bowl LVII. | A resolution congratulating the Kansas City Chiefs on their victory in Super Bowl LVII in the successful 103rd season of the National Football League. Whereas, on Sunday, February 12, 2023, the Kansas City Chiefs (referred to in this preamble as the Chiefs Whereas the Chiefs, established on August 14, 1959, and playing in their 63rd season in the National Football League (referred to in this preamble as the NFL Whereas the Chiefs have appeared in 5 consecutive American Football Conference Championship games the last 5 years; Whereas the victory in Super Bowl LVII earned the Chiefs their third Super Bowl victory; Whereas the Chiefs were participants in the first ever Super Bowl of 1967; Whereas the Chiefs began their championship season in the great city of St. Joseph, Missouri, holding training camp on the campus of Missouri Western State University; Whereas head coach Andy Reid earned his 22nd postseason win, placing him second all-time in number of NFL coaches playoff wins; Whereas Andy Reid earned his second Super Bowl victory in his 24-year tenure as a head coach in the NFL; Whereas, in the 2022 NFL season, the Chiefs competed at the highest level with a record of 14 wins and 3 losses; Whereas Orlando Brown Jr., Creed Humphrey, Chris Jones, Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes, Joe Thuney, and Tommy Townsend were all selected to be in the 2023 NFL Pro Bowl; Whereas, in Super Bowl LVII (1) Super Bowl LVII MVP and 2022 to 2023 NFL MVP Quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 21 of 27 pass attempts for 182 yards and 3 touchdowns, with an incredible 26-yard run in the fourth quarter, all while battling a severe ankle injury; (2) Travis Kelce had 6 receptions for 81 yards and 1 touchdown; (3) Harrison Butker kicked the game-winning 27-yard field goal to put the Chiefs ahead by 3 points with 8 seconds remaining in the game; (4) Isiah Pacheco carried the ball 15 times for 76 yards and 1 touchdown; (5) Nick Bolton led the team with 8 tackles and a fumble recovery for a touchdown; (6) Kadarius Toney received a touchdown pass and had an astounding 65-yard punt return; (7) Skyy Moore received a touchdown pass; (8) the Chiefs overcame a 10-point deficit going into the second half; and (9) the entire Chiefs roster contributed to the victory, including Nick Allegretti, Blake Bell, Nick Bolton, Orlando Brown, Shane Buechele, Michael Burton, Deon Bush, Harrison Butker, Leo Chenal, Frank Clark, Jack Cochrane, Bryan Cook, Mike Danna, Carlos Dunlap, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Jody Fortson, Willie Gay, Noah Gray, Mecole Hardman, Darius Harris, Chad Henne, Malik Herring, Creed Humphrey, Nazeeh Johnson, Chris Jones, Ronald Jones, Joshua Kaindoh, George Karlaftis, Travis Kelce, Darian Kinnard, Patrick Mahomes, Trent McDuffie, Jerick McKinnon, Skyy Moore, Lucas Niang, Derrick Nnadi, Isiah Pacheco, Justin Reid, Justyn Ross, Khalen Saunders, Trey Smith, JuJu Smith Schuster, LJarius Sneed, Juan Thornhill, Joe Thuney, Kadarius Toney, Tommy Townsend, Marquez Valdez-Scantling, Prince Tega Wanogho, Jaylen Watson, Justin Watson, Tershawn Wharton, Brandon Williams, Joshua Williams, James Winchester, and Andrew Wylie; Whereas the Chiefs victory in Super Bowl LVII instills an extraordinary sense of pride for all of Chiefs Kingdom Whereas people all over the world are asking, How bout those Chiefs? Whereas Lamar Hunt founded the Chiefs more than 6 decades ago, and helped shape the National Football League, including by coining the phrase Super Bowl Whereas the Hunt family deserves great credit for its unwavering commitment to, and leadership and support of, Chiefs Kingdom: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) congratulates the Kansas City Chiefs (referred to in this resolution as the Chiefs (2) respectfully directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to (A) the chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Chiefs, Clark Hunt; (B) the president of the Chiefs, Mark Donovan; (C) the head coach of the Chiefs, Andy Reid; and (D) players Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Harrison Butker. | A resolution congratulating the Kansas City Chiefs on their victory in Super Bowl LVII in the successful 103rd season of the National Football League. |
This resolution express support for policies and infrastructure to adequately support mothers in the workforce. | Recognizing that the United States needs to support and empower mothers in the workforce by investing in the Mom Economy. Whereas mothers are an essential part of the workforce and economy of the United States; Whereas 2,500,000 women left the workforce in the first year of the COVID19 pandemic, as compared to 1,800,000 men, largely as a result of the burdens of childcare, work, and remote learning; Whereas maternal employment fell by 15.7 percent as a result of the COVID19 pandemic, as compared to paternal employment, which fell by 9.6 percent in the same time period; Whereas at least 4/10 Whereas, on average, women are paid 77 cents for every dollar paid to men; Whereas Black women, Latinas, Native women, and many communities of Asian-American and Pacific-Islander women experience higher poverty rates and higher wage gaps compared to White, non-Hispanic men; Whereas women occupy close to 2/3 Whereas even 1 percent of mothers leaving the workforce would result in an estimated $8,700,000,000 economic fallout for families; Whereas strong investments in childcare are essential for the full employment of women, and the gross domestic product of the United States would increase by 10 to 15 basis points with such investments; Whereas 1/2 Whereas mothers of color play a vital role in the financial stability of their families, with 79 percent of Black mothers, 64 percent of Native American mothers, 49 percent of Latina mothers, and 43 percent of Asian-American and Pacific-Islander mothers serving as breadwinners; Whereas, in addition to the economic security that mothers provide for their families, mothers are more than 3 times as likely as fathers to be responsible for most of the housework and caregiving in their households; Whereas, in addition to caregiving for children, mothers disproportionately shoulder unpaid caregiving responsibilities for older relatives and other family members with disabilities; Whereas women are twice as likely as men to say that taking time off had a negative impact on their professional development; Whereas industries dominated by women disproportionately fail to provide family-friendly workplace benefits such as paid family and medical leave, health insurance, and retirement plans; Whereas 44 percent of workers are not eligible for unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 ( 29 U.S.C. 2601 et seq. Whereas 3 of 10 women without access to paid leave exit the workforce after giving birth; Whereas paid leave policies can reduce the number of women leaving their jobs by 20 percent during the first year after welcoming a child and up to 50 percent after 5 years; Whereas mothers sometimes find childcare costs are almost as much as their paychecks, creating a financial incentive for mothers to leave the workforce in exchange for childcare duties; Whereas 40 percent of parents have gone into debt due to the high costs of childcare; Whereas the childcare crisis costs the United States $122,000,000,000 each year, including $78,000,000,000 in lost earnings and job search expenses, $23,000,000,000 in lost workforce productivity, and $21,000,000,000 in lost tax revenue; Whereas a significant investment in childcare is simultaneously job creating and job enabling, creating good jobs and supporting parental employment; Whereas, by encouraging women to remain in the workforce full time, access to paid leave and childcare significantly boosts mothers' lifetime earning potential; Whereas the 2021 temporary expansion of the child tax credit lifted 3,700,000 children out of poverty; Whereas families used the child tax credit to cover routine expenses, improve nutrition, decrease reliance on credit cards and other high-risk financial services, and make long-term educational investments; and Whereas families of color saw the largest quality of life improvements due to the expansion of the child tax credit in 2021: Now, therefore, be it That it is the sense of the Senate that (1) the United States needs to prioritize a Mom Economy that invests in the caregiving infrastructure required to adequately support and empower mothers in the workforce and sustain a thriving economy; (2) mothers, especially mothers of color, face systemic economic and social inequalities that restrict their ability to balance parenting responsibilities with workplace roles and limit their professional advancement; (3) mothers play an integral role not only in the financial well-being of their families but in the productivity of the American economy as a whole; (4) the United States should invest in its mothers by expanding and developing the social safety net in order to secure meaningful and sustainable economic growth, including (A) robust paid family and medical leave plans for all workers, including (i) paid parental leave following the birth of a child or the placement of a child for adoption or foster care, provided in equal amounts for all parents regardless of gender; and (ii) paid leave policies that can be used for family caregiving and workers own medical leave; (B) paid menstrual leave and remote work accommodations for workers experiencing debilitating menstrual or menopause symptoms; (C) investment in the childcare industry with the goal of providing universal childcare and early learning, including (i) robust funding for Head Start and Early Head Start programs; (ii) Federal financial support for childcare programs to guarantee all families have access to affordable and high quality child care; and (iii) commitments to pay childcare workers a dignified, living wage; (D) access to nutritious food as a human right, including through (i) boosting SNAP maximum and minimum benefits and removing barriers to access, including time restrictions and additional work requirements; and (ii) increasing funds for school meals and other nutrition programs to combat child hunger and making school meals more accessible; (E) the implementation and expansion of child poverty reduction tools that improve income security, infant and maternal health, and educational and economic outcomes into the second generation, including (i) a permanent expansion of the child tax credit; and (ii) improvements in the earned income tax credit, which lifts millions of people above the poverty line each year and boosts labor force participation among single mothers; (F) addressing the Nation's maternal mortality crisis through critical investments in maternal health care, including ensuring access to the full range of reproductive health care and family planning; (G) raising the Federal minimum wage for all workers, including tipped workers, and adjusting it on a yearly basis to keep pace with inflation; and (H) investments in legislation that ensures protections for LGBTQ+ mothers in the workplace, such as the Equality Act, and reduces wage discrimination, such as the Paycheck Fairness Act; and (5) United States policymakers should include a specific focus on working mothers in future policymaking, beyond the aforementioned policies, including with regard to economic policy, fiscal policy, and social safety net policy, in order to ensure that working mothers and other caregivers can continue to balance their roles as family anchors and caregivers with their work and economic contributions to both their families and the economy of the United States. | Recognizing that the United States needs to support and empower mothers in the workforce by investing in the Mom Economy. |
This resolution commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Texas Rangers. | Commemorating the bicentennial of the Texas Ranger Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety, the oldest State law enforcement agency in North America, and honoring the men and women, past and present, of the Texas Rangers. Whereas the Texas Ranger Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety was established in 1823 and will commemorate its 200th anniversary in 2023; Whereas the Texas Rangers are the oldest law enforcement organization on the North American continent with statewide jurisdiction; Whereas the Texas Rangers have played an influential, valiant, and honorable role from the early years of Texas to the present day; Whereas, through the centuries, the Texas Rangers have served as (1) a citizen militia, protecting ranches, farms, and settlements against hostile raids; (2) frontier peace officers, protecting against outlaws and banditry; (3) law enforcement to new towns and settlements on burgeoning railroad routes and cattle trails; and (4) State police, handling lawlessness in oil boomtowns, violations of Prohibition, and gangsters; Whereas, in 1935, the Texas Rangers were incorporated into one of the first departments of public safety in the United States; Whereas the Texas Rangers are internationally respected for (1) conducting major criminal investigations; (2) suppressing organized crime; (3) performing border reconnaissance; (4) expertise with respect to special weapons and tactics; (5) serving as bomb squads; (6) special rapid response capabilities; (7) crisis negotiation capabilities; (8) joint intelligence center management; and (9) investigating unsolved crimes; Whereas the pioneering initiatives of the Texas Rangers, such as the Interdiction for the Protection of Children program, have resulted in invitations from law enforcement agencies throughout the United States and internationally, from Australia to Great Britain, to help initiate similar law enforcement initiatives; Whereas the Texas Rangers have partnered with Federal agencies on numerous public safety and relief initiatives, such as in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, and with the Federal Bureau of Investigation on numerous occasions, including the pursuit of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934; Whereas the Texas Rangers have captured the imagination of the public and have become icons of United States popular culture; Whereas songs, books, and novels have been written about the Texas Rangers since the 1840s; Whereas the Texas Rangers are the largest and oldest multimedia franchise Whereas the Texas Rangers have been featured in more than 225 movies and 7 television series: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Texas Rangers; (2) applauds the significant achievements of the Texas Rangers; (3) commends the thousands of men and women who have served in both field and command ranks of the Texas Rangers, both before and after Texas statehood, including the current 234 full-time employees consisting of 166 commissioned Texas Rangers and 68 support personnel; (4) remembers the 149 Texas Rangers who valiantly lost their lives in the performance of their duties; and (5) recognizes the critical role the Texas Rangers have played throughout the history of Texas, beginning with Stephen F. Austin, the Father of Texas | Commemorating the bicentennial of the Texas Ranger Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety, the oldest State law enforcement agency in North America, and honoring the men and women, past and present, of the Texas Rangers. |
This resolution commends the University of Mississippi for its 175 years of service to Mississippi and the United States. It also recognizes the University of Mississippi for its academic, research, cultural, and athletic excellence. | Commending the University of Mississippi for 175 years of service to the State of Mississippi and the United States. Whereas the University of Mississippi began its first session on November 6, 1848, with a 4-member faculty offering a liberal arts curriculum to 80 students; Whereas the University of Mississippi established one of the first State-supported law schools in the United States in 1854, and it was the first university in Mississippi to establish a school of engineering in 1900; Whereas, in 1882, the University of Mississippi became one of the first universities in the South to admit women and, in 1885, was the first university in Mississippi to hire a female faculty member; Whereas, in 1903, the University of Mississippi began providing medical education on the Oxford campus; Whereas the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi (1) was established by the Mississippi Legislature in 1950; (2) became the first and only academic medical center in Mississippi when it opened in 1955; and (3) was the site of the first lung and heart transplants into a human in the world, in 1963 and 1964, respectively; Whereas, in 1962, the University of Mississippi broke a racial barrier by admitting its first African-American student, James Meredith, who remains a source of inspiration today; Whereas, from its first class of 80 students, the University of Mississippi has grown to host more than 23,000 students participating in 120 programs of study across 7 campuses, including a medical center; Whereas thousands of students of all races, creeds, backgrounds, and beliefs receive world-class education at the University of Mississippi; Whereas the University of Mississippi advances academic excellence through the activity of the faculty and staff in departments and more than 75 academic, research, and community service centers; Whereas, in 2016, the University of Mississippi received a classification of R1: Doctoral Universities Very High Research Activity Whereas the University of Mississippi has produced 55 Fulbright Scholars, 27 Rhodes Scholars, 44 Boren Scholars, 18 Truman Scholars, 24 Goldwater Scholars, 8 Portz Scholars, and 11 National Science Foundation Graduate Fellows; Whereas the University of Mississippi has played a significant role in producing future public service leaders; Whereas, in 2008, the University of Mississippi hosted the first presidential debate between Senators John McCain and Barack Obama, which was the first presidential debate held in Mississippi; Whereas, for 14 years, the University of Mississippi has been recognized as a Great College to Work For Whereas the University of Mississippi is dedicated to supporting the academic success of student-athletes while striving for on-field success; Whereas the Ole Miss Rebels are composed of 18 mens and womens intercollegiate athletic varsity teams that represent the University of Mississippi; Whereas the University of Mississippi, a charter member of the Southeastern Conference, claims 5 collegiate team national championships, and Ole Miss Rebel student-athletes have captured 25 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division 1 individual titles; and Whereas the University of Mississippi has produced notable alumni in the fields of government, public policy, research, medicine, business, education, literature, the arts, journalism, athletics, and more: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) commends the University of Mississippi for its 175 years of service to the State of Mississippi and the United States; (2) recognizes the University of Mississippi for its academic, research, cultural, and athletic excellence; and (3) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to (A) the Chancellor of the University of Mississippi, Dr. Glenn F. Boyce; (B) the Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics of the University of Mississippi, Mr. Keith Carter; and (C) the Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs of the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Dr. LouAnn Woodward. | Commending the University of Mississippi for 175 years of service to the State of Mississippi and the United States. |
This resolution condemns China's violation of U.S. sovereignty and denounces the Chinese Communist Party's efforts to deceive through false claims about its intelligence collection campaigns in violation of U.S. sovereignty. The resolution also states that it should be U.S. policy to promptly, responsibly, and decisively deter and stop foreign aerial surveillance platforms from violating U.S. sovereignty. | Condemning the use by the Peoples Republic of China of a high-altitude surveillance balloon over the territory of the United States as a brazen violation of United States sovereignty. Whereas, on February 2, 2023, the Department of Defense publicly announced it was tracking over United States territory a high-altitude surveillance balloon belonging to the Peoples Republic of China (PRC); Whereas the Department of Defense acknowledged that North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) first began tracking the surveillance balloon on January 28, 2023, prior to the entry of the balloon into United States airspace; Whereas the Secretary of Defense has stated that the balloon was being used by the PRC in an attempt to surveil strategic sites in the continental United States Whereas the surveillance balloon traveled near sensitive national security facilities of the United States, including Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana; Whereas, on February 4, 2023, a United States Air Force aircraft, at the direction of the President acting consistent with military advice, shot down the surveillance balloon in the territorial airspace of the United States off the coast of South Carolina; Whereas, on February 4, 2023, the Department of Defense submitted a request for a call between the Secretary of Defense and the Minister of National Defense of the PRC, Wei Fenghe, a request that the PRC subsequently declined; Whereas open lines of communication between the United States and the civilian and military officials of the PRC remain critical to avoid miscommunication or escalation to conflict; Whereas the United States intelligence community has linked the surveillance balloon of the PRC to a broader surveillance program run by the Peoples Liberation Army, and United States officials have briefed officials from other countries that may have also been targeted; Whereas intelligence collection by the PRC directed against the United States poses a threat to the interests and security of the United States and extends beyond the capabilities demonstrated by the February 2023 incident and related incidents; Whereas, while the PRC has a long history of intelligence collection operations against national security entities of the United States, reports of its espionage have risen significantly in the past decade; Whereas the Chinese Communist Party spread false claims about the nature and purpose of the surveillance balloon, falsely claiming it to be a weather balloon that veered off course due to force majeure Whereas, on February 3, 2023, the Secretary of State postponed his trip to the PRC and referred to the balloon incident as an irresponsible act and a clear violation of U.S. sovereignty and international law that undermined the purpose of the trip Whereas Article I of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, also known as the Chicago Convention, states that every State has complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above its territory Whereas the substantial increase in the detection of unidentified aerial phenomena since February 4, 2023 warrants further investigation and attention to domain awareness gaps identified by United States Northern Command; and Whereas it is in the national security interest of the United States to deter foreign adversaries from engaging in intelligence collection and other malign activities within United States territory and airspace: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) condemns the brazen violation of United States sovereignty by the People's Republic of China (PRC); (2) denounces the efforts of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to deceive the international community through false claims about its intelligence collection campaigns in violation of United States sovereignty, and those regarding other nations where similar incidents have occurred; (3) determines that it should be the policy of the United States to act promptly, responsibly, and decisively to deter and stop foreign aerial surveillance platforms violating United States sovereignty, including those directed by or connected to the CCP; and (4) calls on the President to keep Congress fully informed by continuing to provide comprehensive briefings on the February 2023 incident, previous incidents, and the broader efforts of the PRC in this area that include (A) a complete account of all known violations of United States national airspace by the PRC in recent years, regardless of platform; (B) a complete account of similar past incidents of the PRCs use of surveillance balloons around the world; (C) a timeline of events for the February 2023 incident, from first detection to the eventual shootdown of the balloon; (D) an assessment of what surveillance data the PRC was potentially able to collect or transmit via the balloon while it was over United States territory; (E) an assessment of the value of the intelligence that the United States obtained while the balloon transited the United States and from the recovery and analysis of physical debris; (F) a detailed account of what measures were taken to mitigate the intelligence collection threat posed by the balloon, the costs of those measures, and the impact on the regular operations of the affected installations, platforms, and personnel; (G) a description of what options were identified to mitigate the threat, and a description and timing of the recommendations the United States military made regarding those options; (H) an account of diplomatic communications, past and ongoing, between the United States and the PRC regarding the February 2023 incident, including any demarches by Department of State personnel and subsequent responses by the PRC; (I) a detailed description of plans, capabilities, and methods to deter and defeat intelligence collection activities conducted by the PRC or other foreign adversaries in United States national airspace and any additional authorities or resources needed from Congress to ensure detection and defeat of these activities in the future; (J) a detailed description of efforts of the United States to enhance cooperation with partners, allies, and countries affected by the global surveillance balloon program of the PRC to push back on the PRCs practices in this area; and (K) a description of efforts to hold the Government of the PRC, and entities associated with the design, development, management, and deployment of the PRC surveillance balloon program, accountable for the violation of United States sovereignty and the sovereignty of other countries. | Condemning the use by the Peoples Republic of China of a high-altitude surveillance balloon over the territory of the United States as a brazen violation of United States sovereignty. |
This resolution designates October 4, 2023, as Energy Efficiency Day. | Designating October 4, 2023, as Energy Efficiency Day Whereas October has been designated as National Energy Awareness Month Whereas improvements in energy efficiency technologies and practices, along with policies of the United States enacted since the 1970s, have resulted in energy savings of more than 60,000,000,000,000,000 British thermal units and energy cost avoidance of more than $800,000,000,000 annually; Whereas energy efficiency has enjoyed bipartisan support in Congress and in administrations of both parties for more than 40 years; Whereas bipartisan legislation enacted since the 1970s to advance Federal energy efficiency policies includes (1) the Energy Policy and Conservation Act ( 42 U.S.C. 6201 et seq. (2) the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act of 1987 ( Public Law 10012 (3) the Energy Policy Act of 1992 ( 42 U.S.C. 13201 et seq. (4) the Energy Policy Act of 2005 ( 42 U.S.C. 15801 et seq. (5) the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 ( 42 U.S.C. 17001 et seq. (6) the Energy Efficiency Improvement Act of 2015 ( Public Law 11411 (7) the Energy Act of 2020 ( Public Law 116260 (8) the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act ( Public Law 11758 Whereas energy efficiency has long been supported by a diverse coalition of businesses (including manufacturers, utilities, energy service companies, and technology firms), public interest organizations, environmental and conservation groups, and State and local governments; Whereas, since 1980, the United States has more than doubled its energy productivity, realizing twice the economic output per unit of energy consumed; Whereas more than 2,000,000 individuals in the United States are currently employed across the energy efficiency sector, as the United States has doubled its energy productivity, and business and industry have become more innovative and competitive in global markets; Whereas the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy of the Department of Energy is the principal Federal agency responsible for renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency efforts; Whereas cutting energy waste saves the consumers of the United States billions of dollars on utility bills annually; and Whereas energy efficiency policies, financing innovations, and public-private partnerships have contributed to a reduction in energy intensity in Federal facilities by nearly 50 percent since the mid-1970s, which results in direct savings to United States taxpayers: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates October 4, 2023, as Energy Efficiency Day (2) calls on the people of the United States to observe Energy Efficiency Day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. | Designating October 4, 2023, as Energy Efficiency Day in celebration of the economic and environmental benefits that have been driven by private sector innovation and Federal energy efficiency policies. |
This resolution authorizes the Senate Committee on the Judiciary to make specified expenditures and employ personnel for the 118th Congress. | Authorizing expenditures by the Committee on the Judiciary. 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 the Judiciary (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 $8,551,113, of which amount (1) not to exceed $100,000 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 $10,000 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 $14,659,052, of which amount (1) not to exceed $125,000 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 $15,000 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 $6,107,938, of which amount (1) not to exceed $80,000 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 $10,000 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 the Judiciary. |
This resolution condemns Russia's abduction of Ukrainian children and the relocation of those children to reeducation camps. The resolution also rebukes nations that provide support to Russia's kidnapping enterprise, condemns forced adoptions of Ukrainian children by Russian citizens, and implores Russia to work with international organizations to return Ukrainian children to their home country. | Condemning the Russian Federations kidnapping of Ukrainian children. Whereas, on February 24, 2022, the Russian Federation invaded the sovereign State of Ukraine in violation of international law; Whereas Russian troops have since committed horrendous atrocities and human rights violations; Whereas, as of March 2023, research indicates that agents of the Government of the Russian Federation have kidnapped and removed at least 6,000 innocent children from their homes in Ukraine, and have likely kidnapped tens of thousands more Ukrainian children; Whereas United States officials have indicated that more than 1,800 children were taken from Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine to Russia during July 2022; Whereas the Government of the Russian Federation continues to provide false information about these children to parents and international nongovernmental organizations and human rights observers, including claiming the children have no parents or family; Whereas Russian authorities have loosened adoption laws to allow Russian families to more easily take custody of kidnapped Ukrainian children; Whereas Russian authorities provide additional funds to Russian families housing kidnapped Ukrainian children and force kidnapped Ukrainian children to become Russian citizens; Whereas this practice is in direct contradiction to any standard of reasonableness and civility; Whereas this practice is associated with dictators who pose a threat to humanity, world peace, and human rights; Whereas the International Criminal Court (1) has opened war crimes cases over the abductions and re-education of Ukrainian children; and (2) has issued an arrest warrant for President Vladimir Putin; and Whereas children worldwide should be protected against all forms of neglect, cruelty, and exploitation: Now, therefore, be it That Congress (1) condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the Russian Federations abduction of innocent children from their families in Ukraine and the relocation of such children to re-education camps, where they are indoctrinated, abused, and exploited; (2) rebukes every other nation that provides aid and support to the Russian Federations kidnapping enterprise; (3) condemns forced adoptions of Ukrainian children by Russian citizens contrary to international intercountry adoption norms and the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, done at The Hague, October 25, 1980 (TIAS 11670); and (4) implores the Russian Federation to work with international human rights and children welfare organizations to ensure the return of Ukrainian children to their home country at the earliest available opportunity. | Condemning the Russian Federations kidnapping of Ukrainian children. |
This resolution recognizes the accomplishments and example of Cesar Estrada Chavez. The resolution also encourages the people of the United States to commemorate his legacy and to always remember his rallying cry, "Si, se puede!" (which means "Yes, we can!"). | Recognizing March 31, 2023, as Csar Chvez Day Whereas Csar Estrada Chvez spent his early years on a family farm; Whereas, at the age of 10, Csar Estrada Chvez joined the thousands of migrant farmworkers laboring in fields and vineyards throughout the Southwest after a bank foreclosure resulted in the loss of the family farm; Whereas Csar Estrada Chvez, after attending more than 30 elementary and middle schools and achieving an eighth grade education, left school to work full-time as a farmworker to help support his family; Whereas, at the age of 17, Csar Estrada Chvez entered the United States Navy and served the United States with distinction for 2 years; Whereas, in 1948, Csar Estrada Chvez returned from military service to marry Helen Fabela, whom he had met while working in the vineyards of central California; Whereas Csar Estrada Chvez and Helen Fabela had 8 children; Whereas, as early as 1949, Csar Estrada Chvez was committed to organizing farmworkers to campaign for safe and fair working conditions, reasonable wages, livable housing, and the outlawing of child labor; Whereas, in 1952, Csar Estrada Chvez joined the Community Service Organization, a prominent Latino civil rights group, and worked with the organization to coordinate voter registration drives and conduct campaigns against discrimination in East Los Angeles; Whereas Csar Estrada Chvez served as the national director of the Community Service Organization; Whereas, in 1962, Csar Estrada Chvez left the Community Service Organization to establish the National Farm Workers Association, which eventually became the United Farm Workers of America; Whereas Csar Estrada Chvez was a strong believer in the principles of nonviolence practiced by Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; Whereas Csar Estrada Chvez effectively used peaceful tactics that included fasting for 25 days in 1968, 25 days in 1972, and 36 days in 1988 to call attention to the terrible working and living conditions of farmworkers in the United States; Whereas, under the leadership of Csar Estrada Chvez, the United Farm Workers of America organized thousands of migrant farmworkers to fight for fair wages, health care coverage, pension benefits, livable housing, and respect; Whereas the efforts of the United Farm Workers of America brought about the enactment of the landmark California Agricultural Labor Relations Act in 1975, which sought justice and guaranteed certain protections for farmworkers; Whereas, through his commitment to nonviolence, Csar Estrada Chvez brought dignity and respect to the organized farmworkers and became an inspiration to, and a resource for, individuals engaged in human rights struggles throughout the world; Whereas the influence of Csar Estrada Chvez extends far beyond agriculture and provides inspiration for individuals working to better human rights, empower workers, and advance the American Dream, which includes all inhabitants of the United States; Whereas Csar Estrada Chvez died on April 23, 1993, at the age of 66 in San Luis, Arizona, only miles from his birthplace; Whereas more than 50,000 individuals attended the funeral services of Csar Estrada Chvez in Delano, California; Whereas Csar Estrada Chvez was laid to rest at the headquarters of the United Farm Workers of America, known as Nuestra Seora de La Paz, located in the Tehachapi Mountains in Keene, California; Whereas, since the death of Csar Estrada Chvez, schools, parks, streets, libraries, and other public facilities, as well as awards and scholarships, have been named in his honor; Whereas more than 10 States and dozens of communities across the United States honor the life and legacy of Csar Estrada Chvez on March 31st of each year; Whereas March 31 is recognized as an official State holiday in California, Colorado, and Texas, and there is growing support to designate the birthday of Csar Estrada Chvez as a national day of service to memorialize his heroism; Whereas, during his lifetime, Csar Estrada Chvez was a recipient of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Nonviolent Peace Prize; Whereas, on August 8, 1994, Csar Estrada Chvez was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom; Whereas President Barack Obama first proclaimed March 31, 2010, to be Csar Chvez Day Whereas, on May 5, 2012, the Navy christened and launched the dry cargo ship the USNS Cesar Chavez, in honor of Csar Estrada Chvez, who served in the Navy during World War II, and his role as a prominent civil rights activist; Whereas, on October 8, 2012, President Barack Obama authorized the Secretary of the Interior to establish a Csar Estrada Chvez National Monument in Keene, California; Whereas President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., most recently honored the life and service of Csar Estrada Chvez by proclaiming March 31, 2022, to be Csar Chvez Day Whereas the United States should continue the efforts of Csar Estrada Chvez to ensure equality, justice, and dignity for all people of the United States: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) recognizes the accomplishments and example of Csar Estrada Chvez, a great hero of the United States; (2) pledges to promote the legacy of Csar Estrada Chvez; and (3) encourages the people of the United States to commemorate the legacy of Csar Estrada Chvez and to always remember his great rallying cry: S, se puede! Yes, we can! | Recognizing March 31, 2023, as Csar Chvez Day in honor of the accomplishments and legacy of Csar Estrada Chvez. |
This resolution supports the designation of November 12, 2023, as National Warrior Call Day and encourages individuals to engage with warriors (i.e., members of the Armed Forces and veterans) to connect and provide support. | Expressing support for the designation of November 12, 2023, as National Warrior Call Day Whereas establishing an annual National Warrior Call Day Whereas the number of suicides of members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty was 519 in 2021; Whereas, in 2020, there were 6,146 veteran suicide deaths, and the unadjusted rate of suicide in 2020 among veterans was 31.7 per 100,000; Whereas, after adjusting for sex and age, the rate of veteran suicide in 2020 was 57 percent higher than non-veteran adults; Whereas more veterans have died by suicide in the last 10 years than members of the Armed Forces who died from combat in Vietnam; Whereas many of the veterans who take their own lives have had no contact with the Department of Veterans Affairs; Whereas the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID19) pandemic can lead to increased isolation and disconnection, further exacerbating mental and physical ailments such as post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury; Whereas invisible wounds linked to an underlying and undiagnosed traumatic brain injury can mirror many mental health conditions, a problem that can be addressed through appropriate medical treatment; Whereas additional research is needed to highlight the connection between traumatic brain injury as a root cause of invisible wounds and suicide by members of the Armed Forces and veterans; and Whereas November 12, 2023, would be an appropriate day to designate as National Warrior Call Day That the Senate (1) supports the designation of November 12, 2023, as National Warrior Call Day (2) encourages all individuals in the United States, especially members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty and veterans, to call a warrior, have an honest conversation, and connect them with support, understanding that making a warrior call could save a life; and (3) implores all individuals in the United States to recommit themselves to engaging with members of the Armed Forces through National Warrior Call Day | Expressing support for the designation of November 12, 2023, as National Warrior Call Day and recognizing the importance of connecting warriors in the United States to support structures necessary to transition from the battlefield, especially peer-to-peer connection. |
This resolution supports the goals of National Catholic Schools Week, an event cosponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and established to recognize the contributions of Catholic elementary and secondary schools in the United States. | Supporting the contributions of Catholic schools in the United States. Whereas Catholic schools in the United States are internationally acclaimed for their academic excellence and provide approximately 1,700,000 students with more than an exceptional scholastic education; Whereas Catholic schools instill a broad, values-added education emphasizing the lifelong development of moral, intellectual, physical, and social values in young people in the United States; Whereas Catholic schools serve the United States by providing a diverse student population from all regions of the United States and all socioeconomic backgrounds with a strong academic and moral foundation, including 21.5 percent of students from racial minority backgrounds, 18.6 percent from Hispanic heritage, and 20.3 percent from non-Catholic families; Whereas Catholic schools are an affordable option for parents, particularly in underserved urban areas; Whereas Catholic schools produce students strongly dedicated to their faith, values, families, and communities by providing an intellectually stimulating environment rich in spiritual, character, and moral development; Whereas Catholic schools are committed to community service, producing graduates who hold helping others Whereas the total Catholic school student enrollment for the 20222023 academic year is 1,700,000, and the student-teacher ratio is 11 to 1; Whereas the Catholic high school graduation rate is 98.9 percent, with 85.2 percent of graduates attending 4-year colleges; Whereas the week of January 29, 2023, to February 4, 2023, has been designated as National Catholic Schools Week Whereas National Catholic Schools Week was first established in 1974 and has been celebrated annually for the past 49 years; and Whereas the theme for National Catholic Schools Week 2023 is Catholic Schools: Faith. Excellence. Service. That the Senate (1) supports the goals of National Catholic Schools Week, an event (A) cosponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops; and (B) established to recognize the vital contributions of the thousands of Catholic elementary and secondary schools in the United States; (2) applauds the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on their selection of a theme that all can celebrate; and (3) supports (A) the dedication of Catholic schools, students, parents, and teachers across the United States toward academic excellence; and (B) the key role they play in promoting and ensuring a brighter, stronger future for the United States. | Supporting the contributions of Catholic schools in the United States. |
This resolution authorizes the Select Committee on Intelligence to make specified expenditures and employ personnel for the 118th Congress. | Authorizing expenditures by the Select Committee on Intelligence. 1. General authority In carrying out its powers, duties, and functions under Senate Resolution 400 (94th Congress), agreed to May 19, 1976, in accordance with its jurisdiction under sections 3(a) and 17 of such Senate Resolution, including holding hearings, reporting such hearings, and making investigations as authorized by section 5 of such Senate Resolution, the Select Committee on Intelligence (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 $4,963,676, of which amount not to exceed $10,000 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) (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 $8,509,160, of which amount not to exceed $17,144 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) (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 $3,545,483, of which amount not to exceed $7,143 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) 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 Select Committee on Intelligence. |
This resolution acknowledges members of the Coast Guard for providing maritime border security and congratulates them on their service. | Honoring the efforts of the Coast Guard for excellence in maritime border security. Whereas, since 1790, the Coast Guard has safeguarded the people of the United States and promoted national security, border security, and economic prosperity in a complex and evolving maritime environment; Whereas the over 50,000 members of the Coast Guard (1) operate a multi-mission, interoperable fleet of 259 cutters, 200 fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, and over 1,600 boats; (2) operate 9 Coast Guard Districts and 37 sectors located at strategic ports throughout the country; (3) exercise operational control of surface and air assets vested in 2 Coast Guard geographical Areas, the Pacific and the Atlantic; and (4) provide maritime safety and security along more than 95,000 miles of coastline of the United States, Great Lakes, inland waterways, 4,500,000 square miles of exclusive economic zone of the United States, and on the high seas; Whereas, in fiscal year 2022, executing Coast Guard missions across the world, including the protection of the maritime borders of the United States, the Coast Guard (1) interdicted over 330,000 pounds of cocaine, over 60,000 pounds of marijuana, and over 17,000 pounds of other narcotics; (2) conducted over 6,000 at sea boardings of United States fishing vessels and interdicted approximately 90 foreign fishing incursions; and (3) conducted approximately 12,500 migrant interdictions, an increase of over 350 percent from 2021; and Whereas, through selfless and dedicated service, the Coast Guard and Coast Guardsmen have remained Always Ready That the Senate (1) is grateful to the men and women who proudly serve in the Coast Guard to protect the people of the United States by ensuring the highest level of maritime border security; and (2) congratulates the Coast Guard on exemplary service and dedication to the United States. | Honoring the efforts of the Coast Guard for excellence in maritime border security. |
This resolution condemns Iran's state-sponsored persecution of the Baha'i religious minority and Iran's continued violation of international human rights treaties. The resolution calls on Iran to (1) immediately release Baha'is and others imprisoned or detained solely on account of religion, (2) end its state-sponsored campaign of hate propaganda against the Baha'is, and (3) reverse certain policies that discriminate against Baha'is and other religious minorities. The resolution also urges the President and the Department of State to impose sanctions on Iranian officials and others who are responsible for serious human rights abuses, including abuses against Iran's Baha'i community. | Condemning the Government of Irans state-sponsored persecution of the Bahai minority and its continued violation of the International Covenants on Human Rights. Whereas, in 1982, 1984, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2022, Congress declared that it deplored the religious persecution by the Government of Iran of the Bahai community and would hold the Government of Iran responsible for upholding the rights of all Iranian nationals, including members of the Bahai faith; Whereas, since 1979, Iranian authorities have killed or executed more than 200 Bahai leaders, and more than 10,000 Baha'is have been dismissed from government and university jobs; Whereas, on December 15, 2022, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution (A/C.3/77/L.34) criticizing Iran for human rights abuses and calling on Iran to carry out wide-ranging reforms, including (1) to end its continuing disregard for protections under Iranian law or internationally recognized safeguards relating to the imposition of the death penalty to commute the sentences for child offenders on death row (2) to ensure, in law and in practice, that no one is subjected to torture or other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment (3) to cease the widespread and systematic use of arbitrary arrests and detention (4) to release persons detained for the exercise of their human rights and fundamental freedoms (5) to address the poor conditions of prisons (6) to eliminate, in law and in practice, all forms of systemic discrimination and other human rights violations against women and girls (7) to cease the increased harassment, intimidation, persecution, arbitrary arrest and detention of, and incitement to hatred that leads to violence against, persons belonging to recognized and unrecognized religious minorities, including Christians (particularly converts from Islam), Gonabadi Dervishes, Jews, Sufi Muslims, Sunni Muslims, Yarsanis, Zoroastrians, and, in particular, Bahais, who have been subjected to a sudden increase in persecution, who have faced increasing restrictions and systemic persecution by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran on account of their faith and have been reportedly subjected to mass arrests and lengthy prison sentences, as well as the arrest of prominent members and increased confiscation and destruction of property (8) to release all religious practitioners imprisoned for their membership in or activities on behalf of a minority religious group, to cease the desecration of cemeteries and to ensure that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief Whereas, in the 2022 Annual Report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom issued in April 2022, it is reported that (1) the Government of Iran arrested scores of Bahais across Iran were held incommunicado or taken to undisclosed locations (2) Iranian universities continued to deny education to Bahais on account of their faith (3) government agents closed six Bahai businesses (4) government officials demolished the homes of three Bahais without warning (5) the Government of Iran announced the auction of thirteen Bahai farms Whereas the Iran section of the Department of States 2021 Report on International Religious Freedom issued in June 2022 provides, in part (1) Authorities continued to confiscate Bahai properties as part of an ongoing state-led campaign of economic persecution against Bahais. (2) Authorities reportedly continued to deny the Bahai, Sabean-Mandaean, and Yarsani religious communities, as well as members of other unrecognized religious minorities, access to education and government employment unless they declared themselves as belonging to one of the countrys recognized religions on their application forms. (3) Government officials continued to disseminate anti-Bahai and antisemitic messages using traditional and social media. Whereas, in response to a surge in persecution in June and July 2022, involving the subjection of over 100 Bahais to arrests, arraignments, sentencing, and raids on their homes and businesses across Iran, including the sentencing in June of 26 individuals in the city of Shiraz to a combined total of 85 years in prison, the Department of State's Office of International Religious Freedom issued a statement on August 2, 2022, indicating that [a]mid a continued rise in arrests, sentences, and imprisonments, the U.S. urges Iran to halt its ongoing oppression of the Bahai community and honor its international obligations to respect the right of all Iranians to freedom of religion or belief Whereas, on November 21, 2022, Mahvash Sabet and Fariba Kamalabadi, 2 former members of the informal 7-person leadership group of the Bahais of Iran, who each served 10-year sentences from 2008 to 2018 and have been detained since July 31, 2022, in Evin prison, were sentenced to 10 years in prison each after a summary trial lasting 1 hour; Whereas, on December 11, 2022, the Bahai International Community organization stated that Dr. Shirin Ebadi, the Nobel laureate and defence lawyer for Mahvash and Fariba during their first trial, said in 2008 that not a shred of evidence Whereas, on December 11, 2022, the Bahai International Community organization reported, More than 320 Bahais have been affected by individual acts of persecution since the arrest of Mahvash and Fariba. Dozens were arrested at various points in Shiraz, across Mazandaran province, and elsewhere throughout the country. Homes owned by Bahais in the village of Roshankouh were demolished. Government plans to tar the Bahais through hate speech and propaganda were also exposed. And at least 90 Bahais are currently in prison or subject to degrading ankle-band monitoring. Whereas Iran is a member of the United Nations and a signatory to both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, among other international human rights treaties, without reservation; Whereas section 105 of the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010 ( 22 U.S.C. 8514 responsible for or complicit in, or responsible for ordering, controlling, or otherwise directing, the commission of serious human rights abuses against citizens of Iran or their family members on or after June 12, 2009 Whereas the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 ( Public Law 112158 Public Law 111195 That the Senate (1) condemns the Government of Irans state-sponsored persecution of the Bahai minority in Iran and the continued violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; (2) calls on the Government of Iran (A) to immediately release the imprisoned or detained Bahais and all other prisoners held solely on account of their religion; (B) to end its state-sponsored campaign of hate propaganda against the Bahais; and (C) to reverse state-imposed policies denying Bahais and members of other religious minorities equal opportunities to higher education, earning a livelihood, due process under the law, and the free exercise of religious practices; (3) calls on the President and the Secretary of State, in cooperation with responsible nations, to immediately condemn the Government of Irans continued violation of human rights, and demand the immediate release of prisoners held solely on account of their religion; and (4) urges the President and the Secretary of State to utilize available authorities to impose sanctions on officials of the Government of Iran and other individuals directly responsible for serious human rights abuses, including abuses against the Bahai community of Iran. | Condemning the Government of Irans state-sponsored persecution of the Bahai minority and its continued violation of the International Covenants on Human Rights. |
This resolution recognizes the significance of Jewish American Heritage Month as a time to celebrate the contributions of Jewish Americans to American society and culture, and calls on elected officials, faith leaders, and civil society leaders to condemn and combat antisemitism. | Recognizing the significance of Jewish American Heritage Month as a time to celebrate the contributions of Jewish Americans to the society and culture of the United States. Whereas the Senate and the House of Representatives have recognized many heritage months that celebrate the various communities that form the mosaic of the United States; Whereas, through recognizing and celebrating heritage months, we learn about one another, honor the richness of the diversity of the United States, and strengthen the fabric of society in the United States; Whereas Jewish American Heritage Month has its origins in 1980, when Congress enacted a Joint Resolution entitled Joint Resolution to authorize and request the President to issue a proclamation designating April 21 through April 28, 1980, as Jewish Heritage Week Public Law 96237 Whereas, on April 24, 1980, President Carter issued the proclamation for Jewish Heritage Week, and in that proclamation, President Carter spoke about the bountiful contributions made by the Jewish people to the culture and history of the United States; Whereas Congress has played a central role in recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month since the Senate and the House of Representatives passed resolutions in 2006 and 2005, respectively, urging the President to proclaim the national observation of a month recognizing the Jewish American community; Whereas, since 2006, Presidents Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden have all issued proclamations for Jewish American Heritage Month, which celebrates Jewish Americans and encourages all people of the United States to learn more about Jewish heritage and the contributions of Jewish people throughout the history of the United States; Whereas people of the United States celebrate the rich history of Jewish people in the United States and the more than 350-year history of Jewish contributions to society in the United States; Whereas the United States has long served as a haven for Jewish people escaping from oppression in search of liberty, justice, and tolerance; Whereas the Jewish American community dates back to 1654, when a group of 23 Jewish people, fleeing persecution at the hands of the Portuguese Inquisition, fled Brazil and found refuge in what is now New York City; Whereas Jewish Americans have established deep roots in communities across the United States, and served their neighbors and the United States as loyal and patriotic citizens, always grateful for the safe harbor that the United States has provided for them; Whereas the Jewish American community has since grown to over 6,000,000 people, representing approximately 2 percent of the population of the United States in 2023; Whereas Jewish Americans have served in government and the military, won Nobel prizes, led universities and corporations, advanced medicine and philanthropy, created and performed in enduring works of performing and visual art, written great novels, become emblems of justice as members of the Supreme Court of the United States, and so much more; Whereas Jewish Americans have been subjected to a recent surge in antisemitism as the Anti-Defamation League's 2022 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents tracked 3,697 antisemitic incidents in the United States, representing a 36 percent increase from 2021 and the largest number on record since the Anti-Defamation League began tracking antisemitic incidents in 1979; Whereas the rise in antisemitism is being felt by ordinary people in the United States, as a report by the American Jewish Committee revealed that (1) 89 percent of Jewish respondents believe antisemitism is a problem in the United States; and (2) 4 in 10 Jewish Americans reported changing their behavior in at least 1 way out of fear of antisemitism; Whereas, over the course of the past decade, Holocaust distortion and denial have grown in intensity; Whereas a 2020 survey of all 50 States on Holocaust knowledge among Millennials and Generation Z, conducted by the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, found a clear lack of awareness of key historical facts, including (1) 63 percent of respondents did not know that 6,000,000 Jews were murdered during the Holocaust; and (2) 36 percent of respondents thought that two million or fewer Jews Whereas the Federal Bureau of Investigation has aggregated 2021 hate crime data showing that Jewish people remain the single most targeted religious minority in the United States; Whereas the use of antisemitic language, conspiracy theories, and hatred has increased on multiple social media platforms, including (1) tropes about Jewish control; and (2) messages praising Adolf Hitler and demonizing all Jewish people; Whereas the most effective ways to counter the increase in antisemitic actions are through education, awareness, and the uplifting of Jewish voices, while highlighting the contributions that Jewish Americans have made to the United States; and Whereas, as the strength of a society can be measured by how that society protects its minority populations and celebrates their contributions, it is altogether fitting for the United States to once again mark the month of May as Jewish American Heritage Month: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) recognizes the significance of Jewish American Heritage Month as a time to celebrate the contributions of Jewish Americans to the society and culture of the United States; (2) recognizes that Jewish American culture and heritage strengthen and enrich the diversity of the United States; and (3) calls on elected officials, faith leaders, and civil society leaders to condemn and combat any and all acts of antisemitism. | Recognizing the significance of Jewish American Heritage Month as a time to celebrate the contributions of Jewish Americans to the society and culture of the United States. |
This resolution recognizes that Black women are experiencing high, disproportionate rates of maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States and that Black Maternal Health Week is an opportunity to deepen the national conversation about Black maternal health. | Recognizing the designation of the week of April 11 through April 17, 2023, as the sixth annual Black Maternal Health Week Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black women in the United States are 2.6 times more likely than White women to die from pregnancy-related causes; Whereas Black women in the United States suffer from life-threatening pregnancy complications, known as maternal morbidities Whereas maternal mortality rates in the United States are (1) among the highest of any member country of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development; and (2) increasing rapidly, from 17.4 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2018, to 32.1 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2021; Whereas the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among affluent countries, in part because of the disproportionate mortality rate of Black women; Whereas the rate of preterm birth among Black women is nearly 50 percent higher than the preterm birth rate among White or Hispanic women; Whereas the high rates of maternal mortality among Black women span across (1) income levels; (2) education levels; and (3) socioeconomic status; Whereas structural racism, gender oppression, and the social determinants of health inequities experienced by Black women and birthing persons in the United States significantly contribute to the disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women and birthing persons; Whereas racism and discrimination play a consequential role in maternal health care experiences and outcomes of Black birthing persons; Whereas a fair and wide distribution of resources and birth options, especially with regard to reproductive health care services and maternal health programming, is critical to closing the racial gap in maternal health outcomes; Whereas Black midwives, doulas, perinatal health workers, and community-based organizations provide holistic maternal care, but face structural and legal barriers to licensure, reimbursement, and provision of care; Whereas COVID19, which has disproportionately harmed Black people in the United States, is associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and maternal and neonatal complications; Whereas the COVID19 pandemic has further highlighted issues within the broken health care system in the United States and the harm of that system to Black women and birthing persons; Whereas data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has indicated that Black women had the highest rate of maternal deaths related to COVID19 in 2020 and 2021, at 13.2 per 100,000 live births, while the rate among White women was 4.5 per 100,000 live births; Whereas, even as there is growing concern about improving access to mental health services, Black women are least likely to have access to mental health screenings, treatment, and support before, during, and after pregnancy; Whereas Black pregnant and postpartum workers are disproportionately denied reasonable accommodations in the workplace, leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes; Whereas Black pregnant people disproportionately experience surveillance and punishment, including shackling incarcerated people in labor, drug testing mothers and infants without informed consent, separating mothers from their newborns, and criminalizing pregnancy outcomes; Whereas justice-informed, culturally congruent models of care are beneficial to Black women; and Whereas an investment must be made in (1) maternity care for Black women and birthing persons, including support of care led by the communities most affected by the maternal health crisis in the United States; (2) continuous health insurance coverage to support Black women and birthing persons for the full postpartum period up to at least 1 year after giving birth; and (3) policies that support and promote affordable, comprehensive, and holistic maternal health care that is free from gender and racial discrimination, regardless of incarceration: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate recognizes that (1) Black women are experiencing high, disproportionate rates of maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States; (2) the alarmingly high rates of maternal mortality among Black women are unacceptable; (3) in order to better mitigate the effects of systemic and structural racism, Congress must work toward ensuring that the Black community has (A) safe and affordable housing; (B) transportation equity; (C) nutritious food; (D) clean air and water; (E) environments free from toxins; (F) fair treatment within the criminal justice system; (G) safety and freedom from violence; (H) a living wage; (I) equal economic opportunity; (J) a sustained workforce pipeline for diverse perinatal professionals; and (K) comprehensive, high-quality, and affordable health care with access to the full spectrum of reproductive care; (4) in order to improve maternal health outcomes, Congress must fully support and encourage policies grounded in the human rights, reproductive justice, and birth justice frameworks that address Black maternal health inequity; (5) Black women and birthing persons must be active participants in the policy decisions that impact their lives; (6) in order to ensure access to safe and respectful maternal health care for Black birthing persons, Congress must reintroduce and pass the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021 (S. 346, H.R. 959, 117th Congress); and (7) Black Maternal Health Week (A) deepen the national conversation about Black maternal health in the United States; (B) amplify community-driven policy, research, and care solutions; (C) center the voices of Black mothers, women, families, and stakeholders; (D) provide a national platform for Black-led entities and efforts on maternal health, birth, and reproductive justice; and (E) enhance community organizing on Black maternal health. | Recognizing the designation of the week of April 11 through April 17, 2023, as the sixth annual Black Maternal Health Week to bring national attention to the maternal health crisis in the United States and the importance of reducing maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women and birthing persons. |
Make Rules Matter Resolution This resolution modifies the requirements for raising and waiving several budget points of order that apply to legislation in the Senate. Among other modifications, the resolution requires an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Senate to waive certain budget points of order. (Under current law, most budget points of order may be waived by a vote of three-fifths of the Senate.) | Establishing appropriate thresholds for certain budget points of order in the Senate, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This resolution may be cited as the Make Rules Matter Resolution 2. Thresholds for budget points of order (a) Threshold for point of order against emergency designations (1) Definition In this subsection, the term emergency designation point of order (A) section 314(e) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 ( 2 U.S.C. 645(e) (B) section 4(g)(3) of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 ( 2 U.S.C. 933(g)(3) (C) section 4001(a) of S. Con. Res. 14 (117th Congress), the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2022. (2) Waiver In the Senate, an emergency designation point of order may be waived or suspended only by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Members, duly chosen and sworn. (3) Appeal In the Senate, an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Members, duly chosen and sworn, shall be required to sustain an appeal of the ruling of the Chair on an emergency designation point of order. (b) Threshold for large budget impact for certain Congressional Budget Act of 1974 points of order (1) In general A point of order described in paragraph (3) may be waived or suspended in the Senate only by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Members, duly chosen and sworn. (2) Appeal In the Senate, an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Members, duly chosen and sworn, shall be required to sustain an appeal of the ruling of the Chair on a point of order described in paragraph (3). (3) Description of large budget impact A point of order described in this paragraph is a point of order under section 302(f)(2) or 311(a)(2)(A) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 ( 2 U.S.C. 633(f)(2) (c) De minimis budget impact For a violation for which the absolute value of the violation is not more than $500,000, a point of order shall not lie (1) under the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 ( 2 U.S.C. 621 et seq. 2 U.S.C. 633 (2) under any concurrent resolution on the budget. (d) Threshold for increasing short-Term deficits (1) Reduction in net increase in the deficit In the Senate, section 404(a) of S. Con. Res. 13 (111th Congress), the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2010, shall be applied by substituting $1,000,000,000 $10,000,000,000 (2) Waiver and appeal for large budget impact in the Senate (A) Waiver In the Senate, section 404(a) of S. Con. Res. 13 (111th Congress), the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2010, may be waived or suspended by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Members, duly chosen and sworn, if the net increase in the deficit in any fiscal year exceeds $10,000,000,000. (B) Appeal In the Senate, an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Members, duly chosen and sworn, shall be required to sustain an appeal of the ruling of the Chair on a point of order raised under section 404(a) of S. Con. Res. 13 (111th Congress), the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2010, if the net increase in the deficit in any fiscal year exceeds $10,000,000,000. (e) Threshold for increasing long-Term deficits (1) Reduction in net increase in the deficit In the Senate, subsections (a) and (b)(1) of section 3101 of S. Con. Res. 11 (114th Congress), the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2016, shall each be applied by substituting $1,000,000,000 $5,000,000,000 (2) Waiver and appeal for large budget impact in the Senate (A) Waiver In the Senate, section 3101(b)(1) of S. Con. Res. 11 (114th Congress), the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2016, may be waived or suspended by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Members, duly chosen and sworn, if the net increase in on-budget deficits in any 10-fiscal-year period exceeds $10,000,000,000. (B) Appeal In the Senate, an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Members, duly chosen and sworn, shall be required to sustain an appeal of the ruling of the Chair on a point of order raised under section 3101(b)(1) of S. Con. Res. 11 (114th Congress), the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2016, if the net increase in on-budget deficits in any 10-fiscal-year period exceeds $10,000,000,000. | Make Rules Matter Resolution |
This resolution recognizes Operation Green Light for Veterans and commends the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers for supporting veterans and raising awareness about resources for veterans. The resolution also encourages all counties to participate and raise awareness for Operation Green Light for Veterans. | Recognizing Operation Green Light for Veterans for supporting veterans and raising awareness about important county resources available to help veterans transition to civilian life. Whereas the United States owes an immeasurable debt of gratitude to the brave veterans who have served in the Armed Forces for safeguarding our liberties and upholding the principles upon which the United States was founded; Whereas veterans often lack the resources needed to transition to civilian life; Whereas the National Association of Counties, in collaboration with the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, established the Operation Green Light for Veterans campaign in November of 2022; Whereas Operation Green Light for Veterans encourages counties to illuminate their buildings with green lights from November 6 to November 12, 2023, to symbolize unwavering support, appreciation, and recognition of veterans; Whereas this vibrant and symbolic gesture serves as a visible reminder to veterans that their service is seen, valued, and honored by their local communities; Whereas Operation Green Light for Veterans encourages counties to use press releases, community events, and social media to raise awareness about important county resources available to help veterans transition to civilian life, including mental health resources, employment and training programs, housing assistance, voter registration, peer-to-peer support services, and assistance from county veteran service officers on how to access earned Federal benefits; Whereas the National Association of Counties encourages counties to adopt resolutions declaring their commitment to Operation Green Light for Veterans to reinforce the collective dedication of counties to the well-being of veterans; Whereas Operation Green Light for Veterans encourages counties to amplify the effect of their participation and encourage other counties to participate by collaborating with Members of Congress, local news media, and social media platforms; Whereas Operation Green Light for Veterans exemplifies the importance of collaboration between Federal, State, and local entities in ensuring that veterans successfully transition to civilian life; Whereas Operation Green Light for Veterans highlights the historical role of counties in serving veterans and providing important resources to help veterans transition to civilian life, including mental health resources, employment and training programs, housing assistance, voter registration, peer-to-peer support services, and assistance from county veteran service officers on how to access earned Federal benefits; and Whereas Operation Green Light for Veterans aligns with the core principles of unity, gratitude, and respect that define the character of the United States: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) recognizes Operation Green Light for Veterans and commends the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers for their unwavering support to veterans and their crucial role in raising awareness about important county resources available to help veterans transition to civilian life, including mental health resources, employment and training programs, housing assistance, voter registration, peer-to-peer support services, and assistance from county veteran service officers on how to access earned Federal benefits; (2) encourages all counties to participate in Operation Green Light for Veterans by illuminating their buildings with green lights as a powerful symbol of appreciation and using press releases, community events, and social media to raise awareness about such resources; and (3) urges its members to engage with their local communities to raise awareness about Operation Green Light for Veterans and to support its goals of honoring veterans and improving access to such resources. | Recognizing Operation Green Light for Veterans for supporting veterans and raising awareness about important county resources available to help veterans transition to civilian life. |
This resolution designates Glioblastoma Awareness Day. Glioblastoma is a malignant brain tumor. | Designating July 19, 2023, as Glioblastoma Awareness Day Whereas approximately 14,490 new cases of glioblastoma will be diagnosed in the United States in 2023; Whereas glioblastoma is (1) the most common malignant (cancerous) brain tumor, accounting for approximately 1/2 (2) the most aggressive, complex, difficult to treat, and deadly type of brain tumor; Whereas it is estimated that more than 10,000 individuals in the United States will succumb to glioblastoma each year; Whereas the 5-year survival rate for glioblastoma patients is only 6.9 percent, and the median length of survival for glioblastoma patients is only 8 months; Whereas glioblastoma is described as a disease that affects the essence of self Whereas patients and caregivers play a critical role in furthering research for glioblastoma; Whereas, relative to other types of cancers, brain cancer patients pay the second highest out-of-pocket costs for medical services in both the initial and end-of-life phases of care; Whereas, although research advances may fuel the development of new treatments for glioblastoma, challenging obstacles to accelerating progress toward new treatments for glioblastoma remain, and there are no screening or early detection methods; Whereas, in 2021, the World Health Organization reclassified brain tumors and made significant changes to the molecular characteristics of a glioblastoma diagnosis, necessitating critical biomarker testing for patients suspected of having a possible glioblastoma; Whereas, although glioblastoma was first described in medical and scientific literature in the 1920s, and despite its devastating prognosis, only 5 drugs and 1 medical device have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to specifically treat glioblastoma since the 1920s, and the mortality rates associated with glioblastoma have changed little during the past 30 years; Whereas, since the first Glioblastoma Awareness Day, the National Cancer Institute established the Glioblastoma Therapeutics Network (referred to in this preamble as GTN Whereas there is a need for greater public awareness of glioblastoma, including awareness of both (1) the urgent unmet medical needs of glioblastoma patients; and (2) the opportunities for research of, and treatment advances for, glioblastoma: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates July 19, 2023, as Glioblastoma Awareness Day (2) encourages increased public awareness of glioblastoma; (3) honors the individuals who have died from the devastating disease of glioblastoma or are currently living with the disease; (4) supports efforts to develop better treatments for glioblastoma that will improve the long-term prognosis for, and the quality of life of, individuals diagnosed with the disease; (5) recognizes the importance of molecular biomarker testing to the diagnosis and treatment of glioblastoma; (6) expresses support for the individuals who are battling brain tumors, as well as the families, friends, and caregivers of those individuals; (7) urges a collaborative approach to brain tumor research among governmental, private, and nonprofit organizations, which is a promising means of advancing the understanding and treatment of glioblastoma; and (8) encourages continued investments in glioblastoma research and treatments, including through the Glioblastoma Therapeutics Network and other existing brain tumor research resources. | Designating July 19, 2023, as Glioblastoma Awareness Day. |
This resolution designates February 2023 as Hawaiian Language Month or 'Ōlelo Hawai'i Month. | Designating February 2023 as Hawaiian Language Month lelo Hawaii Month Whereas the Hawaiian language, or lelo Hawaii (1) is the Native language of Native Hawaiians, the aboriginal, Indigenous people who (A) settled the Hawaiian archipelago as early as 300 A.D., over which they exercised sovereignty; and (B) over time, founded the Kingdom of Hawaii; and (2) was once widely spoken by Native Hawaiians and non-Native Hawaiians throughout the Kingdom of Hawaii, which held one of the highest literacy rates in the world prior to the illegal overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1893 and the establishment of the Republic of Hawaii; Whereas the Republic of Hawaii enacted a law in 1896 effectively banning school instruction in lelo Hawaii, which led to the near extinction of the language by the 1980s when fewer than 50 fluent speakers under 18 years old remained; Whereas, since the 1960s, Native Hawaiians have led a grassroots revitalization of their Native language, launching a number of historic initiatives, including (1) Aha Pnana Leos Hawaiian language immersion preschools; (2) the Hawaiian language immersion program of the Hawaii State Department of Education; and (3) the Hawaiian language programs of the University of Hawaii system; and Whereas the Hawaiian language revitalization movement inspired systemic Native language policy reform, including (1) the State of Hawaii recognizing lelo Hawaii as an official language in the Constitution of the State of Hawaii in 1978; (2) the State of Hawaii removing the 90-year ban on teaching lelo Hawaii in public and private schools in 1986; (3) the enactment of the Native American Languages Act ( 25 U.S.C. 2901 et seq. (4) the State of Hawaii designating the month of February as lelo Hawaii Month That the Senate (1) designates February 2023 as Hawaiian Language Month lelo Hawaii Month (2) commits to preserving, protecting, and promoting the use, practice, and development of lelo Hawaii in alignment with the Native American Languages Act ( 25 U.S.C. 2901 et seq. (3) urges the people of the United States and interested groups to celebrate lelo Hawaii with appropriate activities and programs to demonstrate support for lelo Hawaii. | Designating February 2023 as Hawaiian Language Month or lelo Hawaii Month. |
This resolution recognizes the importance of Taiwan's security and prosperity to the United States' own security and prosperity. The resolution encourages the President and the House of Representatives to work with the Senate on a congressional-executive agreement to establish an income tax agreement between the United States and Taiwan, consistent with U.S commitments under the Taiwan Relations Act. The resolution also encourages the President to proactively seek other ways to increase trade, technology, and investment ties between the United States and Taiwan. | Expressing the sense of the Senate on the value of a tax agreement with Taiwan. Whereas Taiwan is a democratic success story, an economic success story, a key part of global technology supply chains, and a close security partner of the United States; Whereas the United States has pursued a robust unofficial partnership with Taiwan within the context of the current one-China policy of the United States; Whereas the Taiwan Relations Act ( 22 U.S.C. 3301 et seq. Whereas Taiwan is the eighth-largest trading partner of the United States, United States exports of goods and services to Taiwan support at least 188,000 American jobs, and Taiwans cumulative investment in the United States is at least $13,700,000,000; Whereas the United States has ongoing economic dialogues with Taiwan that cover a range of trade, technology, and investment issues through the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement Council led by the United States Trade Representative, the U.S.-Taiwan Economic Prosperity Partnership Dialogue led by the Department of State, and the Technology, Trade, and Investment Collaboration framework led by the Department of Commerce; Whereas the Biden Administration announced the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade Whereas the United States has income tax treaties with 66 countries, including the Peoples Republic of China, and has agreements with other parties, including Taiwan, related to taxation, such as facilitating implementation of the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act; Whereas Taiwan is the United States largest trading partner with whom we do not have an income tax treaty; Whereas Taiwan has income tax agreements with 34 countries, including countries that have trade agreements with the United States and do not maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan; Whereas the United States signed a transportation income tax agreement with Taiwan in 1988, under the auspices of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and the Coordination Council for North American Affairs, which has since been renamed as the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO); Whereas an income tax agreement between the United States and Taiwan could boost bilateral trade and investment by reducing double taxation and increasing economic efficiency and integration; and Whereas the American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei in its 2022 White Paper That the Senate (1) recognizes the importance of Taiwans security and prosperity to the United States own security and prosperity; (2) encourages the President to begin negotiations on an income tax agreement with Taiwan; (3) encourages the President and the House of Representatives to work with the Senate on a congressional-executive agreement to establish an income tax agreement between the United States and Taiwan, consistent with United States commitments under the Taiwan Relations Act ( 22 U.S.C. 3301 et seq. (4) encourages the President to proactively seek other ways to increase trade, technology, and investment ties between the United States and Taiwan. | Expressing the sense of the Senate on the value of a tax agreement with Taiwan. |
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. Bozell, 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. Bozell Whereas, in the case of United States v. Bozell 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. Bozell 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. Bozell. |
This resolution honors the contributions made by the First Six (i.e., the first six women to earn their Wings of Gold) to naval aviation in the United States. The resolution also recognizes 50 years of women serving as naval aviators in the United States and the roles that Naval Air Station Pensacola and the Pensacola, Florida, community have played in naval aviation history. | Commemorating 50 years of women serving as naval aviators in the United States. Whereas, while women had officially served in various capacities in the Navy since 1908, prior to 1973, women had been prevented from serving as naval aviators; Whereas, in October 1972, the Navy announced a program to open flight training to women; Whereas, on January 10, 1973, Secretary of the Navy John Warner presented flight training orders to Judith Neuffer, the first woman to be selected for flight training in the Navy; Whereas 7 additional women were selected for training as naval aviators, and the group consisted of 4 women who already served as Navy officers and 4 civilians; Whereas, on March 2, 1973, the first 4 women already serving as Navy officers began flight training at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Pensacola, Florida; Whereas the 4 civilian women selected for flight training were commissioned in May 1973, and reported to training at Naval Air Station Pensacola on June 4, 1973; Whereas, on February 22, 1974, Barbara Allen became the first female naval aviator to earn her Wings of Gold; Whereas, out of the 8 women to be selected for flight training, 6 women, nicknamed the First Six First Six Whereas the First Six comprised Judith Neuffer, Barbara Allen, Rosemary Conatser, Jane Skiles, Joellen Drag, and Ann Marie Scott; Whereas Naval Air Station Pensacola is the Cradle of Naval Aviation Whereas Naval Air Station Pensacola has played a valuable role in the historic milestone of women training to be naval aviators; and Whereas the First Six became the first women to hold various naval aviation positions in the Navy: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) honors the invaluable contributions that the first 6 women to earn their Wings of Gold (referred to in this resolution as the First Six (2) applauds the steadfast leadership and courage of the First Six that opened doors for women to serve in every level of naval aviation in the United States today; (3) recognizes 50 years of women serving as naval aviators in the United States and the roles that Naval Air Station Pensacola and the Pensacola, Florida community have played in this milestone and in naval aviation history in the United States; and (4) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to the Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station Pensacola, Captain Terrence M. Shashaty. | Commemorating 50 years of women serving as naval aviators in the United States. |
This resolution (1) expresses support for the designation of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month; (2) recognizes the contribution of motorcycles to transportation; (3) encourages motorcycle awareness; (4) recognizes that motorcyclists have a right to the road and that all motorists should safely share the roadways; (5) encourages rider safety education, training, and proper gear; and (6) supports the goals of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. | Expressing support for the designation of May 2023 as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Whereas, in the United States, motorcycling is a great tradition enjoyed by an estimated 30,000,000 individuals annually, representing approximately 9 percent of the population; Whereas motorcycles are a valuable component of the transportation mix; Whereas motorcycles are fuel-efficient and decrease congestion while having little impact on the transportation infrastructure of the United States; Whereas the motorcycling community promotes rider safety education, licensing, and motorcycle awareness; Whereas the motorcycling community is committed to decreasing motorcycle crashes through training and safety education, personal responsibility, and increased public awareness; Whereas approximately 87 percent of motorcycles operated on highways are operated in conjunction with other vehicles; Whereas motorcyclist fatalities occur more frequently than passenger vehicle motorist fatalities; Whereas motorcycle awareness is beneficial to all road users and will help decrease motorcycle crashes; and Whereas the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration promotes Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month to encourage riders to be properly licensed, receive training, and wear personal protective equipment, and to remind all riders and motorists to always share the road: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports the designation of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month; (2) recognizes the contribution of motorcycles to the transportation mix; (3) encourages motorcycle awareness by all road users; (4) recognizes that motorcyclists have a right to the road and that all motorists should safely share the roadways; (5) encourages rider safety education, training, and proper gear for safe motorcycle operation; and (6) supports the goals of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. | Expressing support for the designation of May 2023 as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. |
This resolution designates August 2023 as National Catfish Month. It also recognizes (1) the contributions of all workers, past and present, that produce, process, and provide catfish for the people of the United States; and (2) that purchasing U.S. farm-raised catfish supports farmers, jobs, and the U.S. economy. | Designating August 2023 as National Catfish Month Whereas the Catfish Institute recognizes August to be National Catfish Month; Whereas the States of Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas recognize August to be National Catfish Month; Whereas the States of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Tennessee embody the Channel Catfish as their State Fish; Whereas the farm-raised catfish industry in the United States employs over 9,000 people and contributes almost $2,000,000,000 to the economy of the United States; Whereas the United States has 55,855 surface water acres used for catfish production in 2023, and catfish growers in the United States had $447,039,000 in sales during 2022; Whereas the average catfish farmer produces 6,800 pounds of catfish per acre; Whereas 99 percent of all United States farm-raised catfish are grown in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, and Texas; Whereas catfish is the largest farm-raised seafood product, by weight, in the United States, representing more than 50 percent of the food fish produced by the United States aquaculture industry; Whereas United States farm-raised catfish are consistently high quality and, unlike ocean-caught fish, are available all year long; Whereas United States farm-raised catfish are a sustainable and environmentally friendly seafood product; Whereas catfish is a lean fish and an excellent source of protein; and Whereas catfish is a versatile fish in cuisine of the United States, with a myriad of regional and national recipes to be enjoyed by all people of the United States: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates August 2023 as National Catfish Month (2) recognizes the contributions of all workers, past and present, that produce, process, and provide catfish for the people of the United States; and (3) recognizes that purchasing United States farm-raised catfish supports farmers, jobs, and the economy of the United States. | Designating August 2023 as National Catfish Month. |
This resolution supports the designation of Music in Our Schools Month. | Expressing support for the designation of March 2023 as Music in Our Schools Month Whereas music has been present in every known human culture throughout history and modern times; Whereas music is one of the most important manifestations of the cultural heritage of the United States, as music embodies our national identity and illustrates our shared history; Whereas music education helps communities share ideas and values among cultures and generations, promoting a more cooperative and inclusive citizenry; Whereas singing has existed in classrooms in the United States since before the signing of the Declaration of Independence; Whereas, in 1838, music as its own curriculum was first adopted by public authority in the public schools of Boston, Massachusetts; Whereas the development of a musical people has been and remains dependent on a public commitment to the teaching of music in all schools; Whereas State legislatures and educational agencies have supported music as part of the regular school curriculum; Whereas the Every Student Succeeds Act ( Public Law 11495 Whereas music is a means for exploring the emotional and aesthetic dimensions of the human experience; Whereas music holds intrinsic value as an art form, providing opportunity for self-expression, fellowship, and spiritual fulfillment; Whereas research has documented that participation in school music programs promotes student engagement, leading to improved social and academic outcomes, particularly for at-risk students; Whereas research has documented that participation in school music programs also promotes cognitive, social, and emotional development, exercising skills valuable to the workforce such as motivation, attentiveness, self-discipline, teamwork, persistence, empathy, respect, and leadership; and Whereas students attending public school in urban or rural communities, public schools with a high percentage of students from low-income families, and public schools that are majority Black, Hispanic, or Native American, experience the most inequity in access to music education: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports the designation of Music in Our Schools Month (2) recognizes (A) the fundamental importance of music to the culture of the United States; (B) the long history of music as an integral part of the schools in the United States; (C) the disparate access to high-quality music education that exists across the United States; and (D) the need to do more to support the teaching and learning of music in public schools. | Expressing support for the designation of March 2023 as Music in Our Schools Month. |
This resolution declares that Bhutan is responsible for the oppression of Nepali-speaking Lhotshampas and Sharchops in Bhutan during the 1980s and 1990s. The resolution also (1) urges Bhutan to conduct a rapid and unconditional release of all political prisoners whose crime was demanding democracy and human rights, and (2) requests that Bhutan restore citizenship for all Nepali-speaking Lhotshampas that have had it arbitrarily revoked. | Recognizing the Kingdom of Bhutan as responsible for the oppression and forced eviction of more than 100,000 Bhutanese citizens during the late 1980s and 1990s. Whereas the Kingdom of Bhutan was responsible for the oppression and forced displacement of more than 100,000 Nepali language-speaking Bhutanese citizens, Lhotshampas and Sharchops, in the 1990s due to their identity, culture, language, religion, and political opinion; Whereas many of these individuals experienced unjust detention, torture, and other forms of human rights abuses; Whereas many political prisoners continue to be held in Bhutanese prisons for protracted sentences; Whereas persecuted Bhutanese were forced to cross into Nepal, where some remained for nearly two decades in refugee camps; Whereas thousands of Bhutanese refugees remain in refugee camps in Nepal, and the Government of Bhutan continues to deny dignified repatriation to those who desire it; Whereas more than 250,000 Nepali-speaking Lhotshampa Bhutanese still inside Bhutan suffer political, social, and economic oppression as the Government of Bhutan has continuously refused to reinstate the citizenships that were stripped during the 1990s; Whereas such incidences of human rights violations and abuses and extreme acts of violence perpetrated by any individual actor or state should be condemned; Whereas the majority of the Nepali-speaking Lhotshampa, who were refugees in Nepal, have now resettled in other countries, including Australia, Canada, Denmark, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States; Whereas, although Bhutan and the United States have not established diplomatic relations, the two countries maintain warm and productive unofficial ties; Whereas the Kingdom of Bhutan transitioned to democracy in 2008 and has held successive free and fair elections and transitions of power since that time; Whereas the Kingdom of Bhutan has been a leader in the global fight against climate change and is the only carbon negative country; Whereas the Kingdom of Bhutan has stood with the United States and other likeminded countries as the United Nations to condemn Russian aggression in Ukraine; and Whereas the Kingdom of Bhutan is a close Indo-Pacific partner of the United States committed to upholding the rules-based international order: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) declares that the Royal Government of Bhutan is responsible for the political, cultural, and ethnic oppression of Nepali-speaking Lhotshampas and Sharchops in Bhutan during the late 1980s and 1990s; (2) urges the Royal Government of Bhutan to conduct a rapid and unconditional release of all political prisoners, whose crime was demanding democracy and human rights, with due restitution and reparations; (3) in a spirit of friendship, urges the Royal Government of Bhutan to resume discussions with the Government of Nepal on the status of individuals in Nepal who assert a claim to Bhutan citizenship or residency; (4) requests the Royal Government of Bhutan to restore citizenship for all Nepali-speaking Lhotshampas that have had it arbitrarily revoked; (5) requests the Royal Government of Bhutan accept the voluntary return of its citizens from the refugee camps in Nepal; and (6) urges the Royal Government of Bhutan to enter into a holistic peace building and reconciliation process and institute an independent Truth Commission to publicly investigate any human rights violations and abuses committed during the 1990s, publish its findings, and follow through on its recommendations to ensure no future displacement or oppression of Nepali-speaking Lhotshampas and other minorities in Bhutan. | Recognizing the Kingdom of Bhutan as responsible for the oppression and forced eviction of more than 100,000 Bhutanese citizens during the late 1980s and 1990s. |
This resolution designates April 5, 2023, as Gold Star Wives Day. The resolution also recognizes the contributions of the members of the Gold Star Wives of America, Inc., and their dedication to the members and veterans of the Armed Forces. | Designating April 5, 2023, as Gold Star Wives Day Whereas the Senate honors the sacrifices made by the surviving spouses and families of the fallen members of the Armed Forces of the United States; Whereas Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. represents the surviving spouses and families of the members and veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States who have died on active duty or as a result of a service-connected disability; Whereas the primary mission of Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. is to provide services, support, and friendship to the surviving spouses of the fallen members and veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States; Whereas, in 1945, Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. was organized with the help of Eleanor Roosevelt to assist the families left behind by the fallen members and veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States; Whereas the first meeting of Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. was held on April 5, 1945; Whereas April 5, 2023, marks the 78th anniversary of the first meeting of Gold Star Wives of America, Inc.; Whereas the members and veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States bear the burden of protecting the freedom of the people of the United States; and Whereas the sacrifices of the families of the fallen members and veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States should never be forgotten: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates April 5, 2023, as Gold Star Wives Day (2) honors and recognizes (A) the contributions of the members of Gold Star Wives of America, Inc.; and (B) the dedication of the members of Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. to the members and veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States; and (3) encourages the people of the United States to observe Gold Star Wives Day to promote awareness of (A) the contributions and dedication of the members of Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. to the members and veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States; and (B) the important role that Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. plays in the lives of the surviving spouses and families of the fallen members and veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States. | Designating April 5, 2023, as Gold Star Wives Day. |
This resolution states that the deployment of Russia's tactical nuclear weapons within Belarus is a threat to Ukraine and NATO member states. The resolution also states that the use of such weapons by Russia, Belarus, or their proxies is an attack on NATO requiring an immediate response, including the implementation of Article V of the North Atlantic Treaty. (Article V provides for collective action by NATO members when a member is attacked.) | Responding to the threat posed by the Russian Federation's deployment of tactical nuclear weapons, and for other purposes. Whereas the military doctrine of the Russian Federation states The Russian Federation reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in response to large-scale aggression utilizing conventional weapons in situations critical to the national security of the Russian Federation Whereas it is estimated that the Russian Federation has an arsenal of as many as 2,000 tactical nuclear weapons; Whereas President Vladimir Putin has expressed a willingness to use tactical nuclear weapons when he stated If the territorial integrity of our country is threatened, we will without doubt use all available means to protect Russia and our peoplethis is not a bluff [a]nd those who try to blackmail us with nuclear weapons should know that the weathervane can turn and point towards them Whereas, on March 23, 2023, Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, stated Every day when they [the west] provide Ukraine with foreign weapons brings the nuclear apocalypse closer Whereas, in May 2023, the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus formalized an agreement that allows for the deployment of the Russian Federations tactical nuclear weapons in the Republic of Belarus; Whereas the deployment of the Russian Federations tactical nuclear weapons in the Republic of Belarus would be the first such deployment of these weapons outside of the Russian Federation since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991; Whereas, on June 17, 2023, President Vladimir Putin confirmed that the Russian Federation had begun to deploy tactical nuclear weapons within the Republic of Belarus and confirmed that the deployment of these weapons would be completed by the end of the summer; Whereas, on June 17, 2023, following the announcement of the Russian Federations deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in the Republic of Belarus, President Biden expressed publically that such a move was totally irresponsible Whereas, on June 19, 2023, President Biden stated, I [worry] about Putin using tactical nuclear weapons real Whereas the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in the Republic of Belarus by the Russian Federation poses an increased threat to not only Ukraine but also our NATO allies and United States troops stationed in nations along the Belarusian border; Whereas the use of a tactical nuclear weapon or an attack that results in nuclear fallout of any kind would impact Europe and NATO member states; and Whereas article V of the North Atlantic Treaty states an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all and will assist the Party or Parties so attacked by taking forthwith, individually and in concert with the other Parties, such action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security That the Senate (1) agrees that the deployment of the Russian Federations tactical nuclear weapons within the Republic of Belarus is a threat to Ukraine and NATO member states; (2) views the use of any tactical nuclear weapon by the Russian Federation, the Republic of Belarus, or their proxies, or the destruction of a nuclear facility, dispersing radioactive contaminates into NATO territory causing significant harm to human life, as an attack on NATO requiring an immediate response, including the implementation of article V of the North Atlantic Treaty; and (3) urges the current administration to consult with NATO leaders and other European partners to develop a comprehensive response to minimize the threat to civilians and coordinate a diplomatic and military response commensurate with the situation. | Responding to the threat posed by the Russian Federation's deployment of tactical nuclear weapons, and for other purposes. |
This resolution notifies the President of the United States of the election of the Honorable Patty Murray as President pro tempore of the Senate. | Notifying the President of the United States of the election of a President pro tempore. That the President of the United States be notified of the election of the Honorable Patty Murray as President of the Senate pro tempore. | Notifying the President of the United States of the election of a President pro tempore. |
This resolution expresses support for the goals of International Women's Day and recognizes that women's empowerment is inextricably linked to generating economic growth and self-reliance, sustainable peace and democracy, and inclusive security. The resolution also reaffirms the Senate's commitment to end discrimination and violence against women and girls and to pursue policies that guarantee fundamental human rights for women and girls worldwide. | Supporting the goals of International Womens Day. Whereas, as of March 2023, there are approximately 3,990,000,000 women and girls in the world, making up of the worlds population; Whereas women and girls around the world (1) have fundamental human rights; (2) play a critical role in providing and caring for their families and driving positive change in their communities; (3) contribute substantially to food security, economic growth, the prevention and resolution of conflict, and the sustainability of peace and stability; (4) are affected in different and often disproportionate ways by global, country, and community circumstances, including economic downturns, global health concerns, conflict, and migration; and (5) must have meaningful protections and opportunities to more fully participate in and lead the political, social, and economic lives of their communities and countries; Whereas the advancement and empowerment of women and girls around the world is a foreign policy priority for the United States and is critical to the achievement of global peace, prosperity, and sustainability; Whereas, on October 6, 2017, the Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2017 ( 22 U.S.C. 2152j et seq. Women, Peace, and Security Strategy Whereas the United States Strategy on Women, Peace, and Security, dated June 2019, recognizes that (1) the [s]ocial and political marginalization of women strongly correlates with the likelihood that a country will experience conflict (2) there is a tremendous amount of untapped potential among the worlds women and girls to identify, recommend, and implement effective solutions to conflict benefits derived from creating opportunities for women and girls to serve as agents of peace via political, economic, and social empowerment (3) barriers to the meaningful participation of women and girls in conflict prevention and resolution efforts include under-representation in political leadership, pervasive violence against women and girls, and persistent inequality in many societies Whereas, according to the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (commonly referred to as UN Women Whereas, according to a study by the International Peace Institute, a peace agreement is 35 percent more likely to last at least 15 years if women participate in the development of the peace agreement; Whereas, according to the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the Department of State, the full and meaningful participation of women in criminal justice professions and security forces vastly enhances the effectiveness of the resulting workforces; Whereas, despite the contributions of women to society, hundreds of millions of women and girls around the world continue to be denied the right to participate freely in civic and economic life, lack fundamental legal protections, and remain vulnerable to exploitation and abuse; Whereas, every year, approximately 12,000,000 girls are married before they reach the age of 18, which means that (1) nearly 33,000 girls are married every day; or (2) nearly 23 girls are married every minute; Whereas, despite global progress, it is predicted that by 2030 more than 150,000,000 more girls will marry before reaching the age of 18, and approximately 2,400,000 girls who are married before reaching the age of 18 are under the age of 15; Whereas girls living in countries affected by conflict or other humanitarian crises are often the most vulnerable to child marriage, and 9 of the 10 countries with the highest rates of child marriage are considered fragile or extremely fragile; Whereas, on August 15, 2021, the Taliban entered Kabul, Afghanistan, and toppled the elected government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, resulting in de facto Taliban rule over the people of Afghanistan; Whereas the Taliban continues to restrict the ability of women and girls to exist in Afghan society, including by (1) prohibiting girls from going to school past sixth grade, including banning women from attending university; (2) limiting the employment that women can pursue outside of their households; (3) mandating that women cover their heads and faces in public and punishing those who wear brightly colored clothing; (4) restricting the independent movement of women and girls; (5) closing domestic abuse shelters, sometimes forcing residents to return to their abusive families; (6) preventing women aid workers from operating in Afghanistan, thus restricting operations in support of humanitarian assistance for all Afghans; (7) jailing women human rights defenders; and (8) limiting access to womens healthcare, including preventative and emergency services, and requiring a male chaperone at most clinics and hospitals; Whereas, according to the United Nations Childrens Fund (commonly referred to as UNICEF (1) approximately of girls between the ages of 15 and 19 have been victims of some form of physical violence; (2) approximately 120,000,000 girls worldwide, about 1 in 10, have experienced forced sexual acts; and (3) an estimated 1 in 3 women around the world has experienced some form of physical or sexual violence; Whereas the overall level of violence against women is a better predictor of the peacefulness of a country, the compliance of a country with international treaty obligations, and the relations of a country with neighboring countries than indicators measuring the level of democracy, level of wealth, or level of institutionalization of the country; Whereas women around the world remain vastly underrepresented in government positions, as women account for only 25.6 percent of national parliamentarians and 21 percent of government ministers; Whereas the ability of women and girls to realize their full potential is critical to the ability of a country to achieve strong and lasting economic growth, self-reliance, and political and social stability; Whereas, although the United Nations Millennium Project reached the goal of achieving gender parity in primary education in most countries in 2015, the COVID19 global pandemic has deepened gender inequality in education and more work remains to be done to achieve gender equality in primary and secondary education, particularly in secondary education worldwide as gender gaps persist and widen, by addressing (1) discriminatory practices; (2) harmful cultural and social norms; (3) inadequate sanitation facilities, including facilities to manage menstruation; (4) child, early, and forced marriage; (5) poverty; (6) food insecurity and malnutrition; (7) early pregnancy and motherhood; (8) conflict and insecurity; and (9) other factors that favor boys or devalue girls education; Whereas, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (1) approximately 118,500,000 girls between the ages of 6 and 17 remain out of school; (2) girls living in countries affected by conflict are 2.5 times more likely to be out of primary school than boys; (3) girls are twice as likely as boys to never set foot in a classroom; and (4) up to 30 percent of girls who drop out of school do so because of adolescent pregnancy or child marriage; Whereas women around the world face a variety of constraints that severely limit their economic participation and productivity and remain underrepresented in the labor force; Whereas, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (1) agriculture and food systems are a major source of livelihoods, particularly for rural women; (2) wage and productivity gaps persist in agriculture and food systems, despite the crucial role that women play in those sectors; (3) the work of women in agriculture and food systems is more likely than that of men to be part-time, irregular, informal, vulnerable, labor-intensive, and low-skilled; (4) in countries reporting on Sustainable Development Goal 5.a.1, more men than women are owners or have rights to agricultural land; (5) the gender gap in food insecurity is growing and has reached 4.3 percentage points, with more women experiencing severe and moderate food insecurity in all regions than men; and (6) the empowerment of women can have important benefits for agricultural productivity, nutrition, and food security; Whereas the economic empowerment of women is inextricably linked to a myriad of other internationally recognized human rights that are essential to the ability of women to thrive as economic actors, including (1) living lives free of violence and exploitation; (2) achieving the highest possible standard of health and well-being; (3) enjoying full legal and human rights, such as access to registration, identification, and citizenship documents, and freedom of movement; (4) access to formal and informal education; (5) access to, and equal protection under, land and property rights; (6) access to fundamental labor rights; (7) the implementation of policies to address disproportionate care burdens; and (8) receiving business and management skills and leadership opportunities; Whereas the Millennium Challenge Corporation (commonly referred to as the MCC Whereas, according to the World Health Organization, global maternal mortality decreased by approximately 38 percent from 2000 to 2017, yet approximately 810 women and girls continue to die from preventable causes relating to pregnancy or childbirth each day, and 94 percent of all maternal deaths occur in developing countries, putting the global community off-track to meeting Sustainable Development Goal 3.1 for reducing maternal deaths; Whereas the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reports that women and girls comprise approximately of the 78,900,000 refugees and internally displaced or stateless individuals in the world; Whereas the Russian invasion of Ukraine that began on February 24, 2022, has resulted in a disproportionate number of women and children seeking safety outside of Ukraine; Whereas those women and girls, like women and girls in all humanitarian emergencies, including those subject to forced displacement, face increased and exacerbated vulnerabilities to (1) gender-based violence, including rape, child marriage, domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation and assault; (2) disruptions in education and livelihood; (3) lack of access to health services; and (4) food insecurity and malnutrition; Whereas malnutrition poses a variety of threats to women and girls specifically, as malnutrition can weaken their immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections, and affects their capacity to survive childbirth, and children born of malnourished women and girls are more likely to have cognitive impairments and higher risk of disease throughout their lives; Whereas it is imperative (1) to alleviate violence and discrimination against women and girls; and (2) to afford women and girls every opportunity to be equal members of their communities; and Whereas, March 8, 2023, is recognized as International Womens Day, a global day (1) to celebrate the economic, political, and social achievements of women in the past, present, and future; and (2) to recognize the obstacles that women face in the struggle for equal rights and opportunities: Now, therefore, be it Whereas, as of March 2023, there are approximately 3,990,000,000 women and girls in the world, making up of the worlds population; Whereas women and girls around the world (1) have fundamental human rights; (2) play a critical role in providing and caring for their families and driving positive change in their communities; (3) contribute substantially to food security, economic growth, the prevention and resolution of conflict, and the sustainability of peace and stability; (4) are affected in different and often disproportionate ways by global, country, and community circumstances, including economic downturns, global health concerns, conflict, and migration; and (5) must have meaningful protections and opportunities to more fully participate in and lead the political, social, and economic lives of their communities and countries; Whereas the advancement and empowerment of women and girls around the world is a foreign policy priority for the United States and is critical to the achievement of global peace, prosperity, and sustainability; Whereas, on October 6, 2017, the Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2017 ( 22 U.S.C. 2152j et seq. Women, Peace, and Security Strategy Whereas the United States Strategy on Women, Peace, and Security, dated June 2019, recognizes that (1) the [s]ocial and political marginalization of women strongly correlates with the likelihood that a country will experience conflict (2) there is a tremendous amount of untapped potential among the worlds women and girls to identify, recommend, and implement effective solutions to conflict benefits derived from creating opportunities for women and girls to serve as agents of peace via political, economic, and social empowerment (3) barriers to the meaningful participation of women and girls in conflict prevention and resolution efforts include under-representation in political leadership, pervasive violence against women and girls, and persistent inequality in many societies Whereas, according to the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (commonly referred to as UN Women Whereas, according to a study by the International Peace Institute, a peace agreement is 35 percent more likely to last at least 15 years if women participate in the development of the peace agreement; Whereas, according to the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the Department of State, the full and meaningful participation of women in criminal justice professions and security forces vastly enhances the effectiveness of the resulting workforces; Whereas, despite the contributions of women to society, hundreds of millions of women and girls around the world continue to be denied the right to participate freely in civic and economic life, lack fundamental legal protections, and remain vulnerable to exploitation and abuse; Whereas, every year, approximately 12,000,000 girls are married before they reach the age of 18, which means that (1) nearly 33,000 girls are married every day; or (2) nearly 23 girls are married every minute; Whereas, despite global progress, it is predicted that by 2030 more than 150,000,000 more girls will marry before reaching the age of 18, and approximately 2,400,000 girls who are married before reaching the age of 18 are under the age of 15; Whereas girls living in countries affected by conflict or other humanitarian crises are often the most vulnerable to child marriage, and 9 of the 10 countries with the highest rates of child marriage are considered fragile or extremely fragile; Whereas, on August 15, 2021, the Taliban entered Kabul, Afghanistan, and toppled the elected government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, resulting in de facto Taliban rule over the people of Afghanistan; Whereas the Taliban continues to restrict the ability of women and girls to exist in Afghan society, including by (1) prohibiting girls from going to school past sixth grade, including banning women from attending university; (2) limiting the employment that women can pursue outside of their households; (3) mandating that women cover their heads and faces in public and punishing those who wear brightly colored clothing; (4) restricting the independent movement of women and girls; (5) closing domestic abuse shelters, sometimes forcing residents to return to their abusive families; (6) preventing women aid workers from operating in Afghanistan, thus restricting operations in support of humanitarian assistance for all Afghans; (7) jailing women human rights defenders; and (8) limiting access to womens healthcare, including preventative and emergency services, and requiring a male chaperone at most clinics and hospitals; Whereas, according to the United Nations Childrens Fund (commonly referred to as UNICEF (1) approximately of girls between the ages of 15 and 19 have been victims of some form of physical violence; (2) approximately 120,000,000 girls worldwide, about 1 in 10, have experienced forced sexual acts; and (3) an estimated 1 in 3 women around the world has experienced some form of physical or sexual violence; Whereas the overall level of violence against women is a better predictor of the peacefulness of a country, the compliance of a country with international treaty obligations, and the relations of a country with neighboring countries than indicators measuring the level of democracy, level of wealth, or level of institutionalization of the country; Whereas women around the world remain vastly underrepresented in government positions, as women account for only 25.6 percent of national parliamentarians and 21 percent of government ministers; Whereas the ability of women and girls to realize their full potential is critical to the ability of a country to achieve strong and lasting economic growth, self-reliance, and political and social stability; Whereas, although the United Nations Millennium Project reached the goal of achieving gender parity in primary education in most countries in 2015, the COVID19 global pandemic has deepened gender inequality in education and more work remains to be done to achieve gender equality in primary and secondary education, particularly in secondary education worldwide as gender gaps persist and widen, by addressing (1) discriminatory practices; (2) harmful cultural and social norms; (3) inadequate sanitation facilities, including facilities to manage menstruation; (4) child, early, and forced marriage; (5) poverty; (6) early pregnancy and motherhood; (7) conflict and insecurity; and (8) other factors that favor boys or devalue girls education; Whereas, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (1) approximately 118,500,000 girls between the ages of 6 and 17 remain out of school; (2) girls living in countries affected by conflict are 2.5 times more likely to be out of primary school than boys; (3) girls are twice as likely as boys to never set foot in a classroom; and (4) up to 30 percent of girls who drop out of school do so because of adolescent pregnancy or child marriage; Whereas women around the world face a variety of constraints that severely limit their economic participation and productivity and remain underrepresented in the labor force; Whereas the economic empowerment of women is inextricably linked to a myriad of other internationally recognized human rights that are essential to the ability of women to thrive as economic actors, including (1) living lives free of violence and exploitation; (2) achieving the highest possible standard of health and well-being; (3) enjoying full legal and human rights, such as access to registration, identification, and citizenship documents, and freedom of movement; (4) access to formal and informal education; (5) access to, and equal protection under, land and property rights; (6) access to fundamental labor rights; (7) the implementation of policies to address disproportionate care burdens; and (8) receiving business and management skills and leadership opportunities; Whereas the Millennium Challenge Corporation (commonly referred to as the MCC Whereas, according to the World Health Organization, global maternal mortality decreased by approximately 38 percent from 2000 to 2017, yet approximately 810 women and girls continue to die from preventable causes relating to pregnancy or childbirth each day, and 94 percent of all maternal deaths occur in developing countries, putting the global community off-track to meeting Sustainable Development Goal 3.1 for reducing maternal deaths; Whereas the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reports that women and girls comprise approximately 1/2 Whereas the Russian invasion of Ukraine that began on February 24, 2022, has resulted in a disproportionate number of women and children seeking safety outside of Ukraine; Whereas those women and girls, like women and girls in all humanitarian emergencies, including those subject to forced displacement, face increased and exacerbated vulnerabilities to (1) gender-based violence, including rape, child marriage, domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation and assault; (2) disruptions in education and livelihood; (3) lack of access to health services; and (4) food insecurity and malnutrition; Whereas malnutrition poses a variety of threats to women and girls specifically, as malnutrition can weaken their immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections, and affects their capacity to survive childbirth, and children born of malnourished women and girls are more likely to have cognitive impairments and higher risk of disease throughout their lives; Whereas it is imperative (1) to alleviate violence and discrimination against women and girls; and (2) to afford women and girls every opportunity to be equal members of their communities; and Whereas March 8, 2023, is recognized as International Womens Day, a global day (1) to celebrate the economic, political, and social achievements of women in the past, present, and future; and (2) to recognize the obstacles that women face in the struggle for equal rights and opportunities: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports the goals of International Womens Day; (2) recognizes that the fundamental human rights of women and girls have intrinsic value that affect the quality of life of women and girls; (3) recognizes that the empowerment of women and girls is inextricably linked to the potential of a country to generate (A) economic growth and self-reliance; (B) sustainable peace and democracy; and (C) inclusive security; (4) recognizes and honors individuals in the United States and around the world, including women human rights defenders, activists, and civil society leaders, who have worked throughout history to ensure that women and girls are guaranteed equality and fundamental human rights; (5) applauds the women around the world who stand against oppression in any form and fight for a better future, especially in Ukraine, Iran, and Afghanistan; (6) recognizes the unique cultural, historical, and religious differences throughout the world and urges the United States Government to act with respect and understanding toward legitimate differences when promoting any policies; (7) reaffirms the commitment (A) to end discrimination and violence against women and girls; (B) to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of women and girls; (C) to pursue policies that guarantee the fundamental human rights of women and girls worldwide; and (D) to promote meaningful and significant participation of women in every aspect of society and community, including conflict prevention, protection, peacemaking, and peacebuilding; (8) supports sustainable, measurable, and global development that seeks to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls; and (9) encourages the people of the United States to observe International Womens Day with appropriate programs and activities. May 4, 2023 Reported without amendment and an amendment to the preamble | Supporting the goals of International Womens Day. |
This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States should negotiate and enforce rules on digital trade and the digital economy with like-minded countries as part of its broader trade and economic strategy. | Expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States should negotiate strong, inclusive, and forward-looking rules on digital trade and the digital economy with like-minded countries as part of its broader trade and economic strategy in order to ensure that the United States values of democracy, rule of law, freedom of speech, human and worker rights, privacy, and a free and open internet are at the very core of digital governance. Whereas over half of the worlds population, totaling more than 5,000,000,000 people, use the internet; Whereas the digital economy encompasses the economic and social activity from billions of online connections among people, businesses, devices, and data as a result of the internet, mobile technology, and the internet of things; Whereas the Bureau of Economic Analysis found that the digital economy contributed nearly 10.2 percent of United States gross domestic product and supported 7,800,000 United States jobs in 2020; Whereas the technology-commerce ecosystem added 1,400,000 jobs between 2017 and 2021, and served as the main job-creating sector in 40 States; Whereas United States jobs supported by the digital economy have sustained annual wage growth at a rate of 5.9 percent since 2010, as compared to a 4.2 percent for all jobs; Whereas, in 2020, United States exports of digital services surpassed $520,000,000,000, accounting for more than half of all United States services exports and generating a digital services trade surplus for the United States of $214,000,000,000; Whereas digital trade bolsters the digital economy by enabling the sale of goods on the internet and the supply of online services across borders and depends on the free flow of data across borders to promote commerce, manufacturing, and innovation; Whereas digital trade has become increasingly vital to United States workers and businesses of all sizes, including the countless small and medium-sized enterprises that use digital technology, data flows, and e-commerce to export goods and services across the world; Whereas digital trade has advanced entrepreneurship opportunities for women, people of color, and individuals from otherwise underrepresented backgrounds and enabled the formation of innovative start-ups; Whereas international supply chains are becoming increasingly digitized and data driven and businesses in a variety of industries, such as construction, healthcare, transportation, and aerospace, invested heavily in digital supply chain technologies in 2020; Whereas United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai said, [T]here is no bright line separating digital trade from the digital economyor the traditional Whereas industries outside of the technology sector, such as manufacturing and agriculture, are integrating digital technology into their businesses in order to increase efficiency, improve safety, reach new customers, and remain globally competitive; Whereas the increasing reliance on digital technologies has modernized legacy processes, accelerated workflows, increased access to information and services, and strengthened security in a variety of industries, leading to better health, environmental, and safety outcomes; Whereas the COVID19 pandemic has led to increased uptake and reliance on digital technologies, data flows, and e-commerce; Whereas 90 percent of adults in the United States say that the internet has been essential or important for them personally during the COVID19 pandemic; Whereas United States families, workers, and business owners have seen how vital access to the internet has been to daily life, as work, education, medicine, and communication with family and friends have shifted increasingly online; Whereas many individuals and families, especially in rural and Tribal communities, struggle to participate in the digital economy because of a lack of access to a reliable and affordable internet connection; Whereas new developments in technology must be deployed with consideration to the unique access challenges of rural, urban underserved, and vulnerable communities; Whereas digital trade has the power to help level the playing field and uplift those in traditionally unrepresented or underrepresented communities; Whereas countries have negotiated international rules governing digital trade in various bilateral and plurilateral agreements, but those rules remain fragmented, and no multilateral agreement on digital trade exists within the World Trade Organization; Whereas the United States, through free trade agreements or other digital agreements, has been a leader in developing a set of rules and standards on digital governance and e-commerce that has helped allies and partners of the United States unlock the full economic and social potential of digital trade; Whereas Congress recognizes the need for agreements on digital trade, as indicated by its support for a robust digital trade chapter in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement; Whereas other countries are operating under their own digital rules, some of which are contrary to democratic values shared by the United States and many allies and partners of the United States; Whereas those countries are attempting to advance their own digital rules on a global scale; Whereas examples of the plethora of nontariff barriers to digital trade that have emerged around the globe include (1) overly restrictive data localization requirements and limitations on cross border data flows that do not achieve legitimate public policy objectives; (2) intellectual property rights infringement; (3) policies that make market access contingent on forced technology transfers or voluntary transfers subject to coercive terms; (4) web filtering; (5) economic espionage; (6) cybercrime exposure; and (7) government-directed theft of trade secrets; Whereas certain countries are pursuing or have implemented digital policies that unfairly discriminate against innovative United States technology companies and United States workers that create and deliver digital products and services; Whereas the Government of the Peoples Republic of China is currently advancing a model for digital governance and the digital economy domestically and abroad through its Digital Silk Road Initiative that permits censorship, surveillance, human and worker rights abuses, forced technology transfers, and data flow restrictions at the expense of human and worker rights, privacy, the free flow of data, and an open internet; Whereas the 2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices of the Department of State highlighted significant human rights issues committed by the Peoples Republic of China in the digital realm, including arbitrary interference with privacy; pervasive and intrusive technical surveillance and monitoring; serious restrictions on free expression, the press, and the internet, including physical attacks on and criminal prosecution of journalists, lawyers, writers, bloggers, dissidents, petitioners, and others as well as their family members, and censorship and site blocking Whereas the United States discourages digital authoritarianism, including practices that undermine human and worker rights and result in other social and economic coercion; Whereas allies and trading partners of the United States in the Indo-Pacific region have urged the United States to deepen economic engagement in the region by negotiating rules on digital trade and technology standards; Whereas the digital economy has provided new opportunities for economic development, entrepreneurship, and growth in developing countries around the world; Whereas negotiating strong digital trade principles and commitments with allies and partners across the globe enables the United States to unite like-minded economies around common standards and ensure that principles of democracy, rule of law, freedom of speech, human and worker rights, privacy, and a free and open internet are at the very core of digital governance; Whereas United States leadership and substantive engagement is necessary to ensure that global digital rules reflect United States values so that workers are treated fairly, small businesses can compete and win in the global economy, and consumers are guaranteed the right to privacy and security; Whereas the United States supports rules that reduce digital trade barriers, promote free expression and the free flow of information, enhance privacy protections, protect sensitive information, defend human and worker rights, prohibit forced technology transfer, and promote digitally enabled commerce; and Whereas the United States supports efforts to cooperate with allies and trading partners to mitigate the risks of cyberattacks, address potentially illegal or deceptive business activities online, promote financial inclusion and digital workforce skills, and develop rules to govern the use of artificial intelligence and other emerging and future technologies: Now, therefore, be it That it is the sense of the Senate that (1) the United States should negotiate strong, inclusive, forward-looking, and enforceable rules on digital trade and the digital economy with like-minded countries as part of a broader trade and economic strategy to address digital barriers and ensure that the United States values of democracy, rule of law, freedom of speech, human and worker rights, privacy, and a free and open internet are at the very core of the digital world and advanced technology; (2) in conducting such negotiations, the United States must (A) pursue digital trade rules that (i) serve the best interests of workers, consumers, and small and medium-sized enterprises; (ii) empower United States workers; (iii) fuel wage growth; and (iv) lead to materially positive economic outcomes for all people in the United States; (B) ensure that any future agreement prevents the adoption of non-democratic, coercive, or overly restrictive policies that would be obstacles to a free and open internet and harm the ability of the e-commerce marketplace to continue to grow and thrive; (C) coordinate sufficient trade-related assistance to ensure that developing countries can improve their capacity and benefit from increased digital trade; and (D) consult closely with all relevant stakeholders, including workers, consumers, small and medium-sized enterprises, civil society groups, and human rights advocates; and (3) with respect to any negotiations for an agreement facilitating digital trade, the United States Trade Representative and the heads of other relevant Federal agencies must (A) consult closely and on a timely basis with the Committee on Finance of the Senate and the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives about the substance of those negotiations and the requisite legal authority to bind the United States to any such agreement; (B) keep both committees fully apprised of those negotiations; and (C) provide to those committees, including staff with appropriate security clearances, adequate access to the text of the negotiating proposal of the United States before presenting the proposal in the negotiations. | Expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States should negotiate strong, inclusive, and forward-looking rules on digital trade and the digital economy with like-minded countries as part of its broader trade and economic strategy in order to ensure that the United States values of democracy, rule of law, freedom of speech, human and worker rights, privacy, and a free and open internet are at the very core of digital governance. |
This resolution expresses support for the diplomatic and official relations required to secure the government of Mexico's compliance with a 1944 treaty concerning water utilization between the United States and Mexico. The resolution also (1) expresses deep concern that farmers in south Texas are experiencing water shortages, and (2) encourages the government of Mexico to fulfill a commitment to deliver annually at least 350,000 acre-feet of water to the United States. | Expressing support for the diplomatic relations required to encourage the Government of Mexico to fulfill water deliveries on an annual basis to the United States under the Treaty between the United States of America and Mexico respecting the utilization of waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande. Whereas the Treaty between the United States of America and Mexico respecting the utilization of waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande, signed at Washington February 1944 (59 Stat. 1219), commits the Government of the United Mexican States to deliver to the United States a minimum of 350,000 acre-feet of water annually, measured in 5-year cycles requiring 1,750,000 acre-feet of water to be delivered; Whereas the Government of the United Mexican States has repeatedly failed to deliver the required minimum of 350,000 acre-feet of water annually and 1,750,000 acre-feet of water during each 5-year cycle; and Whereas such failures have contributed to water shortages for farmers in south Texas: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports relations between United States diplomats and officials at the United States Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission and counterparts in the United Mexican States to secure compliance by the Government of the United Mexican States with the Treaty between the United States of America and Mexico respecting the utilization of waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande, signed at Washington February 1944 (59 Stat. 1219)(referred to in this resolution as the Treaty (2) encourages the Government of the United Mexican States to fulfill the commitment to annually deliver a minimum of 350,000 acre-feet of water to the United States; (3) is deeply concerned that farmers in south Texas are experiencing water shortages; (4) supports negotiations to ensure more predictable and reliable water deliveries to the United States; and (5) encourages renewed commitments to ensure that the United States receives annual deliveries of at least 350,000 acre-feet of water under the Treaty. | Expressing support for the diplomatic relations required to encourage the Government of Mexico to fulfill water deliveries on an annual basis to the United States under the Treaty between the United States of America and Mexico respecting the utilization of waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande. |
This resolution supports National Service Dog Day to raise awareness of the positive impact service dogs have on individuals with disabilities. | Expressing support for recognizing September 20 as National Service Dog Day. Whereas service dogs assist individuals with a wide range of challenges, Whereas service dogs are able to support veterans struggling after war; Whereas service dogs have assisted individuals in the United States since 1929; Whereas evidence-based research has shown that service dogs provide numerous health and fitness benefits; Whereas tens of thousands of service dogs are estimated to be working in the United States today; and Whereas National Service Dog Day is an appropriate tribute to service dogs and the organizations that offer service dogs free of charge to United States veterans and individuals with disabilities: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports recognizing September 20 as National Service Dog Day; (2) encourages all individuals in the United States to learn about the history of service dogs and the unique, positive impact service dogs have on individuals with disabilities; and (3) requests that the President issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to conduct appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs to demonstrate support for organizations that train and pair service dogs with disabled individuals in the United States. | Expressing support for recognizing September 20 as National Service Dog Day. |
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. Powell, 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. Powell Whereas, in the case of United States v. Powell 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. Powell 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. Powell. |
This resolution designates July 15, 2023, as National Leiomyosarcoma Awareness Day. Leiomyosarcoma is a rare cancer that grows in the smooth muscles of the hollow organs (e.g., intestines, stomach, and bladder) of the body. | Designating July 15, 2023, as National Leiomyosarcoma Awareness Day Whereas leiomyosarcoma is a malignant sarcoma subtype, one of 70 to 100 such subtypes, that arises in smooth muscle and has several subtypes itself due to its vascularity and bone invasion; Whereas leiomyosarcoma is designated by the National Institutes of Health as a rare form of cancer; Whereas leiomyosarcoma is largely resistant to standard chemotherapy treatments, radiation treatments, and immunotherapy trials, with 40-year-old chemotherapy treatments still in use; Whereas leiomyosarcoma affects all age groups, including children, young adults, the middle-aged, and the elderly, and all genders; Whereas leiomyosarcoma is diagnosed in more than 2,000 individuals in the United States each year; Whereas, with respect to leiomyosarcoma, research and clinical trials remain complicated and extremely costly due to the difficulty of recruiting patients; Whereas survival and longevity for individuals with leiomyosarcoma has not significantly improved for at least 30 years; Whereas multidisciplinary care coordination teams, because of their expertise and experience, are critical to the health of leiomyosarcoma patients; Whereas researchers continue to strive to improve quality of life for leiomyosarcoma patients, improve outcomes in clinical trials, and promote enhanced survivorship; and Whereas increased education and awareness about sarcoma and leiomyosarcoma will contribute to the well-being of the communities of the United States: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates July 15, 2023, as National Leiomyosarcoma Awareness Day (2) recognizes the challenges faced by leiomyosarcoma patients; and (3) commends the dedication of organizations, volunteers, researchers, and caregivers across the United States working to improve the quality of life of leiomyosarcoma patients and their families. | Designating July 15, 2023, as National Leiomyosarcoma Awareness Day. |
This resolution designates March 26, 2023, as Clela Rorex Day to recognize Clela Rorex for issuing the first same-sex marriage license in the United States and becoming a pioneer for civil rights and same-sex marriage. | Recognizing the contributions of Clela Rorex, a pioneering county clerk who, in 1975, advanced civil rights for all couples seeking to be married. Whereas Clela Ann Rorex (referred to in this preamble as Clela Whereas Clela's mother, Ruby Rorex, was a dance and theater teacher, and her father, Cecil Rorex, served for 30 years as clerk of Routt County, Colorado, where Clela grew up in Steamboat Springs; Whereas Clela earned her bachelors degree from the University of Colorado Boulder in 1973 and a masters degree in Public Administration from the University of Colorado Denver in 1981; Whereas, in January 1975, at the age of 31, Clela became Boulder County Clerk and Recorder; Whereas, in 1975, when a same-sex couple requested a marriage license in Boulder County, Clela consulted the assistant district attorney and learned that Colorado State laws did not specifically prohibit granting a marriage license to a same-sex couple; Whereas, as a newly elected county clerk, Clela issued a marriage license to Dave McCord and Dave Zamora, the first marriage license issued to a same-sex couple in the United States; Whereas Clela was quoted in 2016 as saying, After having been so deeply involved in the womens rights movements, who was I to then deny a right to anyone else? It wasnt my job to legislate morality. Whereas, after issuing the first marriage license to a same-sex couple in 1975, Clela issued 5 more marriage licenses to same-sex couples over the next month; Whereas national news outlets circulated Clelas groundbreaking story, after which she reported receiving a deluge of death threats and condemnation in hundreds of letters and phone calls to the Boulder County Clerks office; Whereas, despite the threats, Clela continued her advocacy efforts on behalf of the LGBTQ community, including by marching, volunteering, and donating to LGBTQ efforts for decades; Whereas, in 2014, a series of court rulings cleared the way for same-sex marriages in Colorado, and, in 2015, the Supreme Court of the United States legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, 40 years after Clela issued the first same-sex marriage license in the United States; Whereas Clela was 78 years old when she died on June 19, 2022, in Longmont, Colorado; Whereas, due to her advocacy for human rights, Boulder County, Colorado, declared July 23, 2022, to be Clela Rorex Day Whereas Clela should be recognized for her leadership as a national civil rights leader, paving the way for countless individuals: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) recognizes (A) the contributions of Clela Rorex as a pioneer for civil rights and same-sex marriage; (B) the respect and bravery Clela Rorex demonstrated when issuing the first same-sex marriage license in the United States; and (C) the courage Clela Rorex exhibited following the threats she received when she issued marriage licenses to same-sex couples; and (2) designates March 26, 2023, as Clela Rorex Day | Recognizing the contributions of Clela Rorex, a pioneering county clerk who, in 1975, advanced civil rights for all couples seeking to be married. |
This resolution designates March 18, 2023, as National Osceola Turkey Day. | Designating March 18, 2023, as National Osceola Turkey Day Whereas wild turkey has been an important part of the history and family traditions of the United States; Whereas wild turkey was on the table at the very first Thanksgiving, and turkey continues to be a mainstay during many holiday traditions; Whereas wild turkey is a healthy, organic, and delicious source of lean protein; Whereas 5 subspecies of wild turkey inhabit North America; Whereas, in the United States, turkey hunters have spent $76,900,000 per year since 1985 with an economic impact of $128,700,000 annually; Whereas Florida has a rich history of wild turkey hunting, management, and research; Whereas Florida is home to the Wild Turkey Cost Share Program, which is the largest public-private partnership program in the United States for the maintenance of wild turkey habitat on wildlife management areas and other public lands open to hunting; Whereas, since the Wild Turkey Cost Share Program began in 1994, upwards of 1,000,000 acres of upland habitat have received funding for turkey habitat management efforts; Whereas, in the 2022 Florida spring wild turkey season, 25,290 hunters participated in turkey hunting, including 4,744 non-residents of the Sunshine State; Whereas, in Florida, revenue generated from the sale of wild turkey permits is used for conservation, research, and management of wild turkeys or to promote the cultural heritage of hunting; Whereas turkey hunters are an important part of the Wild Turkey Cost Share Program, and the money generated from the sale of turkey permits, which are a requirement for hunting wild turkeys in Florida unless exempt, allows the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to make significant contributions to the program each year; Whereas Florida is home to 2 subspecies of wild turkey, the eastern wild turkey and the Osceola or Florida wild turkey; Whereas the Osceola is 1 of 5 subspecies of wild turkey in North America; Whereas the Osceola turkey exists only in peninsular Florida; Whereas the Osceola subspecies of wild turkey is often perceived as mysterious and the most difficult to harvest because of its small geographic range and the often swampy habitat where it is found; Whereas hunters in pursuit of all 4 subspecies of turkey in the United States, known as a Grand Slam Whereas March 4, 2023, is the opening day of turkey harvesting season in part of Florida, and March 18, 2023, is the opening day for the entire state: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates March 18, 2023, as National Osceola Turkey Day (2) encourages the people of the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. | Designating March 18, 2023, as National Osceola Turkey Day. |
This resolution expresses that the Senate recognizes the importance of rural and agricultural programming and the need for greater access to rural and agricultural media programming. | Recognizing the need for greater access to rural and agricultural media programming. Whereas individuals living in rural areas in the United States need access to media content that is relevant to their daily lives; Whereas rural and agricultural programming includes agricultural weather, agribusiness news, commodity market news, and western sports, and this programming is important to the farmers and ranchers of the United States for their way of life and making a living; Whereas rural and agricultural programming covers matters that affect all individuals in the United States; Whereas all individuals in the United States need to be exposed to, and informed about, what is occurring outside of the major cities and suburbs of the United States; Whereas all individuals in the United States feel the effects of inflation and supply chain shortages, and rural and agricultural programming is in a unique position to inform viewers of the roots of these issues; Whereas the population of the world is projected to grow from 7,000,000,000 to approximately 9,000,000,000 by 2050, and agricultural productivity will need to increase to meet the growing demand for food and the projected increase in consumption; Whereas a decrease in investment in agricultural research and development would result in a negative shock to agricultural productivity; Whereas an informed public is key to supporting the proper level of investment in agricultural research and development; Whereas significant consolidation in the media market and prioritization of consolidated media has had a negative impact on access to rural and agricultural programming; and Whereas multichannel video programming distributors and providers of digital and streaming media should make delivery of rural and agricultural programming, including agricultural news and western lifestyle content, a priority: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate recognizes the importance of rural and agricultural programming and the need for greater access to rural and agricultural media programming. | Recognizing the need for greater access to rural and agricultural media programming. |
This resolution recognizes December 17 as Wright Brothers Day and commemorates December 17, 2023, as the 120th anniversary of Orville and Wilbur Wright's first flight. | Recognizing December 17 as Wright Brothers Day Whereas, on December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright (referred to in this preamble as the Wright Brothers Whereas the Wright Brothers continued their experiments and flights in the United States and throughout Europe for people to see the miracle of flight; Whereas the successful first flight by the Wright Brothers launched a new era of exploration, from the solo transatlantic flight by Charles Lindbergh, to the Apollo 11 moon landing by Neil Armstrong, and beyond; Whereas people of the United States achieved the first supersonic flight less than 50 years after the first flight by the Wright Brothers, and achieved manned spaceflight less than 60 years after the first flight by the Wright Brothers; Whereas the modern commercial aviation system that links the world through commerce, trade, and travel owes its existence to the work of the Wright Brothers; Whereas the 3-axis control system devised for the Wright Flyer Whereas the original Wright Flyer Whereas the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, welcomes more than 400,000 visitors annually to the location of the first flight by the Wright Brothers; Whereas the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park in Dayton, Ohio, welcomes more than 90,000 visitors annually to the locations where the Wright Brothers lived, worked, and conducted many test flights; Whereas the Wright Brothers gave rise to a world of aviation supported and enjoyed by enthusiasts, hobbyists, and aeronautical professionals across the world; Whereas the Wright Brothers finally realized the ancient and universal human aspiration to defy gravity; Whereas, in 1959 and 1961, Congress passed, and the President signed into law, joint resolutions designating December 17 as Wright Brothers Day Whereas, in 1963, Public Law 88209 36 U.S.C. 143 Wright Brothers Day Whereas the inventive, courageous, and perseverant nature of the Wright Brothers exemplifies the spirit of the United States and the people of the United States; Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) recognizes December 17 as Wright Brothers Day (2) commemorates December 17, 2023, as the 120th anniversary of the first flight of Orville and Wilbur Wright; and (3) calls on the people of the United States to observe Wright Brothers Day | Recognizing December 17 as Wright Brothers Day and commemorating the 120th anniversary of the first powered flight. |
This resolution designates the week of September 25-29 2023, as National Clean Energy Week. | Designating the week of September 25 through September 29, 2023, as National Clean Energy Week Whereas, across the United States, clean and readily abundant forms of energy are powering more homes and businesses than ever before; Whereas clean energy generation is readily available from zero- and low-emissions sources; Whereas the clean energy sector is a growing part of the economy and has been a key driver of economic growth in the United States in recent years; Whereas technological innovation can further reduce costs, enhance reliability, and increase deployment of clean energy sources; Whereas the report of the Department of Energy entitled United States Energy & Employment Report 2023 Whereas the scaling of affordable and exportable clean energy is essential to reducing global emissions; Whereas clean energy jobs contribute to the growth of local economies; and Whereas innovative clean energy solutions and clean energy jobs are part of the energy future of the United States: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates the week of September 25 through September 29, 2023, as National Clean Energy Week (2) encourages individuals and organizations across the United States to support commonsense solutions that address the economic, environmental, and energy needs of the United States in the 21st century; (3) encourages the Federal Government, States, municipalities, and individuals to invest in affordable, clean, and low-emitting energy technologies; (4) supports reliable and affordable energy for the people of the United States; and (5) recognizes the role of entrepreneurs and small businesses in ensuring the leadership of the United States in the global energy marketplace and in supporting low-cost, clean, and reliable energy in the United States. | Designating the week of September 25 through September 29, 2023, as National Clean Energy Week. |
This resolution affirms that it is U.S. policy to see Ukraine prevail against the Russian invasion and restored to its internationally recognized 1991 borders. The resolution also states that the peace brought by Ukraine's victory must be secured by integrating Ukraine into NATO and other Euroatlantic institutions. | Expressing the sense of the Senate on Ukrainian victory. Whereas Ukraine regained its independence in 1991 after three centuries of Moscows imperial rule; Whereas the United States encouraged Ukraine to abandon its arsenal of nuclear weapons, the third largest in the world at the time, in exchange for security assurances in the Budapest Memorandum of 1994; Whereas the 2004 Orange Revolution and the Revolution of Dignity in 2014 demonstrated the commitment of Ukrainians to shared ideals of democracy and freedom and their desire for Euroatlantic integration; Whereas the 2008 Bucharest North Atlantic Treaty Organization Summit Declaration states that NATO welcomes Ukraines and Georgias Euro-Atlantic aspirations for membership in NATO. We agree today that these countries will become members of NATO. Whereas the initial Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2014 demonstrated the Russian regimes imperial fixation on controlling Ukraine, as well as the determination of the Ukrainian people to preserve their sovereignty and independence; Whereas the Russian Federation launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, grossly violating international norms, costing hundreds of thousands of people their lives, and displacing millions; Whereas, in 2014, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022, the United Nations General Assembly affirmed the territorial integrity of Ukraine, and in November 2022, called on member states to create a mechanism for reparations to be paid to Ukraine; Whereas, on February 18, 2023, the United States issued a finding that officials of the Russian Federation have committed crimes against humanity; Whereas the threat to United States interests, European security, and global peace would greatly increase should Ukraine be unable to prevail against the invasion, by emboldening the Russian Federation and other autocratic states to engage in aggression against other states; Whereas previous attempts to accommodate the Russian Federations imperialism have resulted only in increasingly ruinous wars of aggression, anything short of victory for Ukraine would be an intolerable outcome for international peace, human rights, and democracy; and Whereas United States interests, European security, and the cause of international peace depend on ensuring continued, robust, and longstanding United States support for Ukraine and all free nations from wars of aggression by Russia and its proxies, allies, or other autocratic states: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) affirms that it is the policy of the United States to see Ukraine victorious against the invasion and restored to its internationally recognized 1991 borders; (2) holds that the peace brought by Ukrainian victory must be secured by integrating Ukraine into the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and other Euroatlantic institutions, as consistent with longstanding United States policy; and (3) declares that the United States must work with its allies and partners to ensure that (A) the Russian Federation pays reparations to Ukraine; (B) the global community helps to rebuild Ukraine; (C) the leaders of the Russian Federation are held accountable for this war of aggression; and (D) there is justice for victims of crimes committed by the Russian Federation during its invasion. | Expressing the sense of the Senate on Ukrainian victory. |
This resolution designates March 26, 2023, as Maine Maple Sunday. It also recognizes the contribution and importance of maple syrup producers and their families in the state of Maine. | Recognizing the importance of maple syrup production to Maine and designating March 26, 2023, as Maine Maple Sunday Whereas the art of making sugar and syrup from the sap of the maple tree (also known as acer saccharinum) was developed by Native Americans of the Northeastern United States; Whereas the production of maple syrup in Maine has a seasonal window between January and May, which is when temperatures drop below freezing at night and rise above freezing during the day; Whereas Maine accounts for 17 percent of United States production of maple syrup and is the third largest producer among the States; Whereas Maine maple syrup producers make more than 575,000 gallons of syrup annually, generating more than $27,000,000 for the Maine economy; Whereas maple syrup production in Maine supports more than 560 full-time and part-time jobs that generate more than $17,300,000 in wages; Whereas Maine Maple Sunday has been observed for 40 years, with more than 100 sugarhouses participating from Aroostook to York County, Maine, and attracting thousands of visitors annually; Whereas Maine Maple Sunday is always observed the fourth Sunday in March; and Whereas on March 26, 2023, Maine maple syrup producers will host the 40th annual Maine Maple Sunday: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates March 26, 2023, as Maine Maple Sunday (2) recognizes the contribution and importance of maple syrup producers and their families in the State of Maine. | Recognizing the importance of maple syrup production to Maine and designating March 26, 2023, as Maine Maple Sunday. |
This resolution designates April 22-30, 2023, as National Park Week. The resolution also encourages the people of the United States and the world to responsibly visit, experience, recreate in, and support the national parks of the United States. | Designating the week of April 22 through April 30, 2023, as National Park Week Whereas, on March 1, 1872, Congress established Yellowstone National Park as the first national park for the enjoyment of the people of the United States; Whereas, on August 25, 1916, Congress established the National Park Service with the mission to preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of current and future generations; Whereas the National Park Service continues to protect and manage the majestic landscapes, hallowed battlefields, and iconic cultural and historical sites of the United States; Whereas the units of the National Park System can be found in every State and many territories of the United States and many of those units embody the rich natural and cultural heritage of the United States, reflect a unique national story through people and places, and offer countless opportunities for recreation, volunteerism, cultural exchange, education, civic engagement, and exploration; Whereas, in 2022, the national parks of the United States attracted nearly 312,000,000 recreational visits, an increase of 5 percent over 2021 visitation levels; Whereas visits and visitors to the national parks of the United States are important economic drivers, responsible for contributing $42,500,000,000 in spending to the national economy in 2021; Whereas the dedicated employees of the National Park Service carry out their mission to protect the units of the National Park System so that the vibrant culture, diverse wildlife, and priceless resources of these unique places will endure for perpetuity; and Whereas the people of the United States have inherited the remarkable legacy of the National Park System and are entrusted with the preservation of the National Park System throughout its second century: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates the week of April 22 through April 30, 2023, as National Park Week (2) encourages the people of the United States and the world to responsibly visit, experience, recreate in, and support the treasured national parks of the United States. | Designating the week of April 22 through April 30, 2023, as National Park Week. |
This resolution designates July 30, 2023, as National Whistleblower Appreciation Day. | Designating July 30, 2023, as National Whistleblower Appreciation Day Whereas, in 1777, before the passage of the Bill of Rights, 10 sailors and marines blew the whistle on fraud and misconduct that was harmful to the United States; Whereas the Founding Fathers unanimously supported the whistleblowers in words and deeds, including by releasing government records and providing monetary assistance for the reasonable legal expenses necessary to prevent retaliation against the whistleblowers; Whereas, on July 30, 1778, in demonstration of their full support for whistleblowers, the members of the Continental Congress unanimously passed the first whistleblower legislation in the United States that read: Resolved Whereas whistleblowers risk their careers, jobs, and reputations by reporting waste, fraud, and abuse to the proper authorities; Whereas, in providing the proper authorities with lawful disclosures, whistleblowers save the taxpayers of the United States billions of dollars each year and serve the public interest by ensuring that the United States remains an ethical and safe place; and Whereas it is the public policy of the United States to encourage, in accordance with Federal law (including the Constitution of the United States, rules, and regulations) and consistent with the protection of classified information (including sources and methods of detection of classified information), honest and good faith reporting of misconduct, fraud, misdemeanors, and other crimes to the appropriate authority at the earliest time possible: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates July 30, 2023, as National Whistleblower Appreciation Day (2) ensures that the Federal Government implements the intent of the Founding Fathers, as reflected in the legislation passed on July 30, 1778 (relating to whistleblowers), by encouraging each executive agency to recognize National Whistleblower Appreciation Day by (A) informing employees, contractors working on behalf of the taxpayers of the United States, and members of the public about the legal right of a United States citizen to blow the whistle (B) acknowledging the contributions of whistleblowers to combating waste, fraud, abuse, and violations of laws and regulations of the United States. | Designating July 30, 2023, as National Whistleblower Appreciation Day. |
This resolution expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week. | Supporting the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, to be observed from May 6 through May 12, 2023. Whereas, beginning in 1991, National Nurses Week has been celebrated annually from May 6, also known as National Recognition Day for Nurses Whereas National Nurses Week is a time of year to reflect on the important contributions that nurses make to provide safe, high-quality health care; Whereas nurses serve on the front lines, risking their lives treating the injured and sick during wartime, natural disasters, and public health emergencies; Whereas nurses are known to be patient advocates, acting to protect the lives of individuals under their care; Whereas nurses represent the largest single component of the health care profession, with an estimated population of more than 4,500,000 registered nurses in the United States; Whereas nurses are leading in the delivery of quality care in a transformed health care system that improves patient outcomes and safety; Whereas the Future of Nursing report of the Institute of Medicine has highlighted the need for the nursing profession to meet the call for leadership in a team-based delivery model; Whereas, when nurse staffing levels increase, the risk of patient complications and lengthy hospital stays decreases, resulting in cost savings; Whereas nurses are experienced researchers, and the work of nurses encompasses a wide scope of scientific inquiry, including clinical research, health systems and outcomes research, and nursing education research; Whereas nurses provide care that is sensitive to the cultures and customs of individuals across the United States; Whereas nurses are well-positioned to provide leadership to eliminate health care disparities that exist in the United States; Whereas nurses are the cornerstone of the public health infrastructure, promoting healthy lifestyles and educating communities on disease prevention and health promotion; Whereas nurses help inform, educate, and work closely with legislators to improve (1) the education, retention, recruitment, and practice of all nurses; and (2) the health and safety of the patients for whom the nurses care; Whereas there is a need (1) to strengthen nursing workforce development programs at all levels, including the number of doctorally prepared faculty members; and (2) to provide education to the nurse research scientists who can develop new nursing care models to improve the health status of the diverse population of the United States; Whereas nurses impact the lives of the people of the United States through every stage of life; and Whereas nursing has been voted the most honest and ethical profession in the United States: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, as founded by the American Nurses Association; (2) recognizes the significant contributions of nurses to the health care system in the United States; and (3) encourages the people of the United States to observe National Nurses Week with appropriate recognition, ceremonies, activities, and programs to demonstrate the importance of nurses to the everyday lives of patients. | Supporting the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, to be observed from May 6 through May 12, 2023. |
This resolution designates March 23, 2023, as National Women in Agriculture Day. It also recognizes the important role of women in agriculture as producers, educators, leaders, mentors, and more. | Designating March 23, 2023, as National Women in Agriculture Day Whereas the United States proudly recognizes agriculture as one of the most impactful industries of the United States, and acknowledges the countless women who help agriculture prosper both in the United States and abroad; Whereas there are more than 1,200,000 female agricultural producers in the United States, making up more than 1/3 Whereas, in 2017, farms operated by women in the United States sold $148,000,000,000 in agricultural products, accounting for 38 percent of the total agriculture sales in the United States for that year; Whereas, in addition to leading farming operations, women working in agriculture make a difference across the United States in various commodity and industry fields, including research and development, manufacturing, sales and distribution, agricultural education, and agribusiness and advocacy, which extend benefits to individuals across the globe through the international trade of the United States; Whereas the United States recognizes that women are vital in fostering the next generation of the agricultural workforce by promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (commonly known as STEM Whereas March is National Womens History Month; and Whereas female professionals, instructors, and leaders in the agricultural field should be celebrated for their efforts during National Ag Week, which takes place between March 20 and March 24, 2023: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates March 23, 2023, as National Women in Agriculture Day (2) recognizes the important role of women in agriculture as producers, educators, leaders, mentors, and more; and (3) encourages all citizens to (A) recognize women working in agriculture; and (B) praise the significant positive impact those women have on the food resources and the agricultural workforce of the United States by encouraging and empowering women to (i) enter the agricultural field, which is a high-demand field of work; (ii) cultivate opportunities to lead; and (iii) feed a hungry world. | Designating March 23, 2023, as National Women in Agriculture Day. |
This resolution condemns Azerbaijan's blockade of the Lachin Corridor to Nagorno-Karabakh (also known as Artsakh). The resolution calls on the U.S. government to work with international partners to deploy observers to explore opportunities for security and peaceful development. The resolution also calls on the President to (1) suspend military and security assistance from the United States to Azerbaijan, and (2) fully enforce a U.S. law prohibiting certain bilateral assistance to Azerbaijan until Azerbaijan takes demonstrable steps to cease all offensive uses of force against Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. | Condemning Azerbaijans blockade of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh and ongoing human rights violations. Whereas Azerbaijani forces, in violation of international obligations to resolve disputes with Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh peacefully, conducted a large-scale, unprovoked invasion of Nagorno-Karabakh in October 2020; Whereas President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan has used vitriolic rhetoric to call for the ethnic cleansing of indigenous Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh and his regime has consistently violated important international humanitarian legal agreements during the 2020 war and up until the present date, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the United Nations Charter, and the Geneva Convention; Whereas evidence of Azerbaijani violations of international humanitarian law during the 2020 war are well-documented by reputable nongovernmental organizations, such as Columbia Universitys Institute for the Study of Human Rights, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the International Committee of the Red Cross; Whereas mass human rights violations committed by Azerbaijani forces in the 2020 war included rocket strikes on civilian infrastructure like medical facilities and schools, the decapitation of civilians, the use of white phosphorus munitions, the torture and extrajudicial killing of Armenian prisoners of war, the hiring of foreign mercenaries, and the targeting of historic monuments, works of art, and places of worship with great cultural and spiritual significance to Armenians; Whereas, on September 13, 2022, Azerbaijani forces mounted an illegal and unprovoked assault on Armenian territory, including the cities of Vardenis, Sotk, Artanish, Ishkhanasar, Goris, and Kapan; Whereas Azerbaijans attack on Armenia, which was launched on September 13, 2022, is a flagrant violation of Armenias sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a violation of international law; Whereas the November 9, 2020, ceasefire statement ending the 2020 war signed by Azerbaijan clearly states in Article 6, The Lachin Corridor (5 km wide), which will provide a connection between Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia while not passing through the territory of Shusha, shall remain under the control of the Russian Federation peacemaking forces The Republic of Azerbaijan shall guarantee the security of persons, vehicles, and cargo moving along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. Whereas Armenia has made progress towards unblocking regional rail connections, including rail lines connecting Azerbaijan to Nakhichevan, in accordance with the terms of the 2020 ceasefire statement; Whereas, on December 12, 2022, Azerbaijan created a man-made humanitarian crisis by implementing an extended blockade of the Lachin Corridor under the guise of a civilian protest; Whereas the Lachin Corridor serves as a vital lifeline between Nagorno-Karabakh and the Republic of Armenia, and its blockade prevents food, critical medical supplies, and other essentials from reaching 120,000 people; Whereas Azerbaijan has taken dangerous, escalatory steps that have severely worsened the quality of life for the people living in Nagorno-Karabakh, including 30,000 children, 20,000 elderly individuals, and 9,000 people with disabilities, through the sabotage of civilian infrastructure such as a critical natural gas pipeline, power transmission lines, and a fixed-line internet; Whereas the Russian peacekeeping forces deployed in the region have not lived up to their role as defined by the November 9, 2020, statement, doing little to disperse Azerbaijanis blocking the Lachin Corridor, deescalate the situation, or prevent other Azerbaijani aggressions against the Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh; Whereas the Department of State has warned, Closure of the Lachin Corridor has severe humanitarian implications and sets back the peace process to restore free movement through the corridor Whereas Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev on January 23, 2023, to urge an immediate reopening of the Lachin corridor to commercial traffic underscored that the risk of a humanitarian crisis in the Lachin corridor undermined prospects for peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan Whereas, on February 18, 2023, the International Court of Justice ordered Azerbaijan to ensure the unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles, and cargo along the Lachin Corridor Whereas the United States serves as a co-chair of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europes Minsk Group, along with France and the Russian Federation, and is committed to sustainable, long-term peace in the region; and Whereas the United States and the international community have not been able to undertake any direct humanitarian support or relief efforts to address the needs of Armenian victims in Nagorno-Karabakh since the deadly invasion by Azerbaijani forces in October 2020: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) condemns Azerbaijans blockade of the Lachin Corridor to Nagorno Karabakh; (2) encourages the United States Government and international community to petition the United Nations Security Council, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and other appropriate international bodies to investigate any and all war crimes committed by Azerbaijani forces against Armenian civilians; (3) calls on the United States Government to work swiftly with international partners, including civil society organizations, regarding the deployment of international observers to the Lachin Corridor and Nagorno-Karabakh to explore opportunities for more effective and sustainable guarantees of security and peaceful development; (4) calls on the President to immediately suspend any United States new, current, or pending military or security assistance to Azerbaijan, and to fully enforce section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act ( 22 U.S.C. 5812 (5) supports United States sanctions under existing statutory authority against Azerbaijani officials responsible for the blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh and other well-documented human rights violations committed against Armenians in the region, such as the targeting of civilian infrastructure and the destruction of historic, cultural, and places of worship of great significance to Armenians; and (6) supports efforts by the United States, the European Union, and the international community to provide humanitarian assistance to victims of Azerbaijani aggression in Nagorno-Karabakh. | Condemning Azerbaijans blockade of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh and ongoing human rights violations. |
This resolution designates the week beginning on October 15, 2023, as National Character Counts Week. | Designating the week beginning October 15, 2023, as National Character Counts Week Whereas the well-being of the United States requires that the young people of the United States become an involved, caring citizenry of good character; Whereas the character education of children has become more urgent, as violence by and against youth increasingly threatens the physical and psychological well-being of the people of the United States; Whereas, more than ever, children need strong and constructive guidance from their families and their communities, including from schools, youth organizations, religious institutions, and civic groups; Whereas the character of a nation is only as strong as the character of its individual citizens; Whereas the public good is advanced when young individuals are taught the importance of good character and the positive effects that good character can have in personal relationships, in school, and in the workplace; Whereas scholars and educators agree that individuals do not automatically develop good character and that, therefore, institutions and individuals that influence youth must make conscientious efforts to help young individuals develop the essential traits and characteristics that comprise good character; Whereas, although character development is, first and foremost, an obligation of families, the efforts of faith communities, schools, and youth, civic, and human service organizations also play an important role in fostering and promoting good character; Whereas Congress encourages students, teachers, parents, youth, and community leaders to recognize the importance of character education in preparing young individuals to play a role in determining the future of the United States; Whereas effective character education is based on core ethical values, which form the foundation of a democratic society; Whereas examples of character are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, citizenship, and honesty; Whereas elements of character transcend cultural, religious, and socioeconomic differences; Whereas the character and conduct of youth reflect the character and conduct of society, and, therefore, every adult has the responsibility to teach and model ethical values and every social institution has the responsibility to promote the development of good character; Whereas Congress encourages individuals and organizations, especially those that have an interest in the education and training of the young individuals in the United States, to adopt the elements of character as intrinsic to the well-being of individuals, communities, and society; Whereas many schools in the United States recognize the need, and have taken steps, to integrate the values of their communities into teaching activities; and Whereas the establishment of National Character Counts Week That the Senate (1) designates the week beginning October 15, 2023, as National Character Counts Week (2) calls upon the people of the United States and interested groups (A) to embrace the elements of character identified by local schools and communities, such as trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship; and (B) to observe National Character Counts Week with appropriate ceremonies, programs, and activities. | Designating the week beginning October 15, 2023, as National Character Counts Week. |
This resolution condemns the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP's) invasion of U.S. airspace to conduct surveillance. The resolution also (1) affirms that U.S. airspace should be protected from foreign and hostile state actors, and (2) calls on the President to be transparent regarding this spying attempt and all other attempts by the CCP to surveil U.S. citizens, territory, and assets. | Expressing the sense of the Senate that the Chinese Communist Partys espionage mission to send a surveillance balloon across the United States, in violation of international law, is unacceptable and should be condemned. Whereas, on January 28, 2023, the Chinese Communist Party flew a balloon aircraft into United States airspace in Alaska to conduct surveillance; Whereas, on January 31, 2023, the Chinese surveillance balloon reentered United States airspace over Idaho; Whereas, on February 1, 2023, the Chinese surveillance balloon was seen over Montana; Whereas, on February 2, 2023, the Department of Defense confirmed its detection and tracking of the Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon Whereas, on February 3, 2023, the Chinese surveillance balloon was seen over Missouri; and Whereas, at 2:39 p.m. on February 4, 2023, the United States military shot down the Chinese surveillance balloon using a single AIM9X air-to-air missile fired from a F22 Raptor off the coast of Surfside Beach, South Carolina: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) condemns the Chinese Communist Partys invasion of United States airspace to conduct surveillance; (2) affirms that it is the policy of the United States to protect the sovereignty and integrity of United States airspace from foreign and hostile state actors, especially the People's Republic of China; and (3) calls on the President to be transparent with the American people and Congress regarding this latest spying incident and all other attempts by the Chinese Communist Party to conduct surveillance on United States citizens, territory, and assets. | Expressing the sense of the Senate that the Chinese Communist Partys espionage mission to send a surveillance balloon across the United States, in violation of international law, is unacceptable and should be condemned. |
This resolution designates September 2023 as National Voting Rights Month, encourages people to uphold the right to vote, encourages Congress to pass certain voting rights legislation, recommends the development of a curriculum in public schools and universities regarding voting, expresses appreciation for the U.S. Postal Service having issued a special Representative John R. Lewis stamp, and invites Congress to allocate funds for public service announcements regarding elections. | Designating September 2023 as National Voting Rights Month Whereas voting is 1 of the single most important rights that can be exercised in a democracy; Whereas, over the course of history, various voter suppression laws in the United States have hindered, and even prohibited, certain individuals and groups from exercising the right to vote; Whereas, during the 19th and early 20th centuries, Native Americans and people who were born to United States citizens abroad, people who spoke a language other than English, and people who were formerly subjected to slavery were denied full citizenship and prevented from voting by English literacy tests; Whereas, since the 1870s, minority groups such as Black Americans in the South have suffered from the oppressive effects of Jim Crow laws that were designed to prevent political, economic, and social mobility; Whereas Black Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and other underrepresented voters were subject to violence, poll taxes, literacy tests, all-White primaries, property ownership tests, and grandfather clauses that were designed to suppress the right of those underrepresented individuals to vote; Whereas 5,800,000 people in the United States are currently banned from voting because of a felony conviction, including 1 in 16 Black adults, due to the shameful entanglement of racial injustice in the criminal legal system and voting access in the United States; Whereas members of the aforementioned groups and others are currently, in some cases, subject to intimidation, voter roll purges, and financial barriers that act effectively as modern-day poll taxes; Whereas, in 1965, Congress passed the Voting Rights Act of 1965 ( 52 U.S.C. 10301 et seq. Whereas, in 2013, in the landmark case of Shelby County v. Holder, 570 U.S. 529 (2013), the Supreme Court of the United States invalidated section 4 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 ( 52 U.S.C. 10303 Whereas, since the invalidation of the preclearance formula provision of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 ( 52 U.S.C. 10301 et seq. Whereas gerrymandered districts in many States have been found to have a discriminatory impact on traditionally disenfranchised minorities through tactics that include cracking packing Whereas the courts have found the congressional and, in some cases, State legislative district maps, in Texas, North Carolina, Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, Alabama, and Louisiana to be gerrymandered districts that were created to favor some groups over others; Whereas these restrictive voting laws encompass cutbacks in early voting, voter roll purges, placement of faulty equipment in minority communities, requirement of photo identification, and the elimination of same-day registration; Whereas these policies could outright disenfranchise or make voting much more difficult for more than 80,000,000 minority, elderly, poor, and disabled voters, among other groups; Whereas, in 2016, discriminatory laws in North Carolina, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Texas were ruled to violate the rights of voters and were overturned by the courts; Whereas the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States in Shelby County v. Holder, 570 U.S. 529 (2013), calls on Congress to update the formula in the Voting Rights Act of 1965 ( 52 U.S.C. 10301 et seq. Whereas addressing the challenges of administering future elections requires increasing the accessibility of vote-by-mail and other limited-contact options to ensure access to the ballot and the protection of the health and safety of voters, and access to the ballot amid a global pandemic like the Coronavirus Disease 2019 public health emergency; Whereas Congress must work to combat any attempts to dismantle or underfund the United States Postal Service or obstruct the passage of the mail as blatant tactics of voter suppression and election interference; Whereas following the 2020 elections there has been a relentless attack on the right to vote with more than 400 bills having been introduced to roll back the right to vote, including such bills being introduced in almost every State and at least 44 of such bills having been signed into law in 18 States; Whereas there is much more work to be done to ensure all citizens of the United States have the right to vote through free, fair, and accessible elections, and Congress must exercise its constitutional authority to protect the right to vote; Whereas National Voter Registration Day in 2023 is Tuesday, September 19; and Whereas September 2023 would be an appropriate month (1) to designate as National Voting Rights Month (2) to ensure that, through the registration of voters and awareness of elections, the democracy of the United States includes all citizens of the United States: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates September 2023 as National Voting Rights Month (2) encourages all people in the United States to uphold the right of every citizen to exercise the sacred and fundamental right to vote; (3) encourages Congress to pass (A) the Freedom to Vote Act (S. 1, 118th Congress), to set basic national standards to make sure all people in the United States can cast their ballots in the way that works best for them, regardless of what ZIP Code they live in, improve access to the ballot for people in the United States, advance commonsense election integrity reforms, and protect the democracy of the United States from relentless attacks; (B) the Democracy Restoration Act of 2023 (S. 1677, 118th Congress), to restore Federal voting rights to citizens after release from imprisonment, honoring the responsibilities of citizenship and civic engagement necessary for building healthy and safe communities, while welcoming the contributions of people returning home after imprisonment; and (C) other voting rights legislation that seeks to advance voting rights and protect elections in the United States; (4) recommends that public schools and universities in the United States develop an academic curriculum that educates students about (A) the importance of voting, how to register to vote, where to vote, and the different forms of voting; (B) the history of voter suppression in the United States before and after passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 ( 52 U.S.C. 10301 et seq. (C) current measures that have been taken to restrict the vote; (5) expresses appreciation for the United States Postal Service having issued a special Representative John R. Lewis stamp (A) to honor the life and legacy of Representative John R. Lewis in supporting voting rights; and (B) to remind people in the United States that ordinary citizens risked their lives, marched, and participated in the great democracy of the United States so that all citizens would have the fundamental right to vote; and (6) invites Congress to allocate the requisite funds for public service announcements on television, radio, newspapers, magazines, social media, billboards, buses, and other forms of media (A) to remind people in the United States when elections are being held; (B) to share important registration deadlines; and (C) to urge people to get out and vote. | Designating September 2023 as National Voting Rights Month. |
This resolution designates June 2023 as African American Music Appreciation Month and recognizes the contributions of African Americans to the musical heritage of the United States. | Recognizing the contributions of African Americans to the musical heritage of the United States and the need for greater access to music education for African-American students and designating June 2023 as African-American Music Appreciation Month. Whereas spirituals, ragtime, blues, jazz, gospel, classical composition, and countless other categories of music have been created or enhanced by African Americans and are etched into the history and culture of the United States; Whereas the first Africans transported to the United States came from a variety of ethnic groups with a long history of distinct and cultivated musical traditions, brought musical instruments with them, and built new musical instruments in the United States; Whereas spirituals were a distinct response to the conditions of African slavery in the United States and expressed the longing of slaves for spiritual and bodily freedom, for safety from harm and evil, and for relief from the hardships of slavery; Whereas jazz, arguably the most creative and complex music that the United States has produced, combines the musical traditions of African Americans in New Orleans with the creative flexibility of blues music; Whereas masterful trumpeters Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis achieved national and international recognition with the success of West End Blues So What Whereas Thomas Dorsey, the father of gospel music, used his composing talents to merge sacred and secular styles that created a revolution in music; Whereas talented jazz pianist and vocalist Nathaniel Adams Coles recorded more than 150 singles and sold more than 50,000,000 records; Whereas the talent of Ella Fitzgerald, a winner of 13 Grammy Awards, is epitomized by a rendition of Summertime, a bluesy record accompanied by melodic vocals; Whereas Natalie Cole, the daughter of Nathaniel Adams Coles, achieved musical success in the mid-1970s as a rhythm and blues artist with the hits This Will Be Unforgettable Whereas, in the 1940s, bebop evolved through jam sessions, which included trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie and the alto saxophonist Charlie Parker, that were held at clubs in Harlem, New York, such as Mintons Playhouse; Whereas earlier classical singers such as Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield, one of the first widely known African-American vocalists, and other early African-American singing pioneers, including Nellie Mitchell Brown, Marie Selika Williams, Rachel Walker Turner, Marian Anderson, and Flora Batson Bergen, paved the way for the female African-American concert singers who have achieved great popularity during the last 50 years; Whereas the term rhythm and blues race music Whereas lyrical themes in rhythm and blues often encapsulate the African-American experience of pain, the quest for freedom, joy, triumphs and failures, relationships, economics, and aspiration and were popularized by artists such as Ray Charles, Ruth Brown, Etta James, and Otis Redding; Whereas soul music originated in the African-American community in the late 1950s and early 1960s, combines elements of African-American gospel music, rhythm and blues, and jazz, and was popularized by artists such as Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Bill Withers, and Jackie Wilson; Whereas Motown, founded as a record label in 1959, evolved into a distinctive style known for the Motown Sound Whereas Go-Go, developed by African-American musicians in the mid-1960s, combines funk, soul, and Latin music, was popularized by artists such as Chuck Brown and Rare Essence, and is the official music of Washington, DC Whereas Harry Belafonte, a singer, actor, and activist, and a supporter and confidant of Martin Luther King, Jr., throughout the civil rights movement, influenced by his Caribbean roots, popularized Calypso music in the United States; Whereas, in the early 1970s, the musical style of disco emerged and was popularized by programs such as Soul Train and by artists such as Donna Summer; Whereas reggae is a genre of music that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s and incorporates some of the musical elements of rhythm and blues, jazz, mento, calypso, and African music, and was popularized by artists such as Bob Marley; Whereas rock and roll was developed from African-American musical styles such as gospel and rhythm and blues and was popularized by artists such as Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Little Richard, and Jimi Hendrix; Whereas rap, arguably the most complex and influential form of hip-hop culture, combines blues, jazz, and soul and elements of the African-American musical tradition with Caribbean calypso, dub, and dance hall reggae; Whereas the development and popularity of old-style rap combined confident beats with wordplay and storytelling, highlighting the struggle of African-American youth growing up in underresourced neighborhoods; Whereas Dayton, Ohio, known as the Land of Funk Whereas contemporary rhythm and blues, which originated in the late 1970s and combines elements of pop, rhythm and blues, soul, funk, hip hop, gospel, and electronic dance music, was popularized by artists such as Whitney Houston and Aaliyah; Whereas Prince Rogers Nelson, who was known for electric performances and a wide vocal range, pioneered music that integrated a wide variety of styles, including funk, rock, contemporary rhythm and blues, new wave, soul, psychedelia, and pop; Whereas the incredible Billie Holiday created a cultural reset by recording Strange Fruit Whereas the talented jazz artist Duke Ellington pushed boundaries with his hits It Dont Mean a Thing if It Aint Got That Swing Sophisticated Lady Whereas Sister Rosetta Tharpe, known as the Godmother of Rock n Roll Whereas Tina Turner, known as the Queen of Rock n Roll Whereas trailblazer Florence Price was the first noted African-American female composer to gain national status and the first African-American woman to have her composed work performed by a major national symphony orchestra; Whereas the classical singer Marian Anderson broke down racial barriers by performing at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939 after being denied the opportunity to sing in front of an integrated audience at the Daughters of the American Revolution Constitution Hall in Washington, DC; Whereas country music singer Charley Pride was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000 and has had more than 40 hits reach number 1 on the country charts; Whereas Nina Simone, one of the most prominent and extraordinary soul singers, has music spanning more than 4 decades that impacted generations with detailed story-telling; Whereas musician Bobby McFerrin brought joy to audiences everywhere with his smash hit Dont Worry Be Happy Whereas famous saxophone player John Coltrane made his impact on genres like bebop, jazz, and rhythm and blues through his work such as A Love Supreme Whereas David Jolicoeur, also known as Trugoy the Dove, was a founding member of hip-hop groups De La Soul and Native Tongues and used his passion for rap music to spread positive messages within his community; Whereas musical force Marvin Gaye used his versatility as an artist to produce hits like I Heard It Through the Grapevine Aint No Mountain High Enough Whereas, a recent study by the National Arts Education Data Project found that 13 percent of schools with a predominately African-American student population have no access to music education; Whereas African-American students scored the lowest of all ethnicities in the most recent National Assessment for Educational Progress arts assessment; Whereas African-American students often receive a music education that does not reflect their own culture; Whereas students who are eligible for the school lunch program established under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq. Whereas a study found that (1) nearly 2/3 (2) only 7 percent of music teacher licensure candidates were African American; and Whereas students of color face many barriers to accessing music education and training, especially students in large urban public schools: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) recognizes (A) the contributions of African Americans to the musical heritage of the United States; (B) the wide array of talented and popular African-American musical artists, composers, songwriters, and musicians who are underrecognized for contributions to music; (C) the achievements, talent, and hard work of African-American pioneer artists and the obstacles that those artists overcame to gain recognition; (D) the need for African-American students to have greater access to, and participation in, music education in schools across the United States; and (E) Black History Month and African-American Music Appreciation Month as an important time (i) to celebrate the impact of the African-American musical heritage on the musical heritage of the United States; and (ii) to encourage greater access to music education so that the next generation may continue to greatly contribute to the musical heritage of the United States; and (2) designates June 2023 as African-American Music Appreciation Month | Recognizing the contributions of African Americans to the musical heritage of the United States and the need for greater access to music education for African-American students and designating June 2023 as African-American Music Appreciation Month. |
This resolution supports the designation of February 1, 2023, as George Washington Carver Day to celebrate and commemorate George Washington Carver's enduring legacy and contributions to the United States. | Expressing support for the designation of February 1, 2023, as George Washington Carver Day Whereas George Washington Carver was one of the greatest agricultural scientists and humanitarians in the United States in the 20th century; Whereas George Washington Carver was born enslaved in Missouri circa 1864 and eventually pursued higher education at Simpson College in Iowa; Whereas George Washington Carver was the first Black student and first Black faculty member at Iowa State University and later earned international renown at Tuskegee University in Alabama where he served as a faculty member for more than 45 years and as Agricultural Director; Whereas George Washington Carver gained an international reputation for his research, teaching, and outreach and created hundreds of agricultural products, including new varieties of peanuts, soybeans, sweet potatoes, and other crops; and Whereas the humanitarian efforts of George Washington Carver changed the lives of countless farmers and families in poverty: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate supports the designation of February 1, 2023, as George Washington Carver Day | Expressing support for the designation of February 1, 2023, as George Washington Carver Day. |
This resolution supports the designation of Parkinson's Awareness Month. | Expressing support for the designation of April 2023 as Parkinsons Awareness Month Whereas Parkinsons disease (1) affects more than 1,000,000 individuals in the United States; (2) is the fastest-growing and second most common neurodegenerative disease in the world; (3) is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, but the exact cause in most individuals is still unknown; and (4) is the 14th leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Whereas it is estimated that, by 2037, the number of individuals with Parkinsons disease in the United States will nearly double, and the disease will cost the United States at least $80,000,000,000 annually; Whereas the symptoms of Parkinsons disease can include dementia and cognitive impairment, tremors, slowness of movement and rigidity, gait and balance difficulties, speech and swallowing difficulties, depression, and a variety of other symptoms; Whereas there are millions of family caregivers, friends, and loved ones whose lives are greatly affected by Parkinsons disease; and Whereas more research, education, and community support services are needed to (1) find better treatments and a cure for Parkinsons disease; and (2) maintain dignity for those living with the disease today: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) expresses support for the designation of April 2023 as Parkinson's Awareness Month (2) supports the goals and ideals of Parkinsons Awareness Month; (3) continues to support research to find better treatments and a cure for Parkinsons disease; (4) recognizes the individuals living with Parkinsons disease who participate in vital clinical trials to advance the knowledge of the disease; and (5) commends the dedication of organizations, volunteers, researchers, and millions of individuals across the country working to improve the quality of life of people living with Parkinsons disease and their families. | Expressing support for the designation of April 2023 as Parkinsons Awareness Month. |
This resolution addresses constitutional concerns related to Article V of the North Atlantic Treaty, which provides for collective action by NATO members when a member is attacked. Specifically, the resolution expresses that, even if the President determines it is necessary to engage U.S. forces in hostilities in order to meet U.S. obligations under Article V, such action does not supersede the constitutional requirement that Congress declare war or authorize the use of military force prior to the United States engaging in hostilities. | Expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the relationship between certain obligations under the North Atlantic Treaty and constitutional declarations of war by Congress. That it is the sense of the Senate that, pursuant to article 11 of the North Atlantic Treaty, done at Washington, District of Columbia, on April 4, 1949 (63 Stat. 2241; 34 U.N.T.S. 243), if the President determines it necessary to engage United States forces in hostilities in order to restore or maintain the security of the North Atlantic area as stated in article 5 of such treaty, such action does not supersede the constitutional requirement that Congress declare war or authorize the use of military force prior to the United States engaging in hostilities. | Expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the relationship between certain obligations under the North Atlantic Treaty and constitutional declarations of war by Congress. |
This resolution designates 2024 as the Year of Democracy. | Designating 2024 as the Year of Democracy as a time to reflect on the contributions of the system of Government of the United States to a more free and stable world. Whereas 2,000 years after the ancient Greeks laid the groundwork for democracy, the founders of the United States built an even greater system of Government, a democratic republic, propelling the United States to become the most advanced nation in human history; Whereas the model of Government of the United States has been reproduced around the world; Whereas Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln, respectively, described democracy as the light that led us out of gothic darkness last best hope Whereas recent life-threatening and life-altering attacks and threats against political figures and public servants speak loudly to the necessity of maintaining mutual respect and civility for the right of an opponent to advocate for or oppose policies; Whereas the ardent pursuit of ones policies is not diminished whatsoever by the exercise of respect and civility that assures the maintenance of our democracy and freedoms; Whereas President John F. Kennedy said, we must remember on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness Whereas, according to the 2022 Freedom House report, only about 20 percent of the global population now live in free Whereas the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights, including the addition of the Reconstruction Era amendments, enshrine the rights and civil liberties of the citizens of the United States, including the right to vote in free and fair elections; Whereas the perpetuation of the ideals of democracy does not happen on its own and can be stalled or reversed; Whereas surveys show citizens of the United States are losing faith in the democratic system; Whereas former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day OConnor said, The practice of democracy is not passed down through the gene pool. It must be taught and learned anew by each generation of citizens. Whereas President Ronald Reagan said, Democracy is worth dying for, because its the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man. Whereas Congressman John R. Lewis said in his final words to the United States, Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation must do its part to help build what we called the Beloved Community, a nation and world society at peace with itself. Whereas World War II demonstrated the fragility of democracy and the civilized life that accompanies democracy; Whereas British Prime Minister Winston Churchill observed that, Indeed it has been said that democracy is the worst form of Government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time Whereas President George Washington said the United States must recognize the immense value of the National Union and work towards preservation of that Union with jealous anxiety teaching the people themselves to know and to value their own rights Whereas President Thomas Jefferson wrote, Educate and inform the whole mass of the people They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty. Whereas the Government of the United States must teach and educate the people by taking appropriate actions to highlight and emphasize the importance of democratic principles and civility in the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by the people of the United States: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates 2024 as the Year of Democracy (2) encourages States and local governments to designate 2024 as the Year of Democracy (3) recognizes the celebration of the Year of Democracy (4) encourages the people of the United States to observe the Year of Democracy (A) provide appreciation for the system of Government of the United States; (B) demonstrate that the people of the United States shall never forget the sacrifices made by past generations of people of the United States to preserve the freedoms and principles of the United States; and (C) remind our citizens that those with differing political opinions are often their neighbors, fellow religious congregants, and extended family members with whom they share many life values and can respectfully disagree. | Designating 2024 as the Year of Democracy as a time to reflect on the contributions of the system of Government of the United States to a more free and stable world. |
This resolution designates September 2023 as National Student Parent Month. | Designating September 2023 as National Student Parent Month Whereas student parents are individuals who have children and who attend postsecondary educational institutions; Whereas student parents make up roughly 1/5 Whereas 70 percent of student parents are women, and 62 percent of student mothers are single parents; Whereas 54 percent of single mothers who are enrolled at an institution of higher education work 20 hours or more per week and 43 percent work 30 hours or more per week, which requires those individuals to balance school, work, and caring for their dependents; Whereas 51 percent of student parents are students of color, particularly female students of color, with mothers representing (1) 40 percent of Black postsecondary students; (2) 36 percent of American Indian and Alaska Native postsecondary students; (3) 35 percent of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander postsecondary students; and (4) 26 percent of Hispanic postsecondary students; Whereas 47 percent of student parents are military-connected students; Whereas approximately 794 surviving military spouses are using education benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs for surviving dependents; Whereas 84 percent of military spouses have some college education or credential and, on average, make 25 percent less than their civilian counterparts; Whereas 42 percent of student parents attend community colleges and 30 percent attend public or private nonprofit 4-year institutions of higher education; Whereas the cohort of single mothers currently enrolled in higher education will save approximately $19,900,000,000 in public assistance spending; Whereas 53 percent of student parents report food insecurity, and 68 percent report housing insecurity; Whereas 2/3 Whereas, on average, student parents have higher grade point averages than their non-parenting peers, but student parents are 10 times less likely to complete a bachelors degree within 5 years than students without children; Whereas a low-income student parent who earns a degree or credential boosts the income of that individual and the earning potential of the children of that individual when those children become adults; and Whereas student parents are uniquely motivated to excel in their courses of study but often face challenges, including lack of affordable child care and balancing work responsibilities while attending postsecondary educational institutions: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) expresses support for the contributions and achievements of student parents in seeking and completing a postsecondary education; and (2) designates September 2023 as National Student Parent Month | Designating September 2023 as National Student Parent Month. |
This resolution designates April 2023 as Preserving and Protecting Local News Month. | Designating April 2023 as Preserving and Protecting Local News Month Whereas the United States was founded on the principle of freedom of the press enshrined in the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which declares that Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press . . . Whereas an informed citizenry depends on accurate and unbiased news reporting to inform the judgment of the people; Whereas a robust, diverse, and sustainable local news presence leads to civic engagement and the buttressing of democratic norms and practices; Whereas the absence of local news outlets and investigative reporting allows local government corruption and corporate malfeasance to go unchecked; Whereas local journalists help combat disinformation by using their community knowledge and connections to debunk fraudulent or misleading content; Whereas local cable franchises routinely provide for public educational and government access channels on their systems, and those channels (1) offer vital local civic programming that informs communities; (2) provide news and information not often available on other local broadcast channels or cable; (3) supplement local journalism; and (4) at times, are the only source for local news; Whereas the people of the United States trust local news sources by a 2-to-1 margin; Whereas, according to recent research (1) the United States has lost more than 2,500 local print outlets since 2005, which accounts for 1/4 1/3 (2) an average of more than 2 local print outlets are being shuttered every week in the United States; (3) more than 200 of the 3,143 counties and county equivalents in the United States have no local newspaper at all, creating a news shortage for the 4,000,000 residents of those areas; (4) of the remaining counties in the United States, more than 1/2 2/3 (5) more than 1/2 1/3 (6) of the surviving 6,700 newspapers in the United States, not fewer than 1,000 qualify as ghost newspapers (7) rural counties are among the counties most deeply impacted by the loss of local reporting, as more than 500 of the 2,500 newspapers that have closed or merged since 2005 are in rural counties; Whereas, while overall employment in newspaper, television, radio, and digital newsrooms dropped by roughly 26 percent, or 30,000 jobs, between 2008 and 2020, the plunge in newspaper newsrooms alone was much worse at 57 percent, or 40,000 jobs, during that same time period; Whereas the number of news employees in the radio broadcasting industry dropped by 26 percent between 2008 and 2020; Whereas digital native publications have laid off hundreds of journalists, and many of those publications have shuttered during the last year; Whereas beat reporting, meaning the day-to-day coverage of a particular field that allows a journalist to develop expertise and cultivate sources, has ceased to be a viable career for would-be journalists due to the decimation of newsroom budgets; Whereas requests submitted under section 552 of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred to as Freedom of Information Act requests Whereas newspapers alone lost more than $39,800,000,000 in advertising revenue between 2005 and 2020; Whereas the sponsorship revenue of all-news radio stations dropped by 25 percent between 2019 and 2021; Whereas there remains a significant gender disparity in newsroom employment, with women comprising approximately 1/3 Whereas women who are local television news anchors and reporters, especially women of color, are often subject to harassment and stalking; Whereas, across the United States, there are 195 newspapers published by and for Black readers, and, in recent years, many of those newspapers have seen (1) significant losses in advertising revenue as small businesses in their communities were forced to close; and (2) declines in circulation due to the closures of businesses in their communities; Whereas the number of Black journalists working at daily newspapers dropped by 40 percent between 1997 and 2014, more than for any other demographic group; Whereas the number of print media sources published by and for American Indian readers has shrunk dramatically in recent years, from 700 media outlets in 1998 to only 200 in 2018; Whereas Tribally owned news outlets are often dependent on Tribal governments for funding, but most of those outlets lack the policy structure necessary to fully protect journalistic independence; Whereas a 2018 survey by the Native American Journalists Association found that 83 percent of respondents believed that Native press coverage of Tribal government affairs was sometimes, frequently, or always censored; Whereas there are more than 550 Latino news media outlets in the United States, and those news media outlets rely primarily on a declining advertising revenue base; Whereas the lack of local news impacts communities that speak languages other than English, which are often excluded from national media coverage; Whereas more than 100 local newsrooms have closed during the COVID19 pandemic; Whereas the COVID19 pandemic took a substantial economic toll on the local news industry, contributing to budget cuts, staff layoffs, and scores of newsroom closures, from which the industry has yet to fully recover; Whereas PEN America proposed a major reimagining of the local news space Losing the News: The Decimation of Local Journalism and the Search for Solutions Whereas, half a century ago, Congress perceived that the commercial television industry would not independently provide the educational and public interest broadcasting that was appropriate and necessary for the country, and, informed by an independent report prepared by the Carnegie Commission on Educational Television, created the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which has since ensured that radio and television include public interest educational and reporting programs using annually appropriated funds: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates April 2023 as Preserving and Protecting Local News Month (2) affirms that local news serves an essential function in the democracy of the United States; (3) recognizes local news as a public good; and (4) acknowledges the valuable contributions of local journalism towards the maintenance of healthy and vibrant communities. | Designating April 2023 as Preserving and Protecting Local News Month and recognizing the importance and significance of local news. |
This resolution designates April 2023 as Financial Literacy Month. | Designating April 2023 as Financial Literacy Month Whereas, according to the report entitled Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2021 Whereas, according to the 2021 Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation National Survey of Unbanked and Underbanked Households (1) approximately 4.5 percent of households, representing 5,900,000 households in the United States, are unbanked and, therefore, have limited or no access to savings, lending, and other basic financial services; and (2) an estimated 14.1 percent of households, representing 18,700,000 million households in the United States, are underbanked; Whereas, according to the 2021 Consumer Financial Literacy and Preparedness Survey of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling and Wells Fargo (1) 47 percent of the general population in the United States report having credit card debt; (2) 38 percent of adults in the United States report carrying credit card balances from month-to-month; and (3) 44 percent of the general population in the United States have a budget and keep close track of expenses, such as food, housing, and entertainment; Whereas, according to a report entitled Financial Capability of Adults with Disabilities Whereas, according to the statistical release of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for the fourth quarter of 2022 entitled Household Debt and Credit (1) outstanding household debt in the United States has increased by $2,750,000,000,000 since the end of 2019; (2) outstanding student loan balances have more than doubled in the last decade to nearly $1,600,000,000,000; and (3) the share of debt newly transitioning into delinquency increased for nearly all debt types, following 2 years of historically low delinquency transitions; Whereas, according to the 2022 report entitled Survey of the States: Economic and Personal Finance Education in Our Nations Schools (1) only 25 States require students to take an economics course as a high school graduation requirement; and (2) only 23 States require students to take a personal finance course as a high school graduation requirement, either independently or as part of an economics course; Whereas expanding access to the safe, mainstream financial system will provide individuals with less expensive and more secure options for managing finances and building wealth; Whereas quality personal financial education is essential to ensure that individuals are prepared (1) to make sound money management decisions about credit, debt, insurance, financial transactions, and planning for the future; and (2) to become responsible workers, heads of household, investors, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and citizens; Whereas financial education in schools in the United States is critical to a long-term financial inclusion strategy to reach students who are not able to get sufficient personal finance guidance at home; Whereas, according to the 2021 report entitled Game Changer: The Evaluation of the Jump$tart Financial Foundations for Educators Professional Development Program Whereas increased financial literacy (1) empowers individuals to make wise financial decisions; and (2) reduces the confusion caused by an increasingly complex economy; Whereas a greater understanding of, and familiarity with, financial markets and institutions will lead to increased economic activity and growth; and Whereas, in 2003, Congress (1) determined that coordinating Federal financial literacy efforts and formulating a national strategy is important; and (2) in light of that determination, passed the Financial Literacy and Education Improvement Act ( 20 U.S.C. 9701 et seq. That the Senate (1) designates April 2023 as Financial Literacy Month (A) the importance of personal financial education in the United States; and (B) the serious consequences that may result from a lack of understanding about personal finances; and (2) calls on the Federal Government, States, localities, schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and the people of the United States to observe Financial Literacy Month with appropriate programs and activities. | Designating April 2023 as Financial Literacy Month. |
This resolution recognizes Tunisia as the symbolic birthplace of the Arab Spring movement and commends the Tunisian people for their courage and democratic achievements. It also expresses concern for recent reversals of such democratic gains and urges Tunisia to release all political prisoners and to respect the rights of people to free exercise of peaceful assembly, expression, and the press. | Recognizing Tunisias leadership in the Arab Spring and expressing support for upholding its democratic principles and norms. Whereas Tunisia gained its independence from France on March 20, 1956, with Habib Bourguiba serving as Prime Minister, before becoming Tunisias first President in 1957; Whereas President Bourguiba led Tunisia through independence and the ensuing 30 years, a period that included vast social reforms and restrictions on civil society and democratic participation; Whereas, in 1987, Prime Minister Zine El Abdine Ben Ali deposed President Bourguiba and named himself President of Tunisia, citing Bourguibas incompetence and failing health to justify his undemocratic actions; Whereas President Ben Ali was subsequently elected in 1989 and 1994 without genuine opposition, and was re-elected in 1999, 2004, and 2009 by implausibly high vote margins in election processes that were widely deemed as neither free nor fair; Whereas President Ben Alis rule was marred by gross human rights violations and a lack of democratic freedoms; Whereas, the 2003 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, released by the Department of State on February 25, 2004, stated, referring to Tunisia (1) Elections are regularly characterized by notable irregularities, including voter intimidation, and there is no secret ballot. (2) Security forces physically abused, intimidated, and harassed citizens who voiced public criticism of the Government. (3) The Government continued to impose significant restrictions on freedom of speech and the press. (4) The Government remained intolerant of public criticism and used physical abuse, criminal investigations, the court system, arbitrary arrests, residential restrictions, and travel controls (including denial of passports) to discourage criticism by human rights and opposition activists. Whereas, on December 17, 2010, 26-year-old fruit and vegetable street vendor Mohamed Bouazizi lit himself on fire in desperate protest in Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia, an act that was largely seen as the beginning of the Arab Spring movement that spread throughout the region; Whereas ensuing popular protests in Tunisia in response to corruption, repression, and economic failure (1) forced the resignation of President Ben Ali from the office of president; (2) ended his 23-year rule; and (3) further inspired similar pent up democratic demands throughout the Arab world; Whereas Tunisia emerged from the Arab Spring as one of the most hopeful and promising reformed democracies in the region, including with an interim government and a Constituent Assembly responsible for drafting a new constitution and fostering political compromise for a future democratic government; Whereas, in February 2011, Senator John McCain urged United States support for Tunisias democratic transition, noting The revolution in Tunisia has been very successful and it has become a model for the region. Whereas, in March 2011, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon pledged full support for Tunisias transition to democracy, hailing the countrys revolution as the spark that lit the profound and dramatic changes Whereas, on January 26, 2014, the Constituent Assembly of Tunisia adopted a new constitution demonstrating consensus for building a democracy founded on freedom and equality; Whereas the new constitution of Tunisia includes Articles that (1) give equal rights to men and women; (2) protection freedoms of assembly, peaceful demonstration, expression, and publication; and (3) outline an electoral system and representation for the Tunisian people with checks and balances; Whereas, in November 2014, Tunisia held its first genuinely free and fair presidential election since its independence in 1956, with 27 candidates freely competing for the office of president; Whereas longtime politician Beji Caid Essebsi won the election in a runoff with 55 percent of the vote, becoming Tunisias first legitimately elected president since independence; Whereas President Essebsi faced many difficult challenges, including economic turmoil, terrorist attacks, and public expectations for change; Whereas public disillusionment with the countrys political elites increased amid continued corruption and devastating acts of terrorism that severely hurt the tourism industry and larger economy; Whereas political outsider and constitutional law professor Kais Saied won the presidential election held on October 13, 2019, and was sworn into office 10 days later in a peaceful transfer of power; Whereas, by 2021, protests in response to worsening economic conditions, further exacerbated by the COVID19 pandemic, occurred across cities in Tunisia, to which the police responded violently; Whereas, in July 2021, President Saied capitalized on unrest to unilaterally seize power by (1) dismissing Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi; (2) suspending Parliament for 30 days; and (3) assuming full executive authority without first consulting the government; Whereas, in late 2021, President Saied indefinitely suspended Parliament and transferred all legislative powers to himself; Whereas, in early 2022, President Saied continued to undermine Tunisias democratic institutions, including by taking control of the Independent High Authority for Elections and dissolving the High Judicial Council; Whereas, in July 2022, President Saied unilaterally put to a referendum a new draft constitution, which (1) consolidated power to the presidency; (2) limited parliamentary authority; and (3) diminished judicial independence; Whereas the new draft constitution was approved despite remarkably low voter turnout and heavy domestic and international criticism surrounding the lack of genuine debate throughout the drafting process; Whereas, between 2021 to 2023, Tunisia experienced (1) a dramatic drop in voter participation and public confidence in the political process; and (2) an escalation in politically motivated arrests of political opponents, judges, lawyers, journalists, and business leaders; and Whereas President Saieds actions have dramatically undermined and threatened Tunisias nascent democratic institutions: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) recognizes Tunisia as the symbolic birthplace of the historic Arab Spring movement and the countrys notable democratic reforms that emerged during the Arab Spring period; (2) commends the Tunisian people for their courage and democratic achievements made in the immediate years following the Arab Spring; (3) expresses deep concern for more recent reversals of such democratic gains, including (A) the erosion of judicial independence; (B) political repression and arrests; and (C) the undemocratic consolidation of power; (4) urges the Government of Tunisia (A) to release all political prisoners; and (B) to respect the rights of the people to free exercise of peaceful assembly, expression, and the press; and (5) calls on the Government of Tunisia to support a transparent and open 2024 presidential election process. | Recognizing Tunisias leadership in the Arab Spring and expressing support for upholding its democratic principles and norms. |
This resolution recognizes September 19, 2023, as National Voter Registration Day and encourages those eligible to vote to register, verify their personal information on record with local election officials, and vote. | Recognizing September 19, 2023, as National Voter Registration Day That the Senate (1) recognizes September 19, 2023, as National Voter Registration Day (2) encourages each voting-eligible citizen of the United States (A) to register to vote; (B) to verify with the appropriate State or local election official that the name, address, and other personal information on record is current; and (C) to go to the polls on election day and vote if the voting-eligible citizen would like to do so. | Recognizing September 19, 2023, as National Voter Registration Day. |
This resolution designates the week beginning September 17, 2023, as Telehealth Awareness Week. | Supporting the designation of the week of September 17 through September 23, 2023, as Telehealth Awareness Week Whereas telehealth allows a health care practitioner to furnish health care to a patient or a practitioner at a different physical location than the health care practitioner; Whereas telehealth played a significant role in supporting access to quality health care for millions of patients during the COVID19 public health emergency and continues to be important beyond the end of the public health emergency; Whereas Medicare beneficiaries used 88 times more telehealth services during the first year of the COVID19 pandemic than they did in the prior year; Whereas more than 8,000,000 unique Medicare beneficiaries received at least 1 telehealth service in 2022; Whereas, in 2022, over 90 percent of Medicare beneficiaries who received a telehealth service were satisfied with their experience; Whereas, in 2022, telehealth was a routine health care modality with 15 percent of Medicare beneficiaries using telehealth in the last quarter of the calendar year; Whereas, following the unprecedented use of telehealth services in response to the public health emergency, telehealth now represents a critical component of health care delivery; Whereas legislative efforts to increase telehealth access have received bipartisan support in the Senate and the House of Representatives; Whereas the United States has an opportunity to help improve access to health care for all individuals, including members of rural and underserved communities; and Whereas Telehealth Awareness Week That the Senate (1) designates the week of September 17 through September 23, 2023, as Telehealth Awareness Week (2) recognizes the impact of telehealth in delivering health care for patients across the United States; and (3) urges that steps should be taken to (A) raise awareness about the benefits of telehealth; (B) highlight resources for health care providers and patients regarding telehealth; (C) collect and analyze data on the impacts of telehealth; and (D) promote continued access to telehealth for all communities and across settings. | Supporting the designation of the week of September 17 through September 23, 2023, as Telehealth Awareness Week. |
This resolution celebrates the 246th anniversary of the creation of the U.S. flag, recognizes that the Pledge of Allegiance has been a valuable part of life for the people of the United States for generations, and defends the constitutionality of the pledge. | Celebrating the 246th anniversary of the creation of the flag of the United States and expressing support for the Pledge of Allegiance. Whereas, on June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress approved the design of a flag of the United States; Whereas, over the years, the flag of the United States has preserved the standards of the original design comprised of alternating red and white stripes accompanied by a union consisting of white stars on a field of blue; Whereas, on May 30, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued Presidential Proclamation 1335, an announcement asking the people of the United States to observe June 14 as Flag Day; Whereas, on August 3, 1949, President Harry Truman signed into law House Joint Resolution 170, 81st Congress, a joint resolution designating June 14 of each year as Flag Day; Whereas, on August 21, 1959, President Dwight Eisenhower issued Executive Order 10834 (24 Fed. Reg. 6865), an order establishing the most recent design of the flag of the United States; Whereas the Pledge of Allegiance was written by Francis Bellamy, a Baptist minister, and first published in the September 8, 1892, issue of The Youth's Companion; Whereas, in 1954, Congress added the words under God Whereas, for more than 60 years, the Pledge of Allegiance has included references to the United States flag, to the United States having been established as a union under God liberty and justice for all Whereas, in 1954, Congress believed it was acting constitutionally when it revised the Pledge of Allegiance; Whereas the United States was founded on principles of religious freedom by the Founders, many of whom were deeply religious; Whereas the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States embodies principles intended to guarantee freedom of religion through the free exercise thereof and by prohibiting the Government from establishing a religion; Whereas patriotic songs, engravings on United States legal tender, and engravings on Federal buildings also contain general references to God Whereas, in Elk Grove Unified School District v. Newdow, 542 U.S. 1 (2004), the Supreme Court of the United States overturned the decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in Newdow v. U.S. Congress, 328 F.3d 466 (9th Cir. 2003), a case in which the Ninth Circuit concluded that recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by a public school teacher violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States; Whereas the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit subsequently concluded that (1) the previous opinion of that court in Newdow v. U.S. Congress, 328 F.3d 466 (9th Cir. 2003) was no longer binding precedent; (2) case law from the Supreme Court of the United States concerning the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States had subsequently changed after the decision in Elk Grove Unified School District v. Newdow, 542 U.S. 1 (2004); and (3) Congress, in passing the new version of the Pledge of Allegiance, had established a secular purpose for the use of the term under God Whereas, in light of those conclusions, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upheld the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by public school teachers: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) celebrates the 246th anniversary of the creation of the flag of the United States; (2) recognizes that the Pledge of Allegiance has been a valuable part of life for the people of the United States for generations; and (3) affirms that the Pledge of Allegiance is a constitutional expression of patriotism and strongly defends the constitutionality of the Pledge of Allegiance. | Celebrating the 246th anniversary of the creation of the flag of the United States and expressing support for the Pledge of Allegiance. |
This resolution celebrates the successes and contributions of Latinas in the United States and recognizes the changes still to be made to ensure that Latinas can realize their full potential as equal members of society. | Recognizing the heritage, culture, and contributions of Latinas in the United States. Whereas the United States celebrates National Womens History Month every March to recognize and honor the achievements of women throughout the history of the United States; Whereas there are nearly 30,000,000 Latinas living in the United States; Whereas 1 in 6 women in the United States is a Latina; Whereas Latinas have helped shape the history of the United States since its inception; Whereas Latinas contribute to the society of the United States through working in many industries, including business, education, science and technology, medicine, engineering, mathematics, literature and the arts, the military, agriculture, hospitality, and public service; Whereas Latinas served as essential workers during the COVID19 pandemic, filling vital positions that keep the economy going and the people of the United States safe; Whereas Latinas come from diverse cultures across North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, and Afro-Latinas face disparities in recognition; Whereas Latinas are dedicated public servants, holding posts at the highest levels of the Federal Government, including the Supreme Court of the United States, Cabinet-level positions, the United States Senate, and the United States House of Representatives; Whereas there are approximately 45,710 active duty Latinas in the Armed Forces, and the first Latina to become a general in the Marine Corps reached that rank in 2006; Whereas Latinas are breaking the glass ceiling in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, with the first Latina to travel into space doing so during a 9-day Space Shuttle Discovery mission in 1993; Whereas Latinas own more than 2,000,000 businesses, and 18 percent of all women-owned companies in the United States are owned by a Latina; Whereas Latina activists have led the fight for civil rights, including labor rights, LGBTQ rights, womens rights, and racial equality; Whereas Latinas like Hollywood icon Raquel Welch have created award-winning art; Whereas Latinas are recipients of Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards, including Rita Moreno, who earned all 4 awards between 1961 and 1977; Whereas Latina singers and songwriters, such as Selena, Celia Cruz, Shakira, and Linda Ronstadt, have made lasting and significant contributions to music throughout the world; Whereas Latinas serve in the medical profession, and the first female and first Hispanic Surgeon General of the United States was appointed in 1990; Whereas Latinas serve as journalists, reporting vital news and information to the public; Whereas Latinas are world-class athletes, representing the United States in the Olympics and other international competitions; Whereas Latinas are paid just 57 cents for every dollar paid to White, non-Hispanic men, and Latinas will not achieve equal pay at the current rate for another 432 years; Whereas, in the face of societal obstacles, including unequal pay, disparities in education, health care needs, and civil rights struggles, Latinas continue to break through and thrive; Whereas the United States should continue to invest in the future of Latinas to address the barriers they face; and Whereas, by 2060, Latinas will represent 1/4 That the Senate (1) celebrates and honors the successes of Latinas and the contributions they have made and continue to make to the United States; and (2) recognizes the changes that are still to be made to ensure that Latinas can realize their full potential as equal members of society. | Recognizing the heritage, culture, and contributions of Latinas in the United States. |
This resolution designates June 8, 2023, as National Seersucker Day. The resolution also designates Seersucker Thursday and Seersucker Appreciation Month. Further, the resolution (1) recognizes the contributions of the hard-working people of the United States through the wearing of seersucker, the warm weather clothing known as the working person's uniform; and (2) encourages local governments to partner with local organizations and other members of the clothing industries and enthusiasts to promote the wearing of seersucker. | Designating June 8, 2023, as National Seersucker Day Seersucker Thursday Seersucker Appreciation Month Whereas seersucker was introduced to the United States in the South in the middle of the 19th century; Whereas seersucker suits were popularized in the United States in the early 1900s by New Orleans businessman Joseph Haspel at his Broad Street facility in New Orleans, Louisiana; Whereas, as a lightweight, hard-wearing fabric, seersucker is mostly worn and enjoyed by the people of the United States during hot summer months; Whereas former Senator Trent Lott of Mississippi brought Seersucker Thursday to Congress in 1996, and after the day went unobserved in 2012 and 2013, then-Representative Bill Cassidy revived the tradition in the House of Representatives in 2014 and, with the help of Senator Dianne Feinstein, has continued the tradition ever since; Whereas the name seersucker shir-o-shakar milk and sugar Whereas the seersucker textile is made of cotton, linen, or silk (or combinations thereof), woven on a loom with threads at different tensions, creating alternating stripes of smooth and puckered textures that do not lay flat on one's skin, which is what makes the fabric so breathable; and Whereas one of the two alternating stripes in seersucker is frequently in a color, typically blue, but sometimes gray, green, tan, red, pink, or another color, which, in combination with the white stripes, creates the iconic pattern so well known today: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates June 8, 2023, as National Seersucker Day; (2) designates every Thursday after National Seersucker Day through the last Thursday in August 2023 as Seersucker Thursday (3) designates June 2023 as Seersucker Appreciation Month (4) recognizes the contributions of the hard-working people of the United States through the wearing of seersucker, the unique warm weather clothing known as the working persons uniform; (5) encourages Senators to support the objective of National Seersucker Day and Seersucker Thursday; (6) encourages local governments in the United States to build partnerships with local organizations and other members of the clothing industries and enthusiasts to promote the wearing of seersucker; and (7) invites the people of the United States to don their warm weather finest on National Seersucker Day and every Seersucker Thursday. | Designating June 8, 2023, as National Seersucker Day, designating every Thursday after National Seersucker Day through the last Thursday in August 2023 as Seersucker Thursday, and designating June 2023 as Seersucker Appreciation Month. |
This resolution designates the week beginning on February 5, 2023, as National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week. | Designating the week beginning February 5, 2023, as National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week Whereas there are 35 accredited Tribal Colleges and Universities operating on more than 90 campuses in 15 States; Whereas Tribal Colleges and Universities are tribally chartered or federally chartered institutions of higher education and therefore have a unique relationship with the Federal Government; Whereas Tribal Colleges and Universities serve students from more than 230 federally recognized Indian Tribes; Whereas Tribal Colleges and Universities offer students access to knowledge and skills grounded in cultural traditions and values, including indigenous languages, which (1) enhances Indian communities; and (2) enriches the United States as a Nation; Whereas Tribal Colleges and Universities provide access to high-quality postsecondary educational opportunities for (1) American Indians; (2) Alaska Natives; and (3) other individuals that live in some of the most isolated and economically depressed areas in the United States; Whereas Tribal Colleges and Universities are accredited institutions of higher education that prepare students to succeed in the global and highly competitive workforce; Whereas Tribal Colleges and Universities have open enrollment policies, and approximately 15 percent of the students at Tribal Colleges and Universities are non-Indian individuals; and Whereas the collective mission and the considerable achievements of Tribal Colleges and Universities deserve national recognition: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates the week beginning February 5, 2023, as National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week (2) calls on the people of the United States and interested groups to observe National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week | Designating the week beginning February 5, 2023, as National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week. |
This resolution recognizes the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Department of Defense State Partnership Program and its outsized influence in developing and supporting enduring relationships around the world. The resolution also expresses deep gratitude for the service of members of the National Guard to the program. | Recognizing the historic significance of the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Department of Defense State Partnership Program. Whereas the Department of Defense State Partnership Program (referred to in this preamble as the State Partnership Program Whereas members of the National Guard work with partner militaries to bolster capabilities, improve interoperability, and enhance principles of responsible governance; Whereas the State Partnership Program delivers a significant return on investment by broadening the pool of security partners who are willing and able to support defense and security cooperation objectives of the United States around the world; Whereas most of the earliest State Partnership Program partner countries in Europe have gone on to become United States allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and many of them credit the State Partnership Program and their National Guard State partners with helping to make that possible; Whereas the State Partnership Program helps ensure that the Department of Defense has capable, trusted, and interoperable partners; Whereas the State Partnership Program has created 88 enduring, cost-effective partnerships with 100 nations encompassing over 1/2 Whereas members of the National Guard typically engage in more than 1,000 State Partnership Program events per year; Whereas the National Guard Bureau is working with the commanders of the combatant commands and the Department of State to increase State Partnership Program partnerships by 2 nations per year for the next 15 years; and Whereas commanders of the combatant commands and United States ambassadors strongly endorse the State Partnership Program for cultivating long-term relationships with partners: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) recognizes the historic significance of the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Department of Defense State Partnership Program; (2) expresses deep gratitude for the continuing service by members of the National Guard in support of the Department of Defense State Partnership Program; (3) recognizes the outsized influence of the Department of Defense State Partnership Program in developing and supporting enduring relationships around the world that serve both the interests of the partner nations and the United States; (4) supports the continued expansion of the Department of Defense State Partnership Program in furtherance of global security cooperation; and (5) designates July 17, 2023, as State Partnership Program Day to recognize the 30th anniversary of the historic Department of Defense State Partnership Program. | Recognizing the historic significance of the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Department of Defense State Partnership Program. |
This resolution commemorates the 100th anniversary of Texas Tech University. | Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of Texas Tech University. Whereas, in 2023, Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the University; Whereas, established as Texas Technological College in 1923, the University opened 2 years later with an enrollment of 914 undergraduate students; Whereas, in 1936, a division of graduate studies was added, and in 1969 the college was renamed Texas Tech University; Whereas the University has distinguished itself by earning (1) the Very High Research Activity designation from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education; (2) recognition as both a Veteran Friendly Institution and an honoree on the Best for Vets: Employers (3) recognition by the United States Department of Education as a Hispanic-serving institution; Whereas, in the last 3 years, faculty members of Texas Tech University received 23 Fulbright Scholar Awards, 8 National Science Foundation Career Awards, and 7 National Endowment for the Humanities grants; Whereas Texas Tech University alumni include Governors from Texas and Colorado, multiple members of the United States Congress and State legislatures, stars of stage, screen, and music, and leaders and captains of industry, science, engineering, agriculture, and more; Whereas, as of the adoption of this resolution, Texas Tech University serves more than 40,000 students and offers over 150 undergraduate, 100 graduate, and 50 doctoral programs across 13 colleges and schools; Whereas Texas Tech University has international campuses and study abroad programs; Whereas Texas Tech University has award-winning academic programs, including the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, the School of Medicine, the School of Law, the Whitacre College of Engineering, and the Rawls College of Business; Whereas, in recent years, Texas Tech University inaugurated the Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine, the first school of veterinary medicine in the State of Texas in more than 100 years; Whereas Texas Tech University takes great pride in the 17 varsity sports that represent the University and in membership of the Big 12 Conference; Whereas the Red Raiders have won 27 Big 12 Conference titles, including 11 in the past 7 years, and alumni of the University include Olympic and Super Bowl champions; and Whereas, since the founding of the University 100 years ago, Texas Tech University has provided generations of Texans with a strong foundation for achievement, and in so doing, the University has contributed significantly to the prosperity and vitality of the Lone Star State and the Nation: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate commemorates the 100th anniversary of Texas Tech University and extends to all those associated with this noteworthy institution sincere best wishes for the future. | Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of Texas Tech University. |
This resolution designates November 16, 2023, as National Rural Health Day. | Designating November 16th, 2023, as National Rural Health Day Whereas over 60,000,000 hardworking individuals in the United States live in rural communities; Whereas, according to the Bureau of the Census, 97 percent of the total landmass of the United States is designated as rural Whereas individuals in the United States in rural areas live in pursuit of the common good and keep values of the United States alive by fostering a spirit of generosity and respect among neighbors; Whereas rural health care providers and patients showcase a selfless and community-minded spirit; Whereas rural areas in the United States are places of opportunity for (1) mission-minded health professionals to provide individualized care to rural communities; and (2) fueling innovations in rural health infrastructure, quality, and delivery of health care; Whereas health care providers in rural areas are uniquely positioned to provide value-based holistic care; Whereas rural health care providers are known and trusted by their patients; Whereas residents in rural areas tend to experience lower life expectancy and poorer health status due to structural, behavioral, and geographic factors; Whereas residents in rural areas face barriers accessing health care due to higher rates of uninsurance and underinsurance, lack of reliable transportation options, increased exposure to public health and occupational hazards, and a limited number of available providers, especially those providing specialized care; Whereas rural health facilities in the United States face systemic challenges, including clinician workforce shortages, difficulty accessing certain technologies such as telehealth, and lower volumes of services spread over fixed costs; Whereas the systemic challenges rural health facilities face have contributed to 150 rural hospital closures since 2010; Whereas the systemic challenges rural health facilities face have made it more difficult for all rural health care facilities to keep their doors open and serve patients; Whereas National Rural Health Day was established to honor rural communities in the United States and the contributions and efforts of rural communities in addressing the unique challenges facing rural health care; Whereas the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health has recognized National Rural Health Day to be the third Thursday of each November since 2011, in collaboration with partners such as the National Rural Health Association; and Whereas National Rural Health Day will be recognized this year on November 16, 2023: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates November 16, 2023, as National Rural Health Day (2) recognizes and supports the goals and ideals of National Rural Health Day; (3) celebrates rural health care providers and the millions of individuals in the United States that rural health care providers serve; and (4) expresses a commitment to advancing policies to improve health care accessibility and affordability in rural areas of the United States. | Designating November 16th, 2023, as National Rural Health Day. |
This resolution designates October 2023 as National Farm to School Month and recognizes support for policy improvements to farm to school programs in legislation reauthorizing child nutrition programs. This resolution also (1) encourages schools, early care and education organizations, and local educational agencies to use local farm products in meals; and (2) encourages schools, early care and education organizations, farmers and farm groups, local businesses, nonprofit institutions, churches, cities, state governments, and other local groups to raise awareness of farm to school efforts in their communities. | Designating October 2023 as National Farm to School Month Whereas farm to school programs of varying scale operate in nearly 67,369 schools across the United States; Whereas farm to school programs connect schools and local farms in order to (1) serve nutritious meals in school cafeterias; and (2) support local farmers, ranchers, and fishermen; Whereas farm to school programs include experiential education components that can lead to permanent improvements in the diets of children, both in school and at home; Whereas farm to school programs facilitate the purchase of local food for school meals; Whereas farm to school programs can benefit small and mid-sized agricultural producers by providing access to consistent markets; Whereas farm to school programs can be particularly important for beginning or socially disadvantaged farmers, as schools provide a consistent and secure customer base; Whereas farm to school programs can benefit local economies; Whereas, for every $1 spent on local foods in schools, up to an additional $2 circulates in the local economy; Whereas data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that only 7 percent of children consume the recommended amount of vegetables; Whereas communities with high levels of poverty have less access to fresh fruits and vegetables than higher income communities; Whereas the increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables is 1 of 6 major strategies to prevent and control obesity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Whereas studies have demonstrated that children in schools with an active farm to school program increase their average consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables by 1 or more servings per day; Whereas farm to school programs (1) are popular among children; (2) can increase interest in school meal programs; and (3) can decrease food waste; and Whereas October 2023 would be an appropriate month to designate as National Farm to School Month That the Senate (1) designates October 2023 as National Farm to School Month (2) recognizes support for policy improvements to farm to school programs in legislation reauthorizing child nutrition programs; (3) encourages schools, early care and education organizations, and local educational agencies to use local farm products in meals; and (4) encourages schools, early care and education organizations, farmers and farm groups, local businesses, nonprofit institutions, churches, cities, State governments, and other local groups to raise awareness of farm to school efforts in their communities. | Designating October 2023 as National Farm to School Month. |
This resolution designates the week of September 17-September 23, 2023, as Community School Coordinators Appreciation Week. | Designating the week of September 17 through September 23, 2023, as Community School Coordinators Appreciation Week Whereas community schools marshal, align, and unite the assets, resources, and capacity of schools and communities for the success of students, families, and communities; Whereas community schools are an effective and evidence-based strategy for school improvement included under section 4625 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 7275 Public Law 11495 Whereas community schools that provide integrated student supports, well-designed and expanded learning opportunities, and active family and community engagement and that use collaborative leadership and practices have positive academic and non-academic outcomes, including (1) improvements in (A) student attendance; (B) behavior; (C) academic achievement; (D) mental and physical health; (E) high school graduation rates; and (F) school climate; and (2) reduced racial and economic achievement gaps; Whereas community schools have the potential for helping people of the United States from underserved communities, as indicated in a 2021 report; Whereas a 2019 report found that mental health care provided through community schools improved access to care, academic performance, and student conduct, including reducing the number of school suspensions and disciplinary referrals; Whereas a 2020 study found that community schools in New York City had a positive impact on student attendance, on-time grade progression, and credit accumulation for high school students; Whereas a 2016 report found early indicators that community schools in Baltimore led to improved family-school engagement; Whereas community schools provide a strong social return on investment, with one study citing a social return of $3 to $15 for every dollar invested; Whereas community school coordinators (1) are essential to building successful community schools and creating, strengthening, and maintaining partnerships between community schools and their communities; (2) facilitate and provide leadership for the collaborative process and development of a system of supports and opportunities for children, families, and others within the community of a school that allow all students to learn and the community to thrive; and (3) deliver a strong monetary return on investment for community schools and their communities, with one study citing a return of $7.11 for every dollar invested in the salary of a community school coordinator; and Whereas Community School Coordinators Appreciation Week, celebrated from September 17 through September 23, 2023, recognizes, raises awareness of, and celebrates the thousands of community school coordinators across the country and the critical role of community school coordinators in the success of students: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates the week of September 17 through September 23, 2023, as Community School Coordinators Appreciation Week (2) thanks community school coordinators for the work they do to serve students, families, and communities; and (3) encourages students, parents, school administrators, and public officials to participate in events that celebrate Community School Coordinators Appreciation Week. | Designating the week of September 17 through September 23, 2023, as Community School Coordinators Appreciation Week. |
This resolution authorizes the printing of a collection of the rules of the Senate committees. | Authorizing the printing of a collection of the rules of the committees of the Senate. That a collection of the rules of the committees of the Senate, together with related materials, be printed as a Senate document, and that there be printed 250 additional copies of such document for the use of the Committee on Rules and Administration. | Authorizing the printing of a collection of the rules of the committees of the Senate. |
This resolution expresses support for Red Ribbon Week during the period of October 23 through October 31, 2023, which promotes a commitment to healthy, drug-free lifestyles. It also encourages participation in drug prevention activities and the development of drug-free communities. | Supporting the goals and ideals of Red Ribbon Week during the period of October 23 through October 31, 2023. Whereas the National Family Partnership started the Red Ribbon Campaign in 1988 (1) to educate the people of the United States about the link between drug use and violence; (2) to preserve the memory of Enrique Kiki Special Agent Camarena (A) served the Drug Enforcement Administration for 11 years; and (B) was murdered in the line of duty in 1985, while engaged in the battle against illicit drugs; (3) to commemorate the service of Special Agent Camarena to the Drug Enforcement Administration and the people of the United States; and (4) to further the cause for which Special Agent Camarena gave his life; Whereas the Red Ribbon Campaign is the most longstanding drug use prevention program in the United States, bringing drug awareness to millions of people in the United States each year; Whereas Red Ribbon Week is celebrated every year during the period of October 23 through October 31 by (1) State Governors and attorneys general; (2) the National Family Partnership; (3) parent-teacher associations; (4) Boys and Girls Clubs of America; (5) the Young Marines; (6) the Drug Enforcement Administration; and (7) hundreds of other organizations throughout the United States; Whereas the objective of Red Ribbon Week is to promote the creation of drug-free communities through drug use prevention efforts, education programs, parental involvement, and community-wide support through specific actions such as lighting up buildings and landmarks, and activities that engage the public; Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drug overdoses are the leading cause of death in people in the United States between the ages of 18 to 45, outnumbering deaths by firearms, motor vehicle crashes, suicide, or homicide; Whereas approximately 107,735 people died from drug overdoses in the United States in 2022; Whereas reducing the demand for illicit controlled substances would (1) curtail lethal addictions and overdoses; and (2) reduce the violence associated with drug trafficking; Whereas, although public awareness of illicit drug use is increasing, emerging drug threats and growing epidemics continue to demand attention; Whereas the Drug Enforcement Administration hosts a National Take Back Day twice a year, on the last Saturdays of October and April, for the public to safely dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs that can lead to accidental poisoning, overdose, or misuse; Whereas the National Family Partnership hosts Lock Your Meds, a multi-media campaign and program to encourage individuals, businesses, and communities to dispose of drugs appropriately and to reduce the demand for drugs; Whereas Lock Your Meds is statewide in Idaho, North Carolina, and throughout the southeastern United States; Whereas synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and the analogues of fentanyl devastated communities and families at an unprecedented rate, claiming more than 70,000 lives in 2022; Whereas the presence of fentanyl and the analogues of fentanyl pose hazards to police officers and law enforcement agents; Whereas 6 out of 10 pills tested at Drug Enforcement Administration laboratories contain a potentially deadly dose of fentanyl; Whereas the Drug Enforcement Administration has created a special exhibit entitled The Faces of Fentanyl Whereas the Drug Enforcement Administration seized more than 58,400,000 fentanyl-laced, fake prescription pills and more than 13,000 pounds of fentanyl powder in 2022; Whereas, from 2019 to 2020, more than 13,000 people in the United States died from a drug overdose involving heroin, a rate of more than 4 deaths for every 100,000 people in the United States; Whereas, from 2018 to 2019, drug overdose deaths involving cocaine increased by nearly 9 percent, with almost 16,000 people in the United States dying in 2019 from such an overdose, the highest recorded total in the 21st century; Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2,500,000 people in the United States aged 12 or older reported having used methamphetamine in 2020; Whereas psychostimulants with abuse potential, such as methamphetamine, were involved in 1.3 times as many drug overdose deaths as cocaine; 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 their commitment to healthy, productive, and drug-free lifestyles by wearing and displaying red ribbons during the week-long celebration of Red Ribbon Week; and Whereas the National Family Partnership is forming a partnership with the grassroots group Fentanyl Fathers to stream the movie Dead on Arrival That the Senate (1) supports the goals and ideals of Red Ribbon Week during the period of October 23 through October 31, 2023; (2) encourages the people of the United States to wear and display red ribbons during Red Ribbon Week to symbolize their commitment to healthy, drug-free lifestyles; (3) encourages the people of the United States to light up buildings and landmarks to send a drug-free message; (4) encourages children, teens, and other individuals to choose to live drug-free lives; and (5) encourages the people of the United States (A) to promote the creation of drug-free communities; and (B) to participate in drug use prevention activities to show support for healthy, productive, and drug-free lifestyles. | Supporting the goals and ideals of Red Ribbon Week during the period of October 23 through October 31, 2023. |
This resolution authorizes the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate to conduct a blood donation drive on September 28, 2023, in conjunction with the Blood Bank of Delmarva. | Authorizing the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate to conduct a blood donation drive on September 28, 2023. 1. Senate blood donation drive on September 28, 2023 (a) Authorization In addition to blood donation drives conducted under Senate Resolution 78 (118th Congress), agreed to February 16, 2023, the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate, in conjunction with the Blood Bank of Delmarva, is authorized to conduct a blood donation drive, at a location in the Senate Office Buildings, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on September 28, 2023. (b) Implementation (1) Location The Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate shall select the location of the blood donation drive described in subsection (a) in consultation with the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate. (2) Preparations and implementation Physical preparations for the conduct of, and the implementation of, the blood donation drive authorized under subsection (a) shall be carried out in accordance with such conditions as the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate, in consultation with the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate, may prescribe. | Authorizing the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate to conduct a blood donation drive on September 28, 2023. |
This resolution commends the University of Connecticut men's basketball team for winning the 2023 National Collegiate Athletic Association Men's Basketball Championship. | Commending and congratulating the University of Connecticut mens basketball team for winning the 2023 National Collegiate Athletic Association Mens Basketball Championship. Whereas, on Monday, April 3, 2023, the University of Connecticuts mens basketball team (referred to in this preamble as the UConn Huskies Whereas this is the UConn Huskies fifth national championship, continuing the teams undefeated streak in national championship games; Whereas the UConn Huskies earned all 5 national titles since 1999, a feat that no other college team has surpassed; Whereas Adama Sanogo was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament, averaging 19.7 points per game with 4 double-doubles; and Whereas the UConn Huskies won every National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament game by 13 points or more, becoming only the fifth team in history to do so: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) commends the University of Connecticut mens basketball team for winning the 2023 National Collegiate Athletic Association Mens Basketball Championship; (2) congratulates the fans, students, and faculty of the University of Connecticut; 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 Connecticut, Radenka Maric; and (B) the Head Coach of the University of Connecticut mens basketball team, Dan Hurley. | Commending and congratulating the University of Connecticut mens basketball team for winning the 2023 National Collegiate Athletic Association Mens Basketball Championship. |
This resolution expresses support for National Safe Digging Month and encourages all homeowners and excavators to call 811 to find the location of underground utility lines before digging. | Supporting the goals and ideals of National Safe Digging Month. Whereas, each year, the underground utility infrastructure of the United States, including pipelines, electric, gas, telecommunications, fiber, water, sewer, and cable television lines, is jeopardized by unintentional damage caused by those who fail to have underground utility lines located prior to digging; Whereas some utility lines are buried only a few inches underground, making the lines easy to strike, even during shallow digging projects; Whereas digging prior to having underground utility lines located often results in unintended consequences, such as service interruption, environmental damage, personal injury, and even death; Whereas the month of April marks the beginning of the peak period during which excavation projects are carried out around the United States; Whereas, in 2002, Congress required the Department of Transportation and the Federal Communications Commission to establish a 3-digit, nationwide, toll-free number to be used by State One Call Whereas, in 2005, the Federal Communications Commission designated 811 One Call One Call Whereas the nearly 2,000 members of the Common Ground Alliance, States, One Call Contact 811 Before You Dig Whereas the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011 ( Public Law 11290 One Call One Call Whereas, according to the 2021 Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) Report published by the Common Ground Alliance in October 2022 (1) estimated annual instances of excavation-related damages to underground facilities were on-pace or higher than the approximately 486,000 damages from the prior year; and (2) failing to contact 811 in advance of a digging project caused 26 percent of these damages; Whereas, in 2021, the Common Ground Alliance conducted a survey of active diggers who have completed a project during the prior year and found that 74 percent of the more than 1,800 respondents were aware of the One Call Whereas the Common Ground Alliance has designated April as National Safe Digging Month Contact Before You Dig That the Senate (1) supports the goals and ideals of National Safe Digging Month; (2) encourages all homeowners and excavators throughout the United States to contact 811 by phone or online before digging; and (3) encourages all damage prevention stakeholders to help educate homeowners and excavators throughout the United States about the importance of contacting 811 to have the approximate location of buried utilities marked with paint or flags before digging. | Supporting the goals and ideals of National Safe Digging Month. |
This resolution congratulates the Vegas Golden Knights on winning the 2023 National Hockey League Stanley Cup championship. | Commending and congratulating the Vegas Golden Knights on winning the 2023 Stanley Cup Final. Whereas, on June 13, 2023, the Vegas Golden Knights won the 2023 National Hockey League (referred to in this preamble as the NHL Whereas the 2023 Stanley Cup Final is the first Stanley Cup Final won by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 6 years in which the franchise has competed in the NHL; Whereas, on their way to winning the 2023 Stanley Cup Final, the Vegas Golden Knights defeated (1) the Winnipeg Jets in the first round of the playoffs; (2) the Edmonton Oilers in the second round of the playoffs; (3) the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference Finals to win the Clarence S. Campbell Bowl; and (4) the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final; Whereas, during the 2022-2023 NHL Season, the Vegas Golden Knights (1) won a franchise record 51 games during the regular season and set a new team record with 111 points scored to clinch their third Pacific Division Championship; and (2) had Head Coach Bruce Cassidy and 2 All-Stars, Logan Thompson and Chandler Stephenson, represent the franchise at the 2023 NHL All-Star Game in Sunrise, Florida; Whereas, during the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs (1) Adin Hill of the Vegas Golden Knights set a NHL Playoff record by achieving 11 wins in a single postseason after making his debut in the second round; and (2) Jonathan Marchessault of the Vegas Golden Knights won the 2023 Conn Smythe Trophy, which is awarded to the most valuable player in the Stanley Cup Playoffs; Whereas the entire Vegas Golden Knights roster contributed to the 2023 Stanley Cup victory: Mark Stone, Alex Pietrangelo, Reilly Smith, Adin Hill, Michael Amadio, Ivan Barbashev, Teddy Blueger, William Carrier, Paul Cotter, Jack Eichel, Brett Howden, William Karlsson, Phil Kessel, Keegan Kolesar, Jonathan Marchessault, Nicolas Roy, Chandler Stephenson, Nicolas Hague, Ben Hutton, Alec Martinez, Brayden McNabb, Brayden Pachal, Shea Theadore, Zach Whitecloud, Laurent Brossoit, Jire Patera, Jonathan Quick, and Logan Thompson; Whereas behind the Vegas Golden Knights roster is a team of coaches and support staff committed to enriching the Las Vegas community on and off the ice; Whereas the Vegas Golden Knights deserve special recognition for their continued work to provide hope and unity to a grieving Las Vegas community since their inaugural season in 2017-2018, following the Route 91 tragedy that occurred on October 1, 2017; and Whereas the Vegas Golden Knights represent their loyal fans, the Las Vegas community, and the entire State of Nevada with a commitment to excellence: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) congratulates the Vegas Golden Knights and its loyal fan base for becoming the 2023 National Hockey League Stanley Cup champions; and (2) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to members of the Vegas Golden Knights ownership, management, and coaching staff, namely (A) the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Governor of the Vegas Golden Knights, Bill Foley; (B) General Manager Kelly McCrimmon; and (C) Head Coach Bruce Cassidy. | Commending and congratulating the Vegas Golden Knights on winning the 2023 Stanley Cup Final. |
This resolution designates March 2023 as National Women's History Month. The resolution also recognizes the celebration of such month as a time to reflect on the contributions that women have made to the United States. | Designating March 2023 as National Womens History Month Whereas National Womens History Month recognizes and spreads awareness of the importance of women in the history of the United States; Whereas, throughout the history of the United States, whether in the home, in the workplace, in schools, in the courts, or during wartime, women have fought for themselves, their families, and all people of the United States; Whereas, even from the early days of the history of the United States, Abigail Adams urged her husband to Remember the Ladies Whereas women were particularly important in the establishment of early charitable, philanthropic, and cultural institutions in the United States; Whereas women led the efforts to secure suffrage and equal opportunities for women, and also served in the abolitionist movement, the emancipation movement, labor movements, civil rights movements, and other causes to create a more fair and just society for all; Whereas suffragists wrote, marched, were arrested, and ultimately succeeded in achieving (1) the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which provides, The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex (2) the enactment of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 ( 52 U.S.C. 10301 et seq. Whereas women have been and continue to be leaders in the forefront of social change efforts, business, science, government, math, art, literature, music, film, athletics, and other fields; Whereas women now represent approximately half of the workforce of the United States; Whereas women once were routinely barred from attending medical schools in the United States, but now are enrolling in medical schools in the United States at higher numbers than men; Whereas women previously were turned away from law school, but now represent approximately half of law students in the United States; Whereas, since the American Revolution, women have been vital to the mission of the Armed Forces, with more than 200,000 women serving on active duty and 2,000,000 women veterans representing every branch of service; Whereas more than 10,000,000 women own businesses in the United States; Whereas Jeannette Rankin of Montana was the first woman elected to the House of Representatives in 1916 and Hattie Wyatt Caraway of Arkansas was the first woman elected to the United States Senate in 1932; Whereas Margaret Chase Smith of Maine was the first woman to serve in both Houses of Congress; Whereas, in 2023, a record total of 154 women are serving in Congress, including 129 women in the House of Representatives and 25 women in the Senate; Whereas President Jimmy Carter recognized March 2 through March 8, 1980, as National Womens History Week Whereas, in 1987, a bipartisan group of Senators introduced the first joint resolution to pass Congress designating Womens History Month Whereas, in 1987, President Ronald Reagan issued a Presidential proclamation proclaiming March 1987 as Womens History Month Whereas, in 2020, Congress passed the Smithsonian American Womens History Museum Act ( 20 U.S.C. 80t et seq. Whereas, despite the advancements of women in the United States, much remains to be done to ensure that women realize their full potential as equal members of society in the United States: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates March 2023 as National Womens History Month (2) recognizes the celebration of National Womens History Month as a time to reflect on the many notable contributions that women have made to the United States; and (3) urges the people of the United States to observe National Womens History Month with appropriate programs and activities. | Designating March 2023 as National Womens History Month. |
Subsets and Splits