summary
stringlengths 19
361k
| text
stringlengths 18
4.48M
| title
stringlengths 0
1.9k
|
|---|---|---|
This resolution designates May 5, 2023, as United States Foreign Service Day and honors the men and women who serve in the Foreign Service. | Designating May 5, 2023, as United States Foreign Service Day Whereas the Foreign Service of the United States (referred to in this preamble as the Foreign Service An Act for the reorganization and improvement of the Foreign Service of the United States, and for other purposes. Rogers Act of 1924 Whereas the Rogers Act of 1924 established a career organization based on competitive examination and merit promotion; Whereas, in 2022, nearly 16,000 men and women of the Foreign Service were serving at home and abroad; Whereas Foreign Service personnel are supported by more than 60,000 locally engaged staff in nearly 300 embassies and consulates, who provide unique expertise and crucial links to host countries; Whereas Foreign Service personnel comprise employees from the Department of State, the United States Agency for International Development, the Foreign Commercial Service, the Foreign Agricultural Service, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, and the United States Agency for Global Media; Whereas the diplomatic, consular, communications, trade, development, security, public diplomacy, and numerous other functions that Foreign Service personnel perform constitute the first and most cost-effective instrument of the United States to protect and promote United States interests abroad; Whereas the men and women of the Foreign Service and their families are increasingly exposed to risks and danger, even in times of peace, and many have died in the service of the United States; Whereas employees of the Foreign Service work daily (1) to ensure the national security of the United States; (2) to provide assistance to United States citizens overseas; (3) to preserve peace, freedom, and economic prosperity around the world; (4) to promote the ideals and values of the United States, human rights, freedom, equal opportunities for women and girls, rule of law, and democracy; (5) to promote transparency, provide accurate information, and combat disinformation; (6) to cultivate new markets for United States products and services and develop new investment opportunities that create jobs in the United States and promote prosperity; (7) to promote economic development, reduce poverty, end hunger and malnutrition, fight disease, combat international crime and illegal drugs, and address environmental degradation; and (8) to provide emergency and humanitarian assistance to respond to crises around the world; Whereas the foreign affairs agencies and the American Foreign Service Association have observed Foreign Service Day in May for many years; and Whereas it is both appropriate and just for the United States as a whole to recognize the dedication of the men and women of the Foreign Service and to honor the members of the Foreign Service who have given their lives in the loyal pursuit of their duties and responsibilities representing the interests of the United States and of its citizens: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) honors the men and women who have served, or are presently serving, in the Foreign Service of the United States for their dedicated and important service to the United States; (2) calls on the people of the United States to reflect on the service and sacrifice of past, present, and future employees of the Foreign Service of the United States, wherever they serve, with appropriate ceremonies and activities; and (3) designates May 5, 2023, as United States Foreign Service Day | Designating May 5, 2023, as United States Foreign Service Day in recognition of the men and women who have served, or are presently serving, in the Foreign Service of the United States, and honoring the members of the Foreign Service who have given their lives in the line of duty. |
This resolution supports the designation of April 24-April 28, 2023, as National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week. | Supporting the designation of the week of April 24 through April 28, 2023, as National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week Whereas there are more than 1,000,000 specialized instructional support personnel serving the schools and students of the United States, including (1) school counselors; (2) school social workers; (3) school psychologists; and (4) other qualified professional personnel, such as (A) school nurses; (B) psychologists; (C) social workers; (D) occupational therapists; (E) physical therapists; (F) art therapists; (G) dance and movement therapists; (H) music therapists; (I) speech-language pathologists; and (J) audiologists; Whereas specialized instructional support personnel provide school-based prevention and early intervention services to reduce barriers to learning; Whereas specialized instructional support personnel work with teachers, school leaders, and parents to ensure that all students are successful in school; Whereas specialized instructional support personnel encourage multidisciplinary collaboration to promote student and school success; Whereas specialized instructional support personnel provide educational, social, emotional, and behavioral interventions and activities that support (1) student learning; and (2) teaching; Whereas specialized instructional support personnel help to create environments that are safe, supportive, and conducive to learning; Whereas safe and supportive school environments are associated with improved academic performance; Whereas specialized instructional support personnel support (1) student communication; (2) the development of social skills by students; (3) the physical wellness of students; (4) the physical development of students; and (5) the behavioral, emotional, and mental health of students; and Whereas specialized instructional support personnel serve all students who struggle with barriers to learning: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports the designation of April 24 through April 28, 2023, as National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week (2) recognizes that specialized instructional support personnel implement evidence-based practices to improve student outcomes; (3) commends (A) those individuals who work as specialized instructional support personnel; and (B) the individuals and organizations that support the efforts made by specialized instructional support personnel to promote and improve the availability of specialized instructional support services; (4) encourages Federal, State, and local policymakers to work together to raise awareness of the importance of specialized instructional support personnel in school climate and education efforts; (5) recognizes the important role of specialized instructional support personnel in efforts to improve mental health, reduce drug use, and improve overall community safety for students; and (6) encourages experts to share best practices so that others can replicate the success of those experts. | Supporting the designation of the week of April 24 through April 28, 2023, as National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week. |
This resolution expresses support for the designation of DIPG Awareness Day. DIPG refers to diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, a terminal childhood brain cancer. | Expressing support for the designation of May 17, 2023, as DIPG Pediatric Brain Cancer Awareness Day Whereas diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (referred to in this preamble as DIPG Whereas brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related death among children; Whereas DIPG tumors are the leading cause of pediatric brain cancer deaths; Whereas, with respect to a child who is diagnosed with a DIPG tumor and receives treatment for a DIPG tumor, the median amount of time that the child survives after diagnosis is approximately 11 months; Whereas, with respect to an individual who is diagnosed with a DIPG tumor, the rate of survival 5 years after diagnosis is approximately 2 percent; Whereas the average age at which a child is diagnosed with a DIPG tumor is between 5 and 10 years, resulting in a life expectancy approximately 70 years shorter than the average life expectancy in the United States; and Whereas the prognosis for children diagnosed with DIPG tumors has not improved during the past 50 years: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports designating May 17, 2023, as DIPG Pediatric Brain Cancer Awareness Day (2) supports efforts (A) to better understand diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma tumors; (B) to develop effective treatments for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma tumors; and (C) to provide comprehensive care for children with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma tumors and their families; and (3) encourages all individuals in the United States to become more informed about (A) diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma tumors; (B) pediatric brain cancer in general; and (C) challenges relating to research on pediatric cancers and ways to advance that research. | Expressing support for the designation of May 17, 2023, as DIPG Pediatric Brain Cancer Awareness Day to raise awareness of, and encourage research on, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma tumors and pediatric cancers in general. |
This resolution celebrates the successes of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women and the contributions they have made in the United States. The resolution also recognizes the importance of providing for the safety and upholding the interests of these women. | Recognizing the heritage, culture, and contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women 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 an estimated 4,718,255 American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women live in the United States; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women (1) have helped shape the history of their communities, Tribes, and the United States; (2) have fought to defend and protect the sovereign rights of Native Nations; and (3) have demonstrated resilience and courage in the face of a history of threatened existence, constant removals, and relocations; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women contribute to their communities, Tribes, and the United States through military service, public service, and work in many industries, including business, education, science, medicine, literature, and fine arts, including Pablita Tse Tsan Whereas, as of 2023, more than 4,400 American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women bravely serve as members of the United States Armed Forces; Whereas, as of 2023, more than 20,800 American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women are veterans who have made lasting contributions to the United States military; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women broke down historical gender barriers to enlistment in the military, including (1) Laura Beltz Wright, an Inupiat Eskimo sharpshooter of the Alaska Territorial Guard during World War II; (2) Minnie Spotted Wolf of the Blackfeet Tribe, the first Native American woman to enlist in the United States Marine Corps in 1943; and (3) Marcella LeBeau of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, a decorated veteran who served as an Army combat nurse during World War II and received the French Legion of Honour for her bravery and service; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women have made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States, including Lori Ann Piestewa, a member of the Hopi Tribe who was the first Native American woman to be killed in action while serving on foreign soil and the first woman in the United States military to be killed in the Iraq War in 2003; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women have contributed to the economic development of Native Nations and the United States as a whole, including Elouise Cobell of the Blackfeet Tribe, a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, who (1) served as the treasurer of the Blackfeet Tribe; (2) founded the first Tribal-owned national bank; and (3) led the fight against Federal mismanagement of funds held in trust for more than 500,000 Native Americans; Whereas, as of 2020, American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women own an estimated 161,500 businesses; Whereas, as of 2020, Native women-owned businesses employ more than 61,000 workers and generate over $11,000,000,000 in revenues; Whereas American Indian and Alaska Native women have opened an average of more than 17 new businesses each day since 2007; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women have made significant contributions to the fields of medicine and health, including (1) Susan La Flesche Picotte of the Omaha Tribe, who is widely acknowledged as the first Native American to earn a medical degree; and (2) Annie Dodge Wauneka of the Navajo Nation, who (A) advocated for better public health, education, and living conditions on the Navajo Nation leading to her becoming 1 of the first female council members for the Navajo Nation in 1951; and (B) was the first Native American to receive a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women have contributed to important scientific advancements, including (1) Floy Agnes Lee of the Santa Clara Pueblo, who (A) worked on the Manhattan Project during World War II; and (B) pioneered research on radiation biology and cancer; (2) Native Hawaiian Isabella Kauakea Yau Yung Aiona Abbott, who (A) was the first woman on the biological sciences faculty at Stanford University; and (B) in 1997, was awarded the Gilbert Morgan Smith medal, the highest award in marine botany from the National Academy of Sciences; and (3) Mary Golda Ross of the Cherokee Nation, who (A) is considered the first Native American engineer of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; (B) helped develop spacecrafts for the Gemini and Apollo space programs; and (C) was recognized by the Federal Government on the 2019 1 dollar coin honoring Native Americans and their contributions; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women have achieved distinctive honors in the art of dance, including Maria Tallchief or Wa-Xthe-Thon-ba of the Osage Nation, who (1) was the first major prima ballerina of the United States and was a recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kennedy Center; and (2) was recognized by the Federal Government on the 2023 1 dollar coin with her sister Marjorie Tallchief of the Osage Nation, Yvonne Chouteau of the Shawnee Tribe, Rosella Hightower of the Choctaw Nation, and Moscelyne Larkin of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma and the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, collectively known as the Five Moons Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women have accomplished notable literary achievements, including Northern Paiute author Sarah Winnemucca Hopkins, who wrote and published 1 of the first Native American autobiographies in United States history in 1883; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women have regularly led efforts to protect their traditional ways of life and to revitalize and maintain Native cultures and languages, including (1) Esther Martinez, a Tewa linguist and teacher who developed a Tewa dictionary and was credited with revitalizing the Tewa language; (2) Mary Kawena Pukui, a Native Hawaiian scholar who published more than 50 academic works and was considered the most noted Hawaiian translator of the 20th century; (3) Katie John, an Ahtna Athabascan of Mentasta Lake, who was the lead plaintiff in lawsuits that strengthened Native subsistence fishing rights in Alaska and who helped create the alphabet for the Ahtna language; and (4) Edith Kenao Kanakaole, a Native Hawaiian language and cultural practitioner who (A) founded her own hula school, Hlau o Kekuhi; (B) helped develop some of the first courses in Hawaiian language and culture for public schools and colleges; and (C) was recognized by the Federal Government on the 2023 quarter honoring her significant contributions and accomplishments perpetuating Native Hawaiian culture and arts; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women have excelled in athletic competition and created opportunities for other female athletes within their sport, including Rell Kapoliokaehukai Sunn, who (1) was ranked as longboard surfing champion of the world; and (2) co-founded the Womens Professional Surfing Association in 1975, the first professional surfing tour for women; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women have played a vital role in advancing civil rights, protecting human rights, advocating for land rights, and safeguarding the environment, including (1) Elizabeth Wanamaker Peratrovich, Tlingit, a member of the Lukaax.di clan in the Raven moiety with the Tlingit name of Kaaxgal.aat, who (A) helped secure the passage of House Bill 14, commonly known as the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945 (H.B. 14, Laws of Alaska. 17th Regular Session, Territorial Legislature. Feb. 16, 1945), in the Alaska Territorial Legislature, the first anti-discrimination law in the United States; and (B) was recognized by the Federal Government on the 2020 1 dollar coin honoring Native Americans and their contributions; (2) Zitkala-Sa, a Yankton Dakota writer and advocate, whose work during the early 20th century helped advance the citizenship, voting, and land rights of Native Americans; and (3) Mary Jane Fate, of the Koyukon Athabascan village of Rampart, who (A) was the first woman to chair the Alaska Federation of Natives; (B) was a founding member of the North American Indian Women's Association; and (C) was an advocate for settlement of Indigenous land claims in Alaska; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women have succeeded as judges, attorneys, and legal advocates, including (1) Eliza Lyda (2) Emma Kailikapiolono Metcalf Beckley Nakuina, a Native Hawaiian who served as the first female judge in Hawaii; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women are dedicated public servants, holding important positions in the Federal judicial branch, the Federal executive branch, State governments, and local governments; Whereas American Indian and Alaska Native women have served as remarkable Tribal councilwomen, Tribal court judges, and Tribal leaders, including Wilma Mankiller, who (1) was the first woman elected to serve as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation; (2) fought for Tribal self-determination and the improvement of the community infrastructure of her Tribe; and (3) was recognized by the Federal Government on the 2022 quarter honoring her legacy of leadership for Native people and women; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women have also led Native peoples through notable acts of public service, including (1) Kaahumanu, who was the first Native Hawaiian woman to serve as regent of the Kingdom of Hawaii; and (2) Polly Cooper, of the Oneida Indian Nation, who (A) walked from central New York to Valley Forge as part of a relief mission to provide food for the Army led by General George Washington during the American Revolutionary War; and (B) was recognized for her courage and generosity by Martha Washington; Whereas the United States should continue to invest in the future of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women to address the barriers those women face, including (1) access to justice; (2) access to health care; and (3) opportunities for educational and economic advancement; and Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women are the life givers, the culture bearers, and the caretakers of Native peoples who have made precious contributions, enriching the lives of all people of the United States: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) celebrates and honors the successes of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women and the contributions those women have made and continue to make to the United States; and (2) recognizes the importance of providing for the safety, and upholding the interests of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women. | Recognizing the heritage, culture, and contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women in the United States. |
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. GossJankowski, 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. GossJankowski Whereas, in the case of United States v. GossJankowski 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. GossJankowski 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. GossJankowski. |
This resolution (1) supports the designation of July 14, 2023, as Collector Car Appreciation Day, (2) recognizes the collection and restoration of historic and classic cars as an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States, and (3) encourages engagement in Collector Car Appreciation Day events. | Designating July 14, 2023, as Collector Car Appreciation Day and recognizing that the collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States. Whereas many people in the United States maintain classic automobiles as a pastime and do so with great passion and as a means of individual expression; Whereas the Senate recognizes the effect that the more than 100-year history of the automobile has had on the economic progress of the United States and supports wholeheartedly all activities involved in the restoration and exhibition of classic automobiles; Whereas the collection, restoration, and preservation of automobiles is an activity shared across generations and across all segments of society; Whereas thousands of local car clubs and related businesses are instrumental in preserving a historic part of the heritage of the United States by encouraging the restoration and exhibition of such vintage works of art; Whereas automotive restoration provides well-paying, high-skilled jobs for people in all 50 States; and Whereas automobiles provide inspiration for music, photography, cinema, fashion, and other artistic pursuits that are part of the popular culture of the United States: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates July 14, 2023, as Collector Car Appreciation Day (2) recognizes that the collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States; (3) encourages the people of the United States to engage in events and commemorations of Collector Car Appreciation Day; and (4) recognizes that Collector Car Appreciation Day events and commemorations create opportunities for collector car owners to educate young people about the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of the United States, including through the collection and restoration of collector cars. | Designating July 14, 2023, as Collector Car Appreciation Day and recognizing that the collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States. |
This resolution expresses support for the designation of May 2023 as National Foster Care Month. | Recognizing National Foster Care Month as an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges of children in the foster care system, and encouraging Congress to implement policies to improve the lives of children in the foster care system. Whereas National Foster Care Month was established more than 30 years ago to (1) bring foster care issues to the forefront; (2) highlight the importance of permanency for every child; and (3) recognize the essential role that foster parents, social workers, and advocates have in the lives of children in foster care throughout the United States; Whereas all children deserve a safe, loving, and permanent home; Whereas the primary goal of the foster care system is to ensure the safety and well-being of children while working to provide a safe, loving, and permanent home for each child; Whereas there are approximately 391,100 children living in foster care in the United States; Whereas there were approximately 206,800 youths that entered the foster care system in 2021 in the United States, while more than 113,500 youths were awaiting adoption at the end of 2021; Whereas almost 74,000 children entered foster care in 2021 due to parental drug abuse; Whereas children of color are more likely to stay in the foster care system for longer periods of time and are less likely to be reunited with their biological families; Whereas foster parents are the front-line caregivers for children who cannot safely remain with their biological parents, and foster parents provide physical care, emotional support, and education advocacy, and are the largest single source of families providing permanent homes for children leaving foster care to adoption; Whereas children in foster care who are placed with relatives, compared to children placed with non-relatives (1) have more stability, including fewer changes in placements; (2) have more positive perceptions of their placements; (3) are more likely to be placed with their siblings; and (4) demonstrate fewer behavioral problems; Whereas some relative caregivers receive less financial assistance and support services than do foster caregivers; Whereas an increased emphasis on prevention and reunification services is necessary to reduce the number of children that enter or re-enter the foster care system; Whereas more than 19,000 youths aged out of foster care in 2021 without a legal permanent connection to an adult or family; Whereas youth who age out of foster care lack the security or support of a biological or adoptive family and frequently struggle to secure affordable housing, obtain health insurance, pursue higher education, and acquire adequate employment; Whereas foster care is intended to be a temporary placement, but children remain in the foster care system for an average of 21 months; Whereas 35 percent of children in foster care experience more than 2 placements while in care, which often leads to disruption of routines and the need to change schools and move away from siblings, extended families, and familiar surroundings; Whereas youth in foster care are much more likely to face educational instability with a study showing that 75 percent of foster youth experienced an unscheduled school change during a school year, compared to 21 percent of youth not in foster care; Whereas children entering foster care often confront the widespread misperception that children in foster care are disruptive, unruly, and dangerous, even though placement in foster care is based on the actions of a parent or guardian, not the child; Whereas 30 percent of children in foster care are taking not less than 1 anti-psychotic medication, and 34 percent of those children are not receiving adequate treatment planning or medication monitoring; Whereas, due to heavy caseloads and limited resources, the average annual turnover rate is between 14 percent and 22 percent for child welfare workers; Whereas States, localities, and communities should be encouraged to invest resources in preventative and reunification services and post-permanency programs to ensure that more children and older youth in foster care are provided with safe, loving, and permanent placements; Whereas, in 2018, Congress passed the Family First Prevention Services Act ( Public Law 115123 Whereas Federal legislation during the past 3 decades, including the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980 ( Public Law 96272 Public Law 10589 Public Law 110351 Public Law 11234 Public Law 113183 Whereas May 2023 is an appropriate month to designate as National Foster Care Month to provide an opportunity to acknowledge the accomplishments of the child welfare workforce, foster parents, advocacy community, and mentors for their dedication, accomplishments, and positive impact they have on the lives of children; and Whereas much remains to be done to ensure that all children have a safe, loving, nurturing, and permanent family, regardless of age or special needs: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports the designation of May 2023 as National Foster Care Month; (2) recognizes National Foster Care Month as an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges that children face in the foster care system; (3) encourages Congress to implement policies to improve the lives of children in the foster care system; (4) acknowledges the unique needs of children in the foster care system; (5) recognizes foster youth throughout the United States for their ongoing tenacity, courage, and resilience while facing life challenges; (6) acknowledges the exceptional alumni of the foster care system who serve as advocates and role models for youth who remain in care; (7) honors the commitment and dedication of the individuals who work tirelessly to provide assistance and services to children in the foster care system; (8) supports the designation of May 31, 2023, as National Foster Parent Appreciation Day; (9) recognizes National Foster Parent Appreciation Day as an opportunity to recognize the efforts of foster parents to provide safe and loving care for children in need and raise awareness about the increasing need for foster parents to serve in their communities; and (10) reaffirms the need to continue working to improve the outcomes of all children in the foster care system through parts B and E of title IV of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 601 et seq. (A) support vulnerable families; (B) invest in prevention and reunification services; (C) promote adoption in cases where reunification is not in the best interests of the child; (D) adequately serve those children brought into the foster care system; and (E) facilitate the successful transition into adulthood for youth that age out | Recognizing National Foster Care Month as an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges of children in the foster care system, and encouraging Congress to implement policies to improve the lives of children in the foster care system. |
This resolution expresses support for National Minority Health Month. | Promoting minority health awareness and supporting the goals and ideals of National Minority Health Month in April 2023, which include bringing attention to the health disparities faced by minority populations of the United States such as American Indians, Alaska Natives, Asian Americans, African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders. Whereas the origin of National Minority Health Month is National Negro Health Week, established in 1915 by Dr. Booker T. Washington; Whereas the theme for National Minority Health Month in 2023 is Better Health Through Better Understanding Whereas the Department of Health and Human Services has set goals and strategies to enhance and protect the health and well-being of the people of the United States; Whereas African American women were as likely to have been diagnosed with breast cancer as non-Hispanic White women, but African American women were 41 percent more likely to die from breast cancer than non-Hispanic White women between 2015 and 2019; Whereas African American women were twice as likely to be diagnosed with and 2.3 times more likely to die of stomach cancer than non-Hispanic White women; Whereas African American men are 70 percent more likely to die from a stroke than non-Hispanic White men; Whereas Hispanics are twice as likely as non-Hispanic Whites to be hospitalized for end-stage renal disease caused by diabetes, and are 30 percent more likely to die of diabetes, than non-Hispanic Whites; Whereas Asian Americans are 40 percent more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than non-Hispanic Whites; Whereas the HIV or AIDS case rate among Hispanic men is 4 times the HIV or AIDS case rate among non-Hispanic White men; Whereas Hispanic women are 3 times as likely as non-Hispanic White women to die of HIV infection; Whereas, in 2019, African Americans accounted for 42.1 percent of HIV infections and Hispanic Americans accounted for almost 30 percent of HIV infections; Whereas, in 2019, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders were 2.4 times more likely to be diagnosed with HIV than non-Hispanic Whites; Whereas, in 2018, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders were 2.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than non-Hispanic Whites; Whereas, although the prevalence of obesity is high among all population groups in the United States, 48.1 percent of American Indian and Alaska Natives, 51.7 percent of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, 38.3 percent of African Americans, 34.9 percent of Hispanics, 30 percent of non-Hispanic Whites, and 13 percent of Asian Americans older than 18 years old were obese; Whereas Asian American and Pacific Islander adults accounted for 30.1 percent of chronic Hepatitis B cases, and non-Hispanic White adults accounted for 13.5 percent of chronic Hepatitis B cases; Whereas heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes are some of the leading causes of death among American Indians and Alaska Natives; Whereas American Indians and Alaska Natives have higher prevalence and are at a higher risk of diabetes, substance use, obesity, sudden infant death syndrome, liver disease, viral hepatitis, and suicide than other groups in the United States; Whereas American Indians and Alaska Natives have a life expectancy that is 2.2 years shorter than the life expectancy of the overall population of the United States; Whereas African American women die from childbirth or pregnancy-related causes at a rate that is 3 to 4 times higher than the rate for non-Hispanic White women; Whereas African American infants are almost 4 times more likely to die due to complications related to low birth weight than non-Hispanic White infants; Whereas American Indians and Alaska Natives have an infant mortality rate twice as high as that of non-Hispanic Whites; Whereas American Indian and Alaska Native infants are 2.7 times more likely to die from accidental deaths before their first birthday than non-Hispanic White infants; Whereas approximately 1,000 babies are born with sickle cell disease each year in the United States, with the disease occurring in approximately 1 in 365 newborn Black or African-American infants and 1 in 16,300 newborn Hispanic-American infants, and can be found in individuals of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Asian, and Indian origin; Whereas, while more than 1 in 6 older adults have untreated cavities, non-Hispanic Black older adults have between 2 and 3 times the rate of untreated cavities as non-Hispanic White older adults; Whereas the 2022 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report found American Indians and Alaska Natives received worse care than non-Hispanic Whites for 43 percent of quality measures; Whereas, as of 2023, with respect to hospitalizations due to COVID19, American Indians and Alaska Natives are 2.4 times more likely, African Americans are 2.1 times more likely, and Hispanics are 1.8 times more likely to be hospitalized compared to non-Hispanic Whites; Whereas, as of 2023, with respect to deaths due to COVID19, American Indians and Alaska Natives are 2 times more likely, African Americans are 1.6 times more likely, and Hispanics are 1.7 times more likely to die compared to non-Hispanic Whites; and Whereas the health innovations of the United States present a unique opportunity to improve public health and health care practices across the United States and to reduce disparities among racial and ethnic minority populations: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate supports the recognition of National Minority Health Month in April 2023, which includes bringing attention to the health disparities faced by minority populations in the United States, such as American Indians, Alaska Natives, Asian Americans, African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders. | Promoting minority health awareness and supporting the goals and ideals of National Minority Health Month in April 2023, which include bringing attention to the health disparities faced by minority populations of the United States such as American Indians, Alaska Natives, Asian Americans, African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders. |
This resolution designates November 2023 as National College Application Month. | Designating November 2023 as National College Application Month Whereas equality of opportunity for all people is one of the noblest aspirations of the United States; Whereas data on the benefits of higher education demonstrates that, in spite of ongoing barriers to access and student success, colleges and universities can still provide pathways to economic opportunity; Whereas the United States built a thriving middle class by funding colleges and universities to provide avenues to individual economic opportunity and shared economic growth; Whereas higher education enhances the economic mobility of individuals, which is evidenced by (1) a finding by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce that the median lifetime earnings of holders of an associate degree are uniformly greater than the median lifetime earnings of holders of solely a high school diploma; and (2) a finding by the Pew Economic Mobility Project that, for an individual born in the lowest income quintile, obtaining a 4-year degree or a higher degree is associated with (A) an approximately 80-percent difference in the probability of that individual earning an income outside the lowest income quintile; and (B) a threefold difference in the probability of that individual going on to earn an income in the highest income quintile; Whereas the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that (1) the unemployment rate of recent high school graduates not enrolled in college was 18.3 percent, nearly 5 times higher than the overall unemployment rate of the United States; (2) approximately 38 percent of 2022 high school graduates did not immediately matriculate to an institution of higher education the following fall semester, about the same percent as in 2021, and a 4.2 percentage point decline since 2012 in the rate of immediate matriculation of new high school graduates to an institution of higher education; (3) the decline described in paragraph (2) was most notable among Hispanic and male high school graduates, who faced 12 percentage point and 6 percentage point declines, respectively, from 2012 in immediate matriculation to an institution of higher education; and (4) the unemployment rate of adults with a bachelors degree is nearly half that of the unemployment rate of adults whose highest credential is a high school degree; Whereas the National Student Clearinghouse reports that overall undergraduate enrollment in colleges and universities continues to decline; Whereas the complexity of financial aid systems and rising college costs can serve as additional deterrents or barriers for students and families as they assess the viability of higher education programs as a postsecondary option; Whereas many students struggle to identify and compare postsecondary options due to (1) difficulties accessing school counseling services, which is evidenced by an estimation of the American School Counselor Association that the average student-to-counselor ratio in the United States is 408 to 1; (2) an absence of reliable programmatic and institutional outcome data; and (3) a lack of comparable and understandable college financial aid offers; Whereas, in addition to expanding outreach and support to recent high school graduates, colleges and universities must also expand outreach and support to all undergraduate students; Whereas applications for State-based financial aid are available in many States for students who do not qualify for Federal student aid; and Whereas the data on the benefits of higher education underscores and reinforces the value of ensuring that all individuals, including students enrolled in high school and working adults (1) understand their postsecondary options; (2) understand college financing opportunities; and (3) have support to navigate the college application and financial aid processes: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates November 2023 as National College Application Month; (2) encourages the people of the United States to (A) evaluate options for pursuing higher education; (B) submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or an appropriate application for State-based financial aid in order to receive college financing opportunities; and (C) support every student, regardless of the background, age, or resources of the student, in obtaining the skills and knowledge needed to thrive; (3) supports efforts to better assist low-income and first-generation college students throughout the financial aid and college application process; (4) urges public officials, educators, parents, students, and communities in the United States to observe National College Application Month with appropriate activities and programs designed to encourage students to consider, research, and apply to college and for financial aid; and (5) commends teachers, counselors, mentors, and parents who support students throughout the college application process, as well as the organizations and institutions partnering to eliminate barriers to higher education. | Designating November 2023 as National College Application Month. |
This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that the United States must lead efforts to reform the rules of the World Trade Organization for special and differential treatment to ensure those rules promote advancement for truly developing countries. | Expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States must continue to demonstrate leadership to achieve significant reforms to the rules of the World Trade Organization in order to promote the advancement of truly developing countries. That it is the sense of the Senate that (1) although the United States finds value and usefulness in the World Trade Organization in fulfilling the needs of the United States and other free and open economies in the 21st century, significant reforms at the World Trade Organization are needed; and (2) the United States must continue to demonstrate leadership to achieve reforms that restore the effectiveness of the rules of the World Trade Organization for special and differential treatment to ensure those rules promote advancement for truly developing countries, rather than becoming tools for globally competitive countries, such as the Peoples Republic of China, to engage in protectionism and market distortions. | Expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States must continue to demonstrate leadership to achieve significant reforms to the rules of the World Trade Organization in order to promote the advancement of truly developing countries. |
This resolution recognizes National Veterans Small Business Week. | Recognizing the week of October 30 through November 4, 2023, as National Veterans Small Business Week Whereas the Armed Forces of the United States train individuals with the skills, discipline, and leadership necessary to establish and operate a successful business; Whereas there are over 1,700,000 veteran-owned small businesses in the United States, employing over 2,900,000 individuals; Whereas veteran-owned small businesses make up nearly 5 percent of all businesses in the United States; Whereas veteran-owned small businesses account for more than $800,000,000,000 in total receipts every year; Whereas there are over 160,000 women veteran-owned small businesses in the United States, employing over 119,000 individuals; Whereas the Small Business Administration hosts events honoring National Veterans Small Business Week from October 30 through November 4, 2023; Whereas the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate celebrates National Veterans Small Business Week during the week of October 30 through November 4, 2023; and Whereas the week of October 30 through November 4, 2023, would be an appropriate time to celebrate National Veterans Small Business Week: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) recognizes the week of October 30 through November 4, 2023, as National Veterans Small Business Week (2) supports the goals and ideals of National Veterans Small Business Week; (3) recognizes the importance of creating policies that promote a business-friendly environment for small business owners that is free of unnecessary and burdensome regulations and red tape; and (4) expresses appreciation for the continued service to the United States by the veterans of the United States through small business ownership and entrepreneurship. | Recognizing the week of October 30 through November 4, 2023, as National Veterans Small Business Week. |
This resolution recognizes the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and South Korea. Affirming the importance of the U.S.-South Korean alliance as the linchpin to safeguarding peace, security, and prosperity on the Korean peninsula, the resolution welcomes President Yoon Suk Yeol to the United States. It also supports ongoing defense and security ties, calls for continued promotion of human rights, and encourages close cooperation between the United States, South Korea, and Japan. | Recognizing the importance of the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Republic of Korea on October 1, 1953. Whereas, on October 1, 1953, the Mutual Defense Treaty Between the United States and the Republic of Korea (5 U.S.T. 2368) was signed in Washington, D.C., to which the Senate provided its advice and consent to ratification on January 26, 1954; Whereas the shared commitment to recognize an armed attack on either of the Parties as dangerous to the peace and security of the other and to act to meet the common danger in accordance with [each party's] constitutional processes remains in place today; Whereas the United States and Korea established diplomatic relations on May 22, 1882, with the signing of the Treaty of Peace, Amity, Commerce and Navigation, and the United States reestablished its diplomatic relationship with the Republic of Korea Whereas, in 2023, the United States-Republic of Korea alliance marks 70 years since the cessation of hostilities in the Korean War and the signing of the Armistice Agreement on July 27, 1953, which remains in place today and neither formally ended the Korean War nor constituted a permanent settlement of peace on the Korean Peninsula; Whereas the United States-Republic of Korea alliance is the linchpin of peace, security, and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific region and is essential to confronting the threat posed by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK); Whereas the United States-Republic of Korea alliance is rooted in mutual trust, shared sacrifice, common values, economic interests, and generations of people-to-people ties that provide a foundation for one of the strongest, most interoperable, and enduring bilateral alliances in the world; Whereas the United States assures its ironclad security commitment to the Republic of Korea, including the United States extended deterrent underpinned by the full range of United States capabilities, including nuclear capabilities; Whereas the United States-Republic of Korea alliance was forged in shared sacrifice, with 1,789,000 United States soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines serving during the Korean War, of whom 36,574 paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives in defense of the Republic of Korea, including 7,174 Korean Augmentation to the United States Army (KATUSA) soldiers, and the over 7,500 members of the United States Armed Forces that remain classified by the Department of Defense as missing in action; Whereas casualties of the Republic of Korea were more than 217,000 soldiers killed, more than 291,000 wounded, and over 1,000,000 civilians killed or missing; Whereas the Republic of Korea has since its founding become a thriving democracy with a vibrant press and commitment to the rule of law and a free market economy; Whereas the United States-Republic of Korea Security Consultative Meeting met on November 3, 2022, in Washington, D.C. and shared their common understanding that the U.S.-ROK Alliance is based on the same principles and shared values including: mutual trust, freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law; Whereas the United States and the Republic of Korea are committed to pursuing closely coordinated diplomatic efforts through a shared strategy to achieve the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of North Korea and establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula; Whereas the Republic of Koreas 2022 Strategy for a Free, Peaceful, and Prosperous Indo-Pacific Region emphasizes its desire to be a global pivotal state that commits to working with other key nations both within and beyond the region to foster a free and peaceful region while strengthening the rules-based international order; Whereas President Yoon Suk Yeol took the courageous and bold step of announcing that the Government of the Republic of Korea would compensate Korean victims of Japanese wartime labor in order to facilitate the resolution of an issue that has hampered cooperation with Japan; Whereas a robust and effective trilateral relationship between and among the United States, the Republic of Korea, and Japan is critical for joint security and interests in defending freedom and democracy, upholding human rights, promoting peace, security, and the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific and across the globe, championing womens empowerment, and combating and adapting to complex environmental challenges; Whereas the American and Korean people share deeply rooted values of defending freedom, championing economic development, upholding human rights, and respecting the rule of law; Whereas the United States, the Republic of Korea, and Japan have held a series of trilateral meetings, including a trilateral leaders summit on November 13, 2022, a Foreign Ministers meeting on September 23, 2022, and a vice ministerial meeting on February 13, 2023, at which the three countries committed to continuing trilateral exercises on ballistic missile defense and anti-submarine warfare, and further determined to explore new areas of security cooperation, including sharing DPRK missile warning data in real time; Whereas the Republic of Korea is the United States seventh largest goods trading partner with $162,900,000,000 in total (two-way) goods trade and $31,500,000,000 in total services trade for a combined $194,400,000,000 in 2021, and is one of the United States top sources of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), which totaled $110,600,000,000 in 2021 and, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, South Korea multinational enterprises (MNEs) in the United States employed almost 84,000 employees in 2020; Whereas the strength of the United States-Republic of Korea relationship is due in large part to the approximately 2,500,000 Korean Americans that have made significant contributions to every facet of American society and leadership to now include four members of the House of Representatives: Andy Kim of New Jersey, Young Kim of California, Marilyn Strickland of Washington, and Michelle Steel of California; and Whereas, in April 2023, President Yoon Suk Yeol will visit the United States at the invitation of President Joseph R. Biden: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) welcomes President Yoon Suk Yeol to the United States and urges both sides to use the occasion of this state visit to further deepen the close security, economic, and people-to-people ties between our nations; (2) reaffirms the importance of the United States-Republic of Korea alliance as the linchpin to safeguarding peace, security, and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and a critical component of peace in the Indo-Pacific region; (3) reaffirms the United States extended deterrence commitments to the Republic of Korea and that the United States will continue to ensure that its policy and posture reflects the requirements of extended deterrence; (4) supports ongoing efforts to further strengthen, broaden, and deepen the ironclad United States-Republic of Korea alliance, including the United States-Republic of Korea Foreign and Defense Ministerial Meeting (2+2), the Security Consultative Meeting, and the Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group, to confront threats to the peace and safety of both nations, and to stand together for the common values and shared interests that unite us; (5) calls for continued cooperation between the Governments of the United States and the Republic of Korea in the promotion of human rights; (6) supports the Republic of Koreas engagement in regional diplomacy, including the launching of the ROK-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative, the Republic of Korea's participation in the Minerals Security Partnership, its joining of the Partners in the Blue Pacific, and its hosting of a summit with Pacific Island nations; (7) endorses further Republic of Korea engagement with Quad initiatives; (8) calls for close coordination to achieve the denuclearization of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea and the establishment of a permanent and lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula; (9) encourages close cooperation among the United States, the Republic of Korea, and Japan to address shared challenges; and (10) recognizes the deep partnership forged over 70 years since the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty that has underpinned security for both countries, established a durable trust, undergirded the free and open order in the Indo-Pacific, and demonstrated the benefits of robust democracies on both sides of the Pacific. | Recognizing the importance of the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Republic of Korea on October 1, 1953. |
This resolution supports designating the week of April 17-21, 2023, as National Work Zone Awareness Week and encourages individuals to practice work zone safety. | Supporting the designation of the week of April 17 to April 21, 2023, as National Work Zone Awareness Week Whereas 857 work zone fatalities occurred in 2020, according to the Federal Highway Administration (referred to in this preamble as FHWA DOT Whereas, of the 857 work zone fatalities that occurred in 2020 (1) 680 fatalities were motor vehicle drivers or passengers; (2) 170 fatalities were persons on foot or bicyclists; and (3) 7 fatalities were listed as occupants of a motor vehicle not in transport, unknown occupant type in a motor vehicle in transport, or device and person on personal conveyances; Whereas, according to DOT data from 2020 on work zone fatal traffic crashes by type (1) 156 crashes involved a rear-end collision; (2) 208 involved a commercial motor vehicle; and (3) 287 fatalities occurred where speeding was a factor; Whereas 156 pedestrian fatalities occurred in work zones in 2020, according to DOT data; Whereas, of the 156 pedestrian fatalities that occurred in work zones in 2020 (1) 51 fatalities were a construction, maintenance, utility, or transportation worker; and (2) 105 fatalities were pedestrians other than a construction, maintenance, utility, or transportation worker; Whereas the DOT reported that 44,240 people were injured due to work zone crashes in 2020; Whereas, according to the FHWA, while work zones play a critical role in maintaining and upgrading our roads, work zones can also be a major cause of congestion, delay, and traveler dissatisfaction; Whereas, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, trucks and buses have limited maneuverability and large blind spots that make operating in work zone areas more challenging, leading to a disproportionate number of work zone crashes involving trucks and buses; Whereas enforcement of work zone speed limits is shown to significantly reduce speeding, aggressive driving, fatalities, and injuries; Whereas work zone crashes and fatalities deeply impact family, friends, and communities; Whereas being under the influence of intoxicating substances while being behind the wheel of a motor vehicle increases the likelihood of intrusions into work zones; and Whereas work zone fatalities are at the highest level since 2006: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports the designation of the week of April 17 to April 21, 2023, as National Work Zone Awareness Week (2) encourages individuals to educate themselves on the value of training and the importance of best practices in regard to work zone safety; (3) encourages individuals to practice work zone safety by (A) researching their routes ahead of time to avoid work zones when possible; (B) avoiding distractions while driving; (C) obeying road crew flaggers and being aware of and obeying all signage throughout work zones that indicate reduced speeds, lane changes, and other vital information; (D) slowing down when entering a work zone and being vigilant of road workers; (E) merging into an open lane when instructed to do so when lane closures are present and slowing down and merging over for first responders; (F) maintaining a space cushion when driving behind other vehicles to avoid rear end crashes; and (G) providing towing and recovery professionals room to facilitate the process of clearing crashes; (4) encourages infrastructure owners and operators to deploy work zone protections and technologies such as the Work Zone Data Exchange to make travel on public roads safer for workers and road users; and (5) supports the goals and ideals of a National Work Zone Awareness Week | Supporting the designation of the week of April 17 to April 21, 2023, as National Work Zone Awareness Week. |
This resolution expresses gratitude to Captain Samuel Farmer and recognizes his sacrifices and the sacrifices of the Marines and sailors of 1st Platoon, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment in Kabul, Afghanistan. | Honoring the distinguished service of Captain Samuel Farmer of the United States Marine Corps and the Marines and sailors of 1st Platoon, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. Whereas Captain Samuel Farmer, from the State of Missouri, a dedicated and courageous officer of the United States Marine Corps, faithfully served the United States for more than 4 years; Whereas Captain Samuel Farmer displayed an unwavering devotion to duty throughout his military career; Whereas then-First Lieutenant Samuel Farmer demonstrated outstanding bravery and selflessness while commanding the Marines and sailors of 1st Platoon, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment during Operation Allies Refuge in Afghanistan; Whereas then-First Lieutenant Samuel Farmer led the Marines and sailors under his command in assisting and protecting civilians under deteriorating conditions at Abbey Gate during the Kabul airlift; Whereas the Marines and sailors of 1st Platoon, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, in acts of noble humanitarianism, provided their own food and water to women and children attempting to flee Kabul; Whereas the Marines and sailors of 1st Platoon, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment displayed heroism in combat with the enemy at Abbey Gate, including the critically wounded Marines who refused treatment in order to save fallen comrades; Whereas 9 members of 1st Platoon, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment were killed in action and 14 members were wounded at Abbey Gate; Whereas then-First Lieutenant Samuel Farmer and the Marines and sailors of 1st Platoon, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment reflected great credit upon themselves and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service; and Whereas Captain Samuel Farmer honorably completed his service in the United States Marine Corps on October 30, 2023: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) extends its deepest gratitude to Captain Samuel Farmer for his dedicated service to the United States; (2) recognizes the sacrifices that Captain Samuel Farmer and the Marines and sailors of 1st Platoon, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment made for the United States; (3) commends the heroism shown by Captain Samuel Farmer and the Marines and sailors under his command in the line of duty; and (4) honors Captain Samuel Farmer and the Marines and sailors of 1st Platoon, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment for their devotion to duty and decisive leadership in the face of enemy action at Abbey Gate in Kabul, Afghanistan. | Honoring the distinguished service of Captain Samuel Farmer of the United States Marine Corps and the Marines and sailors of 1st Platoon, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. |
This resolution designates October 2023 as National Dyslexia Awareness Month and calls on Congress, schools, and educational agencies to recognize that dyslexia has significant educational implications that must be addressed. | Calling on Congress, schools, and State and local educational agencies to recognize the significant educational implications of dyslexia that must be addressed, and designating October 2023 as National Dyslexia Awareness Month Whereas dyslexia is (1) defined as an unexpected difficulty in reading for an individual who has the intelligence to be a much better reader; and (2) most commonly caused by a difficulty in phonological processing (the appreciation of the individual sounds of spoken language), which affects the ability of an individual to speak, read, spell, and, often, the ability to learn a second language; Whereas the First Step Act of 2018 ( Public Law 115391 Whereas the definition of dyslexia in section 3635 of title 18, United States Code, as added by section 101(a) of the First Step Act of 2018, is the first and only definition of dyslexia in a Federal statute; Whereas dyslexia is the most common learning disability and affects 80 to 90 percent of all individuals with a learning disability; Whereas dyslexia is persistent and highly prevalent, affecting as many as 1 out of every 5 individuals; Whereas dyslexia is a paradox, in that an individual with dyslexia may have both (1) weaknesses in decoding that result in difficulties with accurate or fluent word recognition; and (2) strengths in higher-level cognitive functions, such as reasoning, critical thinking, concept formation, and problem solving; Whereas great progress has been made in understanding dyslexia on a scientific level, including the epidemiological, cognitive, and neurobiological bases of dyslexia; Whereas the achievement gap between typical readers and dyslexic readers occurs as early as first grade; and Whereas early screening for, and early diagnosis of, dyslexia are critical for ensuring that individuals with dyslexia receive focused, evidence-based intervention that leads to fluent reading, the promotion of self-awareness and self-empowerment, and the provision of necessary accommodations that ensure success in school and in life: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) calls on Congress, schools, and State and local educational agencies to recognize that dyslexia has significant educational implications that must be addressed; and (2) designates October 2023 as National Dyslexia Awareness Month | Calling on Congress, schools, and State and local educational agencies to recognize the significant educational implications of dyslexia that must be addressed, and designating October 2023 as National Dyslexia Awareness Month. |
This resolution recognizes April 28, 2023, as National Arbor Day and encourages the people of the United States to participate in National Arbor Day activities. | Celebrating the 151st anniversary of Arbor Day. Whereas Arbor Day was founded on April 10, 1872, to recognize the importance of planting trees; Whereas Arbor Day is a time to recognize the importance of trees and an opportunity for communities to gather and plant for a greener future; Whereas Arbor Day is observed in all 50 States and across the world; Whereas participating in Arbor Day activities promotes civic participation and highlights the importance of planting and caring for trees and vegetation; Whereas such activities provide an opportunity to convey to future generations the value of land and stewardship; Whereas working forests have contributed to an increase in the number of trees planted in the United States and are sustainably managed, with less than 2 percent of working forests nationally harvested each year; Whereas a key factor in preventing forest conversion and deforestation is keeping forests productive; Whereas working forests are a critical part of a nature-based solution to climate change, and by providing a continuous cycle of growing, harvesting, and replanting, active forest management maximizes the ability to sequester and store carbon and improves forest resilience; Whereas private forests play an important role in conserving at-risk and declining species, and collaborative conservation efforts can benefit species while also helping to keep forests as forests; Whereas sustainably grown wood can be used in a wide variety of resilient infrastructure and building applicationsfrom traditional timber framing to high-tech mass timberand as a natural, renewable, and biodegradable material, the significant use of wood building materials in buildings and bridges helps decrease global carbon emissions; Whereas the Arbor Day Foundation and the Tree City USA program have been committed to greening cities and towns across the country since 1976, and, in that time, more than 3,600 communities have made the commitment to becoming Tree City USA communities; Whereas Tree City USA communities are home to more than 153,000,000 individuals in the United States who are dedicated to core standards of sound urban forestry management and who dedicate resources and time to urban forestry initiatives, which helps make their communities and our country a better place to live; Whereas National Arbor Day is observed on the last Friday of April each year; and Whereas April 28, 2023, marks the 151st anniversary of Arbor Day: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) recognizes April 28, 2023, as National Arbor Day (2) celebrates the 151st anniversary of Arbor Day; (3) supports the goals and ideals of National Arbor Day; and (4) encourages the people of the United States to participate in National Arbor Day activities. | Celebrating the 151st anniversary of Arbor Day. |
This resolution designates National Women of Color in Tech Day to celebrate the contribution to the field of technology made by women of color. | Designating March 24th, 2023, as National Women of Color in Tech Day Whereas National Women of Color in Tech Day acknowledges the challenges many women of color face in the field of technology (referred to in this preamble as tech (1) Katherine Johnson, a former engineer at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; (2) Marie Van Brittan Brown, who invented the first home security system; and (3) Patricia Bath, who invented the Laserphaco Probe for the removal of cataracts; Whereas evidence suggests that structural and social barriers in tech education, tech workforce development, the tech workforce, and venture capital investment in tech can disproportionately and negatively affect women of color; Whereas women are underrepresented in tech and women of color often face additional systemic barriers in the tech ecosystem specifically and in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (referred to in this preamble as STEM Whereas underrepresented minority students often face an opportunity gap in STEM education in the United States; Whereas women and girls of color often face an achievement gap in science and engineering education; Whereas women and girls overall often face a large opportunity gap in computer science; Whereas the competitiveness of the United States in the 21st-century global economy largely depends on developing STEM-literate citizens; Whereas the demand for professionals in tech and computing fields is expected to increase substantially over the next decade; Whereas, as of March 2023, data showed there were more than 750,000 open and unfilled cybersecurity jobs in the United States; Whereas increasing the number of women of color in tech will be critical to building and maintaining a competitive tech workforce; Whereas women of color currently make up 39 percent of the female population in the United States and are projected to make up the majority of women by 2060; Whereas, according to a 2018 study by the Women of Color in Computing Research Collaborative, women of color in the United States earn less than 10 percent of the bachelors degrees in computing and less than 5 percent of doctorates in computer science; Whereas the low number of women of color in tech positions who have not received a bachelors degree, or who earn certificates, demonstrates that women of color may not be taking sufficient advantage of alternative pathways for reskilling in computing-related areas or may not have adequate access or exposure to these pathways; Whereas increasing the inclusion of women of color in the science and tech sectors can provide role models who can inspire students of all backgrounds and identities, including young girls of color; Whereas diversity in any field incorporates different experiences and ideas that can ultimately lead to more creative and pioneering solutions to the current and future problems of the United States; Whereas, a May 2020, study by McKinsey and Company shows that companies with a diverse workforce often perform better, hire more qualified employees, have more engaged employees, and are better at retaining workers than companies that do not prioritize diversity; Whereas communities of color are underrepresented in corporate leadership roles, including in the tech sector; and Whereas a pipeline of qualified tech candidates of color is critical for future growth, particularly as the tech industry works to improve the recruiting, hiring, and retaining of candidates and employees of color: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates March 24, 2023, as National Women of Color in Tech Day (2) recognizes the celebration of National Women of Color in Tech Day as a time to reflect on the many notable contributions that women of color have made to the field of technology in the United States; (3) urges the people of the United States to observe National Women of Color in Tech Day with appropriate programs and activities; (4) pledges to work to increase diversity and inclusion in the technology sector, including through robust plans to ensure recruitment, training, and retention of underrepresented minorities at all levels; (5) commits to working to eliminate barriers to entering the technology sector faced by women of color and individuals from other underrepresented groups; (6) reaffirms the commitment of the Senate to ensuring that all students have access to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (referred to in this resolution as STEM (7) supports efforts to strengthen investments in, and collaborations with, educational institutions, including community colleges, historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, Asian-American, Native-American, and Pacific Islander-serving institutions, Tribal Colleges and Universities, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions, and other minority-serving institutions, to sustain a pipeline of diverse STEM graduates ready to enter the technology sector; and (8) urges the President to work with Congress to improve data collection, data disaggregation, and dissemination of information for greater understanding and transparency of diversity in STEM education and across the workforce of the United States. | Designating March 24th, 2023, as National Women of Color in Tech Day. |
This resolution recognizes the 30th anniversary of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program and commends the accomplishments of its graduates. Additionally, the resolution reaffirms the commitment of the Senate to support the program and its mission to help and develop the character of at-risk youth in the United States. | Honoring the 30th anniversary of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program. Whereas the National Guard Youth Challenge Program (referred to in this preamble as the Youth Challenge Program Whereas the Youth Challenge Program was born from the visionary concept of using a whole person Whereas the Youth Challenge Program is a federally and State-funded program that offers a unique opportunity for at-risk youth to change course at a critical time in life; Whereas the multiphased Youth Challenge Program uses quasi-military discipline and training, coupled with educational instruction, learning, and mentorship, to promote the character development and resilience of at-risk youth; Whereas one phase of the Youth Challenge Program is a 5 1/2 Whereas another phase of the Youth Challenge Program is a 12-month mentoring phase that builds on the 8 core components to help shape youth into productive citizens ready for societal success; Whereas there is now an optional fifth phase of the Youth Challenge Program called Job Challenge, in which Youth Challenge Program graduates under the age of 21 years old can pursue in-demand job certifications; Whereas the Youth Challenge Program offers more than 8,000 cadets annually an opportunity to succeed outside of a traditional high school environment; Whereas there are currently 39 Youth Challenge programs operating in 28 States, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia; Whereas more than 200,000 cadets have graduated from the Youth Challenge Program; Whereas more than 184,000 academic credentials have been awarded under the Youth Challenge Program; and Whereas graduates of the Youth Challenge Program have improved physically and mentally and are poised to become assets to the communities of the graduates and to the United States: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) recognizes that the National Guard Youth Challenge Program has been successfully helping at-risk youth for 30 years; (2) commends the accomplishments of all of the graduates of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program; and (3) reaffirms the commitment of the Senate to support (A) the National Guard Youth Challenge Program; and (B) the critical mission of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program to help and develop the character of at-risk youth in the United States. | Honoring the 30th anniversary of the National Guard Youth Challenge Program. |
This resolution authorizes the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs to make specified expenditures and employ personnel for the 118th Congress. | Authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 1. General authority In carrying out its powers, duties, and functions under the Standing Rules of the Senate, in accordance with its jurisdiction under rule XXV of the Standing Rules of the Senate, 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 Veterans' Affairs (in this resolution referred to as the committee (1) make expenditures from the contingent fund of the Senate; (2) employ personnel; and (3) with the prior consent of the Government department or agency concerned and the Committee on Rules and Administration, use on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis the services of personnel of any such department or agency. 2. Expenses (a) Expenses for period ending September 30, 2023 The expenses of the committee for the period March 1, 2023, through September 30, 2023, under this resolution shall not exceed $2,430,843, of which amount (1) not to exceed $58,000 may be expended for the procurement of the services of individual consultants, or organizations thereof (as authorized by section 202(i) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 ( 2 U.S.C. 4301(i) (2) not to exceed $40,000 may be expended for the training of the professional staff of the committee (under procedures specified by section 202(j) of that Act). (b) Expenses for fiscal year 2024 period The expenses of the committee for the period October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024, under this resolution shall not exceed $4,167,160, 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 $70,000 may be expended for the training of the professional staff of the committee (under procedures specified by section 202(j) of that Act). (c) Expenses for period ending February 28, 2025 The expenses of the committee for the period October 1, 2024, through February 28, 2025, under this resolution shall not exceed $1,736,317, of which amount (1) not to exceed $42,000 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 $30,000 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 Veterans' Affairs. |
This resolution expresses support for the designation of May 15, 2024, as National Senior Fraud Awareness Day and encourages the development of policies that help prevent scams targeting older adults. | Supporting the designation of May 15, 2024, as National Senior Fraud Awareness Day Whereas millions of individuals age 65 or older (referred to in this preamble as seniors Whereas other types of fraud perpetrated against seniors include Medicare impersonation fraud, health care fraud, health insurance fraud, counterfeit prescription drug fraud, funeral and cemetery fraud, anti-aging Whereas the Government Accountability Office has estimated that seniors lose a staggering $2,900,000,000 each year to an ever-growing array of financial exploitation schemes and scams; Whereas, since 2013, the Fraud Hotline of the Special Committee on Aging of the Senate has received more than 10,000 complaints reporting possible scams from individuals in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; Whereas the ease with which criminals contact seniors through the internet and telephone increases as more creative schemes emerge and scammers employ new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and spoofing Whereas, according to the Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2023 released by the Federal Trade Commission, individuals age 60 or older reported losing almost $2,000,000,000 to fraud in 2023, with a median loss for victims age 80 or older of $1,450, more than 3 times the median amount lost by those victims between the ages of 50 and 59; Whereas senior fraud is underreported by victims due to shame, stigma, and lack of information about where to report fraud; and Whereas May 15, 2024, is an appropriate day to establish as National Senior Fraud Awareness Day That the Senate (1) supports the designation of May 15, 2024, as National Senior Fraud Awareness Day (2) recognizes National Senior Fraud Awareness Day as an opportunity to raise awareness about the barrage of scams that individuals age 65 or older (referred to in this resolution as seniors (3) recognizes that law enforcement agencies, consumer protection groups, area agencies on aging, and financial institutions all play vital roles in (A) preventing the proliferation of scams targeting seniors in the United States; and (B) educating seniors about those scams; (4) encourages (A) the implementation of policies to prevent scams targeting seniors; and (B) the improvement of efforts to protect seniors from those scams; and (5) honors the commitment and dedication of the individuals and organizations that work tirelessly to fight against scams targeting seniors. | Supporting the designation of May 15, 2024, as National Senior Fraud Awareness Day to raise awareness about the increasing number of fraudulent scams targeted at seniors in the United States, to encourage the implementation of policies to prevent those scams from happening, and to improve protections from those scams for seniors. |
This resolution designates National Cholesterol Education Month and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) Awareness Day. The resolution also encourages all individuals in the United States to know their LDL-C number. High levels of LDL-C increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. | Designating September 2024 as National Cholesterol Education Month LDLC Awareness Day Whereas cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States; Whereas projected rates of cardiovascular disease are expected to increase significantly in the United States by 2060; Whereas, compared to urban areas, rural areas in the United States have higher death rates for cardiovascular disease and stroke, and a 40 percent higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease; Whereas risk factors contributing to cardiovascular disease and poor health outcomes include elevated low density lipoprotein cholesterol (referred to in this preamble as LDLC Whereas lipoprotein(a) cholesterol is predominantly genetically inherited and can build up in the walls of blood vessels, creating cholesterol deposits, or plaques, and lead to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; Whereas LDLC is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and having lower LDLC is associated with a reduced risk of heart attack and stroke; Whereas more than 25.5 percent of adults in the United States have high LDLC; Whereas more than 200 studies with more than 2,000,000 patients have broadly established that elevated LDLC unequivocally causes atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; Whereas atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the build-up of cholesterol plaque within the walls of arteries and includes acute coronary syndrome, peripheral arterial disease, and events such as heart attacks and strokes; Whereas the resources needed to bend the curve on cardiovascular disease exist, yet 71 percent of hypercholesterolemia patients at high risk of a cardiovascular event never achieve recommended LDLC treatment guideline thresholds; Whereas only 33 percent of individuals with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease who are taking statins, a guideline recommended lipid-lowering therapy, actually achieve LDLC goals; Whereas, although clinical guidelines recommend that a patient hospitalized for heart attack receive an LDLC test in the 90 days following discharge from a hospital, only 27 percent of patients receive the test; Whereas African-American adults are less likely to receive an LDLC test in the 90 days following discharge from a hospital, despite having a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease; Whereas significant gaps in care lead to subsequent cardiovascular events; Whereas the Million Hearts program seeks to improve access to and quality of care to reduce heart disease, stroke, and death; and Whereas September is recognized as National Cholesterol Education Month to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease and the importance of knowing ones LDLC number: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) encourages all individuals in the United States to know their low density lipoprotein cholesterol (referred to in this resolution as LDLC (2) designates September 2024 as National Cholesterol Education Month (3) designates September 30, 2024, as LDLC Awareness Day (4) recognizes the urgent need for screening and treating of elevated LDLC to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes. | Designating September 2024 as National Cholesterol Education Month and September 30, 2024, as LDLC Awareness Day. |
This resolution designates March 1, 2024, as National Speech and Debate Education Day. | Designating March 1, 2024, as National Speech and Debate Education Day Whereas it is essential for youth to learn and practice the art of communicating with and without technology; Whereas speech and debate education offers students myriad forms of public speaking through which students may develop talent and exercise unique voice and character; Whereas speech and debate education gives students the 21st century skills of communication, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration; Whereas critical analysis and effective communication allow important ideas, texts, and philosophies the opportunity to flourish; Whereas personal, professional, and civic interactions are enhanced by the ability of the participants in those interactions to listen, concur, question, and dissent with reason and compassion; Whereas students who participate in speech and debate have chosen a challenging activity that requires regular practice, dedication, and hard work; Whereas teachers and coaches of speech and debate devote in-school, afterschool, and weekend hours to equip students with life-changing skills and opportunities; Whereas National Speech and Debate Education Day emphasizes the lifelong impact of providing people of the United States with the confidence and preparation to both discern and share views; Whereas National Speech and Debate Education Day acknowledges that most achievements, celebrations, commemorations, and pivotal moments in modern history begin, end, or are crystallized with public address; Whereas National Speech and Debate Education Day recognizes that learning to research, construct, and present an argument is integral to personal advocacy, social movements, and the making of public policy; Whereas the National Speech & Debate Association, in conjunction with national and local partners, honors and celebrates the importance of speech and debate through National Speech and Debate Education Day; and Whereas National Speech and Debate Education Day emphasizes the importance of speech and debate education and the integration of speech and debate education across grade levels and disciplines: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates March 1, 2024, as National Speech and Debate Education Day (2) strongly affirms the purposes of National Speech and Debate Education Day; and (3) encourages educational institutions, businesses, community and civic associations, and all people of the United States to celebrate and promote National Speech and Debate Education Day. | Designating March 1, 2024, as National Speech and Debate Education Day. |
This resolution acknowledges the 120th anniversary of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and commends the organization for its work mentoring the young people of the United States and strengthening thousands of communities. | Recognizing Big Brothers Big Sisters of America on its 120th anniversary. Whereas, in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America was founded as a positive disruption to society by making valuable mentorship the alternative to sending kids to the juvenile justice system; Whereas, as of 2024, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America has more than 230 local agencies in more than 5,000 communities in all 50 States and the District of Columbia to inspire and engage youth to achieve their full potential; Whereas Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (1) operates under the belief that inherent in every child is incredible potential; and (2) establishes powerful connections through meaningful matches of volunteer mentors and young people from age 5 through young adulthood; Whereas, since its founding, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America has served adult volunteers, young people, and families, and built a strong network of an estimated 20,000,000 alumni and champions; Whereas mentoring is an evidence-based and effective method to support the emotional, social, physical, educational, and economic success of young people; Whereas Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, through its efforts in communities across the United States, has significantly impacted the ability of young people to meet various challenges, including challenges associated with mental health, educational achievement, workforce development, and criminal violence prevention; Whereas 92 percent of youth in Big Brothers Big Sisters of America programs feel a greater sense of belonging and view their mentor as a very important adult in their life; Whereas Big Brothers Big Sisters of America has been supported by a dedicated network of volunteers, donors, and partners, who have generously contributed their time, resources, and expertise to further the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America; and Whereas Big Brothers Big Sisters of America raises significant private funding from individuals, corporations, and foundation grants, which compliments its Federal investment: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) commends Big Brothers Big Sisters of America for its work mentoring the young people of the United States and strengthening thousands of communities; (2) acknowledges the 120th anniversary of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and all of the achievements of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America; (3) recognizes that access to a positive, sustained mentor can change the life trajectory of a young person; and (4) supports Big Brothers Big Sisters of America in continuing and expanding programs that support young people. | Recognizing Big Brothers Big Sisters of America on its 120th anniversary. |
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 2024, 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 expresses support for the designation of May 17, 2024, as DIPG Awareness Day. DIPG refers to diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, a terminal childhood brain cancer. | Expressing support for the designation of May 17, 2024, as DIPG Pediatric Brain Cancer Awareness Day Whereas diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (referred to in this preamble as DIPG Whereas brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related death among children; Whereas DIPG tumors are the leading cause of pediatric brain cancer deaths; Whereas, with respect to a child who is diagnosed with a DIPG tumor and receives treatment for a DIPG tumor, the median amount of time that the child survives after diagnosis is approximately 11 months; Whereas, with respect to an individual who is diagnosed with a DIPG tumor, the rate of survival 5 years after diagnosis is approximately 2 percent; Whereas the average age at which a child is diagnosed with a DIPG tumor is between 5 and 10 years, resulting in a life expectancy approximately 70 years shorter than the average life expectancy in the United States; and Whereas the prognosis for children diagnosed with DIPG tumors has not meaningfully improved during the past 50 years: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports designating May 17, 2024, as DIPG Pediatric Brain Cancer Awareness Day (2) supports efforts (A) to better understand diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (referred to in this resolution as DIPG (B) to develop effective treatments for DIPG tumors; and (C) to provide comprehensive care for children with DIPG tumors and their families; and (3) encourages all individuals in the United States to become more informed about (A) DIPG tumors; (B) pediatric brain cancer in general; and (C) challenges relating to research on pediatric cancers and ways to advance that research. | Expressing support for the designation of May 17, 2024, as DIPG Pediatric Brain Cancer Awareness Day to raise awareness of, and encourage research on, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma tumors and pediatric cancers in general. |
This resolution designates the week beginning on March 10, 2024, as National CACFP Week. It also recognizes the role of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) in improving the health of the most vulnerable children and adults in child care centers, adult day care homes, and after-school care in the United States by providing nutritious meals and snacks. | Designating the third week of March 2024 as National CACFP Week Whereas the third week of March is annually recognized as National CACFP Week CACFP Whereas the Department of Agriculture has reaffirmed (1) the vital role positive nutritional habits play in the healthy growth of children in the United States; and (2) the importance of nutritional education for the most vulnerable and youngest children, as well as adults, through centers and homes throughout the United States; Whereas, in 2022, the CACFP provided daily meals and snacks to more than 4,700,000 children and more than 113,000 adults in child care centers, adult day care homes, and after-school programs, providing almost 1,800,000,000 meals and snacks in total; Whereas the CACFP not only provides nutritional meals and education but also increases the quality of child care in general, especially for children in low-income areas; Whereas the innovative approach to oversight of the CACFP, which pairs child care centers, adult day care homes, and after-school sites with either a non profit sponsoring organization or a State agency, highlights a unique public-private partnership that supports working families and small businesses; Whereas, although child care can be expensive in many locations throughout the United States, the CACFP increases the effectiveness and viability of child care centers and adult day care homes for many providers, especially in rural areas; and Whereas an increasing number of studies demonstrate that access to the CACFP can measurably and positively impact the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical health and development of children, leading to more favorable outcomes, such as (1) a decreased likelihood of being hospitalized; (2) an increased likelihood of healthy weight gain; and (3) an increased likelihood of a more varied diet: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates the week beginning on March 10, 2024, as National CACFP Week (2) recognizes the role of the Child and Adult Care Food Program in improving the health of the most vulnerable children and adults in child care centers, adult day care homes, and after-school care in the United States by providing nutritious meals and snacks. | Designating the third week of March 2024 as National CACFP Week. |
This resolution designates January 23, 2024, as Maternal Health Awareness Day. | Designating January 23, 2024, as Maternal Health Awareness Day Whereas each year in the United States, approximately 700 individuals die as a result of complications related to pregnancy and childbirth; Whereas the pregnancy-related mortality ratio, defined as the number of pregnancy-related deaths per 100,000 live births, more than doubled in the United States between 1987 and 2019; Whereas the United States is one of the only Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development member countries in which the maternal mortality rate has increased over the last several decades; Whereas, of all pregnancy-related deaths in the United States between 2017 and 2019 (1) approximately 22 percent occurred during pregnancy; (2) approximately 25 percent occurred during childbirth or the week after childbirth; and (3) 53 percent occurred between 1 week and 1 year postpartum; Whereas more than 80 percent of maternal deaths in the United States are preventable; Whereas, each year, more than 50,000 individuals in the United States suffer from a near miss Whereas approximately 20 percent of individuals who give birth in the United States report experiencing 1 or more types of mistreatment, such as (1) receiving no response to requests for help; (2) being shouted at or scolded; (3) not having their physical privacy protected; or (4) being threatened with withholding treatment or made to accept unwanted treatment; Whereas certain social determinants of health, including bias and racism, have a negative impact on maternal health outcomes; Whereas significant disparities in maternal health outcomes exist in the United States, including that (1) Black individuals are more than 3 times as likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause as are White individuals; (2) American Indian and Alaska Native individuals are more than twice as likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause as are White individuals; (3) Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native individuals with at least some college education are more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than are individuals of all other racial and ethnic backgrounds with less than a high school diploma; (4) Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native individuals are about twice as likely to suffer from severe maternal morbidity as are White individuals; (5) individuals who live in rural areas have a greater likelihood of severe maternal morbidity and mortality, compared to individuals who live in urban areas; (6) less than of rural counties have a hospital with obstetric services; (7) counties with more Black and Hispanic residents and lower median incomes are less likely to have access to hospital obstetric services; (8) more than 50 percent of individuals who live in a rural area must travel more than 30 minutes to access hospital obstetric services, compared to 7 percent of individuals who live in urban areas; and (9) American Indian and Alaska Native individuals living in rural communities are twice as likely as their White counterparts to report receiving late or no prenatal care; Whereas pregnant individuals may be at increased risk for severe outcomes associated with COVID19, as (1) pregnant individuals with symptomatic COVID19 are more likely to be admitted to an intensive care unit, receive invasive ventilation, and receive extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (commonly known as ECMO (2) pregnant individuals with symptomatic COVID19 have a risk of dying that is 7 times higher than nonpregnant individuals with symptomatic COVID19; and (3) pregnant individuals with COVID19 are at risk for pre-term delivery and stillbirth; Whereas 49 States have designated committees to review maternal deaths; Whereas State and local maternal mortality review committees are positioned to comprehensively assess maternal deaths and identify opportunities for prevention; Whereas 49 States and the District of Columbia are participating in the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health, which promotes consistent and safe maternity care to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality; Whereas community-based maternal health care models, including midwifery childbirth services, doula support services, community and perinatal health worker services, and group prenatal care, in collaboration with culturally competent physician care, show great promise in improving maternal health outcomes and reducing disparities in maternal health outcomes; Whereas many organizations have implemented initiatives to educate patients and providers about (1) all causes of, contributing factors to, and disparities in maternal mortality; (2) the prevention of pregnancy-related deaths; and (3) the importance of listening to and empowering all people to report pregnancy-related medical issues; and Whereas several States, communities, and organizations recognize January 23 as Maternal Health Awareness Day That the Senate (1) designates January 23, 2024, as Maternal Health Awareness Day (2) supports the goals and ideals of Maternal Health Awareness Day, including (A) raising public awareness about maternal mortality, maternal morbidity, and disparities in maternal health outcomes; and (B) encouraging the Federal Government, States, territories, Tribes, local communities, public health organizations, physicians, health care providers, and others to take action to reduce adverse maternal health outcomes and improve maternal safety; (3) promotes initiatives (A) to address and eliminate disparities in maternal health outcomes; and (B) to ensure respectful and equitable maternity care practices; (4) honors those who have passed away as a result of pregnancy-related causes; and (5) supports and recognizes the need for further investments in efforts to improve maternal health, eliminate disparities in maternal health outcomes, and promote respectful and equitable maternity care practices. | Designating January 23, 2024, as Maternal Health Awareness Day. |
This resolution designates May 5, 2024, as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls. | Designating May 5, 2024, as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls Whereas American Indians and Alaska Natives are 2.5 times more likely to experience violent crimes and at least 2 times more likely to experience rape or sexual assault crimes compared to any other group of people in the United States; Whereas, according to a study commissioned by the Department of Justice, in some Tribal communities, American Indian women face murder rates that are more than 10 times the national average murder rate; Whereas, according to the most recently available data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2017, homicide was the sixth leading cause of death for American Indian and Alaska Native females between 1 and 44 years of age; Whereas the Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women released reports finding that 64 percent of trafficking survivors in Hawaii identified as being Native Hawaiian; Whereas little data exists on the number of missing American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women in the United States; Whereas, on July 5, 2013, Hanna Harris, a member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, was reported missing by her family in Lame Deer, Montana; Whereas the body of Hanna Harris was found 5 days after she went missing; Whereas Hanna Harris was determined to have been raped and murdered, and the individuals accused of committing those crimes were convicted; Whereas the case of Hanna Harris is an example of many similar cases; and Whereas Hanna Harris was born on May 5, 1992: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates May 5, 2024, as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls (2) calls on the people of the United States and interested groups (A) to commemorate the lives of missing and murdered American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women whose cases are documented and undocumented in public records and the media; and (B) to demonstrate solidarity with the families of victims in light of those tragedies. | Designating May 5, 2024, as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls. |
This resolution repeals a 1905 prohibition on flowers in the Senate chamber. Since 1923, flowers have been occasionally allowed in the chamber, primarily to honor deceased Senators. | Repealing standing orders relating to flowers in the Senate Chamber. 1. Repeal of restriction on flowers (a) In general Senate Resolution 284 (58th Congress), agreed to February 24, 1905, is repealed. (b) Conforming repeal Senate Resolution 221 (98th Congress), agreed to September 15, 1983, is repealed. | Repealing standing orders relating to flowers in the Senate Chamber. |
This resolution supports the observation of National Hospital Week from May 12, 2024, through May 18, 2024. | Supporting the goals and ideals of National Hospital Week, to be observed from May 12 through May 18, 2024. Whereas, beginning in 1921, National Hospital Day was established by former President Warren G. Harding to be celebrated annually on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, as a way to honor her role in revolutionizing hospital care; Whereas National Hospital Day was established following the Spanish Flu Outbreak of 1918 as a way to build community trust in hospitals; Whereas, beginning in 1953, National Hospital Week was established and continues to coincide with the birthday of Florence Nightingale; Whereas National Hospital Week is a time of year to reflect on the important contributions that hospitals make to provide safe, high-quality health care; Whereas, in 2024, approximately 6,120 hospitals in the United States provide essential and life-saving health care every day in a variety of hospitals settings, including (1) 1,368 critical access hospitals, which serve as important health care hubs by bringing essential medical services closer to individuals who would otherwise have to travel long distances for health care, provide health care to 1/5 (2) nearly 1,700 teaching hospitals, of which roughly 300 are major teaching hospitals, such as university hospitals or academic medical centers, that provide essential training to future medical providers; (3) 659 non-Federal psychiatric hospitals that are essential partners in addressing mental health and substance abuse disorders across the United States; and (4) 172 Veterans Affairs medical centers that are uniquely responsible for providing health care to more than 9,000,000 veterans; Whereas, in 2023, hospitals in the United States provided health care to more than 33,000,000 admitted patients, provided emergency care to nearly 137,000,000 patients, and delivered more than 3,500,000 babies; Whereas, in 2024, hospitals employed more than 5,486,000 individuals, including physicians, registered nurses, and allied health professionals; Whereas 45 percent of individuals employed by hospitals are non-clinical staff, including sanitation workers, food service workers, and many others, who work to keep hospitals open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in order to ensure hospitals are always available to individuals that need health care; Whereas hospitals, through direct care and community outreach, can provide the expertise and resources needed to address the unique health care needs that exist in rural and urban areas of the United States; and Whereas hospitals work collaboratively to uphold the health care system of the United States: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports the goals and ideals of National Hospital Week, to be observed from May 12 through May 18, 2024; (2) recognizes the significant role that hospitals play in the delivery of health care in the United States; and (3) encourages the people of the United States to observe National Hospital Week with appropriate recognition, ceremonies, activities, and programs to demonstrate the importance of hospitals to the everyday lives of patients and communities. | Supporting the goals and ideals of National Hospital Week, to be observed from May 12 through May 18, 2024. |
This resolution expresses support for the designation of March 18, 2024, as the Health Workforce Well-Being Day of Awareness. The resolution also recognizes the seriousness of widespread health care worker burnout in the United States. | Recognizing the seriousness of widespread health care worker burnout in the United States and the need to strengthen health workforce well-being, and expressing support for the designation of March 18, 2024, as the inaugural Health Workforce Well-Being Day of Awareness Whereas the capacity and well-being of the United States health workforce has been burdened for decades by an epidemic of burnout, and this trend has been exacerbated in recent years; Whereas burnout can have wide-ranging consequences for individual health care workers, including occupational injury, risk of depression and suicide, lower morale and productivity, absenteeism, and possible deleterious impact on patient care; Whereas 50 percent of health care workers reported burnout in 2020; Whereas, in 2020, 44 percent of nurses experienced physical violence and 68 percent experienced verbal abuse; Whereas, in 2020, 69 percent of physicians experienced colloquial depression, 20 percent experienced clinical depression, and 13 percent had thoughts of suicide; Whereas physicians, particularly female physicians, are more likely than the general population to die by suicide, and United States physicians are more likely to die by suicide than physicians in other nations; Whereas rates of burnout have serious consequences for the capacity of the United States health system, particularly in regard to employee retention and recruitment; Whereas, in 2023, job quitting among health care and social assistance workers was 9.2 percent higher than in February 2020; Whereas approximately 40 percent of United States health care workers plan to leave their current role within the next 5 years; Whereas the average operating margin for hospitals in the United States was reduced by 130 percent between 2019 and 2020, driven in part by persistent labor shortages; Whereas staffing shortages and impacts of burnout on the mental health and productivity of health care workers raise serious concerns about quality of care and patient safety; Whereas the decreased capacity of the United States health system constitutes both a serious public health concern and a challenge to economic security; Whereas, in 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health launched the Health Worker Mental Health Initiative, which aims to raise awareness of health workers' mental health issues and improve trainings and resources to address the mental health of health workers; Whereas, in 2022, Congress enacted the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act ( 42 U.S.C. 294s et seq. Whereas, in 2022, the Office of the Surgeon General published an Advisory on Addressing Health Worker Burnout to call attention to the health worker burnout crisis and to the urgent need to support the well-being of the health workforce of the United States; Whereas, in 2022, the National Academy of Medicine released the National Plan for Health Workforce Well-Being, delineating necessary actions to safeguard the United States health workforce; and Whereas a more robust national focus on protecting the well-being and mental health of health care workers will improve outcomes for workers and patients, strengthen the United States health system, and support population health: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) expresses support for the designation of March 18, 2024, as the inaugural Health Workforce Well-Being Day of Awareness (2) recognizes the seriousness of widespread health care worker burnout in the United States and the need to strengthen health workforce well-being; and (3) supports the goals and ideals of the Health Workforce Well-Being Day of Awareness, which include (A) raising public awareness about the importance of protecting the well-being of physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals to sustain the capacity of the United States health system and ensure the quality of patient care; (B) mobilizing action to support the well-being of physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals across multiple sectors, including Federal, State, and local governments, health systems, insurers and payers, health information technology companies, educational, training, and accreditation organizations, private and nonprofit organizations, media and communications companies, and organizations that employ health care workers; (C) creating and sustaining positive work and learning environments and culture; (D) investing in measurement, assessment, strategies, and research; (E) supporting mental and behavioral health, including removing barriers to accessing care and treatment, and reducing stigma; (F) engaging effective tools and technology that reduce administrative burdens on physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals; (G) establishing well-being as a long-term value in health organizations; and (H) recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive health workforce. | Recognizing the seriousness of widespread health care worker burnout in the United States and the need to strengthen health workforce well-being, and expressing support for the designation of March 18, 2024, as the inaugural Health Workforce Well-Being Day of Awareness. |
This resolution recognizes September 17, 2024, 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 17, 2024, as National Voter Registration Day That the Senate (1) recognizes September 17, 2024, 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 17, 2024, as National Voter Registration Day. |
This resolution commends Blue Mountain Christian University for its 150 years of service to Mississippi and the United States. It also recognizes Blue Mountain Christian University for its academic, faith-based, and athletic excellence. | Commending Blue Mountain Christian University for 150 years of service to the State of Mississippi and the United States. Whereas Blue Mountain Christian University began its first session as a womens institution on September 12, 1873, with a four-member faculty offering a liberal arts curriculum to 50 students; Whereas Blue Mountain Christian University was chartered as a college in 1877 and managed by the Lowrey family until 1920 when the Mississippi Baptist Convention assumed ownership; Whereas, in 1956, the Mississippi Baptist Convention voted to add a coordinated academic program for men preparing for church-related vocations; Whereas, in 2005, the Board of Trustees voted to make Blue Mountain Christian University a fully coeducational institution; Whereas, on October 7, 2022, the Board of Trustees approved changing the name of the institution from Blue Mountain College to Blue Mountain Christian University; Whereas Blue Mountain Christian University has grown from 50 students to host more than 600 students participating in nine programs of study, including establishing graduate programs in education in 2006, business administration in 2019, and kinesiology in 2023, as well as a School of Nursing in 2022; Whereas Blue Mountain Christian University has played a significant role in meeting the needs of its constituents for 150 years by educating women in the 1870s following a devastating war, by educating ministers in the mid-1950s when bi-vocational pastors were unable to travel to pursue higher education, by converting to coeducational status in 2005 when the education of both men and women became expedient to enhance community advancement and service, and by establishing a nursing program in the 2020s to address a critical shortage of trained personnel in the medical field; Whereas the inaugural Southern Literary Festival was established at Blue Mountain Christian University in 1937 to foster creative writing and to provide exposure to successful authors; Whereas Blue Mountain Christian University is renowned for academic excellence in education and ministry, producing both excellent teachers and preachers in particular and outstanding graduates broadly who are all academically and spiritually prepared to assume places of leadership in their professions and in the faith community; Whereas Blue Mountain Christian University was a pioneer in womens college athletics on the state and national levels, first by joining the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women and later the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics; Whereas the athletic program of the Blue Mountain Christian University Toppers is now composed of 18 mens and womens intercollegiate varsity athletic teams that represent Blue Mountain Christian University in the Southern States Athletic Conference; Whereas Blue Mountain Christian University is dedicated to supporting the academic success of student athletes while striving for on-field success; and Whereas hundreds of students of all races, creeds, backgrounds, and beliefs receive a world-class, Christ-centered education at Blue Mountain Christian University: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) commends Blue Mountain Christian University for its 150 years of service to the State of Mississippi and the United States; (2) recognizes Blue Mountain Christian University for its academic, faith-based, and athletic excellence; and (3) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to (A) the President of Blue Mountain Christian University, Dr. Barbara Childers McMillin; (B) the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs of Blue Mountain Christian University, Dr. Sharon Ball Enzor; and (C) the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics of Blue Mountain Christian University, Mr. Will Lowrey. | Commending Blue Mountain Christian University for 150 years of service to the State of Mississippi and the United States. |
This resolution recognizes January 2024 as National Mentoring Month. | Recognizing January 2024 as National Mentoring Month Whereas the goals of National Mentoring Month are to raise awareness of and celebrate the powerful impact of mentoring relationships, recruit new mentors, and encourage institutions to integrate quality mentoring into their policies, practices, and programs; Whereas quality mentoring fosters positive life and social skills, promotes self-esteem, bolsters academic achievement and college access, supports career exploration, and nurtures youth leadership development; Whereas mentoring happens in many settings, including community-based programs, elementary and secondary schools, colleges, government agencies, religious institutions, and the workplace, and in various ways, including formal mentoring matches and informal relationships with teachers, coaches, neighbors, faith leaders, and others; Whereas effective mentoring of underserved and vulnerable populations helps individuals confront challenges and display improved mental health and social-emotional well-being; Whereas studies have shown that incorporating culture and heritage into mentoring programs can improve academic outcomes and increase community engagement, especially for Alaska Native and American Indian youth; Whereas mentoring encourages positive youth development and smart daily behaviors, such as finishing homework and having healthy social interactions, and has a positive impact on the growth and success of a young person; Whereas mentors help young people set career goals and can help connect mentees to industry professionals to train for and find jobs; Whereas mentoring programs generally have a significant, positive impact on youth academic achievement, school connectedness and engagement, and educational success, which lead to outcomes such as improved attendance, grades and test scores, and classroom behavior; Whereas research has found that young people facing risk of not completing high school but who had a mentor were, compared with their peers, more likely to enroll in college, to participate regularly in sports or extracurricular activities, to hold a leadership position in a club or sports team, and to volunteer regularly, and less likely to start using drugs; Whereas mentoring has long been a staple of juvenile justice and violence prevention efforts and can offer comprehensive support to youth at risk for committing violence or victimization, as mentoring can address many risk factors at once; Whereas mentoring relationships for youth facing risk, such as foster youth, can have a positive impact on a wide range of factors, including mental health, educational functioning and attainment, peer relationships, employment, and housing stability; Whereas mentoring programs have been found to have a meaningful positive impact on mental health symptoms across a variety of outcomes, including internalizing and externalizing mental health symptoms, interpersonal relationships, and reducing parental stress; Whereas mentoring is an innovative, evidence-based practice and, uniquely, is both a prevention and intervention strategy that can support young people of all demographics and backgrounds in all aspects of their lives; Whereas each of the benefits of mentors described in this preamble serves to link youth to economic and social opportunity while also strengthening communities in the United States; Whereas, despite the benefits of mentoring, 1 out of every 3 young persons is growing up without a mentor, which means a third of the youth of the United States are growing up without someone outside of the home to offer real life guidance and support; and Whereas this mentoring gap That the Senate (1) recognizes January 2024 as National Mentoring Month (2) recognizes the caring adults who serve as staff and volunteers at quality mentoring programs and help the young people of the United States find inner strength and reach their full potential; (3) acknowledges that mentoring is beneficial because it supports educational achievement, engagement, and self-confidence, supports young people in setting career goals and expanding social capital, reduces juvenile delinquency, and strengthens communities; (4) promotes the establishment and expansion of quality mentoring programs across the United States to equip young people with the tools needed to lead healthy and productive lives; and (5) supports initiatives to close the mentoring gap | Recognizing January 2024 as National Mentoring Month. |
This resolution designates October 4, 2024, as National Energy Appreciation Day. | Designating October 4, 2024, as National Energy Appreciation Day Whereas energy is a vital part of daily life and has greatly improved the standard of living in the United States and around the world; Whereas the energy mix in the United States reflects an all-of-the-above energy approach, which is important for keeping energy affordable, reliable, and efficient; Whereas the efficient use of the natural resources of the United States is a key part of strengthening the national security of the United States; Whereas access to affordable, reliable energy supports economic growth and creates upward mobility; Whereas the use of advanced energy technology has greatly reduced emissions associated with energy development and use while supporting sustained economic growth alongside continued environmental improvement; Whereas the men and women who play a part in building, maintaining, and delivering access to energy should be commended for their hard work and vital role in modern life; Whereas access to energy throughout the United States has more than doubled life expectancy in the United States; Whereas access to energy has reduced the percentage of the global population living in poverty from more than 40 percent to less than 10 percent; Whereas the energy industry accounts for 7,800,000 jobs in the United States; Whereas each direct job in the oil and natural gas industry of the United States generates 3.7 jobs elsewhere in the economy of the United States, ultimately supporting 10,800,000 jobs that account for 5.4 percent of employment in the United States; Whereas Federal oil and natural gas leases for onshore and offshore development brought in more than $22,000,000,000 in revenue for the Federal Government in 2022; Whereas the United States oil and natural gas industry alone generates nearly $1,800,000,000,000 in gross domestic product per year; Whereas coal continues to serve as a reliable and affordable source of baseload power for consumers across the United States and provided 19.5 percent of the utility-scale electricity in the United States in 2022; Whereas hydroelectric power infrastructure contributes significant clean and reliable baseload power to the energy grid of the United States and vital grid flexibility with the ability to scale up or down to match fluctuations in consumer demand; Whereas innovation in the nuclear energy industry of the United States has led to the annual generation capacity of about 100,000 megawatts of safe, clean, and reliable nuclear power; and Whereas renewable energy employment continues to expand, with solar jobs accounting for the largest area of growth: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates October 4, 2024, as National Energy Appreciation Day (2) encourages the Federal Government, States, localities, schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and the people of the United States to observe National Energy Appreciation Day with appropriate events to promote education on, and celebrate the role of, modern energy systems in everyday life. | Designating October 4, 2024, as National Energy Appreciation Day to celebrate the people who work to power the United States and the economy of the United States and to build awareness of the important role that the energy producers of the United States play in reducing poverty, strengthening national security, and improving the quality of life for people around the world. |
This resolution honors the life and legacy of Lieutenant General Thomas P. Stafford for his contributions to the Armed Forces and space mission of the United States. Additionally, the resolution extends condolences to the family and friends of General Stafford. | Honoring the life and legacy of Lieutenant General Thomas P. Stafford. Whereas, on September 17, 1930, Lieutenant General Thomas Patten Stafford (referred to in this preamble as General Stafford Whereas, in 1952, General Stafford graduated with honors from the United States Naval Academy, after which he joined the newly formed Air Force; Whereas, in 1958, General Stafford entered the United States Air Force Experimental Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, California; Whereas, in 1959, General Stafford graduated from the United States Air Force Experimental Test Pilot School, receiving the A.B. Honts Award as the outstanding graduate, and thereafter became an instructor and wrote flight performance and aerodynamics textbooks for the school; Whereas, in 1962, General Stafford was chosen among the second group of astronauts by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (referred to in this preamble as NASA Whereas, in 1965, General Stafford developed techniques for and piloted Gemini VI, completing the first rendezvous in space; Whereas, in 1966, General Stafford commanded Gemini IX, demonstrating 3 different types of rendezvous, including the rendezvous that would be used in future Apollo lunar missions; Whereas, in 1969, General Stafford commanded Apollo 10, piloted the first lunar module to descend within 9 miles of the Moon, designated the first lunar landing site, performed reconnaissance of future Apollo landing sites, and completed each of the essential steps in the final preparation for the upcoming Moon landing, including the first rendezvous around the Moon; Whereas General Stafford and his crew won the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Special Trustees Award (commonly known as an Emmy Award Whereas, during the return of the Apollo 10 mission, General Stafford set the record for the fastest speed traveled by a human, at 24,791 miles per hour (or Mach 36), which, as of 2024, is still the record and is documented in the Guinness World Book of Records; Whereas, in 1975, General Stafford took command of the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project for his final space mission, during which General Stafford and Cosmonaut Alexei Leonov shook hands during docking, completing the first international space flight and helping to diminish Cold War tensions; Whereas General Stafford was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in the Apollo-Soyuz mission; Whereas, in 1975, General Stafford left NASA to serve as the commander of the Air Force Test Center at Edwards Air Force Base, California; Whereas General Stafford, as Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Research, Development, and Acquisition, established requirements for, and initiated development of, the first stealth attack aircraft, the F117A, which was the only stealth attack aircraft in the world for 25 years, and initiated the Air Force roadmap for the air superiority fighter that is still in use in 2024; Whereas General Stafford, just before his retirement in 1979, wrote the specifications for, and initiated the development of, the Advanced Technology Bomber, now known as the B2 Stealth Bomber, the only stealth bomber force in the world as of 2024, and initiated the development of the AGM129 Advanced Cruise Missile; Whereas, from 1991 to 1993, General Stafford led the efforts of NASA to repair and service the Hubble Space Telescope and was presented with the NASA Public Service Award; Whereas, in 2011, General Stafford was awarded the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy for pioneering achievements that have led the way to the Moon, to greater international cooperation in space, and to a safer United States; Whereas General Stafford completed more than 507 hours in space flight time and flew more than 127 types of aircraft and helicopters during his career, along with 4 kinds of spacecraft and 3 types of boosters; Whereas General Stafford advised several Presidents on space policy and served as the Chairman of the NASA Advisory Task Force on the International Space Station; Whereas General Stafford gave a lifetime of service to the United States (1) as a member of the Armed Forces; (2) as an astronaut and commander at NASA; and (3) while serving in other positions in the executive branch; Whereas General Stafford contributed immensely to the space race and the advancement of the United States in space policy and exploration; and Whereas General Stafford demonstrated extraordinary dedication and service to the United States throughout his distinguished career: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) honors the life and legacy of Lieutenant General Thomas P. Stafford for his contributions to the Armed Forces and the space mission of the United States; and (2) extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Lieutenant General Thomas P. Stafford. | Honoring the life and legacy of Lieutenant General Thomas P. Stafford. |
This resolution supports the designation of the week of January 21-January 27, 2024, as National Board Certified Teachers Week. | Expressing support for the designation of January 21 through 27, 2024, as National Board Certified Teachers Week Whereas National Board Certification is based on rigorous standards developed by teachers for teachers to demonstrate the ability of teachers to advance student learning and achievement; Whereas research shows that students taught by National Board Certified Teachers learn more, especially in the case of low-income students; Whereas National Board Certified Teachers often positively amplify their expertise by serving in leadership roles as teacher mentors, principals, administrators, and district leaders; Whereas National Board Certified Teachers rank National Board Certification as their most important ongoing formal education, above graduate-level coursework and other training programs; Whereas National Board Certified Teachers are among the thousands of educators around the United States who play a critical role in addressing the learning loss incurred during the COVID19 pandemic; Whereas 29 States provide salary incentives for National Board Certified Teachers, including 13 States that prioritize incentives in high-needs schools; Whereas 44 percent of National Board Certified Teachers serve students in schools receiving support under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 6311 et seq. Whereas, in 2023, 3,527 teachers earned their National Board Certification for the first time and 6,697 teachers successfully maintained their certification, benefitting thousands of students across the country; and Whereas, as of January 2024, there are a total of 137,015 teachers who have achieved National Board Certification: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports the designation of the week of January 21 through 27, 2024, as National Board Certified Teacher Week (2) recognizes the importance and contributions of National Board Certified Teachers to student learning and achievement; and (3) encourages educators, administrators, school districts, and States (A) to promote the growth of new National Board Certified Teachers; and (B) to provide the necessary incentives and support to candidates for National Board Certification. | Expressing support for the designation of January 21 through 27, 2024, as National Board Certified Teachers Week. |
This resolution designates February 5-February 9, 2024, as National School Counseling Week. | Designating the week of February 5 through 9, 2024, as National School Counseling Week Whereas school counselors are more important now than ever, as the COVID19 pandemic has magnified the mental health crisis among the youth of the United States; Whereas the American School Counselor Association has designated February 5 through 9, 2024, as National School Counseling Week Whereas school counselors have long advocated for all students; Whereas school counselors help develop well-rounded students by guiding students through academic learning, social and emotional development, and career exploration; Whereas personal and social growth can help lead to increased academic achievement; Whereas school counselors play a vital role in ensuring that students are ready for both college and careers; Whereas school counselors play a vital role in making students aware of opportunities for financial aid and college scholarships; Whereas school counselors assist with and coordinate efforts to foster a positive school climate, resulting in a safer learning environment for all students; Whereas school counselors have been instrumental in helping students, teachers, and parents deal with personal trauma as well as tragedies in their communities and the United States; Whereas students face myriad challenges every day, including peer pressure, bullying, mental health issues, the deployment of family members to serve in conflicts overseas, and school violence; Whereas a school counselor is one of the few professionals in a school building who is trained in both education and social and emotional development; Whereas the roles and responsibilities of school counselors are often misunderstood; Whereas the school counselor position is often among the first to be eliminated to meet budgetary constraints; Whereas the national average ratio of students to school counselors is 408 to 1, almost twice the 250 to 1 ratio recommended by the American School Counselor Association, the National Association for College Admission Counseling, and other organizations; and Whereas the celebration of National School Counseling Week will increase awareness of the important and necessary role school counselors play in the lives of students in the United States: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates the week of February 5 through 9, 2024, as National School Counseling Week (2) encourages the people of the United States to observe National School Counseling Week with appropriate ceremonies and activities that promote awareness of the role school counselors play in schools and the community at large in preparing students for fulfilling lives as contributing members of society. | Designating the week of February 5 through 9, 2024, as National School Counseling Week. |
This resolution celebrates the successes of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women and the contributions they have made in the United States. The resolution also recognizes the importance of providing for the safety and upholding the interests of these women. | Recognizing the heritage, culture, and contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women 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 an estimated 4,718,255 American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women live in the United States; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women (1) have helped shape the history of their communities, Tribes, and the United States; (2) have fought to defend and protect the sovereign rights of Native Nations; and (3) have demonstrated resilience and courage in the face of a history of threatened existence, constant removals, and relocations; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women contribute to their communities, Tribes, and the United States through military service, public service, and work in many industries, including business, education, science, medicine, literature, and fine arts, including Pablita Tse Tsan Whereas, as of 2023, more than 4,400 American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women were bravely serving as members of the Armed Forces of the United States; Whereas, as of 2023, more than 20,800 American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women were veterans who made lasting contributions to the Armed Forces of the United States; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women broke down historical gender barriers to enlistment in the military, including (1) Laura Beltz Wright, an Inupiat Eskimo sharpshooter of the Alaska Territorial Guard during World War II; (2) Minnie Spotted Wolf of the Blackfeet Tribe, the first Native American woman to enlist in the United States Marine Corps in 1943; and (3) Marcella LeBeau of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, a decorated veteran who served as an Army combat nurse during World War II and received the French Legion of Honour for her bravery and service; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women have made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States, including Lori Ann Piestewa, a member of the Hopi Tribe who was the first Native American woman to be killed in action while serving on foreign soil and the first woman serving in the Armed Forces of the United States to be killed in the Iraq War in 2003; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women have contributed to the economic development of Native Nations and the United States as a whole, including Elouise Cobell of the Blackfeet Tribe, a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, who (1) served as the treasurer of the Blackfeet Tribe; (2) founded the first Tribal-owned national bank; and (3) led the fight against Federal mismanagement of funds held in trust for more than 500,000 Native Americans; Whereas, as of 2020, American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women owned an estimated 161,500 businesses; Whereas, as of 2020, Native women-owned businesses employed more than 61,000 workers and generated more than $11,000,000,000 in revenue; Whereas American Indian and Alaska Native women have opened an average of more than 17 new businesses each day since 2007; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women have made significant contributions to the fields of medicine and health, including (1) Susan La Flesche Picotte of the Omaha Tribe, who is widely acknowledged as the first Native American to earn a medical degree; and (2) Annie Dodge Wauneka of the Navajo Nation, who (A) advocated for better public health, education, and living conditions on the Navajo Nation leading to her becoming 1 of the first female council members for the Navajo Nation in 1951; and (B) was the first Native American to receive a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women have contributed to important scientific advancements, including (1) Floy Agnes Lee of the Santa Clara Pueblo, who (A) worked on the Manhattan Project during World War II; and (B) pioneered research on radiation biology and cancer; (2) Native Hawaiian Isabella Kauakea Yau Yung Aiona Abbott, who (A) was the first woman on the biological sciences faculty at Stanford University; and (B) in 1997, was awarded the Gilbert Morgan Smith medal, the highest award in marine botany from the National Academy of Sciences; and (3) Mary Golda Ross of the Cherokee Nation, who (A) is considered the first Native American engineer of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; (B) helped develop spacecrafts for the Gemini and Apollo space programs; and (C) was recognized by the Federal Government on the 2019 1 dollar coin honoring Native Americans and their contributions; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women have achieved distinctive honors in the art of dance, including Maria Tallchief or Wa-Xthe-Thon-ba of the Osage Nation, who (1) was the first major prima ballerina of the United States and was a recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kennedy Center; and (2) was recognized by the Federal Government on the 2023 1 dollar coin with her sister Marjorie Tallchief of the Osage Nation, Yvonne Chouteau of the Shawnee Tribe, Rosella Hightower of the Choctaw Nation, and Moscelyne Larkin of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma and the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, collectively known as the Five Moons Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women have accomplished notable literary achievements, including Northern Paiute author Sarah Winnemucca Hopkins, who wrote and published 1 of the first Native American autobiographies in United States history in 1883; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women have regularly led efforts to protect their traditional ways of life and to revitalize and maintain Native cultures and languages, including (1) Esther Martinez, a Tewa linguist and teacher who developed a Tewa dictionary and was credited with revitalizing the Tewa language; (2) Mary Kawena Pukui, a Native Hawaiian scholar who published more than 50 academic works and was considered the most noted Hawaiian translator of the 20th century; (3) Katie John, an Ahtna Athabascan of Mentasta Lake, who was the lead plaintiff in lawsuits that strengthened Native subsistence fishing rights in Alaska and who helped create the alphabet for the Ahtna language; (4) Edith Kenao Kanakaole, a Native Hawaiian language and cultural practitioner who (A) founded her own hula school, Hlau o Kekuhi; (B) helped develop some of the first courses in Hawaiian language and culture for public schools and colleges; and (C) was recognized by the Federal Government on the 2023 quarter honoring her significant contributions and accomplishments perpetuating Native Hawaiian culture and arts; and (5) Dr. Gladys Iola Tantaquidgeon, a Mohegan medicine woman and anthropologist, who worked for 50 years at the Tantaquidgeon Indian Museum in Connecticut, the oldest Native American owned and operated museum in the United States, which she founded with her father and brother to preserve the culture and history of their Tribe, and which contributed to the Tribe's Federal recognition in 1994; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women have excelled in athletic competition and created opportunities for other female athletes within their sport, including Rell Kapoliokaehukai Sunn, who (1) was ranked as longboard surfing champion of the world; and (2) co-founded the Womens Professional Surfing Association in 1975, the first professional surfing tour for women; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women have played a vital role in advancing civil rights, protecting human rights, advocating for land rights, and safeguarding the environment, including (1) Elizabeth Wanamaker Peratrovich, Tlingit, a member of the Lukaax.di clan in the Raven moiety with the Tlingit name of Kaaxgal.aat, who (A) helped secure the passage of House Bill 14, commonly known as the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945 (H.B. 14, Laws of Alaska. 17th Regular Session, Territorial Legislature. Feb. 16, 1945), in the Alaska Territorial Legislature, the first anti-discrimination law in the United States; and (B) was recognized by the Federal Government on the 2020 1 dollar coin honoring Native Americans and their contributions; (2) Zitkala-Sa, a Yankton Dakota writer and advocate, whose work during the early 20th century helped advance the citizenship, voting, and land rights of Native Americans; and (3) Mary Jane Fate, of the Koyukon Athabascan village of Rampart, who (A) was the first woman to chair the Alaska Federation of Natives; (B) was a founding member of the North American Indian Women's Association; and (C) was an advocate for settlement of Indigenous land claims in Alaska; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women have succeeded as judges, attorneys, and legal advocates, including (1) Eliza Lyda (2) Emma Kailikapiolono Metcalf Beckley Nakuina, a Native Hawaiian who served as the first female judge in Hawaii; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women are dedicated public servants, holding important positions in the Federal judicial branch, the Federal executive branch, State governments, and local governments; Whereas American Indian and Alaska Native women have served as remarkable Tribal councilwomen, Tribal court judges, and Tribal leaders, including Wilma Mankiller, who (1) was the first woman elected to serve as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation; (2) fought for Tribal self-determination and the improvement of the community infrastructure of her Tribe; and (3) was recognized by the Federal Government on the 2022 quarter honoring her legacy of leadership for Native people and women; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women have also led Native peoples through notable acts of public service, including (1) Kaahumanu, who was the first Native Hawaiian woman to serve as regent of the Kingdom of Hawaii; and (2) Polly Cooper, of the Oneida Indian Nation, who (A) walked from central New York to Valley Forge as part of a relief mission to provide food for the Army led by General George Washington during the American Revolutionary War; and (B) was recognized for her courage and generosity by Martha Washington; Whereas the United States should continue to invest in the future of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women to address the barriers those women face, including (1) access to justice; (2) access to health care; and (3) opportunities for educational and economic advancement; and Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women are the life givers, the culture bearers, and the caretakers of Native peoples who have made precious contributions, enriching the lives of all people of the United States: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) celebrates and honors the successes of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women and the contributions those women have made and continue to make to the United States; and (2) recognizes the importance of providing for the safety and upholding the interests of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women. | Recognizing the heritage, culture, and contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women in the United States. |
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 and celebrating the 50th annual National Catholic Schools Week. 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 29.4 percent of students from racial minority backgrounds, 18.8 percent from Hispanic heritage, and 20.8 percent from non-Catholic families, according to the 20232024 National Catholic Education Association survey of elementary and secondary Catholic schools in the United States; Whereas Catholic schools are an affordable option for parents, particularly in underserved urban areas; Whereas Catholic schools produce students who are strongly dedicated to their faith, values, families, and communities by providing an intellectually stimulating environment that promotes 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 20232024 academic year is 1,700,000, and the student-teacher ratio is 10 to 1, according to the 20232024 National Catholic Education Association survey of elementary and secondary Catholic schools in the United States; 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 28, 2024, to February 3, 2024, has been designated as National Catholic Schools Week Whereas, this year, National Catholic Schools Week marks a significant milestone and celebrates its 50 th Whereas the theme for National Catholic Schools Week 2024 is Catholic Schools: United in Faith and Community 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 and celebrating the 50th annual National Catholic Schools Week. |
This resolution designates March 21, 2024, 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 21, 2024, 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 2022, farms operated by women in the United States sold $222,000,000,000 in agricultural products, accounting for 36 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, 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, mathematics, and agricultural education and entrepreneurial and community initiatives by serving as mentors for the 4-H Program, the National FFA Organization, the Cooperative Extension System, and numerous postsecondary agricultural science educator programs; 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 17 and March 23, 2024: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates March 21, 2024, 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 21, 2024, as National Women in Agriculture Day. |
This resolution urges the Biden Administration to immediately use certain authorities related to immigration, such as the authority to reinstate the Migrant Protection Protocols, enter into asylum cooperative agreements, and detain inadmissible non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law). The resolution also states that the Biden Administration is refusing to use such authorities. | Denouncing the Biden Administrations immigration policies. Whereas President Joe Biden and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas have created the worst border security crisis in the history of the United States; Whereas President Biden, beginning on day one of his administration, systematically dismantled effective border security measures and interior immigration enforcement; Whereas the Biden Administrations open-borders policies have incentivized nearly 9,300,000 illegal aliens from all around the world, including criminal aliens and suspected terrorists, to arrive at the southwest border; Whereas the Biden Administration has allowed at least 6,300,000 illegal aliens from the southwest border to travel to communities within the United States; Whereas current immigration law allows for the United States to enter into asylum cooperative agreements with other countries to allow for the removal of certain aliens seeking asylum in the United States; Whereas asylum cooperative agreements provide the United States with another tool to reduce the incentives for illegal immigration; Whereas asylum cooperative agreements increase cooperation with United States allies in the Western Hemisphere and around the world and promote shared responsibility; Whereas the previous administration announced asylum cooperative agreements with El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras; Whereas the Biden Administration suspended and terminated these asylum cooperative agreements as part of its open-borders agenda that has encouraged mass illegal immigration at the southwest border; Whereas the Biden Administration retains the ability to negotiate asylum cooperative agreements with El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras but has refused to do so, despite historic illegal immigration at the southwest border; Whereas clauses (ii) and (iii)(IV) of section 235(b)(1)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1225(b)(1)(B) 8 U.S.C. 1158 Whereas the Immigration and Nationality Act provides for the Secretary of Homeland Security to detain, during removal proceedings, aliens who arrive at the border and are found to be inadmissible; Whereas the Biden Administration has purposely violated United States immigration law by refusing to detain inadmissible aliens arriving at the border; Whereas the Biden Administration could comply with the mandatory detention statutes of the Immigration and Nationality Act; Whereas the Biden Administrations purposeful violation of the mandatory detention statutes of the Immigration and Nationality Act has resulted in the mass release of millions of illegal aliens into United States communities; Whereas current immigration law allows for inadmissible aliens to be expeditiously removed from the United States once encountered at the border unless they establish a credible fear of persecution; Whereas the Biden Administration has released millions of illegal aliens into the United States without even processing them for expedited removal to be screened for asylum eligibility; Whereas only 6.8 percent of the 5,600,000 illegal alien encounters from January 20, 2021, through August 31, 2023, resulted in the Department of Homeland Security placing the illegal alien into expedited removal proceedings to even be screened for asylum eligibility; Whereas roughly 40 percent of the illegal aliens who were not found to have a credible fear of persecution were not removed and remained in the United States as of August 31, 2023; Whereas nearly a third of the illegal aliens who were processed for expedited removal and who did not even attempt to make a claim for asylum cannot be confirmed by the Biden Administration as having been removed from the United States; Whereas the Biden Administration could expand expedited removal to more quickly remove illegal aliens at the border and screen more illegal aliens for asylum eligibility instead of mass releasing them into the United States; Whereas the Biden Administrations limited use of expedited removal only incentivizes illegal immigration and worsens the border crisis; Whereas the Biden Administration terminated the Migrant Protection Protocols despite their effectiveness; Whereas the Biden Administration has purposely violated United States immigration law by abusing discretionary case-by-case authority and other parole authorities to mass parole illegal aliens who would otherwise have no legal basis to enter and remain in the United States; Whereas the Biden Administrations proposed solution to the border crisis failed to address catch-and-release valves such as the Flores Settlement Agreement and the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110457 Whereas the Biden Administration could end its catch-and-release policies; Whereas the Biden Administrations proposed solutions to the border crisis did nothing to end catch-and-release but instead mandated mass release of illegal aliens at the southwest border; Whereas parks, schools, police stations, recreation centers, hotels, and airports have been repurposed for use as shelters for illegal aliens; Whereas the Biden Administrations open-borders policies have strained State and local social services resources as the millions of illegal aliens who have entered since January 20, 2021, compete with United States citizens and legal immigrants for those resources; Whereas section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1182(f) suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens . . . or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate [w]henever the President finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States Whereas, in exudes deference to the President in every clause Whereas President Biden has cited his suspension of entry authority in other instances but has refused to use that authority to address the border crisis; Whereas President Biden retains the power to use his suspension of entry authority to address the border crisis; Whereas President Bidens refusal to use his suspension of entry authority ensures that the border stays open, endangers the United States, and encourages illegal immigration; and Whereas President Biden has claimed he is powerless to address the border crisis through executive action: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) affirms that, in order to help control the crisis at the border that it has created, the Biden Administration has the authority to (A) end the catch-and-release policy; (B) reinstate the Migrant Protection Protocols; (C) enter into asylum cooperative agreements; (D) end abuses of parole authority; (E) detain inadmissible aliens; (F) use expedited removal authority; and (G) rein in taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal aliens; (2) affirms that the Biden Administration is refusing to use such authorities; and (3) urges the Biden Administration to immediately begin using such authorities. | Denouncing the Biden Administrations immigration policies. |
This resolution designates February 2024 as American Heart Month. | Designating February 2024 as American Heart Month Whereas cardiovascular disease (referred to in this preamble as CVD Whereas CVD continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming the lives of nearly 695,000 individuals in the United States in 2021, more than all forms of cancer; Whereas, from 20192020, deaths from heart disease in the United States increased by 4.1 percent, and stroke deaths increased over the same period by 4.9 percent; Whereas individuals in the United States have made great progress in reducing the death rate for CVD, but this progress has been more modest with respect to the death rate for CVD in women and historically marginalized communities of color; Whereas CVD results in tremendous health care costs and lost productivity, and, if not addressed, the United States alone will spend over $1,000,000,000,000 by 2035 on costs relating to CVD; Whereas, between 2018 and 2019, heart disease accounted for $240,000,000,000 in health care expenditures and lost productivity in the United States; Whereas, in 2020, sudden cardiac arrest accounted for over 436,000 deaths in the United States; Whereas approximately every 40 seconds an individual in the United States will have a heart attack; Whereas heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of maternal death among women in the United States, accounting for more than 1 in 3 pregnancy-related deaths between 2011 and 2015; Whereas congenital heart defects are (1) the most common types of birth defects in the United States; and (2) the leading killer of infants with birth defects; Whereas extensive clinical and statistical studies have identified major and contributing factors that increase the risk of CVD, including (1) high blood pressure; (2) high blood cholesterol; (3) smoking tobacco products; (4) exposure to tobacco smoke; (5) physical inactivity; (6) obesity; and (7) diabetes mellitus; Whereas an individual can greatly reduce the risk of CVD through lifestyle modification coupled with medical treatment when necessary; Whereas greater awareness and early detection of risk factors for CVD can improve and save the lives of thousands of individuals in the United States each year; Whereas under section 101(1) of title 36, United States Code, the President is requested to issue an annual proclamation designating February as American Heart Month; Whereas the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health, the American Heart Association, and many other organizations celebrate National Wear Red Day during February by going red Whereas, every year since 1964, the President has issued a proclamation designating the month of February as American Heart Month That the Senate (1) designates February 2024 as American Heart Month (2) supports the goals and ideals of American Heart Month; (3) recognizes and reaffirms the commitment of the United States to fighting cardiovascular disease by (A) promoting awareness about the causes, risks, and prevention of cardiovascular disease; (B) supporting research on cardiovascular disease; and (C) improving access to affordable, high-quality, and innovative care to reduce long-term disability and mortality; (4) recognizes and supports efforts to address the long-term implications of the COVID19 pandemic, including the influence of the COVID19 pandemic on cardiovascular health and mortality rates; (5) commends the efforts of States, territories, and possessions of the United States, localities, nonprofit organizations, businesses, other entities, and the people of the United States who support American Heart Month; and (6) encourages every individual in the United States to learn about their risk for cardiovascular disease. | Designating February 2024 as American Heart Month. |
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. Todd, 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. Todd Whereas, in the case of United States v. Todd 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. Todd 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. Todd. |
This resolution designates the week of February 26-March 1, 2024, as Public Schools Week. | Designating the week of February 26 through March 1, 2024, as Public Schools Week Whereas public education is a significant institution in a 21st-century democracy; Whereas public schools in the United States educate students about the values and beliefs that hold the individuals of the United States together as a nation; Whereas public schools prepare young individuals of the United States to contribute to the society, economy, and citizenry of the country; Whereas 90 percent of children in the United States attend public schools; Whereas Federal, State, and local lawmakers should (1) prioritize support for strengthening the public schools of the United States; (2) empower superintendents, principals, and other school leaders to implement, manage, and lead school districts and schools in partnership with educators, parents, and other local education stakeholders; and (3) support services and programs that are critical to helping students engage in learning, including counseling, extracurricular activities, and mental health support; Whereas public schools should foster inclusive, safe, and high-quality environments in which children can learn to think critically, problem solve, and build relationships; Whereas public schools should provide environments in which all students have the opportunity to succeed beginning in their earliest years, regardless of who a student is or where a student lives; Whereas Congress should support (1) efforts to advance equal opportunity and excellence in public education; (2) efforts to implement evidence-based practices in public education; and (3) continuous improvements to public education; Whereas every child should (1) receive an education that helps the child reach the full potential of the child; and (2) attend a school that offers a high-quality educational experience; Whereas Federal funding, in addition to State and local funds, supports the access of students to inviting classrooms, well-prepared educators, and services to support healthy students, including nutrition and afterschool programs; Whereas teachers, paraprofessionals, and principals should provide students with a well-rounded education and strive to create joy in learning; Whereas superintendents, principals, other school leaders, teachers, paraprofessionals, and parents make public schools vital components of communities and are working hard to improve educational outcomes for children across the country; and Whereas the week of February 26 through March 1, 2024, is an appropriate period to designate as Public Schools Week: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate designates the week of February 26 through March 1, 2024, as Public Schools Week | Designating the week of February 26 through March 1, 2024, as Public Schools Week. |
This resolution recognizes with sorrow the death of former Senator Herb Kohl. | Honoring the life and legacy of the late Senator Herb Kohl. Whereas Herb Kohl grew up in the Sherman Park neighborhood of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Whereas Herb Kohl earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin, which is now home to the basketball and hockey center that bears his name, as well as the Herb Kohl Public Service Research Competition to advance evidence-based policy and governance research by faculty members and students, which were supported through his gifts to the University; Whereas, as president of the Kohls Corporation, Herb Kohl followed in his fathers footsteps and built with his brothers a chain of over 50 Kohls grocery stores across the Midwest; Whereas, when the Milwaukee Bucks were put up for sale and in danger of being bought and moved to another city, Herb Kohl stepped forward in 1985 and bought the team with the promise to Bucks fans that the team would never leavea promise he fulfilled when the time came to sell the team in 2014, donating $100,000,000 to help build a new arena for the community; Whereas, in 1990, Herb Kohl started the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation, which has provided more than $34,000,000 in grants and scholarships to Wisconsin students, teachers, and schools; Whereas Herb Kohl answered a call to public service in 1988 and ran for the United States Senate with a commitment to being nobodys Senator but yours Whereas Herb Kohl served Wisconsin in the United States Senate for 24 years, bringing his business experience to his Senate office and treating his more than 5,000,000 Wisconsin constituents as his customers; Whereas Herb Kohl championed issues important for the people of Wisconsin, fighting every day for dairy farmers, working to protect kids from the threat of gun violence, helping seniors secure and keep high quality health care, and supporting education at all levels, from early childhood through adults attending technical colleges and universities; Whereas Herb Kohl served on the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and was Chairman of the Special Committee on Aging of the Senate; Whereas, throughout his Senate tenure and as Chairman of the Special Committee on Aging of the Senate, Herb Kohl championed initiatives to get individuals, families, and communities the health insurance and care they needed, focusing on the most vulnerablechildren and seniorsand the most difficult to reachrural communities; Whereas Herb Kohl used his position as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate to advance Wisconsins dairy interests and strengthen nutrition programs for children, including by expanding after-school feeding programs, launching school breakfast start-up grants, expanding summer food service for students, and leading the charge to fund the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (commonly referred to as WIC Whereas, as a member of the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate, Herb Kohl worked to provide funding for police departments across Wisconsin, advance legislation for child safety locks on handguns, strengthen efforts in the State to fight drug trafficking, and institute ratings for video games; Whereas Herb Kohls office assisted Wisconsinites through individual casework for more than 2 decades, earning a reputation as having one of the best customer service operations in the United States Senate; and Whereas, on December 27, 2023, at the age of 88, Herb Kohl died, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and service to the people of Wisconsin: Now, therefore, be it That (1) the Senate (A) recognizes with profound sorrow and deep regret the death of the Honorable Herb Kohl, former Senator for the State of Wisconsin; and (B) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate (i) communicate this resolution to the House of Representatives; and (ii) transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to the family of the Honorable Herb Kohl; and (2) when the Senate adjourns today, it stands adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the Honorable Herb Kohl. | Honoring the life and legacy of the late Senator Herb Kohl. |
This resolution designates the first week of April 2024 as National Asbestos Awareness Week.It also urges the Surgeon General to warn and educate people about asbestos exposure, which may be hazardous to their health. | Designating the first week of April 2024 as National Asbestos Awareness Week Whereas dangerous asbestos fibers are invisible and cannot be smelled or tasted; Whereas the inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers can cause significant damage; Whereas asbestos fibers can cause cancer, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other health problems; Whereas symptoms of asbestos-related diseases can take between 10 and 50 years to present themselves; Whereas the projected life expectancy for an individual diagnosed with mesothelioma is between 6 and 24 months; Whereas little is known about late-stage treatment of asbestos-related diseases, and there is no cure for those diseases; Whereas early detection of asbestos-related diseases might give some patients increased treatment options and might improve the prognoses of those patients; Whereas, although the consumption of asbestos within the United States has been substantially reduced, the United States continues to consume tons of the fibrous mineral each year for use in certain products; Whereas thousands of people in the United States have died from asbestos-related diseases, and thousands more die every year from those diseases; Whereas, although individuals continue to be exposed to asbestos, safety measures relating to, and the prevention of, asbestos exposure have significantly reduced the incidence of asbestos-related diseases and can further reduce the incidence of those diseases; Whereas thousands of workers in the United States face significant asbestos exposure, which has been a cause of occupational cancer; Whereas a significant percentage of all victims of asbestos-related diseases were exposed to asbestos on naval ships and in shipyards; Whereas asbestos was used in the construction of a significant number of office buildings and public facilities built before 1975; Whereas people in the small community of Libby, Montana, suffer from asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, at a significantly higher rate than people in the United States as a whole; and Whereas the designation of a National Asbestos Awareness Week That the Senate (1) designates the first week of April 2024 as National Asbestos Awareness Week (2) urges the Surgeon General to warn and educate people about the public health issue of asbestos exposure, which may be hazardous to their health; and (3) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate transmit a copy of this resolution to the Office of the Surgeon General. | Designating the first week of April 2024 as National Asbestos Awareness Week. |
This resolution provides for the printing of a revised edition of the Senate Manual for the 118th Congress. | To provide for the printing of the Senate Manual for the One Hundred Eighteenth Congress. That a revised edition of the Senate Manual for the One Hundred Eighteenth Congress be prepared by the Committee on Rules and Administration and printed as a Senate document, and that 1,500 additional copies shall be printed and bound for the use of the Senate, bound and delivered as may be directed by the Committee on Rules and Administration. | To provide for the printing of the Senate Manual for the One Hundred Eighteenth Congress. |
This resolution recognizes the dangers of lead exposure for children and calls for certain international development agencies to take action to reduce lead exposure on a global scale. | Expressing concern about the elevated levels of lead in one-third of the worlds children and the global causes of lead exposure, and calling for the inclusion of lead exposure prevention in global health, education, and environment programs abroad. Whereas the heavy metal lead is a common element found in the Earths crust and is a known toxin; Whereas children are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure due to leads harmful effects on the brain and nervous system development; Whereas, according to the World Health Organization, people can be exposed to lead through the inhalation of lead particles produced from the burning of leaded materials, including during recycling and smelting; Whereas exposure to lead also occurs through the ingestion of dust, paint flakes, water, and food contaminated with lead; Whereas, over time, significant exposure to lead and the accumulation of lead in the body can result in lead poisoning, a severe, life-threatening condition that requires medical attention; Whereas, according to the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF), approximately 1 in 3 children, up to approximately 800,000,000 globally, have blood lead levels at or above the threshold for intervention in a childs environment recommended by the World Health Organization; Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children from low-income families are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure; Whereas the World Health Organization has determined that there is no level of exposure to lead that is known to be without harmful effects; Whereas lead exposure is linked to toxicity in every organ system, with young children being especially susceptible; Whereas, compared to adults, children absorb 4 to 5 times more ingested lead; Whereas high levels of lead among children can cause comas, convulsions, and even death through attacks on the central nervous system and the brain; Whereas lead exposure can cause serious and irreversible neurological damage and is linked, among children, to negative effects on brain development, lower intelligence quotient (IQ) levels, increased antisocial behavior, as well as decreased cognitive function and abilities to learn; Whereas undernourished children, who lack calcium and iron, are more vulnerable to absorbing lead; Whereas the World Health Organization links exposure to high amounts of lead among pregnant women to stillbirth, miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight; Whereas lead stored in a womans body is released into her blood during pregnancy and becomes a source of exposure to the developing fetus; Whereas poorly regulated or informal recycling of used lead-acid batteries, particularly in developing countries, heightens the risk of occupational exposure to lead, including among children, and environmental contamination; Whereas that contamination is connected to the food system through the consumption of shellfish and fish living in contaminated water, animals foraging in contaminated spaces, and the cultivation of crops in contaminated fields; Whereas household and consumer goods in low- and middle-income countries that are contaminated with lead, such as cookware, spices, toys, paint, and cosmetics, can poison children in those countries and can enter the global supply chain and poison children in the United States; Whereas, in 2023, World Bank researchers conducted a comprehensive examination of country-by-country data on blood lead levels among children 5 years old and younger and determined an estimated loss of 765,000,000 intelligence quotient points occurred among the total children captured by the data; Whereas, in that same study, World Bank researchers determined that in 2019, 5,500,000 adults died from cardiovascular disease associated with lead exposure and the global cost of lead exposure was approximately $6,000,000,000,000; Whereas lead poisoning may account for up to 20 percent of the learning gap between children in high-income countries and children in low-income countries; Whereas there are cost-effective approaches to prevent lead exposure, with significant return on investment in the form of improved health, increased productivity, higher IQs, and higher lifetime earnings; Whereas, in 2023, the G7 recognized the impact of lead exposure on vulnerable communities and affirmed its commitment to reducing lead in the environment and addressing the disproportionate effects of lead exposure on vulnerable populations; Whereas, each year, the United States recognizes National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week in October to increase lead poisoning prevention awareness and reduce childhood exposure to lead; Whereas, each year, the United Nations recognizes International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week in October to remind governments, civil society organizations, health partners, industry, and other stakeholders of the unacceptable risks of lead exposure and the need for action to protect human health and the environment in support of meeting Sustainable Development Goal targets; Whereas, despite the enormous health and economic impacts of lead exposure in low- and middle-income countries and the potential of cost-effective interventions, there is relatively little global assistance to help those countries prevent lead exposure; Whereas the United States Agency for International Development is leading an initiative calling for increased actions and resources to prevent lead poisoning and to address the risk of lead exposure, starting with exposure from consumer goods in low- and middle-income countries; and Whereas the United States can play a leadership role globally to help prevent children from the harms of lead exposure: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) recognizes the dangerous impact of lead exposure on children, domestically and globally; (2) acknowledges the broader impact of lead exposure on the global economy; (3) asserts that addressing the global lead poisoning health crisis is in the security and economic interests of the United States; (4) recognizes that preventing lead from entering the environment is the most effective strategy for combating lead exposure in children; and (5) calls upon the United States Agency for International Development, in consultation with the International Lead Exposure Working Group of the Presidents Task Force on Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children, as well as other relevant agencies that support international development programs, to include lead exposure prevention, especially for children, in their approaches and programs as appropriate. | Expressing concern about the elevated levels of lead in one-third of the worlds children and the global causes of lead exposure, and calling for the inclusion of lead exposure prevention in global health, education, and environment programs abroad. |
This resolution recognizes January 30, 2024, as Help America Vote Day. | Recognizing January 30, 2024, as Help America Vote Day That the Senate (1) recognizes January 30, 2024, as Help America Vote Day (2) recognizes the need for, and appreciation of, the service of poll workers; (3) encourages eligible people to help American citizens to vote in the 2024 elections by serving as poll workers; and (4) encourages voters to contact or visit the website of their local election office for accurate and up-to-date information on voter registration and casting a ballot. | Recognizing January 30, 2024, as Help America Vote 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 People of the State of Michigan v. Berden, et al., 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 People of the State of Michigan v. Berden, et al. Whereas, in the case of People of the State of Michigan v. Berden, et al. et seq 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 People of the State of Michigan v. Berden, et al. 2. The Senate Legal Counsel is authorized to represent Mr. Schwager, and any current or former 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 People of the State of Michigan v. Berden, et al. |
This resolution expresses support for the rights, freedoms, and equal treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals. The resolution recognizes that LGBTQ rights are human rights and protected by the laws of the United States and international treaties. Additionally, the resolution encourages the celebration of LGBTQ Pride Month in June. | Recognizing June 2024, as LGBTQ Pride Month Whereas individuals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (referred to in this preamble as LGBTQ (1) from all States, territories, and the District of Columbia; and (2) from all faiths, races, national origins, socioeconomic statuses, disability statuses, education levels, and political beliefs; Whereas LGBTQ individuals in the United States have made, and continue to make, vital contributions to the United States and to the world in every aspect, including in the fields of education, law, health, business, science, research, economic development, architecture, fashion, sports, government, music, film, politics, technology, literature, and civil rights; Whereas the persistent failure of Federal and State officials to collect full and accurate data on sexual orientation and gender identity causes tremendous harm to LGBTQ individuals in the United States, who remain largely invisible to the government entities entrusted with ensuring their health, safety, and well-being; Whereas LGBTQ individuals in the United States serve, and have served, in the United States Army, Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Space Force honorably and with distinction and bravery; Whereas a decades-long Federal policy, known as the Lavender Scare Whereas an estimated number of more than 100,000 brave service members were discharged from the Armed Forces between the beginning of World War II and 2011 because of their sexual orientation, including the discharge of more than 13,000 service members under the Dont Ask, Dont Tell Whereas transgender people were banned from military service from at least 1960, and were not permitted to serve without restriction until 2021; Whereas LGBTQ individuals in the United States serve, and have served, in positions in the Federal Government and State and local governments, including as members of Congress, Cabinet Secretaries, Governors, mayors, and city council members; Whereas the demonstrators who protested on June 28, 1969, following a law enforcement raid of the Stonewall Inn, a LGBTQ club in New York City, are pioneers of the LGBTQ movement for equality; Whereas, throughout much of the history of the United States, same-sex relationships were criminalized in many States, and many LGBTQ individuals in the United States were forced to hide their LGBTQ identities while living in secrecy and fear; Whereas, on June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. 644 (2015), that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry and acknowledged that [n]o union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family Whereas Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (referred to in this preamble as AIDS HIV Whereas gay and bisexual men and transgender women of color have a higher risk of contracting HIV; Whereas people living with HIV continue to face discrimination in the United States and, in certain States, may be subject to greater criminal punishment than individuals without HIV; Whereas the LGBTQ community maintains its unwavering commitment to ending the HIV and AIDS epidemic; Whereas LGBTQ individuals in the United States face disparities in employment, healthcare, education, housing, and many other areas central to the pursuit of happiness in the United States; Whereas 16 States have no explicit ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in the workplace; Whereas 18 States have no explicit ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in housing; Whereas 21 States have no explicit ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in public accommodations; Whereas 31 States have no explicit ban on discrimination against LGBTQ individuals in credit and lending services; Whereas, as a result of discrimination, LGBTQ youth are at increased risk of (1) suicide; (2) homelessness; (3) becoming victims of bullying, violence, or human trafficking; and (4) developing mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression; Whereas only 28 States and the District of Columbia have explicit policies in place to protect foster youth from discrimination based on both sexual orientation and gender identity; Whereas LGBTQ youth of color are overrepresented in child welfare and juvenile justice systems; Whereas the LGBTQ community has faced discrimination, inequality, and violence throughout the history of the United States; Whereas State legislatures across the country have introduced and passed harmful legislation specifically targeting LGBTQ youth, particularly transgender youth, and their ability to obtain access to healthcare, participate in athletic activities, and learn about race, gender, and sexuality in schools; Whereas LGBTQ individuals in the United States, in particular transgender individuals, face a disproportionately high risk of becoming victims of violent hate crimes; Whereas members of the LGBTQ community have been targeted in acts of mass violence, including (1) the Club Q nightclub shooting in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on November 19, 2022, where 5 people were killed and 25 people were wounded; (2) the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida, on June 12, 2016, where 49 people were killed and 53 people were wounded; and (3) the arson attack at the UpStairs Lounge in New Orleans, Louisiana, on June 24, 1973, where 32 people died; Whereas LGBTQ individuals face persecution, violence, and death in many parts of the world, including State-sponsored violence like in Uganda, where LGBTQ people live under threat of the death penalty; Whereas, in the several years preceding 2019, hundreds of LGBTQ individuals around the world were arrested and, in some cases, tortured or even executed because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity in countries and territories such as Chechnya, Egypt, Indonesia, and Tanzania; Whereas, in May 2019, Taiwan became the first place in Asia to extend marriage rights to same-sex couples; Whereas, since June 2019, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Northern Ireland, Switzerland, Chile, Slovenia, Andorra, Cuba, Greece, and Estonia have extended marriage rights to same-sex couples, the most recent country-wide extensions of those rights in the world; Whereas the LGBTQ community holds Pride festivals and marches in some of the most dangerous places in the world, despite threats of violence and arrest; Whereas, in 2009, President Barack Obama signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act Public Law 11184 Whereas LGBTQ individuals in the United States have fought for equal treatment, dignity, and respect; Whereas LGBTQ individuals in the United States have achieved significant milestones, ensuring that future generations of LGBTQ individuals in the United States will enjoy a more equal and just society; Whereas, despite being marginalized throughout the history of the United States, LGBTQ individuals in the United States continue to celebrate their identities, love, and contributions to the United States in various expressions of Pride; Whereas, in June 2020, in Bostock v. Clayton County, 140 S. Ct. 1731 (2020), the Supreme Court of the United States affirmed that existing civil rights laws prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, a landmark victory for the LGBTQ community; Whereas, in December 2022, Congress enacted the Respect for Marriage Act ( Public Law 117228 Whereas LGBTQ individuals in the United States remain determined to pursue full equality, respect, and inclusion for all individuals regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports the rights, freedoms, and equal treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (referred to in this resolution as LGBTQ (2) acknowledges that LGBTQ rights are human rights that are to be protected by the laws of the United States and numerous international treaties and conventions; (3) supports efforts to ensure the equal treatment of all individuals in the United States, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity; (4) supports efforts to ensure that the United States remains a beacon of hope for the equal treatment of individuals around the world, including LGBTQ individuals; and (5) encourages the celebration of June as LGBTQ Pride Month (A) to learn about the discrimination and inequality that the LGBTQ community endured and continues to endure; and (B) to celebrate the contributions of the LGBTQ community throughout the history of the United States. | Recognizing June 2024, as LGBTQ Pride Month. |
This resolution supports Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid and can be up to 50 times stronger than heroin. The resolution also encourages the people of the United States to promote the prevention of fentanyl use. | Supporting the goals and ideals of Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day on August 21, 2024. Whereas families in the United States affected by the use of illicit fentanyl use Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day to (1) preserve the memory of the individuals lost to illicit fentanyl overdose or poisoning who were unsuspecting victims, experimenting with the drug, or suffering from substance use disorder; (2) acknowledge the devastation caused by the use of illicit fentanyl and other dangerous drugs; and (3) share awareness about the dangers of the use of illicit fentanyl to prevent a public health crisis, self-harm, addiction, and death; Whereas Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day is celebrated each year on August 21 by State governors and attorneys general, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, parent-teacher associations, the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the Drug Enforcement Administration (referred to in this preamble as the DEA Whereas fentanyl is a highly addictive synthetic opioid that is 100 times more potent than morphine; Whereas, according to the DEA, illicit fentanyl is (1) manufactured with other illicit drugs to increase potency; (2) sold as a powder or mixed with other illicit drugs; and (3) pressed into counterfeit pills to look like legitimate pharmaceutical drugs; Whereas the illicit fentanyl crisis in the United States is a serious public safety threat; Whereas the illicit fentanyl poisoning rate in 2023 was among the highest in the history of the United States, and fentanyl poisoning was the number 1 cause of death among people in the United States aged 18 to 45; Whereas synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl and the analogues of fentanyl, are devastating communities and families at an unprecedented rate, claiming 2/3 Whereas, in 2023, the number of drug-related deaths throughout the United States reached not less than 107,543; Whereas individuals increasingly use pills or other drugs without knowing those substances contain fentanyl; Whereas, as of June 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel have seized more than 15,100 pounds of illicit fentanyl, and Federal, State, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies continue to make record breaking seizures of illicit fentanyl for the safety of the people of the United States; Whereas families in the United States affected by the use of illicit fentanyl have gained momentum in educating the public about the dangers of the use of illicit fentanyl and other drugs and actively engage with Federal agencies to promote such education and awareness; Whereas families in the United States affected by the use of illicit fentanyl seek to raise awareness of the use of illicit fentanyl and prevent illicit fentanyl-related deaths, and those families join together in the effort to save lives on Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day; and Whereas parents, young people, schools, businesses, law enforcement agencies, religious institutions and faith-based organizations, service organizations, senior citizens, medical and military personnel, sports teams, and individuals throughout the United States will demonstrate a commitment to healthy, productive, and drug-free lifestyles on Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports the goals and ideals of Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day; (2) encourages the people of the United States to promote prevention of the use of illicit fentanyl and to educate young people on Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, symbolizing a commitment to healthy, drug-free lifestyles; (3) encourages children, teenagers, and other individuals to choose to live drug-free lives; and (4) encourages the people of the United States to (A) promote drug prevention and the creation of drug-free communities; and (B) participate in drug prevention activities to show support for healthy, productive, and drug-free lifestyles. | Supporting the goals and ideals of Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day on August 21, 2024. |
This resolution supports designating the week of April 15-19, 2024, as National Work Zone Awareness Week and encourages individuals to practice work zone safety. | Supporting the designation of the week of April 15 through April 19, 2024, as National Work Zone Awareness Week Whereas 956 work zone fatalities occurred in 2021, according to the Federal Highway Administration (referred to in this preamble as FHWA NHTSA DOT Whereas, of the 956 work zone fatalities that occurred in 2021 (1) 778 fatalities were motor vehicle drivers or passengers; (2) 173 fatalities were persons on foot or bicyclists; and (3) 5 fatalities were listed as occupants of a motor vehicle not in transport, unknown occupant type in a motor vehicle in transport, or device and person on personal conveyances; Whereas, according to DOT data from 2021 on work zone fatal traffic crashes by type (1) 206 crashes involved a rear-end collision; (2) 291 involved a commercial motor vehicle; and (3) 278 fatalities occurred where speeding was a factor; Whereas 164 pedestrian fatalities occurred in work zones in 2021, according to DOT data; Whereas, of the 164 pedestrian fatalities that occurred in work zones in 2021 (1) 34 fatalities were a construction, maintenance, utility, or transportation worker; and (2) 130 fatalities were pedestrians other than a construction, maintenance, utility, or transportation worker; Whereas the DOT reported that 42,151 people were injured due to work zone crashes in 2021; Whereas, according to DOT data from 2021, a total of 108 worker occupational fatalities in road construction sites occurred; Whereas the DOT reported that between 2020 and 2021, work zone fatalities increased by 10.8 percent while overall roadway fatalities increased by 10.3 percent; Whereas, according to FHWA and NHTSA, while work zones play a critical role in maintaining and upgrading our roads, work zones can also be a major cause of congestion, delay, and traveler dissatisfaction; Whereas, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, trucks and buses have limited maneuverability and large blind spots that make operating in work zone areas more challenging, leading to a disproportionate number of work zone crashes involving trucks and buses; Whereas enforcement of work zone speed limits is shown to significantly reduce speeding, aggressive driving, fatalities, and injuries; Whereas work zone crashes and fatalities deeply impact family, friends, and communities; Whereas being under the influence of intoxicating substances while being behind the wheel of a motor vehicle increases the likelihood of intrusions into work zones; and Whereas work zone fatalities are at the highest level since 2006: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports the designation of the week of April 15 through April 19, 2024, as National Work Zone Awareness Week (2) encourages individuals to educate themselves on the value of training and the importance of best practices with respect to work zone safety; (3) encourages individuals to practice work zone safety by (A) researching their routes ahead of time to avoid work zones when possible; (B) avoiding distractions while driving; (C) obeying road crew flaggers and being aware of and obeying all signs throughout work zones that indicate reduced speeds, lane changes, and other vital information; (D) slowing down when entering a work zone and being aware of road workers; (E) merging into an open lane when instructed to do so when lane closures are present and slowing down and merging over for first responders; (F) maintaining a space cushion when driving behind other vehicles to avoid rear-end crashes; and (G) providing towing and recovery professionals room to facilitate the process of clearing crashes; (4) encourages infrastructure owners and operators to deploy work zone protections and technologies such as the Work Zone Data Exchange to make travel on public roads safer for workers and road users; and (5) supports the goals and ideals of a National Work Zone Awareness Week | Supporting the designation of the week of April 15 through April 19, 2024, as National Work Zone Awareness Week. |
This resolution congratulates the University of Michigan Wolverines football team for winning the 2024 National Collegiate Athletic Association College Football National Championship. | Congratulating the University of Michigan Wolverines football team for winning the 2024 National Collegiate Athletic Association College Football National Championship. Whereas, on January 8, 2024, the University of Michigan Wolverines football team (referred to in this preamble as the Michigan Wolverines Whereas this victory follows a thrilling and historic Rose Bowl playoff victory and the teams 3 rd Whereas the Michigan Wolverines played an undefeated season, becoming the first football team in school history to achieve a perfect 150 record in a single season; Whereas, this season, the Michigan Wolverines became the first college football program in history to win 1,000 games; Whereas 46 players on this championship-winning team are also Fall 2023 Academic All-Big Ten honorees; Whereas this national championship victory marks the 12th time in program history the Michigan Wolverines have won the prestigious title of national champions; Whereas this victory is a testament to the dedication, perseverance, and hard work ethic of the players, coaches, and staff of the Michigan Wolverines football program; and Whereas this remarkable team has made the entire State of Michigan deeply proud: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) congratulates the University of Michigan Wolverines football team for an incredible season and for winning the 2024 National Collegiate Athletic Association Football National Championship; (2) recognizes the achievements of all players, coaches, and staff who contributed to the teams success; 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 Michigan, Santa Ono; (B) the Athletic Director of the University of Michigan, Warde Manuel; and (C) the Head Coach of the University of Michigan Wolverines football team, Jim Harbaugh. | Congratulating the University of Michigan Wolverines football team for winning the 2024 National Collegiate Athletic Association College Football National Championship. |
This resolution applauds the people of Guatemala for participating in a free and fair presidential election on August 20, 2023. The resolution also (1) expresses concern with the actions of Guatemala's Attorney General and Public Ministry in attacking President-elect Bernardo Arevalo's coalition, and (2) urges Guatemala to prioritize and work actively for a peaceful transfer of power. Additionally, it calls on certain U.S. federal departments and agencies to prepare for the possibility that a peaceful transfer of power does not occur. | Expressing solidarity with the people of Guatemala and urging the Government of Guatemala to permit a peaceful transfer of power to President-elect Bernardo Arvalo. Whereas the United States and Guatemala have shared strong bilateral relations on issues of mutual interest for decades, including (1) addressing the root causes of irregular migration; (2) a shared commitment to addressing key development challenges, such as poverty, child hunger and illiteracy, citizen security, and more transparent and accountable governance; and (3) supporting Taiwan and Ukraines independence from Russia; Whereas general elections were held in Guatemala on June 25, 2023, resulting in a runoff election between the 2 presidential candidates receiving the most votes, Congressman Bernardo Arvalo of the Movimiento Semilla party and Sandra Torres, a former first lady representing the Unidad Nacional de la Esperanza (UNE) party; Whereas the runoff election, held on August 20, 2023, resulted in the people of Guatemala electing Congressman Arvalo as President with more than 60 percent of the popular vote; Whereas the election observation teams from the European Union and the Organization of American States, which were present at the invitation of the Government of Guatemala, reported that both rounds of the election were run professionally and efficiently and concluded that there was no basis for claims of fraud; Whereas Guatemalas Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) certified that the presidential elections upheld national, regional and international standards for a democratic election; Whereas immediately following the election of President-elect Arvalo on August 20, 2023, Guatemalas Public Ministry, led by Attorney General Maria Consuelo Porras Argueta, who has been designated for visa restrictions by the United States Government for significant corrupt and undemocratic activities, initiated a series of efforts to undermine President-elect Arvalos inauguration, which is scheduled to take place on January 14, 2024, including (1) a raid on the facilities of the TSE Citizen Registry and the Operations Center of the Electoral Process (COPE) on September 12, 2023, during which Public Ministry officials opened ballot boxes in violation of Guatemalas Electoral and Political Party Law; (2) a formal request on September 27, 2023, by the Public Ministry to the Supreme Court (CSJ) to remove the immunity of the 5 magistrates of the TSE; (3) an order from the Public Ministry on November 15, 2023, which instructs the TSE to surrender registration documents for the Movimiento Semilla party and President-elect Arvalo, immediately followed by a press conference on November 16, 2023, at which the Public Ministry announced that it intended to seek the removal of immunity against President-elect Arvalo, Vice President-elect Herrera, and Congressman Samuel Perez, who is also a member of the Movimiento Semilla party; and (4) a decision by the Public Ministry on December 8, 2023 to issue arrest warrants against two members of the TSE and a simultaneous announcement that the 2023 presidential elections should be annulled; Whereas the November 30 vote of Guatemalas current governing coalition in Congress to remove the immunity of four TSE magistrates demonstrates that the Public Ministry has largely been supported by the political establishment in Guatemala; Whereas the actions of the Public Ministry follow a trend in which the Public Ministry has intimidated, threatened, forced into exile, and in some cases imprisoned dozens of judges, prosecutors, civil society actors, and independent journalists who have worked to root out corruption in Guatemala, including anti-corruption prosecutor Virginia Laparra and journalist Jos Rubn Zamora, who were sentenced, respectively, to four and six years; Whereas, since October 1, 2023, Indigenous Peoples in Guatemala, who comprise nearly 42 percent of the population of Guatemala, have led protests against the Public Ministrys actions, which demonstrates citizen organizing in support of a peaceful transfer of power; Whereas the Organization of American States, the European Union, the United Nations, the Department of State, and the governments of many European and Latin American countries have released public statements condemning the Public Ministrys efforts to annul the 2023 presidential elections and prevent President-elect Arvalo from assuming office on January 14, 2024; and Whereas the Constitutional Court of Guatemala ruled, on December 14, 2023, that Guatemala's Congress must take steps to ensure that every elected official in the 2023 electoral process, including President-elect Bernardo Arvalo, must be allowed to take office on January 14, 2024: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) applauds the will of the Guatemalan people to participate in a free and fair presidential election on August 20, 2023, as certified by the European Union and Organization of American States electoral observation missions; (2) reaffirms the interest of the United States to maintain mutually beneficial relations with the people of Guatemala and their national government, based on shared interests of security, prosperity, and democratic values; (3) reaffirms that the bilateral relationship between the United States and Guatemala is strengthened through shared policies, such as (A) efforts to prevent irregular migration; (B) good governance, improved citizen security, and poverty reduction; and (C) support for Taiwan, and for Ukraines independence from Russia; (4) looks forward to working with the incoming Arvalo government to build a safer, democratic, and more prosperous region; (5) expresses deep concerns for the undemocratic actions of Guatemalas Attorney General and Public Ministry, in coordination with the current governing coalition, to maintain power by undermining free, fair, and democratic elections, the rule of law, and basic democratic principles; (6) urges the Government of Guatemala (A) to immediately repudiate the attacks of the Attorney General and the Public Ministry on President-elect Arvalo and members of his political coalition; (B) to commute the sentences of Jos Rubn Zamora and Virginia Laparra and end intimidation and threats against all other actors working to reduce corruption in Guatemala; and (C) to prioritize and work actively to ensure for a peaceful transfer of power and inauguration of President-elect Arvalo on January 14, 2024; and (7) calls on the Department of State, the Department of the Treasury, and the United States Agency for International Development to prepare for the possibility that a peaceful transition of power does not occur on January 14, 2023, including by (A) preparing to reassess all elements of United States foreign assistance and bilateral cooperation with the Government of Guatemala; (B) conducting an evaluation of all diplomatic and economic tools, including sanctions, that can be used to hold accountable Guatemalan public officials, private sector actors, and others who have planned, supported, or undertaken efforts to prevent the peaceful transition of power in Guatemala; and (C) working with the Organization of American States, the European Union, and the United Nations to reevaluate Guatemalas standing in institutions that require their members to adhere to basic democratic principles. | Expressing solidarity with the people of Guatemala and urging the Government of Guatemala to permit a peaceful transfer of power to President-elect Bernardo Arvalo. |
This resolution expresses support for National Child Abuse Prevention Month. | Expressing support for the goals and ideals of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Whereas children are fundamental to the success of the United States and will shape the future of the United States; Whereas elected representatives and leaders in the communities of the United States must be ever vigilant and proactive in support of evidence-based means to prevent child abuse and neglect and support families; Whereas adverse childhood experiences (referred to in this preamble as ACEs Whereas at least 5 of the top 10 leading causes of death are associated with ACEs; Whereas preventing ACEs could reduce many health conditions, including (1) up to 21,000,000 cases of depression; (2) up to 1,900,000 cases of heart disease; and (3) up to 2,500,000 cases of overweight and obesity; Whereas every child is filled with tremendous promise, and we all have a collective responsibility to prevent ACEs, foster the potential of every child, and promote positive childhood experiences; Whereas primary prevention of child abuse and neglect can reduce the lifetime economic burden associated with child maltreatment; Whereas, in 2022, an estimated 7,530,000 children were referred to child protective services agencies, alleging maltreatment; Whereas, in 2022, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Childrens CyberTipline received nearly 32,000,000 reports of suspected online child sexual exploitation, which marked the highest number of reports ever received in 1 year; Whereas reports indicate that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 20 boys experience sexual abuse before their eighteenth birthday, with more than 42,000,000 estimated child sexual abuse survivors in the United States; Whereas approximately 1 in 7 children in the United States experienced child abuse, neglect, or both between 2022 and 2023; Whereas 43 percent of children exposed to inappropriate sexual content on social media are under 13 years old, and 1 in 5 are 9 years old or younger; Whereas 91 percent of child sexual abuse victims are abused by a person they know and trust; Whereas children who are sexually abused, especially when not provided appropriate treatment and support, often suffer lifelong consequences, such as physical and mental health challenges and higher risk of drug and alcohol misuse and suicide; Whereas education and awareness of possible signs of child abuse and neglect should be prioritized for purposes of prevention; Whereas by intervening to prevent adversity and build resilience during the most critical years of development of a child, voluntary, evidence-based, home-visiting programs have shown positive impact on (1) reducing the recurrence of child abuse and neglect; (2) decreased low-birthweight babies; (3) improved school readiness for children; and (4) increased high school graduation rates: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Child Abuse Prevention Month; (2) recognizes child abuse and neglect and child sexual abuse are preventable and that a healthy and prosperous society depends on strong families and communities; (3) supports efforts to increase the awareness of, and provide education for, the general public of the United States, with respect to preventing child abuse and neglect and building protective factors for families; (4) supports the efforts to help survivors of childhood sexual abuse heal; (5) supports justice for victims of childhood sexual abuse; and (6) recognizes the need for prevention, healing, and justice efforts related to childhood abuse and neglect and sexual abuse. | Expressing support for the goals and ideals of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. |
This resolution designates March 16, 2024, as National Osceola Turkey Day. | Designating March 16, 2024, 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, in the United States, turkey hunters have spent approximately $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 2023 Florida spring wild turkey season, 25,056 hunters participated in turkey hunting, including 4,761 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 promoting 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 Wild Turkey Cost Share 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 2, 2024, is the opening day of turkey harvesting season in part of Florida, and March 16, 2024, is the opening day for the entire State of Florida: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates March 16, 2024, as National Osceola Turkey Day (2) encourages the people of the United States to observe National Osceola Turkey Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. | Designating March 16, 2024, as National Osceola Turkey Day. |
This resolution supports the designation of National Co-Op Month, commends the cooperative business model for its contributions to the economy, and expresses confidence in cooperatives to continue their successes. | Expressing support for the designation of October 2023 as National Co-Op Month Whereas a cooperative (1) is a business that is owned and governed by its members, who are the individuals who use the business, create the products of the business, or manage the operation of the business; and (2) operates under the 7 principles of (A) voluntary open membership; (B) democratic control; (C) owner economic participation; (D) autonomy and independence; (E) education, training, and information; (F) cooperation among cooperatives; and (G) concern for community; Whereas cooperative entrepreneurs can be found in almost every economic sector in the United States, throughout all 50 States and the territories of the United States, and in every congressional district in the United States; Whereas cooperatives help farmers increase incomes and become more resilient to economic business cycles by working together to plan and prepare for the future, while contributing significantly to the economic activity in the agriculture and food markets of the United States; Whereas the roughly 1,700 agricultural cooperatives in the United States operate more than 9,500 facilities, employ a record $111,000,000,000 in assets, and generate more than $231,400,000,000 in business; Whereas the majority of the 2,000,000 farmers in the United States belong to an agricultural cooperative; Whereas agricultural cooperatives offer members the opportunity to access commodity value-added profits throughout the handling, processing, and distribution chains; Whereas member-owners in agricultural cooperatives are dedicated to providing the highest quality product for consumers; Whereas agricultural cooperatives add significant benefits to the economic well-being of rural areas of the United States by providing more than 250,000 jobs with annual wages totaling more than $11,000,000,000; Whereas agricultural cooperatives provide resources to their member-owners, such as low-cost supplies, effective marketing, and services; Whereas farmer members in agricultural cooperatives have the opportunity to pool resources and reinvest profits into the communities of the farmer members; Whereas the principles of cooperation and the cooperative business model help smallholder farmers organize themselves and gain access to local and global markets, training, improved inputs, conservation programs, and aggregated sales and marketing; Whereas the cooperative business model provides farmers ownership over their economic decisions, a focus on learning, and a broader understanding of environmental and social concerns; Whereas the cooperative business model has been used throughout the history of the United States to advance civil rights and to help ensure that all people have equal access to economic opportunity; Whereas cooperative values promote self-determination and democratic rights for all people; Whereas the comprehensive global food security strategy established under section 5 of the Global Food Security Act of 2016 ( 22 U.S.C. 9304 Feed the Future Whereas the Interagency Working Group on Cooperative Development (1) is an interagency group that is coordinated and chaired by the Secretary of Agriculture to foster cooperative development and ensure coordination with Federal agencies and national and local cooperative organizations that have cooperative programs and interests; and (2) as of the date of introduction of this resolution, has organized 11 meetings; Whereas the bipartisan Congressional Cooperative Business Caucus unites Members of Congress to (1) create a better-informed electorate and a more educated public on the important role that cooperatives play in the economy of the United States and the world; (2) promote the cooperative business model because that model ensures that consumers have access to high-quality goods and services at competitive prices and costs that improve the lives of individuals, families, and their communities; and (3) address and correct awareness challenges among the public and within the Federal Government relating to what cooperatives look like, who participates in cooperatives, where cooperatives are located, and why individuals choose cooperatives; Whereas the Bureau of the Census, as part of the 2017 and 2022 Economic Censuses, asked each business if the business was organized as a cooperative, and the responses of businesses yielded both quantitative and qualitative data on the effects and importance of cooperatives across the economy of the United States; Whereas, throughout the rural United States, many utility service providers operate as cooperatives and are tasked with the delivery of public services, such as electricity, water, telecommunications, and broadband, in areas where investor-owned utility companies typically do not operate; Whereas utility cooperatives have innovated to meet the evolving needs of their member-owners, create more resilient communities, and help rural individuals in the United States prosper; Whereas electric cooperatives serve 56 percent of the landmass of the United States, including 92 percent of persistent poverty counties, and energy cooperatives power more than 21,500,000 homes, businesses, and schools; Whereas there are approximately 260 telephone cooperatives in the United States with total annual revenues of $3,900,000,000; Whereas, in the financial services sector, cooperatives, including credit unions, farm credit banks, and other financing organizations that lend to cooperatives, provide numerous benefits to the member-owners of those cooperatives; Whereas, nationally, approximately 4,800 credit unions serve 138,000,000 members; Whereas member-owners of cooperatives vote in board elections, and earned profits cycle back into cost-saving programs or return as dividend payments; Whereas purchasing and shared service cooperatives allow independent and franchise businesses to thrive; Whereas food cooperatives range in size from small, local institutions to multi-store regional giants that compete with chain stores with locations across the United States; Whereas food cooperatives support local producers in all 50 States and reduce food insecurity; Whereas, in the housing sector, housing cooperatives and resident-owned communities in which members own the building or land (1) are an alternative to conventional rental apartments, manufactured home parks, and condominiums; and (2) empower each resident with ownership and responsibility; Whereas housing cooperatives have roots dating to the late 1800s and are increasingly becoming a housing alternative for students at colleges throughout the United States; Whereas shared equity housing cooperatives are a strategy for preserving long-term, affordable housing; Whereas cooperatives allow residents of manufactured home communities to collectively purchase the land on which they live, providing stability and the opportunity to self-govern; Whereas, as of 2023, 309 manufactured home communities are cooperatively owned; Whereas the growth of worker cooperatives in the United States is allowing more workers to own and have greater control over their businesses; Whereas many small businesses convert to cooperatives when faced with closure or a buyout, ensuring that such a business can continue to serve its community; and Whereas the cooperative business model allows business owners to retire and transfer business ownership to employees or consumers, protecting local ownership and supporting local communities: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) expresses support for the designation of National Co-Op Month (2) commends the cooperative business model for (A) its contributions to the economy of the United States; (B) the jobs it creates; and (C) its positive impacts on local communities; (3) expresses confidence in, and support for, cooperatives to continue their successes; and (4) will be mindful in crafting legislation that affects business models that are not the cooperative business model so that the legislation does not adversely affect the cooperative business model. | Expressing support for the designation of October 2023 as National Co-Op Month and commending the cooperative business model and the member-owners, businesses, employees, farmers, ranchers, and practitioners who use the cooperative business model to positively impact the economy and society. |
This resolution congratulates the South Dakota State University football team on a successful season and for winning the 2024 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Championship Subdivision title. | Congratulating the South Dakota State University Jackrabbits on winning the 2024 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Championship Subdivision title. Whereas, on January 7, 2024, the South Dakota State University (referred to in this preamble as SDSU) Jackrabbits defeated the University of Montana Grizzlies by a score of 23-3 in the 2024 National Collegiate Athletic Association (referred to in this preamble as the NCAA) Division I Football Championship Subdivision (referred to in this preamble as the FCS) championship game in Frisco, Texas; Whereas the SDSU Jackrabbits football program, for the second consecutive year, have won the national championship; Whereas the SDSU Jackrabbits finished the 20232024 season undefeated with an overall record of 15 wins and 0 losses, with 8 wins and 0 losses in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, and earned the #1 seed in the FCS playoffs; Whereas the SDSU Jackrabbits have qualified for the FCS playoffs in each of the past 12 seasons; Whereas, during the 20232024 season, the SDSU Jackrabbits (1) averaged 37.33 points and 449.9 yards per game; and (2) allowed only 9.27 points and 257.2 yards per game on average; Whereas the Head Coach Jimmy Rogers was introduced as the 21 st Whereas Coach Rogers was awarded the Stats Perform 2023 Eddie Robinson Award, given to the FCS coach of the year; and Whereas President Barry Dunn and Athletic Director Justin Sell have cultivated a standard of excellence within SDSU athletics and guided the athletic programs at SDSU to national prominence: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) congratulates and honors the South Dakota State University football team on a successful season and for winning the 2024 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Championship Subdivision title; (2) recognizes the hard work, dedication, determination, and commitment of the South Dakota State University football players, coaches, and staff; and (3) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to (A) the President of South Dakota State University, Barry Dunn; (B) the Athletic Director of South Dakota State University, Justin Sell; and (C) the Head Coach of the South Dakota State University Jackrabbits football team, Jimmy Rogers. | Congratulating the South Dakota State University Jackrabbits on winning the 2024 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Championship Subdivision title. |
This resolution designates March 24, 2024, as National Women of Color in Tech Day to celebrate the contribution to the field of technology made by women of color. | Designating March 24th, 2024, as National Women of Color in Tech Day Whereas National Women of Color in Tech Day acknowledges the challenges many women of color face in the field of technology (referred to in this preamble as tech (1) Katherine Johnson, a former engineer at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; (2) Marie Van Brittan Brown, who invented the first home security system; and (3) Patricia Bath, who invented the Laserphaco Probe for the removal of cataracts; Whereas evidence suggests that structural and social barriers in tech education, tech workforce development, the tech workforce, and venture capital investment in tech can disproportionately and negatively affect women of color; Whereas women are underrepresented in tech, and women of color often face additional systemic barriers in the tech ecosystem specifically and in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (referred to in this preamble as STEM Whereas underrepresented minority students often face an opportunity gap in STEM education in the United States; Whereas women and girls of color often face an achievement gap in science and engineering education; Whereas women and girls overall often face a large opportunity gap in computer science; Whereas the competitiveness of the United States in the 21st-century global economy largely depends on developing STEM-literate citizens; Whereas the demand for professionals in tech and computing fields is expected to increase substantially over the next decade; Whereas, as of March 2023, data showed that there were more than 750,000 open and unfilled cybersecurity jobs in the United States; Whereas increasing the number of women of color in tech will be critical to building and maintaining a competitive tech workforce; Whereas women of color currently make up 41 percent of the female population in the United States and are projected to make up the majority of women by 2060; Whereas, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, women of color in the United States earned 17 percent of bachelors degrees and 7 percent of doctorates in STEM fields during the 20212022 school year; Whereas the low number of women of color in tech positions who have not received a bachelors degree, but who have earned other certificates, demonstrates that women of color may not be taking sufficient advantage of alternative pathways for reskilling in computing-related areas or may not have adequate access or exposure to these pathways; Whereas increasing the inclusion of women of color in the science and tech sectors can provide role models who can inspire students of all backgrounds and identities, including young girls of color; Whereas diversity in any field incorporates different experiences and ideas that can ultimately lead to more creative and pioneering solutions to the current and future problems of the United States; Whereas a May 2020 study by McKinsey and Company shows that companies with a diverse workforce often perform better, hire more qualified employees, have more engaged employees, and are better at retaining workers than companies that do not prioritize diversity; Whereas communities of color are underrepresented in corporate leadership roles, including in the tech sector; and Whereas a pipeline of qualified tech candidates of color is critical for future growth, particularly as the tech industry works to improve the recruiting, hiring, and retaining of candidates and employees of color: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates March 24, 2024, as National Women of Color in Tech Day (2) recognizes the celebration of National Women of Color in Tech Day as a time to reflect on the many notable contributions that women of color have made to the field of technology in the United States; (3) urges the people of the United States to observe National Women of Color in Tech Day with appropriate programs and activities; (4) pledges to work to increase diversity and inclusion in the technology sector, including through robust plans to ensure recruitment, training, and retention of underrepresented minorities at all levels; (5) commits to working to eliminate barriers to entering the technology sector faced by women of color and individuals from other underrepresented groups; (6) reaffirms the commitment of the Senate to ensuring that all students have access to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (referred to in this resolution as STEM (7) supports efforts to strengthen investments in, and collaborations with, educational institutions, including community colleges, historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, Asian-American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-serving institutions, Tribal Colleges and Universities, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions, and other minority-serving institutions, to sustain a pipeline of diverse STEM graduates ready to enter the technology sector; and (8) urges the President to work with Congress to improve data collection, data disaggregation, and dissemination of information for greater understanding and transparency of diversity in STEM education and across the workforce of the United States. | Designating March 24th, 2024, as National Women of Color in Tech Day. |
This resolution supports the designation of June 16-June 22, 2024, as National Pollinator Week. | Recognizing the importance of pollinators to ecosystem health and agriculture in the United States by designating June 16 through June 22, 2024, as National Pollinator Week Whereas pollinators like native bees, butterflies and moths, birds and bats, and beetles play a vital role in agriculture throughout the United States and help to produce a healthy and affordable food supply while also maintaining the health and diversity of ecosystems; Whereas various native pollinator species help to reproduce at least 80 percent of flowering plants, making pollinators indispensable for sustaining the biodiversity of natural ecosystems; Whereas enhancing native pollinator and honey bee populations can result in improved and essential pollination services for neighboring land, including agriculture and wildlife ecosystems; Whereas it is in the strong economic interest of agricultural producers and consumers in the United States to help ensure healthy, sustainable, pollinator populations, as pollinators add more than $18,000,000,000 in revenue to crop production in the United States each year, including more than 100 crops that either need or benefit from native pollinators; Whereas pollinators also contribute to clean air and water, stable soil, and a diversity of wildlife needed for healthy and productive natural ecosystems; Whereas more than 1/4 Whereas the Western monarch butterfly population has significantly declined from nearly 10,000,000 butterflies in the 1980s to fewer than 2,000 butterflies in 2020, and while numbers have made modest gains in the last few years, the population of this iconic species remains perilously small and vulnerable to yearly fluctuations; Whereas nearly 70 native pollinator species are listed by the Federal Government as threatened or endangered, with the rusty patched bumble bee, the Powesheik skipperling, and the Dakota skipper listed within the past decade; and Whereas declines in the health and population of native pollinators potentially pose a substantial threat to global food webs, ecological diversity, and human health: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) expresses support for the designation June 16 through June 22, 2024, as National Pollinator Week (2) acknowledges the significance that all types of pollinators play in sustaining agriculture, promoting biodiversity, and maintaining the overall health of natural ecosystems; (3) encourages the people of the United States to observe Pollinator Week with appropriate ceremonies and conservation and educational activities; and (4) intends to (A) continue working to conserve native pollinator species and their various habitats; and (B) work to improve the overall understanding of the importance of native pollinators. | Recognizing the importance of pollinators to ecosystem health and agriculture in the United States by designating June 16 through June 22, 2024, as National Pollinator Week. |
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, 2024. 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 in providing safe, high-quality health care; Whereas nurses serve on the front lines, risking their lives to treat 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 4,700,000 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 reports of the Institute of Medicine and National Academy of Medicine have 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 decrease, 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 to (1) strengthen nursing workforce development programs at all levels, including the number of doctorally prepared faculty members; and (2) 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 of 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, 2024. |
This resolution recognizes that the national debt is a threat to national security and that deficits are unsustainable, irresponsible, and dangerous. It also commits to (1) restoring regular order to the appropriations process, and (2) preventing the looming the fiscal crisis faced by the United States. | Recognizing the national debt as a threat to national security. Whereas, in January 2024, the total public debt outstanding was more than $34,000,000,000,000, resulting in a total interest expense of more than $659,000,000,000 on debt held by the public for fiscal year 2023; Whereas, in January 2024, the total public debt as a percentage of gross domestic product was more than 123 percent; Whereas, in January 2024, the debt owed per citizen was $102,147 and $265,582 per taxpayer; Whereas the last Federal budget surplus occurred in 2001; Whereas, in fiscal year 2023, Federal tax receipts totaled $4,400,000,000,000, but Federal outlays totaled $6,100,000,000,000, leaving the Federal Government with a 1-year deficit of $1,700,000,000,000; Whereas the Senate failed to pass a balanced budget for fiscal year 2024 and failed to restore regular order to the legislative process by not allowing Senators to offer and debate amendments; Whereas the Social Security and Medicare Boards of Trustees project that the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund will be depleted in 2031; Whereas the Social Security and Medicare Boards of Trustees project that the combined Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund will be depleted in 2034; Whereas improvements in the business climate in populous countries, and aging populations around the world, will likely contribute to higher global interest rates; Whereas more than $8,056,100,000,000 of Federal debt is owned by individuals not located in the United States, including more than $1,050,000,000,000 of which is owned by individuals in China; Whereas China and the European Union are developing alternative payment systems to weaken the dominant position of the United States dollar as a reserve currency; Whereas rapidly increasing interest rates would squeeze all policy priorities of the United States, including defense policy and foreign policy priorities; Whereas Federal spending on interest to service the national debt is now projected to exceed Federal spending on national defense in 2024 according to the Congressional Budget Offices Budget and Economic Outlook: 2024 to 2034 report; Whereas, on April 12, 2018, former Secretary of Defense James Mattis warned that any Nation that cant keep its fiscal house in order eventually cannot maintain its military power Whereas, on March 6, 2018, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats warned: Our continued plunge into debt is unsustainable and represents a dire future threat to our economy and to our national security Whereas, on November 15, 2017, former Secretaries of Defense Leon Panetta, Ash Carter, and Chuck Hagel warned: Increase in the debt will, in the absence of a comprehensive budget that addresses both entitlements and revenues, force even deeper reductions in our national security capabilities Whereas, on September 22, 2011, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Michael Mullen warned: I believe the single, biggest threat to our national security is debt That the Senate (1) recognizes that the national debt is a threat to the national security of the United States; (2) realizes that deficits are unsustainable, irresponsible, and dangerous; (3) commits to restoring regular order in the appropriations process; and (4) commits to preventing the looming fiscal crisis faced by the United States. | Recognizing the national debt as a threat to national security. |
This resolution expresses support for the designation of Rail Safety Week. The resolution also expresses support for (1) the efforts by the Department of Transportation to implement the recommendations of the National Transportation Safety Boards investigation into the February 3, 2023, Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio; (2) the communities impacted by the derailment in Ohio; and (3) the actions of first responders who combat releases of hazardous materials across the United States, including the firefighters who responded to the derailment in Ohio. | Expressing support for the designation of the week of September 23 through September 29, 2024, as Rail Safety Week Whereas the first Rail Safety Week was held from September 24 through September 30, 2017, by a highway-rail grade crossing safety nonprofit organization Operation Lifesaver, the Department of Transportation, and other organizations; Whereas Rail Safety Week was launched to (1) raise awareness about the need for increased education on how to be safe around highway-rail grade crossings and railroad tracks; and (2) highlight efforts to further reduce collisions, injuries, and fatalities; Whereas highway-rail grade crossing and trespassing incidents constituted approximately 96 percent of all rail-related fatalities during 2023; Whereas, under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act ( Public Law 11758 Whereas, in 2022, more than 60 percent of all highway-rail grade crossing collisions occurred at highway-rail grade crossings with lights or gates; Whereas preliminary Federal statistics indicate that 2,192 highway-rail grade crossing collisions occurred in the United States in 2023, resulting in 247 deaths and another 764 individuals being injured; Whereas many collisions between trains and motor vehicles or pedestrians could have been prevented by increased education, engineering, and enforcement; Whereas Operation Lifesaver administers a public education program about grade-crossing safety and trespassing prevention; Whereas, during Rail Safety Week, from September 23 through 29, 2024, and throughout the year, everyone is encouraged to take added caution as motorists or pedestrians approach tracks or trains; Whereas the February 3, 2023, Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, which resulted in the burning of 5 vinyl chloride tank cars and forced the evacuation of approximately 2,000 nearby residents, was a reminder of the risks posed by hazardous materials transportation; Whereas preliminary 2023 Federal statistics indicate that (1) Class I freight railroads had the highest accident rate not at grade crossings in the past decade; (2) the number of accidents not at grade crossings per 1,000,000 miles traveled among Class I freight railroads has increased by 42 percent since 2013; and (3) more than 42,000 rail workers have been injured and 120 rail workers have been killed on duty since 2013; Whereas the United States, Canada, and Mexico will concurrently observe Rail Safety Week; and Whereas this important observance should lead to greater safety awareness and a reduction in highway-rail grade crossing collisions, derailments, rail worker fatalities, and other railroad incidents: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports the designation of Rail Safety Week (2) expresses strong support for (A) the goals and ideals of Rail Safety Week; (B) efforts to reduce highway-rail grade crossing and trespasser-related incidents, fatalities, and injuries; (C) efforts by the Federal Railroad Administration to improve safety cultures at Class I freight railroads; (D) efforts by the Department of Transportation to implement the recommendations of the National Transportation Safety Boards investigation into the February 3, 2023, Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine, Ohio; (E) the residents of East Palestine, Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, and all other communities impacted by the derailment and release of hazardous materials on February 3, 2023; (F) the brave actions of first responders who combat releases of hazardous materials across the United States, including the brave actions of the more than 300 firefighters from 50 fire departments who responded to the February 3, 2023, derailment in East Palestine, Ohio; and (G) rail workers who have died or been injured while working to keep people and goods moving throughout the United States and the families of those rail workers; and (3) encourages the people of the United States (A) to participate in Rail Safety Week events and activities; (B) to educate themselves and others on how to be safe around railroad tracks; and (C) to support efforts to improve the safe transportation of hazardous material by rail. | Expressing support for the designation of the week of September 23 through September 29, 2024, as Rail Safety Week and supporting the goals and ideals of Rail Safety Week to reduce highway-rail grade crossing and trespasser-related incidents, fatalities, injuries, and derailments, improve the safe transportation of hazardous materials by rail, and prevent rail worker fatalities. |
This resolution designates May 29, 2024, as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day to raise awareness around mental health in the agricultural industry and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. | Supporting the designation of May 29, 2024, as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day Whereas, according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture of the Department of Agriculture, 3,370,000 producers, less than 2 percent of the population of the United States, provide high-quality food, fuel, and fiber to the United States and abroad; Whereas, according to the Economic Policy Institute, there are approximately 1,600,000 farmworkers in the United States; Whereas, according to the National Rural Health Association, the rate of suicide among farmers is 3.5 times greater than among the general population; Whereas, according to the Mortality-Linked National Health Interview Survey, suicide rates among farmworkers are 1.4 times higher than rates across all other occupations; Whereas May is National Mental Health Awareness Month Whereas the stigma surrounding mental and behavioral health persists and acknowledging this public health crisis and creating awareness is as important as ever: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates May 29, 2024, as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day (2) recognizes the important role of individuals in agriculture as providers of high-quality products to the United States and the world; (3) seeks to create awareness for the unique challenges agricultural producers and workers face, such as weather unpredictability, labor intensity and shortages, farm succession, and fluctuating commodity and market prices; (4) highlights the resources available through the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) of the Department of Agriculture in connecting agricultural producers and workers to stress assistance programs; and (5) encourages all to observe Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day as an opportunity to promote mental well-being and awareness for current and future agricultural producers and workers. | Supporting the designation of May 29, 2024, as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day to raise awareness around mental health in the agricultural industry and workforce and to continue to reduce stigma associated with mental illness. |
This resolution recognizes August 1, 2024, as National Poll Worker Recruitment Day. | Recognizing August 1, 2024, as National Poll Worker Recruitment Day That the Senate (1) recognizes August 1, 2024, as National Poll Worker Recruitment Day (2) recognizes the need for, and appreciation of, the service of poll workers; and (3) encourages eligible people to help American citizens to vote in the 2024 elections by serving as poll workers. | Recognizing August 1, 2024, as National Poll Worker Recruitment Day. |
This resolution designates April 5, 2024, 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, 2024, 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 and children 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, 2024, marks the 79th 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, 2024, 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, 2024, as Gold Star Wives Day. |
This resolution supports observing National Girls and Women in Sports Day on February 7, 2024, to recognize (1) all women athletes who represent schools, universities, and the United States in their athletic pursuits; and (2) the vital role that the people of the United States have in empowering girls and women in sports. The resolution supports (1) marking the observation of such day with legislative efforts to build on the success of the Equal Pay for Team USA Act of 2022 and ensure equal pay for female athletes and to protect and uphold title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 so that future generations of athletes will not have to experience inequitable and unfair treatment; and (2) efforts to promote gender equity in sports, including equal pay and equal access to athletic opportunities for girls and women, and to support the U.S. commitment to expanding athletic participation for all girls and future generations of women athletes. | Supporting the observation of National Girls & Women in Sports Day Whereas National Girls & Women in Sports Day Whereas athletic participation helps develop self-discipline, initiative, confidence, and leadership skills, and opportunities for athletic participation should be available to all individuals; Whereas, because the people of the United States remain committed to protecting equality, it is imperative to eliminate the existing disparities between male and female youth athletic programs; Whereas the share of athletic participation opportunities of high school girls has increased more than sixfold since the enactment of title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 ( 20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq. title IX (1) a lower share of athletic participation opportunities than high school boys; and (2) a lower level of athletic participation opportunities than high school boys enjoyed over 50 years ago; Whereas 60 percent of high school girls participate in a sport; Whereas the share of women participating in college sports has nearly tripled since the enactment of title IX, but female college athletes still comprise only 44 percent of the total collegiate athlete population, 30 percent of whom are White women and only 14 percent of whom are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (referred to in this preamble as BIPOC Whereas, in 1971, women coached 90 percent of collegiate womens teams, but as of 2024, women coach only 41.2 percent of all National Collegiate Athletic Association (referred to in this preamble as NCAA Whereas there is a need to restore women to those positions to ensure fair representation and provide role models for young female athletes; Whereas, for too long, the many achievements of women in sports have not received fair recognition; Whereas the long history of women in sports in the United States (1) features many contributions made by female athletes that have enriched the national life of the United States; and (2) includes inspiring figures, such as Billie Jean King, Flo Hyman, Gertrude Ederle, Wilma Rudolph, Althea Gibson, Mildred Ella Babe (A) advancing participation by women in sports; and (B) setting positive examples for the generations of female athletes who continue to inspire people in the United States today; Whereas the United States must do all it can to break down the barriers of discrimination, inequality, and injustice in sports; Whereas girls and young women in minority communities are doubly disadvantaged because (1) schools in minority communities have fewer athletic opportunities than schools in predominately White communities; and (2) the limited resources for athletic opportunities in minority communities exacerbates the existing gender inequity between girls and boys; Whereas the 4-time World Cup champion United States Womens National Soccer Team has led the fight domestically and internationally for equal treatment and compensation for female athletes; Whereas United States women athletes will compete on the world stage in 2024 at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics; Whereas, with the recent enactment of laws such as the Equal Pay for Team USA Act of 2022 ( Public Law 117340 (1) to ensure all athletes representing the United States in global competition receive equal pay and benefits regardless of gender; and (2) to represent to the world, and especially young girls, that everyone deserves equal pay and benefits; and Whereas, with increased participation by women and girls in sports, it is more important than ever to continue protecting title IX and upload the mandate of the law of equitable and fair treatment and more general principles of gender equity throughout the sport system: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate supports (1) observing National Girls & Women in Sports Day (A) all women athletes who represent schools, universities, and the United States in their athletic pursuits; and (B) the vital role that the people of the United States have in empowering girls and women in sports; (2) marking the observation of National Girls & Women in Sports Day with appropriate programs and activities, including legislative efforts (A) to build on the success of the Equal Pay for Team USA Act of 2022 ( Public Law 117340 (B) to protect and uphold title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 ( 20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq. (3) all ongoing efforts (A) to promote gender equity in sports, including equal pay and equal access to athletic opportunities for girls and women; and (B) to support the commitment of the United States to expanding athletic participation for all girls and future generations of women athletes. | Supporting the observation of National Girls & Women in Sports Day on February 7, 2024, to raise awareness of and celebrate the achievements of girls and women in sports. |
This resolution designates January 21-January 27, 2024, as National School Choice Week. | Designating the week of January 21 through January 27, 2024, as National School Choice Week Whereas providing a diversity of choices in K12 education empowers parents to select education environments that meet the individual needs and strengths of their children; Whereas high-quality K12 education environments of all varieties are available in the United States, including traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online academies, and home schooling; Whereas talented teachers and school leaders in each of these education environments prepare children to achieve their dreams; Whereas more families than ever before in the United States actively choose the best education for their children; Whereas more public awareness of the issue of parental choice in education can inform additional families of the benefits of proactively choosing challenging, motivating, and effective education environments for their children; Whereas the process by which parents choose schools for their children is nonpolitical, nonpartisan, and deserves the utmost respect; and Whereas tens of thousands of events are planned to celebrate the benefits of educational choice during the 14th annual National School Choice Week, held the week of January 21 through January 27, 2024: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates the week of January 21 through January 27, 2024, as National School Choice Week (2) congratulates students, parents, teachers, and school leaders from kindergarten through grade 12 education environments of all varieties for their persistence, achievements, dedication, and contributions to society in the United States; (3) encourages all parents, during National School Choice Week, to learn more about the education options available to them; and (4) encourages the people of the United States to hold appropriate programs, events, and activities during National School Choice Week to raise public awareness of the benefits of opportunity in education. | Designating the week of January 21 through January 27, 2024, as National School Choice Week. |
This resolution condemns the implementation of the FAFSA Simplification Act, calls on the Department of Education to identify the issues that occurred during the implementation and fix those issues before the next federal student aid cycle, and urges the Secretary of Education to testify before Congress. | Condemning the botched rollout by the Department of Education of the FAFSA Simplification Act. Whereas the FAFSA Simplification Act (title VII of division FF of Public Law 116260 FAFSA Whereas the Department of Education (referred to in this preamble as the Department Whereas, in previous years, the FAFSA application for an academic year opened on October 1st of the preceding year; Whereas the 20242025 FAFSA launched on December 31, 2023; Whereas, in previous years, the Department sent out student FAFSA data to institutions of higher education just days after the student filed their FAFSA application; Whereas, for the 20242025 school year, the Department did not start sending student FAFSA data to institutions of higher education until the beginning of March; Whereas many students did not receive financial aid awards until after National College Decision Day on May 1, 2024; Whereas Department officials were aware of implementation challenges associated with the rollout of the FAFSA Simplification Act as early as December 2020; Whereas students in pursuit of attending institutions of higher education across the United States depend on the resources made available by FAFSA; Whereas the FAFSA delays have been particularly burdensome for students in foster care and youth experiencing homelessness; Whereas the delay in the 20242025 FAFSA application timeline cut down the time students had to weigh options when considering financial components for attending institutions of higher education; and Whereas many offices of financial aid in institutions of higher education fear that this delay will discourage students from attending a college or university in the fall of 2024: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) strongly condemns the delayed and problematic rollout of the FAFSA Simplification Act (title VII of division FF of Public Law 116260 (2) calls for the Department of Education to take the necessary actions to identify the issues that led to the botched rollout of the FAFSA Simplification Act and fix them for the 20252026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid cycle; and (3) urges the Secretary of Education to testify before the relevant congressional committees regarding the rollout of the FAFSA Simplification Act. | Condemning the botched rollout by the Department of Education of the FAFSA Simplification Act. |
This resolution recognizes the importance of mental health among youth and the role of the federal government in raising awareness of and providing support for mental health resources. | Recognizing the importance of mental health for youth in the United States, and expressing the pressing need for awareness and support for mental health care for children and adolescents. Whereas, over the past few decades and during the COVID19 pandemic, mental health issues among young people have steadily become worse; Whereas the Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 49.5 percent of adolescents in the United States have faced a mental health disorder at some point in their lives; Whereas the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that in 2020, during the COVID19 pandemic, mental health-related emergency room visits for children aged 5 through 11 years increased by 24 percent, and for children aged 12 through 17 years increased more than 30 percent; Whereas according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1) suicide is the third leading cause of death among 14- to 18-year-olds in the United States; and (2) over 20 percent of high school students seriously consider attempting suicide and 10 percent attempt to take their lives; Whereas the National Institute of Mental Health states that mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression, can lead to a higher propensity to engage in substance use; and Whereas youth populations in rural or underserved areas are less likely to be connected to mental health care: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate recognizes the importance of mental health among youth in the United States, and that in order to increase awareness for mental health care for children and adolescents, the Federal Government must work collaboratively to (1) encourage States, local educational agencies, schools, and community organizations to support children, youth, and students experiencing mental health challenges at all grade levels by (A) improving the professional development given to educators so that educators are better equipped to (i) support student well-being through evidence-based prevention strategies; and (ii) respond to signs and symptoms of mental health disorders among students that educators are in direct contact with; (B) recognizing that young children often go misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or face stigma when it comes to mental health disorders, and therefore lack adequate services and support when dealing with mental health challenges and crises; (C) raising awareness for high-quality school- and campus-based mental health services that are evidence-based and trauma-informed; and (D) evaluating the preservation of continuity of care for students whose treatment is interrupted; (2) recognize that mental health and physical health are intertwined and can be treated through integrated care services, and that age is not a determinant for experiencing a mental health disorder, in that children can face mental health challenges even in early childhood; (3) recognize the urgency for increasing public knowledge of mental health disorders by encouraging Federal, State, and local institutions to disseminate robust resources regarding the effects and available treatment options for various mental health disorders; (4) address the stigmas associated with mental health challenges by urging States to adopt peer-to-peer mental health treatment models that prioritize community-based care; (5) create a comprehensive strategy to contact isolated communities with little access to knowledge about and resources for supporting young people experiencing mental health disorders; and (6) address and prevent adverse childhood experiences, including previous childhood trauma, and other childhood and family risk factors that can lead to involvement in the justice and child welfare systems. | Recognizing the importance of mental health for youth in the United States, and expressing the pressing need for awareness and support for mental health care for children and adolescents. |
This resolution designates February 2024 as Hawaiian Language Month or 'lelo Hawai'i Month. | Designating February 2024 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; 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 Whereas the enactment of the Native American Language Resource Center Act of 2022 ( 20 U.S.C. 6301 Public Law 117335 (1) reconfirmed a Federal commitment to revitalizing Indigenous languages, including the Hawaiian language; and (2) resulted in the Department of Education awarding the University of Hawaii at Hilo a 5-year grant to establish the first National Native American Language Resource Center: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates February 2024 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 Month with appropriate activities and programs to demonstrate support for lelo Hawaii. | Designating February 2024 as Hawaiian Language Month or lelo Hawaii Month. |
This resolution recognizes the 80th anniversary of the amphibious landing of the Allies on June 6, 1944 (i.e., D-Day), at Normandy, France, during World War II. | Expressing the gratitude and appreciation of the Senate for the acts of heroism and valor by the members of the United States Armed Forces who participated in the June 6, 1944, amphibious landing at Normandy, France, and commending those individuals for leadership and bravery in an operation that helped bring an end to World War II. Whereas, June 6, 2024, marks the 80th anniversary of the Allied assault at Normandy, France, by troops of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Free France, known as Operation Overlord Whereas, before Operation Overlord, the German Army still occupied France and the Nazi government still had access to the raw materials and industrial capacity of Western Europe; Whereas the naval phase of the Allied assault at Normandy was code-named Operation Neptune D-Day Whereas the D-Day landing was the largest combined arms amphibious assault in history, consisting of (1) approximately 132,600 members of the Allied Expeditionary Force, including 57,500 members of the United States Armed Forces; (2) more than 23,000 airborne troops supporting the seaborne landings; (3) approximately 7,000 naval vessels; and (4) more than 14,000 sorties by Allied aircraft; Whereas soldiers of 6 divisions (3 from the United States, 2 from the United Kingdom, which included troops of Free France, and 1 from Canada) and 3 British armored brigades stormed ashore in 5 main landing areas on beaches in Normandy, which were code-named Utah Omaha Gold Juno Sword Whereas, of the approximately 10,000 Allied casualties incurred on the first day of the landing, more than 6,000 were members of the United States Armed Forces; Whereas the Allied assault and following operations were supported by ships, aircraft, and troops from Australia, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Free Norway, Greece, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the Polish Armed Forces in the West; Whereas the advanced age of the last remaining veterans of, and the gradual disappearance of any living memory of, World War II and the Normandy landings make it necessary to increase activities intended to pass on the history of those events, particularly to younger generations; Whereas the young people of Normandy and the United States have displayed unprecedented commitment to, and involvement in, celebrating (1) the veterans of the Normandy landings; and (2) the freedom brought by those veterans in 1944; Whereas the significant material remains of the Normandy landings found on the Normandy beaches and at the bottom of the sea in the territorial waters of France, such as shipwrecks and various items of military equipment, bear witness to the remarkable and unique nature of the material resources used by the Allied forces to execute the Normandy landings; Whereas 5 Normandy beaches and a number of sites on the Normandy coast, including Pointe du Hoc, were the scene of the D-Day landings and constitute, and will for all time constitute (1) a unique piece of world heritage; and (2) a symbol of peace and freedom, the unspoilt nature, integrity, and authenticity of which must be protected at all costs; and Whereas the world owes a debt of gratitude to the members of the Greatest Generation That the Senate (1) recognizes the 80th anniversary of the amphibious landing of the Allies on D-Day, June 6, 1944, at Normandy, France, during World War II; (2) expresses gratitude and appreciation to the members of the United States Armed Forces who participated in the D-Day operations; (3) thanks the young people of Normandy and the United States for their involvement in events celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings with the aim of making future generations aware of the acts of heroism and sacrifice performed by the Allied forces; (4) recognizes the efforts of France and the people of Normandy to preserve for future generations the unique world heritage represented by the Normandy beaches and the sunken material remains of the Normandy landings by inscribing those beaches and remains on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List; and (5) requests that the President issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings with appropriate ceremonies and programs to honor the sacrifices made by their fellow countrymen to liberate Europe. | Expressing the gratitude and appreciation of the Senate for the acts of heroism and valor by the members of the United States Armed Forces who participated in the June 6, 1944, amphibious landing at Normandy, France, and commending those individuals for leadership and bravery in an operation that helped bring an end to World War II. |
This resolution authorizes quarterly blood donation drives at the Senate. | Authorizing the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate to conduct quarterly blood donation drives. 1. Quarterly Senate blood donation drives (a) Authorization (1) In general During calendar year 2024, the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate (referred to in this resolution as the Sergeant at Arms (2) Date selection The Sergeant at Arms shall, in consultation with the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate, select the date for each drive conducted under paragraph (1). (3) Selection of locations and partnering blood donation organizations (A) In general The Sergeant at Arms shall identify and, with the approval of the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate, select a location and a partnering blood donation organization for each drive conducted under paragraph (1). (B) Member requests In identifying appropriate partnering blood donation organizations under subparagraph (A), the Sergeant at Arms may consider a request from a Senator for a specific blood donation organization. (b) Implementation Physical preparations for the conduct of, and the implementation of, each drive authorized under subsection (a)(1) shall be carried out in accordance with such conditions as the Sergeant at Arms, 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 quarterly blood donation drives. |
This resolution designates the week of September 23-27, 2024, as National Clean Energy Week. | Designating the week of September 23 through September 27, 2024, 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 2024 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 23 through September 27, 2024, 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) supports reliable and affordable energy for the people of the United States; and (4) 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 23 through September 27, 2024, as National Clean Energy Week. |
This resolution supports the designation of National Social and Emotional Learning Week. | Expressing support for the designation of the week of March 4 through March 8, 2024, as National Social and Emotional Learning Week Whereas, according to research conducted by both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Harvard University, the COVID19 pandemic heightened the urgency to provide greater assistance to students, educators, and families to address the mental health, behavioral, and other systemic challenges that impede the academic and developmental improvement and success of students; Whereas decades of research demonstrate how social and emotional learning (referred to in this preamble as SEL Whereas, according to a study by researchers at the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, Loyola University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois at Chicago, SEL programs that addressed the 5 core competencies (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making) increased academic performance by 11 percentile points, improved the ability of students to manage stress, and improved the attitudes of students about themselves, others, and school; Whereas, according to a study by researchers at Yale University, the University of Rochester, the University of Maryland, and Loyola University of Chicago, students participating in SEL at school had higher school functioning Whereas a study in the Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis found that, on average, for every dollar spent on the evidence-based SEL programs examined, there was an $11 return on investment; Whereas, according to a study published by the American Public Health Association, the development of social and emotional skills in kindergarten has been associated with improved outcomes for young adults later in life, resulting in reduced societal costs for public assistance, public housing, police involvement, and detention; Whereas, in response to a Pew Research Center survey of parents of K12 students, 66 percent of the parents said that schools teaching children to develop social and emotional skills was very important somewhat important Whereas EdWeek Research Center found that 83 percent of educators indicated that SEL is somewhat very Whereas research from Yale University, the University of Cantabria, Jagiellonian University, and Pennsylvania State University indicates that educators who demonstrate greater social and emotional competence are frequently more capable of protecting themselves from burnout; and Whereas the week of March 4 through March 8, 2024, would be an appropriate period to designate as National Social and Emotional Learning Week That the Senate (1) supports the designation of National Social and Emotional Learning Week (2) recognizes the role that social and emotional learning plays in promoting academic achievement, mental and behavioral health, and future career success for students; (3) expresses support for expanding access to social and emotional learning for each student and teacher; and (4) encourages the people of the United States to identify opportunities among Federal agencies to advance social and emotional learning to support students, parents, educators, and their communities. | Expressing support for the designation of the week of March 4 through March 8, 2024, as National Social and Emotional Learning Week to recognize the critical role social and emotional learning plays in supporting the academic success and overall well-being of students, educators, and families. |
This resolution expresses condolences for the death of Jean A. Carnahan, former Senator for Missouri. | Honoring the life of Jean A. Carnahan, former Senator for the State of Missouri. Whereas, on December 20, 1933, Jean A. Carnahan was born in Washington, D.C.; Whereas, from 1993 to 2000, Jean A. Carnahan served as First Lady of Missouri when her husband, Mel Carnahan, was elected as Governor of the State of Missouri; Whereas, in 2000, Jean A. Carnahan was appointed to the Senate after her husband, Mel Carnahan, was tragically killed in a plane crash during his campaign bid for Senate; Whereas, from 2001 to 2002, Jean A. Carnahan became the first woman to represent the State of Missouri in the Senate; Whereas Jean A. Carnahan, during her tenures as First Lady of Missouri and as a Senator, was a dedicated public servant who proudly represented the people of the State of Missouri; Whereas Jean A. Carnahan was a strong advocate for children, working families, seniors, and veterans, and continued her advocacy after she left the Senate; Whereas Jean A. Carnahan authored 8 books, including 2 historical works on the Governors Mansion in Missouri; Whereas Jean A. Carnahan was preceded in death by her husband, Mel Carnahan, and their son, Roger; and Whereas Jean A. Carnahan is survived by 2 sons, Russ and Tom, a daughter, Robin, and 5 grandchildren: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of Jean A. Carnahan, former member of the Senate; (2) 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 Jean A. Carnahan; and (3) stands adjourned, as a further mark of respect to the memory of the late Jean A. Carnahan, when the Senate adjourns today. | Honoring the life of Jean A. Carnahan, former Senator for the State of Missouri. |
This resolution expresses support for the goals and ideals of National Forensic Science Week. | Recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of National Forensic Science Week. Whereas the Senate is committed to the use of forensic science in the investigation of crimes, the prosecution and conviction of the correct perpetrators of crimes, and the exoneration of innocent individuals falsely accused of crimes in the United States; Whereas forensic science service providers address critical questions in civil and criminal investigations and trials in the United States, including by providing scientific conclusions relating to forensic evidence; Whereas forensic science service providers partner with (1) Federal agencies to build and maintain criminal databases relating to latent prints, DNA, and other information relevant to criminal cases; and (2) Federal, State, and local agencies to ensure public safety; Whereas forensic science service providers serve a vital role in the criminal justice system by providing scientific information to investigators and officers of the court; and Whereas the week of September 15, 2024, to September 21, 2024, is recognized as National Forensic Science Week That the Senate (1) supports the goals and ideals of National Forensic Science Week; and (2) recognizes that National Forensic Science Week provides a special opportunity for (A) forensic science service providers to (i) acknowledge the contributions of forensic scientists in the laboratories in which those individuals work; (ii) organize community events to encourage a better understanding of forensic science; (iii) provide tours to Federal, State, and local policymakers to assist those individuals in gaining better insight into the current capabilities of forensic science service providers and the future demands that forensic science service providers will face; and (iv) contact and invite local media outlets to cover events hosted during National Forensic Science Week; (B) local policymakers to (i) recognize, through formal commendation or resolution, the contributions of local forensic science laboratories to the communities of those policymakers; (ii) formally declare the week of September 15, 2024, to September 21, 2024, to be National Forensic Science Week (iii) visit local forensic science laboratories to gain an understanding of the capabilities and needs of those laboratories; and (iv) discuss the operational needs of State and local forensic science laboratories; (C) individuals in the United States, including members of the media, to (i) attend community events sponsored by local forensic science laboratories; (ii) take tours of local forensic science laboratories; and (iii) ask local forensic science laboratories about the operational and legislative needs of those laboratories; (D) members of the media to highlight local news stories that focus on the work of local forensic science laboratories in the communities that those laboratories serve; and (E) public safety officers, law enforcement officers, and officers of the court to (i) attend community events sponsored by local forensic science laboratories; (ii) take tours of local forensic science laboratories; (iii) discuss the operational needs of State and local forensic science laboratories; and (iv) engage with local forensic science laboratories about working together more effectively. | Recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of National Forensic Science Week. |
This resolution supports the designation of February 2024 as Career and Technical Education Month to celebrate career and technical education across the United States. | Supporting the goals and ideals of Career and Technical Education Month Whereas a competitive global economy requires workers who are prepared for skilled professions; Whereas not fewer than 17,000,000 new workers will be needed to support the infrastructure sector of the United States through 2031, including to design, build, and operate transportation, housing, utilities, and telecommunications; Whereas advancements in technology have fundamentally changed critical economic sectors of the United States and the global economy, creating significant, new demand for high-wage, high-quality, and efficient education and training opportunities; Whereas career and technical education (referred to in this preamble as CTE Whereas CTE helps the United States meet the very real and immediate challenges of economic development, student achievement, and global competitiveness; Whereas, in the United States, it is forecast that nearly 1/3 Whereas 11,500,000 students are enrolled in CTE programs across the United States at the secondary and postsecondary levels, with CTE programs in thousands of comprehensive high schools, area technical centers, and career academies and in over 1,000 two-year colleges; Whereas CTE aligns with labor market demand and provides students with employability skills and relevant academic and technical coursework leading to credentials of value for secondary and postsecondary education levels and adult learners; Whereas CTE affords students the opportunity to cultivate the knowledge and skills to earn the credentials needed to secure careers in growing, high-demand fields; Whereas secondary CTE is associated with a lower probability of dropping out of high school and a higher likelihood of graduating high school on time; Whereas, according to a recent national survey conducted by the Hunt Institute and Lake Research Partners, 94 percent of parents and voters favor increased opportunities for students to access workforce training and related opportunities to cultivate skills needed for a career; Whereas students at schools with highly integrated, rigorous academics and CTE programs are significantly more likely to meet college and career readiness benchmarks than students at schools with less integrated programs; Whereas, in 2018, Congress affirmed the importance of CTE by passing the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act ( Public Law 115224 Whereas February 23, 2024, marks the 107 th Smith-Hughes Vocational Education Act of 1917 That the Senate (1) supports the designation of February 2024 as Career and Technical Education Month (2) supports the goals and ideals of Career and Technical Education Month; (3) recognizes the importance of career and technical education in preparing a well-educated and skilled workforce in the United States; and (4) encourages educators, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals, administrators, and parents to promote career and technical education as a respected educational pathway for students. | Supporting the goals and ideals of Career and Technical Education Month. |
This resolution supports the designation of February 17-February 24, 2024, as National FFA Week. It also (1) recognizes the important role of the National FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America) in developing the next generation of globally conscious leaders who will change the world; and (2) celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Give the Gift of Blue program, which has donated more than 17,000 FFA blue jackets to FFA members in need. | Expressing support for the designation of February 17 through February 24, 2024, as National FFA Week Give the Gift of Blue Whereas the National FFA Organization (referred to in this preamble as the FFA Whereas the mission of the FFA is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education; Whereas the FFA has more than 945,000 members in 9,163 chapters in all 50 States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia; Whereas the FFA welcomes all students; Whereas more than 13,000 FFA advisors and agricultural education teachers deliver an integrated model of agricultural education, providing students with an innovative and cutting-edge education; Whereas the FFA facilitates formative experiences, altering the course of students lives for the better; Whereas FFA members develop the necessary career-readiness skills to continue their education in college or to enter the workforce immediately; Whereas the FFA prepares members to be globally conscious citizens of their community, their State, their country, and the world; Whereas the FFA provides opportunities to demonstrate literacy, advocacy, and technical skills in agriculture, food, and natural resources; Whereas the blue jacket originated in 1933 in Fredericktown, Ohio and was created by the Universal Uniform Company; Whereas the blue jacket debuted at the 1933 National FFA Convention and was so popular the conventions official delegates made the blue jacket part of the official FFA attire; Whereas 17,000 FFA blue jackets have been given to FFA members in need since 2014; and Whereas members of the FFA will celebrate National FFA Week That the Senate (1) supports the designation of February 17 through February 24, 2024, as National FFA Week (2) recognizes the important role of the National FFA Organization (referred to in this resolution as the FFA (3) celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Give the Gift of Blue | Expressing support for the designation of February 17 through February 24, 2024, as National FFA Week, recognizing the important role of the National FFA Organization in developing the next generation of globally conscious leaders who will change the world, and celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Give the Gift of Blue program, which has donated more than 17,000 of the iconic FFA blue jackets to FFA members in need. |
This resolution designates February 16, 2024, as National Elizabeth Peratrovich Day. It also encourages the people of the United States and Members of Congress to commemorate the life and civil rights advocacy of Elizabeth Wanamaker Peratrovich by continuing the important work of ensuring equality for Alaska Natives and Native Americans. | Designating February 16, 2024, as National Elizabeth Peratrovich Day Whereas Elizabeth Wanamaker Peratrovich, Tlingit, was a member of the Lukaax.di clan in the Raven moiety with the Tlingit name of Kaaxgal.aat (referred to in this preamble as Elizabeth Whereas Elizabeth, who was born in 1911 in Petersburg, Alaska, experienced discrimination as a Tlingit woman, and dedicated her life to creating a better future for Alaska Natives; Whereas, more than 6,000 patriotic Alaska Natives protected the United States alongside non-Native Servicemen and women during World War II, despite suffering from unjust discrimination; Whereas, in 1941, Elizabeth and her husband, Roy Peratrovich, moved to Juneau, the capital city of Alaska, to campaign tirelessly for the passage of the anti-discrimination legislation of Ernest Gruening, the Governor of Alaska, which would later result in the passage of the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945; Whereas, in campaigning for the passage of anti-discrimination legislation, Elizabeth persevered for several years traveling across the Alaska Territory enabling, rallying, and uniting Alaska Natives to fight for recognition that they are created equal to others and equally endowed with unalienable Rights Whereas Elizabeth was a powerful orator who envisioned unity and then spoke it into existence through community advocacy and the support of the Alaska Native Brotherhood and the Alaska Native Sisterhood; Whereas Elizabeth testified strongly before the Alaska Territorial legislature vote on the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945, passionately asking the legislature, Have you eliminated larceny or murder by passing a law against it? No law will eliminate crimes but, at least you as legislators, can assert to the world that you recognize the evil of the present situation and speak your intent to help us overcome discrimination. Whereas the Alaska Territorial Legislature passed the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945 on February 16, 1945, which was the first anti-discrimination law enacted in the history of the United States; Whereas Elizabeth dedicated the rest of her life to creating a better Alaska for future generations; Whereas Elizabeth tragically died of cancer in 1958, but her legacy has not been forgotten; Whereas, beginning in 1988, the State of Alaska has recognized February 16 as Elizabeth Peratrovich Day; and Whereas, in 2020, the United States Mint released the Elizabeth Peratrovich $1 coin to commemorate the significant impact that Elizabeth had on advancing equality under the law in the United States: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates February 16, 2024, as National Elizabeth Peratrovich Day (2) calls on the people of the United States to observe National Elizabeth Peratrovich Day by remembering the work of Elizabeth Wanamaker Peratrovich and other civil rights leaders; and (3) encourages the people of the United States and Members of Congress to commemorate the life and civil rights advocacy of Elizabeth Wanamaker Peratrovich by continuing the important work of ensuring equality for Alaska Natives and Native Americans. | Designating February 16, 2024, as National Elizabeth Peratrovich Day. |
This resolution strongly condemns (1) the rise of antisemitism on campuses of institutions of higher education (IHEs) across the United States, and (2) administrators of IHEs who have enabled ongoing antisemitism on their campuses.The resolution also urges the Department of Education to take necessary actions to ensure that IHEs are complying with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and that students, including Jewish students, are not experiencing discrimination in violation of Title VI. (Title VI prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in federally funded programs or activities.) | Strongly condemning the rise of antisemitism on campuses of institutions of higher education across the United States. Whereas, on October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists perpetrated the deadliest attack against Jewish people since the Holocaust; Whereas, since the terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, Hillel International has tracked a 700 percent increase in antisemitic incidents on campuses of institutions of higher education over the same period last year; Whereas Jewish students, Israeli students, and students perceived to be Jewish have been targeted with threats, violence, and constant harassment; Whereas title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ( 42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq. Whereas Executive Order 13899 (84 Fed. Reg. 68779; relating to enforcing title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 against prohibited forms of discrimination rooted in antisemitism), the September 28, 2023, White House statement titled Fact Sheet: Biden-Harris Administration Takes Landmark Step to Counter Antisemitism 42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq. Whereas, according to the Anti-Defamation League, anti-Zionist student groups in more than 50 campuses of institutions of higher education across the United States have established encampments Whereas the protests taking place at these encampments have been a hotbed of blatantly antisemitic rhetoric and action; Whereas many protestors participating in these encampments have expressed explicit support for Hamas terrorism and urged Hamas to commit further violence against Israel; Whereas some protestors in these encampments have directly confronted Jewish students on or near campus and used antisemitic rhetoric; and Whereas many administrators of institutions of higher education have allowed these encampments to continue on their campuses and enabled these activities: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) strongly condemns (A) the rise of antisemitism on campuses of institutions of higher education across the United States; and (B) administrators of institutions of higher education who have enabled ongoing antisemitism on their campuses; and (2) urges the Department of Education to take necessary actions to ensure that institutions of higher education are complying with title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ( 42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq. | Strongly condemning the rise of antisemitism on campuses of institutions of higher education across the United States. |
This resolution encourages all citizens, communities, and business and government leaders to honor, support, and show appreciation for military-connected children and youth. | Recognizing the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children and expressing support for the designation of April 2024 as the Month of the Military Child Whereas brave men and women serve in the Armed Forces and protect the security and freedom of the United States; Whereas over 1,300,000 active-duty members and nearly 1,000,000 ready-reserve members serve in the Armed Forces; Whereas there are more than 1,540,000 military-connected children and youth who move, on average, 6 to 9 times during their educational career; Whereas they encounter unique educational challenges when these children and youth move between public and Department of Defense Education Activity schools; Whereas the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children was developed in 2007 by the Department of Defense and the Council of State Governments to ease the educational transitions of military-connected students attending public schools and Department of Defense schools worldwide; Whereas the Compact helps military children and youth stay on grade level and facilitates on-time graduation; Whereas, while it is not exhaustive in its coverage, the Compact addresses key issues encountered by military families: eligibility, enrollment, placement, and graduation; Whereas the Compact uses a comprehensive approach to provide a consistent policy in every school district and member State; Whereas the Compact Commission, which includes the 50 States and District of Columbia, works tirelessly to recognize that our military-connected children and youth serve too and to pay tribute to their commitment and service to the country; and Whereas April is the Month of the Military Child, and a month-long salute will encourage our country to support military-connected children and youth: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate encourages (1) citizens to Purple Up! (2) all citizens, communities, and business and government leaders across the United States to honor, support, and show appreciation for military-connected children and youth. | Recognizing the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children and expressing support for the designation of April 2024 as the Month of the Military Child. |
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 2024 to 2025 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 (No) 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 have been 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) in 24 additional States that enacted policies between 2021 and 2024 that prohibit transgender students from playing alongside their peers on school sports teams; (3) in Tennessee, where 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 10 States that, between 2021 and 2024, 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 discrimination on the basis of their LGBTQI+ identity at school in the past year, including being prevented from using the restroom that aligns with their gender identity and being barred from playing on the school sports team that aligns with their 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 similar 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 have passed or attempted to pass legislation that erases or censors LGBTQI+ individuals, history, and contributions from classroom literature and curricula, including (1) in Florida, where in March 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 1557 into law, censoring instruction related to LGBTQI+ people, commonly referred to as the Dont Say LGBTQ+ (2) in the 6 additional States that enacted laws between 2022 and 2024 censoring instruction related to LGBTQI+ people; (3) in Arizona, where in May of 2021, Governor Doug Ducey signed HB 2035, which requires 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), in which the Court held that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples; and (4) in Arkansas, Florida, Montana, and Tennessee, which in 2021 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 Texas, where in 2022, Governor Greg Abbott 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) the introduction of at least 55 bills in 22 States, since the beginning of the 2024 legislative session, that prohibit or create barriers to the social affirmation of transgender and nonbinary students in schools, such as using a students chosen name and pronouns, regardless of the risk to the students 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 data provided by the Department of Justice shows that the number of reported anti-LGBTQI+ hate crimes in schools has increased from 145 reported incidents in 2019 to 251 reported incidents in 2022; 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; Whereas affirming policies, such as enumerated anti-bullying protections, gender neutral dress code guidelines, and inclusive learning practices, are proven strategies to address hostile learning environments for all students; 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+; (2) recognizes the contributions of students and families, educators, and community members who participate in the Day of (No) Silence to draw attention to the bullying, harassment, assault, and discrimination faced by LGBTQI+ students; and (3) 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 supports the designation of May 2024 as Renewable Fuels Month. It also recognizes the role renewable fuels play in reducing carbon impacts, lowering fuel prices, supporting rural communities, and lessening the reliance of the United States on foreign adversaries. | Expressing support for the designation of May 2024 as Renewable Fuels Month Whereas the United States is the largest producer of biofuels in the world, which contributes to the domestic economy, creates jobs, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions; Whereas ethanol is a renewable fuel made of biomass from plant materials; Whereas, in 2023, more than 72,463 jobs in the United States were directly associated with the ethanol industry, with an additional 322,000 indirect and induced jobs supported across all sectors of the economy; Whereas the ethanol industry created $32,500,000,000 in household income and contributed more than $54,200,000,000 to the gross domestic product of the United States; Whereas ethanol and feed co-product production provide a valuable market for United States corn, as a typical dry mill ethanol plant adds nearly $2 of additional value to every bushel of corn processed; Whereas ethanol use reduces greenhouse gas emissions by between 44 and 52 percent compared to gasoline, and, by displacing hydrocarbon substances like aromatics in gasoline, ethanol also helps reduce emissions of air toxins, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides, and exhaust hydrocarbons; Whereas, in 2023, ethanol played a vital role in bolstering the energy independence of the United States by supplementing nearly 525,000,000 barrels of crude oil; Whereas 13 Whereas biodiesel is a drop-in replacement for petroleum-based diesel fuel that is produced from renewable resources such as recycled cooking oil, soybean oil, distillers corn oil, canola oil, and animal fats; Whereas renewable diesel is an advanced biofuel, made from the same feedstocks as biodiesel, that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, while meeting the same standard specification for diesel fuels as petroleum-based diesel; Whereas producing a total of 6,000,000,000 gallons of biodiesel and renewable diesel would support 187,000 full-time equivalent jobs, with more than $8,800,000,000 in wages and $61,600,000,000 in total economic impact; Whereas biodiesel and renewable diesel can be used in existing diesel engines without modification and are available throughout the United States; Whereas advanced biofuels like biodiesel and renewable diesel reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 percent compared to petroleum-based diesel; Whereas biodiesel emits up to 80 percent less particulate matter than petroleum-based diesel, improving air quality and health outcomes; Whereas the production of biodiesel and renewable diesel adds to the total domestic fuel supply, reducing the price of all diesel fuel at the pump; Whereas, without the renewable fuel standard helping to drive production of biodiesel and renewable diesel, the value of soybeans grown by farmers in the United States would decrease by 8 percent; Whereas sustainable aviation fuel is made from renewable biomass and waste resources and can deliver the performance of petroleum-based jet fuel; and Whereas sustainable aviation fuel can be blended with conventional jet fuel and the use of sustainable or blended aviation fuel requires no infrastructure or equipment changes: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) supports the designation of May 2024 as Renewable Fuels Month (2) recognizes (A) the important role renewable fuels play in reducing the carbon impact of the United States; (B) the ability of renewable fuels to lower fuel prices for consumers; (C) the support to rural communities that renewable fuel industries provide; and (D) the opportunity that the production of renewable fuels provides to lessen the reliance of the United States on foreign adversaries. | Expressing support for the designation of May 2024 as Renewable Fuels Month to recognize the important role that renewable fuels play in reducing carbon impacts, lowering fuel prices for consumers, supporting rural communities, and lessening reliance on foreign adversaries. |
This resolution designates the week beginning on February 5, 2024, as National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week. | Designating the week beginning February 5, 2024, as National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week Whereas there are 34 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 13 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, 2024, 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 with appropriate activities and programs to demonstrate support for Tribal Colleges and Universities. | Designating the week beginning February 5, 2024, as National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week. |
This resolution designates the week of February 10, 2024, as National Entrepreneurship Week to recognize and celebrate the contributions of entrepreneurs to the U.S. economy and to communities across the country. | Designating the week of February 10 through February 17, 2024, as National Entrepreneurship Week Whereas National Entrepreneurship Week is a congressionally chartered event taking place annually during the third week of February for the purpose of democratizing and promoting entrepreneurship across the United States through education, connection, and collaboration; Whereas the United States is the most entrepreneurial country in the world, and the entrepreneurial spirit woven into the national consciousness is central to the identity of the United States; Whereas that entrepreneurial spirit and the countless new businesses it has spawned have built the most innovative and productive economy in the history of the world; Whereas the United States is a nation of entrepreneurs, with new and small businesses comprising 99 percent of all businesses in the United States and employing nearly 1/2 Whereas, given the importance of entrepreneurship to innovation, productivity gains, job creation, and expanding opportunity, a thriving entrepreneurial spirit is critical to economic growth in the United States; Whereas National Entrepreneurship Week celebrates the initiative, drive, creativity, and commitment embodied in the entrepreneurial spirit of the United States; Whereas National Entrepreneurship Week inspires students and the next generation of entrepreneurs by encouraging educators in grade schools, colleges, and universities across the United States to integrate entrepreneurship education into the classroom; and Whereas research has demonstrated that students who participate in entrepreneurship education programs have better attendance records, perform better in core subjects, and have lower drop-out rates than students who do not participate in such programs: Now, therefore, be it That the Senate (1) designates the week of February 10 through February 17, 2024, as National Entrepreneurship Week (2) celebrates the importance of entrepreneurs and startups to the economy of the United States; (3) recognizes the contributions entrepreneurs make to expand opportunity, provide more inclusive prosperity, and increase the well-being of every community across the United States; (4) affirms the importance and urgency of enacting policies that promote, nurture, and support entrepreneurs and startups; and (5) encourages Federal, State, and local governments, schools, nonprofit organizations, and other civic organizations to observe National Entrepreneurship Week annually with special events and activities (A) to recognize the contributions of entrepreneurs in the United States; (B) to teach the importance of entrepreneurship to a strong and inclusive economy; and (C) to take steps to encourage, support, and celebrate future entrepreneurs. | Designating the week of February 10 through February 17, 2024, as National Entrepreneurship Week to recognize the importance and contributions of entrepreneurs and startups to the economic prosperity of the United States and the well-being of every community across the United States. |
This resolution supports the goals and ideals of World Sickle Cell Awareness Day. | Expressing support for the designation of June 19, 2024, as World Sickle Cell Awareness Day Whereas sickle cell disease (referred to in this preamble as SCD Whereas the 2024 theme of World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, Hope Through Progress: Advancing Sickle Cell Care Globally Whereas, in 1972, Dr. Charles Whitten cofounded 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, although most individuals who have SCT live normal lives, when both parents have SCT, there is a 25 percent chance that any of their children will have SCD; Whereas there are an estimated 1,000,000 to 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 certain countries in sub-Saharan Africa, South and Central America, the Caribbean, South Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean basin; Whereas the variance relating to the prevalence of SCT ranges greatly by region and demography, with overall rates as high as 40 percent in parts of sub-Saharan Africa and among newborns in parts of India; Whereas, in many countries that are poor in resources, 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 parts of the western region 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, and in 2010, the World Health Assembly passed a resolution relating to preventing and managing birth defects, including SCD; 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 2 therapies approved by the Food and Drug Administration in December of 2023, 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, 2024, 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, 2024, 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 designates July 17, 2024, as Glioblastoma Awareness Day. (Glioblastoma is a malignant brain tumor.) | Designating July 17, 2024, as Glioblastoma Awareness Day Whereas approximately 14,490 new cases of glioblastoma were 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 the patients of 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 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 in 2020, a network of multi-institutional teams that enhance and support the discovery and development of glioblastoma therapies by driving therapeutic agents through pre-clinical studies and early-phase clinical trials, which are necessary to rapidly evaluate potential treatments to advance toward cures and improved quality of life; and 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 17, 2024, 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 17, 2024, as Glioblastoma Awareness Day. |
Subsets and Splits