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117-sres-535 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 535 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 3, 2022 Mr. Rubio (for himself, Mr. Heinrich , Mr. Scott of Florida , and Mr. Padilla ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Commemorating the 105th anniversary of the granting of United States citizenship to the people of Puerto Rico.
Whereas, since 1898, after the Spanish-American War and following the ratification of the Treaty of Paris, Puerto Rico has been a territory of the United States; Whereas Puerto Rico is located approximately 1,000 miles southeast of Florida; Whereas, on this day, March 2, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson recognized and welcomed the people of Puerto Rico into the United States as citizens by signing into law the Jones-Shafroth Act; Whereas the Jones-Shafroth Act separated the Government of Puerto Rico into executive, judicial, and legislative branches and endowed Puerto Ricans with a bill of rights; Whereas, since that time, Puerto Ricans have worked diligently to make countless contributions to the national identity of the United States by sharing their rich culture and heritage; Whereas, since that time, Puerto Ricans have proudly served in the nation's Armed Forces, protecting Americans domestically and abroad; Whereas the people of Puerto Rico continue to occupy a place of distinction in the civic fabric and discourse of the United States; and Whereas the United States joins Puerto Ricans in celebration of the rights and responsibilities inherent in United States citizenship: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) commemorates the 105th anniversary of the granting of United States citizenship to the people of Puerto Rico; (2) encourages the people of the United States to observe and celebrate that anniversary; and (3) honors the contributions made by, and celebrates, the people of Puerto Rico. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres535ats/xml/BILLS-117sres535ats.xml |
117-sres-536 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 536 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 7, 2022 Mr. Cassidy (for himself and Ms. Hassan ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the Senate that President Vladimir Putin is a war criminal.
Whereas, under international law, a war crime is a serious violation of the laws or customs of war as defined by international customary law and international treaties; Whereas war crimes also include initiating a war of aggression as prosecuted at the Nuremberg trials following World War II and more recently defined in the 2010 amendments to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court; Whereas a war criminal is a person who has planned, ordered, or carried out an act during the conduct of a war that violates accepted international rules of war; and Whereas Articles 26 and 27 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, done at Vienna May 23, 1969, state, Every treaty in force is binding upon the parties to it and must be performed by them in good faith. … A party may not invoke the provisions of its internal law as justification for its failure to perform a treaty. : Now, therefore, be it
That it is the sense of the Senate that— (1) President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation has committed war crimes as defined by the United Nations, the International Criminal Court, and other international bodies by— (A) initiating an unprovoked war; (B) violating the sovereignty of Ukraine repeatedly; (C) targeting civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and apartment buildings, militarily; (D) targeting government facilities unrelated to legitimate military objectives; and (E) attempting to overthrow the democratically elected government led by President Volodymyr Zelensky; and (2) since President Vladimir Putin is the Commander in Chief (equivalent) of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and as such was involved in the planning of the invasion of Ukraine, he is culpable of launching a war of aggression and the systematic commission of war crimes during that war by Russian troops. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres536is/xml/BILLS-117sres536is.xml |
117-sres-537 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 537 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 7, 2022 Mrs. Feinstein (for herself, Ms. Collins , Mr. Whitehouse , Mrs. Capito , Mr. Schumer , Mrs. Blackburn , Mr. Blumenthal , Ms. Ernst , Mr. Markey , Ms. Lummis , Ms. Sinema , Mrs. Hyde-Smith , Ms. Duckworth , Mrs. Fischer , Ms. Cantwell , Mr. Barrasso , Ms. Klobuchar , Mr. King , Mr. Casey , Ms. Warren , Mrs. Shaheen , Ms. Cortez Masto , Mr. Menendez , Ms. Hassan , Mr. Van Hollen , Mr. Wyden , Mr. Carper , Mr. Reed , Mr. Booker , Ms. Rosen , Ms. Hirono , Mr. Durbin , Ms. Baldwin , Mr. Merkley , Mr. Warner , Ms. Stabenow , Mrs. Murray , Mr. Padilla , Ms. Smith , Mr. Luján , Mr. Bennet , Mr. Kelly , Mr. Heinrich , Mr. Brown , and Mr. Peters ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating March 2022 as National Women’s History Month .
Whereas National Women’s History Month recognizes and spreads awareness of the importance of women in the history of the United States; Whereas, throughout the history of the United States, whether in the home, in the workplace, in schools, in the courts, or during wartime, women have fought for themselves, their families, and all people of the United States; Whereas, even from the early days of the history of the United States, Abigail Adams urged her husband to Remember the Ladies when representatives met for the Continental Congress in 1776; Whereas women were particularly important in the establishment of early charitable, philanthropic, and cultural institutions in the United States; Whereas women led the efforts to secure suffrage and equal opportunities for women, and also served in the abolitionist movement, the emancipation movement, labor movements, civil rights movements, and other causes to create a more fair and just society for all; Whereas suffragists wrote, marched, were arrested, and ultimately succeeded in achieving— (1) the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which provides, The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex ; and (2) the enactment of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 ( 52 U.S.C. 10301 et seq. ), which extended the protection of the right to vote to women of color and language minorities; Whereas women have been and continue to be leaders in the forefront of social change efforts, business, science, government, math, art, literature, music, film, athletics, and other fields; Whereas women now represent approximately half of the workforce of the United States; Whereas women once were routinely barred from attending medical schools in the United States, but now are enrolling in medical schools in the United States at higher numbers than men; Whereas women previously were turned away from law school, but now represent approximately half of law students in the United States; Whereas, since the American Revolution, women have been vital to the mission of the Armed Forces, with more than 200,000 women serving on active duty and 2,000,000 women veterans representing every branch of service; Whereas more than 10,000,000 women own businesses in the United States; Whereas Jeannette Rankin of Montana was the first woman elected to the House of Representatives in 1916 and Hattie Wyatt Caraway of Arkansas was the first woman elected to the United States Senate in 1932; Whereas Margaret Chase Smith of Maine was the first woman to serve in both Houses of Congress; Whereas, in 2022, a record total of 148 women are serving in Congress, including 124 women in the House of Representatives and 24 women in the Senate; Whereas President Jimmy Carter recognized March 2 through March 8, 1980, as National Women’s History Week ; Whereas, in 1987, a bipartisan group of Senators introduced the first joint resolution to pass Congress designating Women’s History Month ; Whereas, in 1987, President Ronald Reagan issued a Presidential proclamation proclaiming March 1987 as Women’s History Month ; Whereas, in 2020, Congress passed the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum Act ( 20 U.S.C. 80t et seq. ) to establish a national women’s history museum on or near the National Mall in Washington, DC; and Whereas, despite the advancements of women in the United States, much remains to be done to ensure that women realize their full potential as equal members of society in the United States: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) designates March 2022 as National Women’s History Month ; (2) recognizes the celebration of National Women’s History Month as a time to reflect on the many notable contributions that women have made to the United States; and (3) urges the people of the United States to observe National Women’s History Month with appropriate programs and activities. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres537ats/xml/BILLS-117sres537ats.xml |
117-sres-538 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 538 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 8 (legislative day, March 7), 2022 Mr. Risch (for himself and Mr. Durbin ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations RESOLUTION Expressing support for a second United States-Africa Leaders Summit as an important opportunity to strengthen ties between the United States and African partners and build on areas of mutual interest.
Whereas meaningful and consistent high-level multilateral engagement between the United States and Africa is necessary for the foreign policy of the United States to keep pace with the rapid transformation and demographic shifts in Africa and to ensure that the United States understands and responds to the dynamism and ambitions of its African partners; Whereas successive United States Presidential administrations and Congress have identified strategic competition with the People's Republic of China, the Russian Federation, and other malign actors as a threat to the national security priorities of the United States that requires building and maintaining networks of bilateral and multilateral partners and allies, including countries in Africa; Whereas the People's Republic of China, the European Union, India, Japan, the Russian Federation, and Turkey, among others, have held high-level summits with African leaders to discuss policy priorities and deepen economic, political, and security partnerships; Whereas, during August 4 through 6, 2014, President Barack Obama hosted the first and only United States-Africa Leaders Summit (referred to in this preamble as the 2014 Summit ) in Washington, DC, with African leaders representing 50 countries, the African Union Commission, and various private sector and civil society leaders under the theme Investing in the Next Generation ; Whereas the 2014 Summit provided a forum for African leaders to engage in frank exchanges with the Government of the United States and congressional leaders, business executives, and members of civil society regarding— (1) development and economic challenges; (2) trade, investment, and economic cooperation; (3) democracy, human rights, and governance; and (4) peace and regional security; Whereas, on February 5, 2021, at the 34th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., outlined the vision of his administration for a United States-Africa partnership to strengthen relationships and build on mutual interests and respect with the governments, people (including people of the African Diaspora), and regional multilateral institutions of Africa; Whereas, on November 19, 2021, during a speech to the Economic Community of West African States in Abuja, Nigeria, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that the United States would host a second United States-Africa Leaders Summit to drive the kind of high-level diplomacy and engagement that can transform relationships and make effective cooperation possible ; and Whereas a well-organized and resourced second United States-Africa Leaders Summit, with an established mechanism for continuity and follow-up, will create a platform upon which the United States and African partners can better structure United States-Africa relationships, deliver on commitments, solve problems, and work together as partners on areas of mutual interest: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) supports the administration of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., hosting a second United States-Africa Leaders Summit (referred to in this resolution as the Summit ) as a vital opportunity to strengthen ties between the United States and African partners; (2) underscores the importance of bipartisan, bicameral congressional participation in the Summit; (3) commits to working with the heads of state, civil society, private sector, and the African Diaspora to build stronger ties with the United States and pursue mutual interests; and (4) urges the Biden administration— (A) to conduct adequate and diverse consultation with African leaders, the African Diaspora, educational institutions, private sector and civil society organizations of the United States and Africa, and public policy institutions in planning the Summit; (B) to consider hosting the Summit in a location outside of Washington, DC, that will— (i) draw broad participation from State Governors and high-level corporate leadership in the United States; and (ii) clarify that the private sector, rather than governments, is the primary driver of the commercial relationship between the United States and African countries; (C) to consider facilitating trips by African leaders to other cities in the United States and inviting like-minded partners from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Western Hemisphere to participate as observers; (D) to ensure that sessions focused on trade and investment between the United States and Africa include adequate facilitation of business-focused deal-making with African governments, the African Diaspora, and private sector through Prosper Africa and other similar initiatives; (E) to include a theme for the Summit that focuses on shared democracy, governance, and human rights concerns and priorities; (F) to create opportunities during the Summit for direct congressional engagement and to ensure the participation of multiple cabinet members, including members who do not traditionally work on foreign policy, trade, and investment; (G) to hold bilateral one-on-one presidential engagements during the Summit to build stronger personal relationships with African leaders while also solidifying commitments and areas of mutual interest; (H) to issue a formal declaration or communique after the Summit describing commitments and a roadmap for future engagement; and (I) to create a formal mechanism, with appropriate funding and personnel resources, to track and follow up on the implementation of pledges made at the Summit and build upon such commitments for future summits. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres538is/xml/BILLS-117sres538is.xml |
117-sres-539 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 539 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 8 (legislative day, March 7), 2022 Ms. Klobuchar (for herself and Mr. Blunt ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Directing the Architect of the Capitol to obtain and place a memorial plaque for United States Capitol Police Officer William F. Evans at the north security kiosk of the Capitol.
Whereas William Billy F. Evans was born on February 18, 1980 in North Adams, Massachusetts; Whereas Officer Billy Evans joined the United States Capitol Police on March 7, 2003 and served with distinction in the Capitol Division in the First Responder Unit; Whereas Officer Billy Evans was protecting the United States Capitol on April 2, 2021 when he was run over by a driver, who hit Officer Evans and another officer; Whereas Officer Billy Evans died on April 2, 2021 in the heroic performance of his duties as a United States Capitol Police Officer while protecting the Capitol and the Members and staff of, and visitors to, Congress; and Whereas Officer Billy Evans lay in honor in the rotunda of the Capitol on April 13, 2021: Now, therefore, be it
1. Memorial plaque for United States Capitol Police Officer William F. Evans (a) North security kiosk plaque By not later than April 2, 2022, the Architect of the Capitol shall obtain a memorial plaque for Officer William Billy F. Evans and place the plaque at the north security kiosk of the United States Capitol, near the intersection of Delaware Avenue NE and Constitution Avenue NE. (b) Rules committee approval Before the Architect of the Capitol may obtain a plaque under subsection (a), the Architect of the Capitol shall submit the plans for the plaque, including the design and text of the plaque, to the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate for approval by the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee, acting jointly. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres539ats/xml/BILLS-117sres539ats.xml |
117-sres-540 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 540 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 8 (legislative day, March 7), 2022 Mrs. Shaheen (for herself, Ms. Collins , Ms. Baldwin , and Ms. Duckworth ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations RESOLUTION Supporting the goals of International Women's Day.
Whereas, as of March 2022, there are approximately 3,803,000,000 women and girls in the world, making up 1/2 of the world’s population; Whereas women and girls around the world— (1) have fundamental human rights; (2) play a critical role in providing and caring for their families and driving positive change in their communities; (3) contribute substantially to food security, economic growth, the prevention and resolution of conflict, and the sustainability of peace and stability; (4) are affected in different and often disproportionate ways by global, country, and community circumstances, including economic downturns, global health concerns, conflict, migration, and climate events; and (5) must have meaningful protections and opportunities to more fully participate in and lead the political, social, and economic lives of their communities and countries; Whereas the advancement and empowerment of women and girls around the world is a foreign policy priority for the United States and is critical to the achievement of global peace, prosperity, and sustainability; Whereas, on October 6, 2017, the Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2017 ( 22 U.S.C. 2152j et seq. ) was enacted into law, which includes requirements for a government-wide Women, Peace, and Security Strategy to promote and strengthen the participation of women in peace negotiations and conflict prevention overseas, enhanced training for relevant United States Government personnel, and follow-up evaluations of the effectiveness of the strategy; Whereas the United States Strategy on Women, Peace, and Security, dated June 2019, recognizes that— (1) the [s]ocial and political marginalization of women strongly correlates with the likelihood that a country will experience conflict ; (2) there is a tremendous amount of untapped potential among the world’s women and girls to identify, recommend, and implement effective solutions to conflict , and there are benefits derived from creating opportunities for women and girls to serve as agents of peace via political, economic, and social empowerment ; and (3) barriers to the meaningful participation of women and girls in conflict prevention and resolution efforts include under-representation in political leadership, pervasive violence against women and girls, and persistent inequality in many societies ; Whereas, according to the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (commonly referred to as UN Women ), peace negotiations are more likely to end in a peace agreement when women and women’s groups play a meaningful role in the negotiation process; Whereas, according to a study by the International Peace Institute, a peace agreement is 35 percent more likely to last at least 15 years if women participate in the development of the peace agreement; Whereas, according to the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the Department of State, the full and meaningful participation of women in criminal justice professions and security forces vastly enhances the effectiveness of the resulting workforces; Whereas, despite the contributions of women to society, hundreds of millions of women and girls around the world continue to be denied the right to participate freely in civic and economic life, lack fundamental legal protections, and remain vulnerable to exploitation and abuse; Whereas, every year, approximately 12,000,000 girls are married before they reach the age of 18, which means that— (1) nearly 33,000 girls are married every day; or (2) nearly 23 girls are married every minute; Whereas, despite global progress, it is predicted that by 2030 more than 150,000,000 more girls will marry before reaching the age of 18, and approximately 2,400,000 girls who are married before reaching the age of 18 are under the age of 15; Whereas girls living in countries affected by conflict or other humanitarian crises are often the most vulnerable to child marriage, and 9 of the 10 countries with the highest rates of child marriage are considered fragile or extremely fragile; Whereas, on August 15, 2022, the Taliban entered Kabul, Afghanistan, and toppled the elected government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, resulting in de facto Taliban rule over the people of Afghanistan; Whereas the Taliban has prohibited girls and young women from receiving secondary education and has restricted access to primary and university education; Whereas, according to the United Nation's Children's Fund (commonly referred to as UNICEF )— (1) approximately ¼ of girls between the ages of 15 and 19 have been victims of some form of physical violence; (2) approximately 120,000,000 girls worldwide, slightly more than 1 in 10, have experienced forced sexual acts; and (3) an estimated 1 in 3 women around the world has experienced some form of physical or sexual violence; Whereas the overall level of violence against women is a better predictor of the peacefulness of a country, the compliance of a country with international treaty obligations, and the relations of a country with neighboring countries than indicators measuring the level of democracy, level of wealth, or level of institutionalization of the country; Whereas, despite the achievements of individual female leaders and evidence that democracy and equality under the law form a mutually reinforcing relationship in which higher levels of equality are strongly correlated with the relative state of peace of a country, a healthier domestic security environment, and lower levels of aggression toward other countries— (1) women around the world remain vastly underrepresented in— (A) national and local legislatures and governments; and (B) other high-level positions; and (2) according to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, women account for only 25.6 percent of national parliamentarians and 21 percent of government ministers; Whereas the ability of women and girls to realize their full potential is critical to the ability of a country to achieve strong and lasting economic growth, self-reliance, and political and social stability; Whereas, although the United Nations Millennium Project reached the goal of achieving gender parity in primary education in most countries in 2015, the COVID–19 global pandemic has set back gender equality in education and more work remains to be done to achieve gender equality in primary and secondary education, and particularly in secondary education worldwide as gender gaps persist and widen, by addressing— (1) discriminatory practices; (2) harmful cultural and social norms; (3) inadequate sanitation facilities, including facilities to manage menstruation; (4) child, early, and forced marriage; (5) poverty; (6) early pregnancy and motherhood; (7) conflict and insecurity; and (8) other factors that favor boys or devalue girls’ education; Whereas, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization— (1) approximately 132,000,000 girls between the ages of 6 and 17 remain out of school; (2) girls living in countries affected by conflict are 2.5 times more likely to be out of primary school than boys; (3) girls are twice as likely as boys to never set foot in a classroom; and (4) up to 30 percent of girls who drop out of school do so because of adolescent pregnancy or child marriage; Whereas women around the world face a variety of constraints that severely limit their economic participation and productivity and remain underrepresented in the labor force; Whereas the economic empowerment of women is inextricably linked to a myriad of other human rights that are essential to the ability of women to thrive as economic actors, including— (1) living lives free of violence and exploitation; (2) achieving the highest possible standard of health and well-being; (3) enjoying full legal and human rights, such as access to registration, identification, and citizenship documents, and freedom of movement; (4) access to formal and informal education; (5) access to, and equal protection under, land and property rights; (6) access to fundamental labor rights; (7) the implementation of policies to address disproportionate care burdens; and (8) receiving business and management skills and leadership opportunities; Whereas, pursuant to section 3(b) of the Women’s Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment Act of 2018 ( 22 U.S.C. 2151–2(b) ), it is the international development cooperation policy of the United States— (1) to reduce gender disparities with respect to economic, social, political, educational, and cultural resources, as well as wealth, opportunities, and services; (2) to strive to eliminate gender-based violence and mitigate its harmful effects on individuals and communities, including through efforts to develop standards and capacity to reduce gender-based violence in the workplace and other places where women work; (3) to support activities that secure private property rights and land tenure for women in developing countries, including— (A) supporting legal frameworks that give women equal rights to own, register, use, profit from, and inherit land and property; (B) improving legal literacy to enable women to exercise the rights described in subparagraph (A); and (C) improving the capacity of law enforcement and community leaders to enforce such rights; (4) to increase the capability of women and girls to fully exercise their rights, determine their life outcomes, assume leadership roles, and influence decision making in households, communities, and societies; and (5) to improve the access of women and girls to education, particularly higher education opportunities in business, finance, and management, in order to enhance financial literacy and business development, management, and strategy skills; Whereas the Millennium Challenge Corporation (commonly referred to as the MCC ), an independent United States foreign assistance agency, recognizes that inequality and the exclusion of women from economic opportunities can inhibit efforts to promote economic growth and reduce poverty and decrease a country’s economic growth trajectory, which is why the gender policy of the MCC requires gender inequalities to be identified and considered in every stage of agreements with participating countries; Whereas, according to the World Health Organization, global maternal mortality decreased by approximately 44 percent between 1990 and 2015, yet approximately 830 women and girls continue to die from preventable causes relating to pregnancy or childbirth each day, and 99 percent of all maternal deaths occur in developing countries; Whereas, according to the United Nations, of the 830 women and adolescent girls who die every day from preventable causes relating to pregnancy and childbirth, 507 die each day in countries that are considered fragile because of conflict or disaster, accounting for approximately 3/5 of all maternal deaths worldwide; Whereas the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reports that women and girls comprise approximately 1⁄2 of the 67,200,000 refugees and internally displaced or stateless individuals in the world; Whereas the initial days of the Russian invasion of Ukraine that began on February 24, 2022, have resulted in a disproportionate number of women and children seeking safety outside of Ukraine; Whereas those women and girls, like women and girls in all humanitarian emergencies, including those subject to forced displacement, face increased and exacerbated vulnerabilities to— (1) gender-based violence, including rape, child marriage, domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation and assault; (2) disruptions in education and livelihood; (3) lack of access to health services; and (4) food insecurity and malnutrition; Whereas malnutrition poses a variety of threats to women and girls specifically, as malnutrition can weaken their immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections, and affects their capacity to survive childbirth, and children born of malnourished women and girls are more likely to have cognitive impairments and higher risk of disease throughout their lives; Whereas it is imperative— (1) to alleviate violence and discrimination against women and girls; and (2) to afford women and girls every opportunity to be equal members of their communities; and Whereas March 8, 2022, is recognized as International Women’s Day, a global day— (1) to celebrate the economic, political, and social achievements of women in the past, present, and future; and (2) to recognize the obstacles that women face in the struggle for equal rights and opportunities: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) supports the goals of International Women’s Day; (2) recognizes that the fundamental human rights of women and girls have intrinsic value that affect the quality of life of women and girls; (3) recognizes that the empowerment of women and girls is inextricably linked to the potential of a country to generate— (A) economic growth and self-reliance; (B) sustainable peace and democracy; and (C) inclusive security; (4) recognizes and honors individuals in the United States and around the world, including women human rights defenders, activists, and civil society leaders, who have worked throughout history to ensure that women and girls are guaranteed equality and fundamental human rights; (5) recognizes the unique cultural, historical, and religious differences throughout the world and urges the United States Government to act with respect and understanding toward legitimate differences when promoting any policies; (6) reaffirms the commitment— (A) to end discrimination and violence against women and girls; (B) to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of women and girls; (C) to pursue policies that guarantee the fundamental human rights of women and girls worldwide; and (D) to promote meaningful and significant participation of women in every aspect of society and community, including conflict prevention, protection, peacemaking, and peacebuilding; (7) supports sustainable, measurable, and global development that seeks to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls; and (8) encourages the people of the United States to observe International Women’s Day with appropriate programs and activities. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres540is/xml/BILLS-117sres540is.xml |
117-sres-541 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 541 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 10 (legislative day, March 7), 2022 Mr. Markey (for himself and Ms. Warren ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Commemorating the life and legacy of Jean-Louis de Kérouac on the centennial of his birth on March 12, 2022.
Whereas Jean-Louis de Kérouac, better known as Jack , was a giant of American literature and favorite son of Lowell, Massachusetts; Whereas, alongside Allen Ginsberg and William Burroughs, Jack Kerouac ignited the literary movement in the 1950s known as the Beat Generation ; Whereas the Beat Generation’s rebuke against traditional values and materialism created the foundation for subsequent counterculture movements in America and beyond; Whereas the beatnik stereotype dominated popular media and culture in the 1950s and 1960s, an amalgamation of Kerouac’s self-expressive, unconventional characters; Whereas the Beatles took their name after the movement, while artists such as Bob Dylan and Jim Morrison cite Kerouac’s work as major influences; and Whereas, more than half a century since his death, Kerouac’s novels still fire the imagination, particularly of young people, and serve as a tribute to their culture-changing origins: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate recognizes and commemorates the enduring contribution of Jack Kerouac’s work to American literary culture and beyond on the centennial of his birth. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres541is/xml/BILLS-117sres541is.xml |
117-sres-542 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 542 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 10 (legislative day, March 7), 2022 Ms. Duckworth (for herself, Mr. Hagerty , Mr. Barrasso , Mrs. Shaheen , Ms. Collins , Ms. Hassan , Mr. Warnock , Ms. Cortez Masto , Ms. Warren , Mr. King , Mr. Braun , Mr. Bennet , Ms. Baldwin , and Mr. Coons ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Recognizing Girl Scouts of the United States of America on its 110th birthday and celebrating its legacy of providing girls with a safe, inclusive space that supports the next generation of women leaders.
Whereas March 12, 2022, marks the 110th birthday of Girl Scouts of the United States of America (referred to in this preamble as Girl Scouts ), the largest and most impactful leadership program for girls in the world; Whereas, since its founding, Girl Scouts has emphasized public service and civic engagement and fostered a sense of community in girls; Whereas Girl Scouts works to champion the ambitions, cultivate the talents, and develop the skills of girls to confidently pursue their passions and make the world a better place; Whereas, during a time when girls are experiencing increased levels of anxiety, stress, loneliness, and depression, Girl Scouts provides community, consistency, and connection for girls and is a safe haven in all the uncertainty; Whereas Girl Scouts supports the mental health of girls and is an accepting, safe space where— (1) girls feel free to be themselves; and (2) leaders and peers are sources of support; Whereas, especially in the time of COVID–19, Girl Scouts plays an indispensable role in engaging girls in afterschool and out-of-school programming and experiences that expand their world and allow them to tap into their inner innovator, changemaker, and leader; Whereas, at a time when civics education is missing from many schools, Girl Scouts engages girls of all grade levels in civics programming that deepens their understanding of democracy and government, prepares them for a lifetime of civic engagement, and motivates them to take action on issues that are important to them; Whereas Girl Scouts offers girls 21st century programming in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), the outdoors, entrepreneurship, and beyond, helping girls develop invaluable life skills; Whereas, to earn the Gold Award, Girl Scouts take on projects that have a measurable and sustainable impact on a community by assessing a need, designing a solution, completing a project, and inspiring others to sustain it; and Whereas more than 50,000,000 women—trailblazers, visionaries, and leaders—are Girl Scout alums who have made the world a better place: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) recognizes Girl Scouts of the United States of America for 110 years of providing a safe, inclusive space where girls can hone their skills and develop leadership abilities; (2) congratulates all Girl Scouts who earned the Gold Award in 2021, including the National Gold Award Girl Scouts; and (3) encourages Girl Scouts of the United States of America to continue to champion the ambitions, nurture the creativity, and support the talents of future women leaders. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres542is/xml/BILLS-117sres542is.xml |
117-sres-543 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 543 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 10 (legislative day, March 7), 2022 Ms. Collins (for herself, Mr. Kelly , Mr. Scott of South Carolina , Mr. Casey , and Mr. Warnock ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating March 10, 2022, as National ‘Slam the Scam’ Day to raise awareness about pervasive government imposter scams, and to promote education to prevent government imposter scams.
Whereas hundreds of thousands of individuals in the United States are targeted by government imposter scams each year, including Social Security-related and Internal Revenue Service-related government imposter scams; Whereas government imposter scams involve scammers contacting individuals in the United States and impersonating employees of government agencies, such as the Social Security Administration, to demand payment or personal information, which defrauds individuals of the United States and erodes trust in the government agencies that the scammers impersonate; Whereas, since 2013, the fraud hotline of the Special Committee on Aging of the Senate has received more than 10,000 complaints from individuals in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, of which one-third were reporting possible government imposter scams; Whereas there were nearly 400,000 government imposter scams reported to the Federal Trade Commission in 2021; Whereas the Federal Trade Commission has estimated that victims lost over $442,000,000 in government imposter scams in 2021; Whereas, according to the Federal Trade Commission, in 2021, older adults reported larger median individual losses as a result of government imposter scams than younger adults; Whereas, according to the Federal Trade Commission, in 2021, individuals in the United States reported losing $23,150,000 to Social Security-related imposter scams; Whereas, in 2021, Social Security-related imposter scams represented the largest category of complaints received by the fraud hotline of the Special Committee on Aging of the Senate; and Whereas increased awareness of, and education about, government imposter scams help to thwart government imposter scammers: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) designates March 10, 2022, as National Slam the Scam Day ; (2) recognizes National Slam the Scam Day as an opportunity to raise awareness about scams that involve individuals impersonating government employees by any means, including by mail, telephone, electronic mail, or internet websites (referred to in this resolving clause as government imposter scams ); (3) recognizes that law enforcement agencies, consumer protection groups, telephone companies, area agencies on aging, and financial institutions all play vital roles in— (A) preventing government imposter scams from targeting the people of the United States; and (B) educating the people of the United States about government imposter scams; (4) encourages— (A) the implementation of policies to prevent government imposter scams; and (B) the improvement of measures to protect the people of the United States from government imposter scams; (5) encourages members of the public to— (A) ignore solicitations from individuals falsely claiming to represent government agencies; (B) share information about government imposter scams with family and friends; and (C) report government imposter scams to— (i) the Office of the Inspector General of the Social Security Administration; (ii) the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration; or (iii) the Federal Trade Commission; and (6) honors the commitment and dedication of the individuals and organizations that work tirelessly to fight against government imposter scams. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres543ats/xml/BILLS-117sres543ats.xml |
117-sres-544 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 544 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 14, 2022 Mr. King (for himself and Ms. Collins ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Recognizing the importance of maple syrup production to Maine and designating March 27, 2022, as Maine Maple Sunday .
Whereas the art of making sugar and syrup from the sap of the maple tree (also known as acer saccharinum) was developed by Native Americans of the Northeastern United States; Whereas the production of maple syrup in Maine has a seasonal window between January and May, which is when temperatures drop below freezing at night and rise above freezing during the day; Whereas Maine accounts for 17 percent of United States production of maple syrup and is the third largest producer among the States; Whereas Maine maple syrup producers make more than 575,000 gallons of syrup annually, generating more than $27,000,000 for the Maine economy; Whereas maple syrup production in Maine supports more than 560 full-time and part-time jobs that generate more than $17,300,000 in wages; Whereas Maine Maple Sunday has been observed for nearly 40 years, with more than 100 sugarhouses participating from Aroostook to York County, Maine, and attracting thousands of visitors annually; Whereas Maine Maple Sunday is always observed the fourth Sunday in March; and Whereas on March 27,2022, Maine maple syrup producers will host the 39th annual Maine Maple Sunday: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) designates March 27, 2022, as Maine Maple Sunday ; and (2) recognizes the contribution and importance of maple syrup producers and their families in the State of Maine. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres544ats/xml/BILLS-117sres544ats.xml |
117-sres-545 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 545 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 14, 2022 Mr. Tester (for himself, Mrs. Feinstein , Ms. Warren , Ms. Smith , Ms. Baldwin , Ms. Sinema , Mr. Luján , Ms. Cantwell , Mr. Padilla , Mr. Heinrich , Mr. Daines , Mr. Johnson , Mr. Barrasso , Mr. Lankford , Mr. Inhofe , Mr. Cramer , Mr. Hoeven , Mr. Rounds , Mr. Thune , and Mr. Moran ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating the week beginning March 13, 2022, as National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week .
Whereas there are 35 accredited Tribal Colleges and Universities operating on more than 75 campuses in 15 States; Whereas Tribal Colleges and Universities are tribally chartered or federally chartered institutions of higher education and therefore have a unique relationship with the Federal Government; Whereas Tribal Colleges and Universities serve students from more than 230 federally recognized Indian tribes; Whereas Tribal Colleges and Universities offer students access to knowledge and skills grounded in cultural traditions and values, including indigenous languages, which— (1) enhances Indian communities; and (2) enriches the United States as a Nation; Whereas Tribal Colleges and Universities provide access to high-quality postsecondary educational opportunities for— (1) American Indians; (2) Alaska Natives; and (3) other individuals that live in some of the most isolated and economically depressed areas in the United States; Whereas Tribal Colleges and Universities are accredited institutions of higher education that prepare students to succeed in the global and highly competitive workforce; Whereas Tribal Colleges and Universities have open enrollment policies, and approximately 15 percent of the students at Tribal Colleges and Universities are non-Indian individuals; and Whereas the collective mission and the considerable achievements of Tribal Colleges and Universities deserve national recognition: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) designates the week beginning March 13, 2022, as National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week ; and (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. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres545ats/xml/BILLS-117sres545ats.xml |
117-sres-546 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 546 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 15, 2022 Mr. Graham (for himself, Mr. Coons , Mr. Cardin , Mr. King , Ms. Ernst , Mr. Tillis , Ms. Baldwin , Mr. Cornyn , Mrs. Feinstein , Mr. Moran , Mr. Rubio , Mr. Grassley , Mr. Booker , Ms. Collins , Mr. Van Hollen , Ms. Klobuchar , Mr. Heinrich , Mr. Marshall , Mr. Wicker , Mr. Hoeven , Mr. Whitehouse , Mr. Braun , Mr. Kelly , Mrs. Shaheen , and Mr. Durbin ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the Senate condemning the Russian Federation, President Vladimir Putin, members of the Russian Security Council, the Russian Armed Forces, and Russian military commanders for committing atrocities, including alleged war crimes, against the people of Ukraine and others.
Whereas the United States of America is a beacon for the values of freedom, democracy, and human rights across the globe; Whereas there are several universal declarations and treaties promoting human rights, laws of war, and upholding the dignity of individuals; Whereas the United Nations Charter Preamble states that member nations reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights [and] in the dignity and worth of the human person ; Whereas the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Preamble states that Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in cooperation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms ; Whereas the Russian Federation joined as an original member of the United Nations as the former Union of Soviet Socialists Republics on October 24, 1945, and as such has a duty to abide by the conditions of the United Nations Charter and pledges reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; Whereas the International Criminal Court (ICC) is an international tribunal that seeks to uphold the rule of law, especially in areas where no rule of law exists, by investigating and trying individuals charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international community: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression ; Whereas grave breaches of the 1949 Geneva Conventions constitute war crimes, including wil[l]ful killing, torture or inhuman treatment, including biological experiments, wil[l]fully causing great suffering or serious injury to body or health … and extensive destruction and appropriation of property, not justified by military necessity and carried out unlawfully and wantonly ; Whereas other serious violations of the laws and customs applicable in international armed conflict can constitute war crimes, which can include intentionally directing attacks against the civilian population as such or against individual civilians not taking direct part in hostilities and intentionally directing attacks against civilian objects, that is, objects which are not military objectives; Whereas President Vladimir Putin, members of the Russian Security Council, and President Putin's military commanders have severely undermined the international rule of law through their various actions; Whereas, prior to the most recent invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, President Vladimir Putin and the Russian Federation has a long history of committing acts of aggression, human rights violations, and acts that constitute war crimes within the Russian Federation and around the globe, including in Chechnya, Georgia, Ukraine, and Syria; Whereas, beginning in 1999, the Russian Federation engaged in the indiscriminate use of force against the people of Chechnya, including the use of cluster munitions against civilians, resulting in 50,000 Chechens, mostly civilians, dead or missing; Whereas, during the Russian Federation’s invasion of Georgia in 2008, Russian Armed Forces engaged with cluster munitions in indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks that resulted in the death of civilians; Whereas, since 2014, President Vladimir Putin has violated the sovereignty of Ukraine and used military force to seize control and unlawfully occupy Crimea, and installed Russian separatist-backed forces in eastern Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians since 2014; Whereas the Russian military was deemed responsible for shooting down Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014, which resulted in the death of 298 civilians; Whereas rebel forces supported by the Russian Federation were deemed responsible for a missile attack on January 24, 2015, in Mariupol, Ukraine that indiscriminately killed and injured civilians, resulting in the death of at least 30 and injuring many more; Whereas, in 2016 and 2017, Russian aircraft deployed bunker-busting and incendiary bombs capable of destroying military installations on civilian structures in Aleppo, Syria, resulting in the death of hundreds of civilians; Whereas President Vladimir Putin is complicit in war crimes and human rights violations in Syria through his continuing political, financial, and military support for President Bashar al-Assad; Whereas intelligence assessments have concluded Vladimir Putin and his regime have destroyed the rule of law in Russia and engaged in countless atrocities, including ordering the poisoning of Alexei Navalny, the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal, and the false imprisonment and torture ultimately leading to the death of Sergei Magnitsky; Whereas President Vladimir Putin, in February 2022, initiated a premeditated, unprovoked, unjustified, and unlawful war against the sovereign nation of Ukraine; Whereas, since February 24, 2022, President Vladimir Putin and Russian Federation forces reportedly killed more than 500 civilians, to include children, while invading Ukrainian urban centers, causing chaos and fear among Ukrainian citizens; Whereas, on February 28, 2022, the Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova, claimed President Vladimir Putin ordered the deployment of thermobaric weapons and cluster munitions to be used in the northeastern towns of Okhtyrka and Karkhiv, in populated, urban areas; Whereas Ukraine has twice submitted to the jurisdiction of the ICC for the purposes of investigating alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed within its territory related to the Russian occupation of Ukraine; Whereas Lithuania and Canada, members to the authorizing treaty of the ICC, have called on the ICC to open an investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Russia; Whereas, on February 28, 2022, the Prosecutor of the ICC, Karim A.A. Khan QC stated that the ICC would open a third investigation against Russia for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the Russian invasion into Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022; Whereas Ukraine has also filed a claim in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) instituting proceedings against the Russian Federation related to genocide under the Genocide Convention; and Whereas the United States Government should use its voice, vote, and influence to pursue war crimes and crimes against humanity allegations against Vladimir Putin and his military commanders in international institutions of which it is a member and encourage other allies and partners to express the same: Now, therefore, be it
1. Sense of the Senate The Senate— (1) strongly condemns the ongoing violence, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and systematic human rights abuses being carried out by the Russian Armed Forces and their proxies and President Putin's military commanders, at the direction of President Vladimir Putin; (2) encourages member states to petition the ICC or other appropriate international tribunal to take any appropriate steps to investigate war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the Russian Armed Forces and their proxies and President Putin's military commanders, at the direction of President Vladimir Putin; (3) supports any investigation into war crimes, crimes against humanity, and systematic human rights abuses levied by President Vladimir Putin, the Russian Security Council, the Russian Armed Forces and their proxies, and President Putin's military commanders; (4) encourages the United States Government and partner nations to use their voice, vote, and influence in international institutions in which they are members to hold President Vladimir Putin, the Russian Security Council, the Russian Armed Forces and their proxies, and President Putin's military commanders accountable for their sponsorship of ongoing violence, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and systematic human rights abuses; and (5) stands with the people of Ukraine who have been affected by the brutality of the Putin regime. 2. Rule of construction Nothing in this resolution may be construed as— (1) a declaration of war or an authorization for the use of military force against the Russian Federation; or (2) authorization for the introduction of the United States Armed Forces into Ukraine. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres546ats/xml/BILLS-117sres546ats.xml |
117-sres-547 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 547 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 15, 2022 Mr. Menendez (for himself, Mr. Barrasso , Mr. Johnson , Mr. Reed , Ms. Duckworth , Mr. Casey , Mr. Whitehouse , Mr. Blumenthal , Mr. Carper , Mr. Murphy , Mr. Durbin , Mr. Van Hollen , Mr. Markey , Ms. Stabenow , Mr. Coons , Mr. Young , Mr. Booker , Mr. Cruz , Ms. Warren , Mr. Peters , Ms. Hassan , Mr. King , Mr. Cardin , Ms. Lummis , Mr. Wyden , Mrs. Feinstein , Mr. Brown , Mr. Warnock , Mr. Boozman , Mrs. Shaheen , Mr. Braun , Mr. Scott of Florida , Ms. Rosen , Mr. Kelly , Mr. Rubio , Mr. Kaine , Mrs. Capito , Mr. Rounds , Mr. Portman , Mr. Bennet , Mr. Kennedy , Mr. Cornyn , Mr. Toomey , Mr. Padilla , Mrs. Gillibrand , Ms. Cortez Masto , and Mr. Schumer ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations March 28, 2022 Reported by Mr. Menendez , without amendment March 30, 2022 Considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Recognizing the 201st anniversary of Greek Independence and celebrating democracy in Greece and the United States.
Whereas the concept of democracy, in which the supreme power to govern was vested in the people, was developed in ancient Greece; Whereas the founding fathers of the United States were inspired by ancient Greek political philosophy, which many of them read in the original Greek language, when they formed the representative democracy of the United States; Whereas Petros Mavromichalis, the former Commander in Chief of Greece and a founder of the modern Greek State, said to the citizens of the United States in 1821, It is in your land that liberty has fixed her abode and … in imitating you, we shall imitate our ancestors and be thought worthy of them if we succeed in resembling you ; Whereas Thomas Jefferson wrote, in an October 21, 1823, letter to Greek scholar Adamantios Koraes discussing the ongoing Greek struggle for independence, that [n]o people sympathise more feelingly than ours with the sufferings of your countrymen, none offer more sincere and ardent prayers to heaven for their success ; Whereas then-Congressman Daniel Webster, on January 19, 1824, in a speech in support of his resolution to send an American envoy to Greece amid its struggle for independence, recognized the struggle of an interesting and gallant people … contending against fearful odds, for being, and for the common privilege of human nature ; Whereas American Philhellenes, including future abolitionist Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe, future abolitionist Jonathan Peckham Miller, and George Jarvis, traveled to Greece to fight alongside and provide aid to the Greek people in their struggle for independence; Whereas the people of the United States generously sent humanitarian assistance to the people of Greece during their struggle for independence, often through Philhellene committees; Whereas Greece heroically resisted Axis forces at a crucial moment in World War II, forcing Adolf Hitler to change his timeline and delaying the attack on Russia; Whereas Winston Churchill said that if there had not been the virtue and courage of the Greeks, we do not know which the outcome of World War II would have been and no longer will we say that Greeks fight like heroes, but that heroes fight like Greeks ; Whereas the United States and Greece have been allies in major international conflicts throughout modern history; Whereas the Greek-American community has positively contributed to American society and has helped forge strong ties between the United States and Greece; Whereas the United States greatly contributed to the reconstruction of Greece after World War II; Whereas NATO membership has further enhanced cooperation between the United States and Greece; Whereas Greece is an integral part of the European Union; Whereas Greece is a strategic partner of the United States in bringing political stability and economic development to the Balkan region, having actively contributed to the Euro-Atlantic integration of the countries of the region and having been a major investor in Southeastern Europe, including in critical infrastructure; Whereas Greece participates in and actively promotes several formats for regional partnership in the Eastern Mediterranean; Whereas the United States has demonstrated its support for the trilateral partnership of Greece, Israel, and Cyprus by enacting into law the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act of 2019 (title II of division J of Public Law 116–94 ) and through joint engagement with Greece, Israel, and Cyprus in the 3+1 format; Whereas this support was bolstered in the United States-Greece Defense and Interparliamentary Partnership Act of 2021 (subtitle B of title XIII of Public Law 117–81 ), establishing a 3+1 Interparliamentary Group to discuss the expansion of co-operation in other areas of common concern; Whereas the United States and Greece’s commitment to security cooperation led to the conclusion of a Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement, which was updated in 2021 in order to enhance defense ties between the two countries and promote stability in the broader region; Whereas the ongoing United States-Greece Strategic Dialogue reflects Greece’s importance to the United States as a geostrategic partner, especially in the Eastern Mediterranean and Balkans, and as an important NATO ally; Whereas the Governments and people of Greece and the United States are at the forefront of international efforts to advance freedom, democracy, rule of law, human rights, peace, and stability; Whereas those efforts and similar ideals have forged a close bond between the peoples of Greece and the United States; and Whereas it is proper and desirable for the United States to celebrate March 25, 2022, Greek Independence Day, with the people of Greece and to reaffirm the democratic principles from which those two great countries were founded: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) extends warm congratulations and best wishes to the people of Greece as they celebrate the 201st anniversary of the independence of Greece; (2) expresses support for the principles of democratic governance to which the people of the United States and Greece are committed; (3) notes the important role that Greece has played in the wider European region and in the community of nations since gaining its independence; (4) commends the contributions of the Greek-American community to the United States and its role as a bridge between the two countries; (5) commends the critical role Greece plays in promoting stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Balkans; and (6) appreciates the important energy partnership that exists between the United States and Greece, and the important role that Greece plays in bolstering European energy security. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres547ats/xml/BILLS-117sres547ats.xml |
117-sres-548 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 548 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 16, 2022 Mrs. Blackburn (for herself and Mr. Blumenthal ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the Senate on ending the access of Russian financial institutions to specialized financial messaging services.
Whereas providers of specialized financial messaging services are a critical link to the international financial system; Whereas the European Union, Japan, Canada, and other partners of the United States are to be commended for strengthening the multilateral sanctions regime against the Russian Federation; Whereas, while the expulsion of selected Russian financial institutions from specialized financial messaging services is a first step, that expulsion alone is not sufficient to address the scope and scale at which the Government of the Russian Federation is waging war against Ukraine; and Whereas, once achieved, the complete loss of access by Russian financial institutions to specialized financial messaging services must be maintained: Now, therefore, be it
That— (1) the Senate urges the President, in the strongest possible terms, to immediately take all measures necessary to remove all Russian financial institutions from access to specialized financial messaging services, including by working with allies and partners of the United States to execute that removal multilaterally; (2) it is the sense of the Senate that the Russian financial institutions covered by paragraph (1) include— (A) Sberbank; (B) VTB; (C) Gazprombank; (D) VEB.RF; (E) The Russian Direct Investment Fund; (F) Credit Bank of Moscow; (G) Alfa Bank; (H) Rosselkhozbank; (I) FC Bank Otkritie; (J) Promsvyazbank; (K) Sovcombank; (L) Transkapitalbank; (M) Tinkoff Bank; and (N) any financial institution that is owned or controlled by, or is a successor to, a financial institution specified in any of subparagraphs (A) through (M); and (3) it is the sense of the Senate that any package of sanctions imposed with respect to the Russian Federation is strengthened by working in concert with allies and partners of the United States. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres548is/xml/BILLS-117sres548is.xml |
117-sres-549 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 549 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 16, 2022 Mr. Graham (for himself, Ms. Ernst , Mr. Crapo , Mr. Cramer , Mr. Cassidy , Mr. Scott of Florida , Mr. Wicker , Mr. Romney , Mr. Tillis , and Mr. Lankford ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations RESOLUTION Supporting the transfer of aircraft and air defense systems to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Whereas the people of Ukraine have shown great resolve in combating the blind aggression of the Russian Federation following the further invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022; Whereas the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue to assault the people of Ukraine through indiscriminate aerial attacks; Whereas the United States Department of Defense has stated that the Russian Federation flies “on average 200 sorties per day” in their campaign against Ukraine; Whereas Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has continued to request that members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and other countries around the globe support the transfer of military aircraft and air defense systems to the Armed Forces of Ukraine in order to protect the people of Ukraine; Whereas the MiG–29 is the main fixed-wing aircraft in the inventory of the Ukrainian Air Force, and it is critical that the Ukrainian Air Force receive aircraft that mirror the capability and operating standard of the MiG–29; Whereas additional MiG–29s are essential for the Ukrainian Air Force to remain capable of contesting aircraft of the Russian Federation; Whereas, on March 5, 2022, it was reported that the Government of Poland would transfer MiG–29s to Ukraine in exchange for aircraft from the United States; Whereas, on March 6, 2022, Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the transfer of Polish MiG–29s to Ukraine gets a green light [and that] we’re talking with our Polish friends right now about what we might be able to do to backfill their needs … ; Whereas, on March 8, 2022, the Government of Poland stated that Poland would deploy—immediately and free of charge—all of their M[i]G–29 jets … and place them at the disposal of the Government of the United States and further stated that other NATO Allies—owners of M[i]G–29 jets—[should] act in the same vein ; Whereas, on March 9, 2022, the Pentagon stated that the United States does not support the transfer of additional fighter aircraft to the Ukrainian Air Force at this time, and therefore have no desire to see them in our custody, either and further stated that the transfer of combat aircraft right now could be mistaken, by Mr. Putin and the Russians as an escalatory step ; Whereas a failure to provide aircraft, such as MiG–29s, and air defense systems to the Armed Forces of Ukraine would embolden the Russian Federation and further endanger the people of Ukraine; Whereas the Biden Administration should support the transfer of aircraft, such as MiG–29s, and air defense systems, including Stinger missiles and more advanced surface-to-air missile systems, to Ukraine; and Whereas Congress urges the Biden Administration to meet the air defense needs requested by President Zelensky, including the transfer of aircraft, such as MiG–29s, and other air defense systems: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) encourages the President of the United States to support the transfer of aircraft, such as MiG–29s, and air defense systems to Ukraine; (2) supports continued efforts by members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and other countries around the globe to identify additional aviation and air defense capabilities to transfer to the Armed Forces of Ukraine; and (3) stands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the people of Ukraine in their struggle against Russian aggression. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres549is/xml/BILLS-117sres549is.xml |
117-sres-550 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 550 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 17, 2022 Mr. Casey (for himself and Mr. Scott of South Carolina ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions March 22, 2022 Committee discharged; considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Recognizing the value of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program in addressing hunger, malnutrition, food insecurity, and social or geographic isolation and improving the health and quality of life for millions of older individuals in the United States each year.
Whereas thousands of local nutrition programs supported by part C of title III of the Older Americans Act of 1965 ( 42 U.S.C. 3030d–21 et seq. ) (referred to in this preamble as the OAA Nutrition Program ), both congregate and home-delivered programs, provide a vital lifeline to millions of individuals 60 years of age or older in communities across the United States who may be homebound and socially or geographically isolated, and struggling with hunger, food insecurity, or malnutrition; Whereas local nutrition programs supported by the OAA Nutrition Program provide nutritious meals, socialization, friendly visits, and wellness and safety checks through volunteers and staff to individuals who may suffer from long-term chronic conditions, as well as to those who live in the community and have the greatest social or economic need; Whereas the official purposes of the OAA Nutrition Program are to reduce hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, to promote socialization of older individuals, and to promote the health and well-being of older individuals by assisting such individuals in gaining access to nutrition and other disease prevention and health promotion services in order to delay the onset of adverse health conditions resulting from poor nutritional health or sedentary behavior; Whereas the OAA Nutrition Program saves significant taxpayer dollars and reduces health care expenditures, often paid through Medicare or Medicaid, by helping to reduce falls, avoid unnecessary trips, admissions, and readmissions to the hospital, expedite recovery from illness, and enable older individuals to live independently for longer; Whereas local nutrition programs supported by the OAA Nutrition Program are proven, valuable, and effective public-private partnerships that benefit from non-Federal private, corporate, and individual funding and donations to operate their services efficiently and effectively; Whereas the population of individuals in the United States who are 60 years of age or older is rapidly growing and projected to increase dramatically each year over the next several decades; Whereas, on March 22, 1972, President Richard Nixon signed into law Public Law 92–258 , which amended the Older Americans Act of 1965 and established a national nutrition program for individuals 60 years of age or older; and Whereas this 50th anniversary of the OAA Nutrition Program provides an opportunity to celebrate and honor community-based organizations that deliver vital and critical services: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) recognizes and values the important work of local nutrition programs supported by part C of title III of the Older Americans Act of 1965 ( 42 U.S.C. 3030d–21 et seq. ) (referred to in this resolution as the OAA Nutrition Program ) nationwide in giving voice to and addressing senior hunger, malnutrition, and isolation, and improving the quality of life of millions of older individuals in the United States each year; (2) recognizes and values the important role that local nutrition programs supported by the OAA Nutrition Program and national organizations play in increasing awareness of the growing unmet need for these programs and in raising additional non-Federal funds and soliciting volunteers to support and assist these programs’ important missions; (3) recognizes and values volunteers as the backbone of the OAA Nutrition Program, noting that they deliver nutritious meals to older individuals who are at significant risk of hunger, malnutrition, and isolation, and provide caring concern and attention to the welfare of program participants; and (4) encourages members of Congress to support their local nutrition programs supported by the OAA Nutrition Program by participating in 50th anniversary events, delivering meals to homebound older individuals or serving them in a congregate setting with a program in their district or State, and working to ensure sustained Federal funding for the OAA Nutrition Program. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres550ats/xml/BILLS-117sres550ats.xml |
117-sres-551 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 551 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 17, 2022 Mr. Coons (for himself, Mr. Cassidy , Ms. Baldwin , Mr. Bennet , Mr. Boozman , Mr. Brown , Mrs. Capito , Mr. Carper , Ms. Collins , Mr. Cornyn , Ms. Duckworth , Mr. Durbin , Mrs. Feinstein , Mrs. Gillibrand , Ms. Hassan , Mr. Heinrich , Ms. Hirono , Mr. Kaine , Mr. King , Ms. Klobuchar , Mr. Luján , Mr. Markey , Mr. Murphy , Mr. Padilla , Mr. Reed , Mrs. Shaheen , Ms. Smith , Mr. Van Hollen , Mr. Wyden , Mr. Young , and Ms. Rosen ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Recognizing the contributions of AmeriCorps members and alumni and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers to the lives of the people of the United States.
Whereas, since their inceptions, each of the AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors national service programs have proven to be a highly effective way— (1) to engage the people of the United States in meeting a wide range of local and national needs; and (2) to promote the ethics of service and volunteerism; Whereas, each year, more than 250,000 individuals serve in AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors at more than 40,000 locations across the United States to give back in an intensive way to communities, States, Tribal nations, and the United States; Whereas AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors funds have been invested in nonprofit, community, educational, and faith-based groups, and those funds leverage hundreds of millions of dollars in outside funding and in-kind donations each year; Whereas AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers have provided millions of hours of service nationwide, helping— (1) to improve the lives of the most vulnerable people of the United States; (2) to protect the environment; (3) to contribute to public safety; (4) to respond to disasters and public health emergencies; (5) to strengthen the educational system of the United States; and (6) to expand economic opportunity; Whereas AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers recruit and supervise millions of community volunteers, demonstrating the value of AmeriCorps as a powerful force for encouraging people to become involved in volunteering and community service; Whereas, for more than 5 decades, millions of AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in the RSVP, Foster Grandparent, and Senior Companion programs have played an important role in strengthening communities by sharing their experience, knowledge, and accomplishments with the individuals they serve; Whereas, since 1994, more than 1,200,000 individuals have taken the AmeriCorps pledge to get things done for America by becoming AmeriCorps members through the AmeriCorps State and National, AmeriCorps VISTA, and AmeriCorps NCCC programs; Whereas AmeriCorps members nationwide, in return for the service of those members, have earned more than $4,000,000,000 to use to further their own educational advancement at colleges and universities across the United States; Whereas AmeriCorps is a proven pathway to employment, providing members with valuable career skills, experience, and contacts to prepare them for the 21st century workforce; Whereas, in 2009, Congress passed the bipartisan Serve America Act ( Public Law 111–13 ; 123 Stat. 1460), which authorized the expansion of national service, expanded opportunities to serve, increased efficiency and accountability, and strengthened the capacity of organizations and communities to solve problems; Whereas national service programs have engaged millions of people in the United States in results-driven service in the most vulnerable communities of the United States, providing hope and help to individuals with economic and social needs; Whereas national service and volunteerism demonstrate the best of the spirit of the United States, bringing people together to address the most pressing challenges in their communities; and Whereas AmeriCorps Week, observed in 2022 from March 13 through March 19, is an appropriate time for the people of the United States— (1) to salute current and former AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers for their positive impact on the lives of people in the United States; (2) to thank the community partners of AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors for making the programs possible; and (3) to encourage more people in the United States to become involved in service and volunteering: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) encourages the people of the United States to join in a national effort— (A) to salute AmeriCorps members and alumni and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers; and (B) to raise awareness about the importance of national and community service; (2) acknowledges the significant accomplishments of the volunteers, members, alumni, and community partners of AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors; (3) recognizes the important contributions made by AmeriCorps members and alumni and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers to the lives of the people of the United States; and (4) encourages individuals of all ages to consider opportunities to serve in AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres551ats/xml/BILLS-117sres551ats.xml |
117-sres-552 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 552 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 17, 2022 Mr. Murphy (for himself, Mr. Sullivan , Mr. Cardin , Mr. Toomey , Mr. Durbin , Mr. Markey , Mr. Blumenthal , Mr. Casey , Mr. Kelly , Mrs. Feinstein , Mr. Coons , Mr. Kaine , and Ms. Cortez Masto ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Designating March 2022 as Irish-American Heritage Month and honoring the significance of Irish Americans in the history and progress of the United States.
Whereas, from the earliest days of the United States, the United States has inspired the hopes and dreams of countless individuals from around the world in search of a better life for themselves and their children; Whereas more than 31,500,000 United States citizens trace their ancestry to Ireland; Whereas, since before the United States was founded, Irish men and women undertook the perilous journey across the Atlantic Ocean to make a home in the United States, a place of hope and promise, and made inestimable contributions to the United States, both during the struggle for independence and after the founding of the republic; Whereas 9 of the 56 signatories of the Declaration of Independence, 4 associate justices of the Supreme Court of the United States, and 22 Presidents proudly claim Irish heritage; Whereas Irish immigrants who came to the United States during the Great Famine of the 1840s helped transform cities in the United States, building them into dynamic centers of commerce and industry; Whereas the cultural, economic, and spiritual contributions of Irish immigrants continue to be evident today throughout the United States; Whereas Irish Americans have become deeply integrated into communities with strength, courage, wit, and creativity, making significant contributions in all areas of life; Whereas Irish-American writers such as Eugene O'Neill, John O'Hara, and F. Scott Fitzgerald transformed literature in the United States, entrepreneurs like Chuck Feeney helped revolutionize industry and philanthropy in the United States, performers such as Gregory Peck, Lucille Ball, and Gene Kelly enriched the arts, and social reformers such as suffragist Leonora Barry and labor organizer Mary Kenney O'Sullivan fought for the rights of others; Whereas Irish Americans have served ably in communities in numerous capacities, including in public safety and government at the Federal, State, and local levels, and in the Armed Forces in every war in which the United States has fought since the Revolutionary War, including patriots such as Audie Murphy, the most decorated soldier of World War II; Whereas, more than 200 years ago, John Barry, who was born in Ireland, was the first naval hero of the Revolutionary War and became known as the Father of the Navy; Whereas the United States played a prominent role in support of negotiations of the Good Friday Agreement (also known as the Belfast Agreement), done at Belfast, April 10, 1998, and has taken a leading role in promoting peace on the island of Ireland more broadly; Whereas Congress greatly values the close relationships the United States shares with both the United Kingdom and Ireland and is steadfastly committed to supporting the peaceful resolution of any and all political challenges in Northern Ireland; and Whereas, on February 28, 2022, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., proclaimed March 2022 as Irish-American Heritage Month: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) designates March 2022 as Irish-American Heritage Month ; (2) recognizes the significant contributions of Irish Americans in the history and progress of the United States; and (3) supports the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement (also known as the Belfast Agreement) and subsequent agreements or arrangements for implementation of that Agreement to support peace on the island of Ireland. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres552is/xml/BILLS-117sres552is.xml |
117-sres-553 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 553 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 17, 2022 Mr. Hagerty submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the Senate that, since January 20, 2021, President Biden has implemented policies impeding domestic energy production and gas prices have steadily increased.
Whereas, on Election Day 2020, the average price of gas in the United States was $2.11 per gallon; Whereas, on January 20, 2021, the inauguration day of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., while the average gas price was $2.38 per gallon, President Biden— (1) through Executive Order 13990 (86 Fed. Reg. 7037; relating to public health and the environment)— (A) revoked the Keystone XL pipeline permit; (B) paused oil-and-gas leases in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; and (C) placed new regulations on oil-and-gas production in the United States, including directing agencies to assess a social cost of carbon on producers in the United States; (2) rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement, a landmark international fossil-fuel suppression mandate; and (3) through Executive Order 13992 (86 Fed. Reg. 7049; relating to Federal regulation), repealed several Executive orders issued by President Donald J. Trump that reduced Federal regulation and increased regulatory transparency, in order to facilitate robust regulatory action to address climate change; Whereas, during President Biden's second week in office, President Biden issued Executive Order 14008 (86 Fed. Reg. 7619; relating to climate change), which stopped new oil and natural gas leases on public lands and offshore waters, where approximately a quarter of United States oil-and-gas production occurs; Whereas, in the first week of May 2021, President Biden issued Executive Order 14027 (86 Fed. Reg. 25947; relating to establishment of the Climate Change Support Office), which established the Climate Change Support Office to support efforts by the Biden Administration “to elevate and underscore the commitment the Administration will make towards addressing the global climate crisis”; Whereas, by mid-May 2021, the average price of gas had climbed to $3.02 per gallon, at which point President Biden signed Executive Order 14030 (86 Fed. Reg. 27967; relating to climate-related financial risk), which directed financial regulators to take actions to discourage financing of United States oil-and-gas production in order to mitigate climate-related financial risk ; Whereas, by early September 2021, the average price of gas rose to $3.17 per gallon after President Biden signed Executive Order 14037 (86 Fed. Reg. 43583; relating to clean cars and trucks), which requires at least 50 percent of new sales of passenger cars and light-duty trucks in the United States to be zero-emission vehicles by 2030; Whereas, by early January 2022— (1) the Environmental Protection Agency had proposed a denial of all pending exemptions to small refineries for compliance years 2019 through 2021 and the reversal of the decision to grant exemptions for the 2018 compliance year, meaning that small refineries, which are normally exempt from annual renewable fuel standard (RFS) obligations, will owe 5 years' worth of RFS compliance costs in a single calendar year; (2) President Biden signed Executive Order 14057 (86 Fed. Reg. 70935; relating to clean energy industries and jobs), which called for the Federal Government to achieve a carbon-free electricity sector by 2035 and net-zero emissions economy-wide by 2050; and (3) the average price of gas was $3.28 per gallon; and Whereas 2 days before the Russian Federation invaded Ukraine and nearly a week before President Biden banned oil and energy imports from the Russian Federation, the average price of gas was $3.61 per gallon: Now, therefore, be it
That it is the sense of the Senate that President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., has implemented policies impeding domestic energy production and gas prices have steadily increased throughout his presidency. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres553is/xml/BILLS-117sres553is.xml |
117-sres-554 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 554 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 21, 2022 Mr. Daines (for himself and Mr. Hickenlooper ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Designating March 2022 as World Down Syndrome Month and supporting the goals and ideals of World Down Syndrome Month.
Whereas 1 in every 691 babies born in the United States has Down syndrome, and only 1 in every 1,100 worldwide; Whereas Down syndrome is the most frequent chromosomal condition and occurs in all racial, ethnic, and economic groups; Whereas individuals with Down syndrome attend school, work, make their own life decisions, have meaningful relationships, vote, and contribute to society; Whereas advancements in education, medical care, research, and advocacy and positive support from family, friends, and the community contribute to individuals with Down syndrome living healthy and fulfilling lives; Whereas promoting inclusive education, competitive integrated employment, and home and community-based services for individuals with Down syndrome is vital to individuals with Down syndrome achieving independence, economic self-sufficiency, and full participation in society; Whereas the life expectancy of individuals with Down syndrome in the United States has increased dramatically in recent decades, from 25 years of age in 1983 to 60 years of age in 2022; Whereas racial and ethnic minorities with Down syndrome experience life expectancy and health care disparities, which should be understood and addressed; Whereas individuals with Down syndrome have different health profiles than other individuals, as individuals with Down syndrome are predisposed to develop certain major diseases, such as autoimmune disorders, leukemia, and Alzheimer’s disease, and may not experience other major diseases, such as solid tumor cancers, certain heart attacks, and stroke; Whereas individuals with Down syndrome should have access to health care providers who have easy access to updated, evidence-based medical care guidelines for children and adults with Down syndrome; Whereas parents of babies and children with Down syndrome should receive the education and support they need to understand Down syndrome; Whereas, on October 8, 2008, the Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act ( Public Law 110–374 ; 122 Stat. 4051) was enacted to increase referrals in the United States to providers of key support services for mothers who have received a positive prenatal diagnosis for Down syndrome or a positive diagnosis for other prenatally or postnatally diagnosed conditions; Whereas the United States, along with over 100 other countries, officially observes the date March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day, because Down syndrome occurs when an individual is born with 3 copies of chromosome 21; and Whereas the inherent dignity and worth of individuals with Down syndrome, the valuable contributions of individuals with Down syndrome as promoters of well-being and diversity within their communities, and the importance of the individual freedom and independence of individuals with Down syndrome should be recognized: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) designates March 2022 as World Down Syndrome Month ; (2) supports the goals and ideals of World Down Syndrome Month; (3) celebrates the significant contributions that individuals with Down syndrome make to their families, their communities, the United States, and the world; (4) is committed to promoting the health, education, employment, well-being, community inclusion and support, and inherent dignity of all children and adults with Down syndrome; (5) supports the advancement of scientific and medical research benefitting individuals with Down syndrome through the national and international endeavors of the National Institutes of Health, including through the INCLUDE project, focused on improving health outcomes for individuals with Down syndrome; and (6) encourages awareness and education regarding Down syndrome, including for new and expectant parents. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres554is/xml/BILLS-117sres554is.xml |
117-sres-555 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 555 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 22, 2022 Ms. Murkowski (for herself, Mr. Schatz , Mr. Blumenthal , Mr. Booker , Mr. Brown , Ms. Cantwell , Ms. Cortez Masto , Mr. Daines , Ms. Duckworth , Ms. Hassan , Mr. Heinrich , Mr. Hoeven , Mr. Kaine , Mr. Kelly , Ms. Klobuchar , Mr. Luján , Mr. Merkley , Mr. Moran , Mr. Padilla , Ms. Rosen , Mr. Rounds , Ms. Sinema , Ms. Smith , Mr. Sullivan , Mr. Tester , Ms. Warren , and Mr. Bennet ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION 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 Women’s History Month every March to recognize and honor the achievements of women throughout the history of the United States; Whereas an estimated 3,081,000 American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women live in the United States; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women helped shape the history of their communities, Tribes, and the United States; 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; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women have fought to defend and protect the sovereign rights of Native Nations; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women have demonstrated resilience and courage in the face of a history of threatened existence, constant removals, and relocations; Whereas more than 6,000 American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women bravely serve as members of the United States Armed Forces; Whereas more than 17,000 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) Inupiat Eskimo sharpshooter Laura Beltz Wright 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 and the first woman in the United States military 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 her Tribe; (2) founded the first Tribally owned national bank; and (3) led the fight against Federal mismanagement of funds held in trust for more than 500,000 Native Americans; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women own an estimated 154,900 businesses; Whereas these Native women-owned businesses employ more than 50,000 workers and generate over $10,000,000,000 in revenues as of 2016; 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 field of medicine, including Susan La Flesche Picotte of the Omaha Tribe, who is widely acknowledged as the first Native American to earn a medical degree; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women have contributed to important scientific advancements, including— (1) Floy Agnes Lee of 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) was awarded the highest award in marine botany from the National Academy of Sciences, the Gilbert Morgan Smith medal, in 1997; and (3) Mary Golda Ross of the Cherokee Nation, who— (A) is considered the first Native American engineer of the National Aeronautic 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 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 Tall Chief of the Osage Nation, who was the first major prima ballerina of the United States and was a recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kennedy Center; 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 one 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) Tewa linguist and teacher Esther Martinez, who developed a Tewa dictionary and was credited with revitalizing the Tewa language; (2) Native Hawaiian scholar Mary Kawena Pukui, who published more than 50 academic works and was considered the most noted Hawaiian translator of the 20th century; and (3) Ahtna Athabascan Katie John 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; 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) ranked as longboard surfing champion of the world; and (2) co-founded the Women’s 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 of the Tlingit Nation, who— (A) helped secure the passage of the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945 of the Alaska Territory, the first anti-discrimination law in the United States; and (B) was recognized by the Federal Government on the 2020 $1 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 was the first woman to chair the Alaska Federation of Natives, a founding member of the North American Indian Women's Association, and 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 Eliza Lyda Conley, a Wyandot-American lawyer and the first Native woman admitted to argue a case before the Supreme Court of the United States in 1909; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women have paved the way for women in the law, including Native Hawaiian Emma Kailikapiolono Metcalf Beckley Nakuina, 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; and (2) fought for Tribal self-determination and the improvement of the community infrastructure of her Tribe; Whereas American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women have also led their People 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 they face, including access to justice, health care, and 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 they have made and continue to make to the United States; and (2) recognizes the importance of supporting equity, providing safety, and upholding the interests of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres555ats/xml/BILLS-117sres555ats.xml |
117-sres-556 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 556 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 24, 2022 Mr. Warnock submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Commemorating the 90th birthday of former Mayor of Atlanta, ambassador, and congressional representative Andrew Jackson Young and recognizing the contributions of Andrew Jackson Young to civil and human rights and his work to uplift Georgia.
Whereas Andrew Jackson Young was born on March 12, 1932, to Daisy Fuller Young and Andrew Jackson Young, Sr., in New Orleans, Louisiana; Whereas Andrew Jackson Young received an undergraduate degree from Howard University in 1951 and a degree in divinity from Hartford Theological Seminary and was ordained with the United Church of Christ in 1955; Whereas Andrew Jackson Young is a proud 1950 initiate of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; Whereas Andrew Jackson Young was a devoted pastor in Georgia and Alabama for several years, and worked with the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (commonly referred to as the National Council of Churches ) from 1957 to 1961; Whereas Andrew Jackson Young worked diligently throughout the early 1960s with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (commonly referred to as the SCLC ) to mentor and uplift African-American leaders in communities across Georgia, and served as Executive Director of the SCLC in 1964 and Executive Vice President from 1967 to 1970; Whereas Andrew Jackson Young worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to advance the civil rights movement; Whereas Andrew Jackson Young was elected to the House of Representatives in 1972 and 1974 and was the first African American to represent Georgia in the House of Representatives since Reconstruction; Whereas Andrew Jackson Young was nominated by President James E. Carter to serve as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations from 1977 to 1979, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Carter in 1981; Whereas Andrew Jackson Young was elected mayor of Atlanta, Georgia, in 1981, and served 2 terms as mayor; Whereas, during his time as mayor, Andrew Jackson Young was instrumental to modernizing and spurring the economic development of the city of Atlanta, making it an international city; Whereas, in 1994, Andrew Jackson Young was appointed by President William J. Clinton to oversee the Southern Africa Development Fund; Whereas Andrew Jackson Young, as Mayor of Atlanta, launched the Atlanta Organizing Committee to win the bid to host the Centennial Olympic Games and was co-chairman of the host committee for the 1996 Summer Olympics, which were hosted in Atlanta, Georgia; Whereas Andrew Jackson Young served as President of the National Council of Churches from 2000 to 2001; Whereas Andrew Jackson Young established the Andrew J. Young Foundation in 2003, which focuses on education, economic justice, and global human rights; and Whereas Andrew Jackson Young is a husband, a father of 4 children, a grandfather of 9 children, a great-grandfather of 1 child, and a renowned author, speaker and leader and continues to uplift the people of Georgia and the United States: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) commemorates the 90th birthday of Andrew Jackson Young; (2) expresses thanks and commendations to Andrew Jackson Young and his family for his decades of public service to Georgia and to the United States; and (3) honors the life and impact of Andrew Jackson Young, an American civil rights hero whose work has helped generations of people in the United States and Georgia prosper. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres556is/xml/BILLS-117sres556is.xml |
117-sres-557 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 557 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 24, 2022 Mr. Brown (for himself, Mr. Scott of South Carolina , and Mr. Blumenthal ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Recognizing the week of March 20 through March 26, 2022, as National Poison Prevention Week and encouraging communities across the United States to raise awareness of the dangers of poisoning and promote poison prevention.
Whereas the designation of National Poison Prevention Week was first authorized by Congress and President Kennedy in 1961 in Public Law 87–319 (75 Stat. 681); Whereas National Poison Prevention Week occurs during the third full week of March each year; Whereas, as of January 31, 2022, poison centers have handled more than 1,019,000 cases related to the COVID–19 pandemic alone and have seen dramatic increases in cases relating to hand sanitizer and household cleaning products; Whereas poison control centers responded to COVID–19 related surges by conducting poison safety and poisoning prevention outreach in a virtual format during the COVID–19 pandemic; Whereas the American Association of Poison Control Centers (referred to in this preamble as the AAPCC ) works with the 55 poison control centers in the United States to track— (1) more than 1,000 commonly used household and workplace products that can cause poisoning; and (2) poisonings and the sources of those poisonings; Whereas the National Poison Data System (referred to in this preamble as NPDS ) database contains over 456,000 products, ranging from viral and bacterial agents to commercial chemical and drug products; Whereas, in 2020, 2,128,198 people called the poison help line to reach a poison control center; Whereas, in 2020, as reported to the AAPCC, 93 percent of poison exposures reported to local poison control centers occurred in the home; Whereas local poison control centers save the people of the United States $1,800,000,000 in medical costs annually; Whereas the AAPCC and poison control centers partner with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, and State, local, Tribal, and territorial health departments to monitor occurrences of environmental, biological, and emerging threats in communities across the United States, including food poisoning, botulism, and vaping-associated lung injury; Whereas, in the United States, more than 420 children 19 years of age and younger are treated in emergency departments for poisoning every day, and more than 135 children 19 years of age and younger die as a result of being poisoned each year; Whereas, in 2020, children younger than 6 years of age constituted 42 percent of all poison exposures; Whereas, from 2010 to 2021, data from poison control centers revealed a significant increase of an average of 18.8 percent per year in the number of intentional suicide patients who were adolescents 10 to 19 years of age, and that increase disproportionately occurred among female adolescents; Whereas, in 2021, poison control centers have seen an increase in suspected suicides among adolescents 11 to 14 years of age; Whereas, in 2020, more than 90,000 children 19 years of age and younger were treated in an emergency room due to unintended pediatric poisoning, and more than 90 percent of those incidents occurred in the home, most often with blood pressure medications, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, laundry packets, bleach, or sedatives or anti-anxiety medication; Whereas, based on an analysis of the NPDS, from 2018 to 2019, there was a 444 percent increase in pediatric magnet ingestion cases reported to poison control centers in the United States, following the reintroduction of high-powered magnets to the market; Whereas, an analysis of the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System shows— (1) an increased incidence of ingestion of dangerous foreign bodies like button batteries and high-powered magnets during the COVID–19 pandemic; and (2) evidence that parents and caregivers sought care for foreign body ingestions either because they knew the relative danger of the object ingested or because they sought advice from available resources like the poison control centers; Whereas 70,630 cases of death due to drug overdose were reported in the United States in 2019, and the majority of those cases, approximately 71 percent, involved an opioid; Whereas, in 2020, the most common medications that adults called the poison help line about were prescription and non-prescription pain relievers, household cleaning substances, cosmetics and personal care products, and antidepressants; Whereas pain medications lead the list of the most common substances implicated in adult poison exposures, and are the single most frequent cause of pediatric fatalities reported to the AAPCC; Whereas poison control centers issue guidance and provide support to individuals, including individuals who experience medication and dosing errors; Whereas more than 35 percent of calls to the poison help line are from individuals 20 years of age or older, with more than 25 percent of those calls involving patients older than 50 years of age, and a common reason for those calls is therapeutic errors, including questions regarding drug interactions, incorrect dosing route, timing of doses, and double doses; Whereas normal, curious children younger than 6 years of age are in stages of growth and development in which they are constantly exploring and investigating the world around them, and are often unable to read or recognize warning labels; Whereas the AAPCC engages in community outreach by educating the public on poison safety and poisoning prevention, and provides educational resources, materials, and guidelines to educate the public on poisoning prevention; Whereas individuals can reach a poison control center from anywhere in the United States by calling the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222 or accessing PoisonHelp.org; Whereas, despite regulations of the Consumer Product Safety Commission requiring that a child-resistant package be designed or constructed to be significantly difficult for children under 5 years of age to open, or obtain a harmful amount of the contents, within a reasonable time, children can still open child-resistant packages; and Whereas, each year during National Poison Prevention Week, the Federal Government assesses the progress made by the Federal Government in saving lives and reaffirms the national commitment of the Federal Government to preventing injuries and deaths from poisoning: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) recognizes the week of March 20 through March 26, 2022, as National Poison Prevention Week ; (2) expresses gratitude for the people who operate or support poison control centers in their local communities; (3) expresses gratitude for frontline workers supporting poison prevention during the COVID–19 pandemic; (4) supports efforts and resources to provide poison prevention guidance or emergency assistance in response to poisonings; and (5) encourages— (A) the people of the United States to educate their communities and families about poison safety and poisoning prevention; and (B) health care providers to practice and promote poison safety and poisoning prevention. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres557ats/xml/BILLS-117sres557ats.xml |
117-sres-558 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 558 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 28, 2022 Mr. Cassidy submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the Senate on when the economic relationship between the United States and the Russian Federation should be considered to return to the level of that relationship before the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation that began on February 24, 2022, and on the actions that should be taken at that time.
Whereas the United States has a responsibility to uphold the values of freedom, democracy, and human rights across the globe; Whereas there are several universal declarations promoting human rights, laws of war, and upholding the dignity of individuals; Whereas the preamble to the United Nations Charter states that member countries reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights [and] in the dignity and worth of the human person ; Whereas the preamble of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states, Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in cooperation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms ; Whereas the Russian Federation, as the former Union of Soviet Socialists Republics, joined as an original member of the United Nations on October 24, 1945, and as such has a duty to abide by the conditions of the United Nations Charter; Whereas President Vladimir Putin, members of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, and President Putin's military commanders have severely undermined the international rule of law through their various actions; Whereas President Vladimir Putin violated the sovereignty of Ukraine and used military force to seize control and unlawfully occupy Crimea and eastern Ukraine, indiscriminately targeting and killing thousands of innocent civilians since 2014; Whereas rebel forces supported by the Russian Federation were deemed responsible for a missile attack on January 24, 2015, in Mariupol, Ukraine, that indiscriminately targeted civilians, resulting in the death of at least 30 people and injuring many more; Whereas intelligence assessments have concluded Vladimir Putin and his regime have destroyed the rule of law in the Russian Federation and engaged in countless crimes against humanity, including ordering the poisoning of Alexi Navalny, the poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal, and the false imprisonment and torture ultimately leading to the death of Sergei Magnitsky; Whereas Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin and the Security Council of the Russian Federation, initiated an unprovoked war against Ukraine based on false security claims and threats in February 2022; Whereas President Vladimir Putin has allegedly committed war crimes in his reckless quest to decimate Ukraine and the people of Ukraine, including civilians, children, and women; Whereas the people of the Russian Federation are suffering economic hardship from global sanctions as a direct result of President Vladimir Putin’s erratic, illogical, and irrational actions; Whereas the United States Government seeks the most productive relationship possible with the people of the Russian Federation for the sake of their own liberty and prosperity; and Whereas the United States Government should use its voice, vote, and influence to pursue war crimes allegations against Vladimir Putin and his military commanders in international institutions of which it is a member and encourage other allies and partners to do the same: Now, therefore, be it
That it is the sense of the Senate that— (1) the economic relationship between the United States and the Russian Federation should be considered to return to the level of that relationship before the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation that began on February 24, 2022, only when— (A) the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and proxies of such forces withdraw from all territory of Ukraine such forces or proxies have occupied since February 24, 2022, and that withdrawal is verified by a supervision mission of the United Nations in Ukraine; (B) the Government of the Russian Federation has ceased engaging in cyberattacks and disseminating anti-Ukraine, pro-Russian Federation propaganda and has committed to not engaging in such attacks or disseminating such propaganda in the future; and (C) a free and fair election is held in the Russian Federation, as determined by the Secretary of State; (2) as soon as possible after the date of agreement to this resolution— (A) the President should direct the United States Representative to the United Nations to use the voice, vote, and influence of the United States to immediately promote the establishment of an international justice mechanism for alleged war crimes and other alleged crimes of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and to prosecute the perpetrators of such crimes committed during the period of conflict in Ukraine; (B) in the event that the United Nations is unable or unwilling to establish a mechanism described in subparagraph (A), the President should convoke and convene the world’s democracies for the purposes of establishing a regional or international justice mechanism for crimes described in that subparagraph; (C) in working with other countries to establish such a regional or international justice mechanism, the United States should assist all partners in that effort to develop judicial procedures that enable the fair and open prosecution of persons accused of perpetrating such crimes; (D) the United States should encourage, support, and collect any and all information that can be supplied to a justice mechanism described in subparagraph (A) or (B) for use as evidence to support the indictment and trial of any persons accused of crimes described in subparagraph (A), including the crime of aggression in Ukraine, as an immediate priority; and (E) the United States should urge all other interested countries to apprehend and deliver into the custody of a justice mechanism described in subparagraph (A) or (B) persons indicted for crimes described in subparagraph (A) and urge all interested countries to provide any and all data and information pertaining to such crimes to that mechanism; and (3) when the economic relationship between the United States and the Russian Federation returns to the level of that relationship before the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, as described in paragraph (1)— (A) the President should organize and lead a presidential summit on Eastern European peace and security with the head of the successor Government of the Russian Federation, which should include topics such as arms control and existing international fora such as the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the European Union, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the Minsk Group, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization; (B) the Secretary of State should— (i) begin a formal, consultative process with the United Nations Secretary General and all member countries of the United Nations to reimagine the United Nations Security Council; and (ii) initiate talks with all Western allies regarding the reconstruction of Ukraine and humanitarian support to those affected by the war waged by President Vladimir Putin; (C) the Senate should establish a special, interdisciplinary commission to make recommendations for the reimagination of a post-war, long-term collective security strategy for Europe, which includes consideration of the security concerns of Ukraine, the Russian Federation, and other non-treaty partners; and (D) the United States Government should call on the successor Government of the Russian Federation to release all political prisoners held under the authority of the Russian Federation. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres558is/xml/BILLS-117sres558is.xml |
117-sres-559 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 559 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 29, 2022 Ms. Klobuchar (for herself and Mr. Cassidy ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations RESOLUTION Expressing gratitude on behalf of the people of the United States to the journalists and news staff who are risking injury and death, are subject to grave threat, and have sacrificed their lives, to chronicle and report on the ongoing war in Ukraine resulting from the Russian Federation's invasion.
Whereas Ukraine declared independence from the Soviet Union on August 24, 1991, and that independence was reaffirmed in a popular referendum on December 1, 1991; Whereas, on February 24, 2022, the Russian military invaded the sovereign country of Ukraine under the direction of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin (referred to in this preamble as Putin ), carrying out attacks on cities with ballistic missiles, heavy artillery, and tanks; Whereas Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions includes the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts, prohibiting attacks on civilian persons and populations, and defines journalists and war correspondents as civilians; Whereas the Russian Federation was an original signatory to the Geneva Conventions until Putin removed the Russian Federation from Protocol in October 2019, demonstrating a clear disregard for innocent life; Whereas, as of March 29, 2022, thousands of civilians, including children, are recorded as having been killed during the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine; Whereas journalists and news staff are on the ground in Ukraine, reporting freelance, reporting for global networks and media, and working on documentary efforts to record the ongoing humanitarian crisis and war caused by the Russian Federation’s invasion of the sovereign country of Ukraine; Whereas many of the journalists and news staff covering the war in Ukraine are United States citizens or working for United States news agencies; Whereas shelling by Russian Federation forces has included the shelling of humanitarian corridors, maternity hospitals, schools, and other primarily civilian locations; Whereas journalists and news staff are on the ground along Russian-targeted humanitarian corridors and in major cities across Ukraine; Whereas dozens of members of the free press have been murdered or injured by Russian Federation forces as of March 29, 2022, with more casualties and injuries likely; Whereas, on February 26, 2022, Danish journalist Stefan Weichert was shot and wounded while reporting near Okhtyrka, Ukraine; Whereas, on February 26, 2022, Danish journalist Emil Filtenborg was shot and wounded while reporting near Okhtyrka, Ukraine; Whereas, on February 28, 2022, British Sky News chief correspondent Stuart Ramsay was shot and wounded when his car was ambushed by Russian soldiers in Kyiv, Ukraine; Whereas, on February 28, 2022, British Sky News camera operator Richie Mockler was shot and wounded when his car was ambushed by Russian soldiers in Kyiv, Ukraine; Whereas, on March 1, 2022, Ukrainian-based journalist and camera operator Yevhenii Sakun was killed when Russian Federation forces shelled a television tower in Kyiv, Ukraine; Whereas, on March 6, 2022, Swiss journalist Guillaume Briquet was wounded and robbed by Russia soldiers who shot at his car on the road to Mykolaiv, Ukraine; Whereas, on March 13, 2022, United States documentarian and film director Brent Renaud was shot in Irpin, Ukraine, and later died of his wounds; Whereas, on March 13, 2022, United States journalist Juan Arredondo was shot and wounded while reporting in Irpin, Ukraine; Whereas, on March 15, 2022, Ukrainian Fox News journalist Oleksandra Sasha Kuvshinova was killed in Horenka, Ukraine, when her vehicle was struck by incoming arms fire; Whereas, on March 15, 2022, Irish Fox News cameraman and photographer Pierre Zakrzewski was killed in Horenka, Ukraine, when his vehicle was struck by incoming arms fire; Whereas, on March 15, 2022, United States Fox News correspondent Benjamin Hall was wounded when his vehicle was struck by incoming arms fire in Horenka, Ukraine; Whereas it is possible that additional Ukrainian and foreign press have been or will be injured and killed so long as Russian Federation forces continue their brutal attack on civilians; Whereas all civilians, including journalists and news staff, should be spared violence by military forces; Whereas Putin and his cronies have demonstrated complete disregard for innocent life, the sovereignty of Ukraine, the right to free speech, and the rights and value of a free press; Whereas Putin is engaged in a propaganda war, as well as a military war, and the Russian Federation continues to push a false narrative about Russian military presence in Ukraine; Whereas the United States supports a free and fair press and rejects any and all propagandist efforts by the Russian Federation to cover up and hide the truth behind the Russian Federation’s invasion; Whereas journalists and news staff on the ground in Ukraine who are reporting the truth to the world, including journalists and news staff from the United States, are instrumental in combating false propaganda pushed by Putin and his cronies; and Whereas, despite the overwhelming threat and risk to their lives and the sacrifices already made, journalists and news staff continue to report bravely from Ukraine: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) declares its gratitude on behalf of the people of the United States to the journalists and news staff who continue to put themselves in harm’s way to report on the humanitarian crisis and ongoing war on the ground in Ukraine following the Russian Federation’s invasion; (2) remembers the journalists and news staff who have lost their lives or have been severely injured reporting from Ukraine and conveys the sympathies and appreciation of the people of the United States to their families for their sacrifice; (3) condemns President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, President of the Republic of Belarus Aleksander Lukashenko, and their officials for authorizing and executing attacks on innocent Ukrainian civilians, residential areas, and humanitarian corridors, resulting in the loss of life of civilians, including journalists and news staff; and (4) honors the contributions of journalists and news staff reporting from the war in Ukraine as essential in the ongoing struggle for the rights of a free press and free speech internationally, pivotal in pushing back against false propaganda by tyrants, and crucial to informing the people of the United States and the world of the horrors being wrought against the Ukrainian people. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres559is/xml/BILLS-117sres559is.xml |
117-sres-560 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 560 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 29, 2022 Ms. Duckworth (for herself, Mrs. Capito , Ms. Cantwell , Mr. Blumenthal , Ms. Klobuchar , and Mr. Booker ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Recognizing the significance of endometriosis as an unmet chronic disease for women and designating March 2022 as “Endometriosis Awareness Month”.
Whereas more than 6,500,000 women in the United States are living with endometriosis; Whereas endometriosis is a painful and debilitating chronic disease affecting— (1) approximately 190,000,000 women throughout the world; (2) an estimated 1 in 10 women of reproductive age in the United States; and (3) primarily women in their 30s and 40s, but can affect any woman who menstruates; Whereas the cause of endometriosis is not known, but risk factors include— (1) having a mother, sister, or daughter with endometriosis; (2) menstrual cycles that started at an early age; (3) menstrual cycles that are short; and (4) periods that are heavy and last more than 7 days; Whereas endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to that normally found in the uterus begins to grow outside the uterus; Whereas the only way currently available to be certain of an endometriosis diagnosis is to have a surgical procedure known as a laparoscopy; Whereas the primary symptoms of endometriosis include pain and infertility, and many women with endometriosis live with debilitating, chronic pain; Whereas symptoms of anxiety and depression are common among women with the endometriosis, with reported rates as high as 75 to 90 percent; Whereas, although endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological disorders in the United States, there is a lack of awareness and prioritization of endometriosis as an important health issue for women; Whereas women can suffer for up to 10 years before being properly diagnosed; Whereas approximately 75 percent of women with endometriosis experience a misdiagnosis; Whereas endometriosis is 1 of the 3 main causes of female infertility, and between 30 and 50 percent of women with endometriosis experience infertility; Whereas health care providers must focus on managing the symptoms of endometriosis, which may include in vitro fertilization (IVF), low-dose oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), painkillers, including nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist therapy; Whereas endometriosis is associated with increased health care costs and poses a substantial burden to patients in the health care system; Whereas, in the United States, the estimated average direct health care cost associated with endometriosis per patient is more than $13,000 per year; Whereas 40 percent of women with endometriosis report impaired career growth due to endometriosis, and approximately 50 percent of women with endometriosis experience a decreased ability to work; Whereas the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that the average number of “bed days” for patients with endometriosis was 18 days per year; Whereas women with endometriosis can lose 11 hours per workweek through lost productivity; Whereas the physical and psychological impact of endometriosis affects all domains of life, including social life, relationships, and work; Whereas medical societies and patient groups have expressed the need for greater public attention and updated resources targeted to public education about this unmet health need for women; Whereas there is a need for more research and updated guidelines to treat endometriosis; Whereas there is an ongoing need for additional clinical research and treatment options to manage this debilitating disease; and Whereas there is no known cure for endometriosis: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) designates March 2022 as Endometriosis Awareness Month ; (2) recognizes the importance of endometriosis as a health issue for women that requires far greater attention, public awareness, and education about the disease; (3) encourages the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Defense, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs— (A) to provide information to women, patients, and health care providers with respect to endometriosis, including available screening tools and treatment options, with a goal of improving the quality of life and health outcomes of women affected by endometriosis; (B) to conduct additional research on endometriosis and possible clinical options; and (C) to update information, tools, and studies currently available with respect to helping women live with endometriosis; and (4) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to the Secretary of Health and Human Services. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres560is/xml/BILLS-117sres560is.xml |
117-sres-561 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 561 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 29, 2022 Mr. Tester (for himself, Mr. Daines , Mr. Whitehouse , Mr. Merkley , Mr. Durbin , Mr. Padilla , and Mr. Carper ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating the first week of April 2022 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 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 will raise public awareness about the prevalence of asbestos-related diseases and the dangers of asbestos exposure: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) designates the first week of April 2022 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. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres561ats/xml/BILLS-117sres561ats.xml |
117-sres-562 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 562 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 29, 2022 Ms. Ernst (for herself, Ms. Smith , Mrs. Hyde-Smith , Ms. Stabenow , Ms. Klobuchar , Mrs. Fischer , Mrs. Gillibrand , Ms. Lummis , Ms. Collins , Mrs. Feinstein , Mrs. Capito , Ms. Baldwin , Mrs. Blackburn , Ms. Warren , Ms. Sinema , Mrs. Murray , Ms. Duckworth , Ms. Cortez Masto , Ms. Hassan , Ms. Rosen , Ms. Murkowski , Mrs. Shaheen , Mr. Grassley , Mr. Boozman , Mr. Bennet , Mr. Booker , Mr. Braun , Mr. Brown , Mr. Luján , Mr. Warnock , Mr. Thune , Mr. Marshall , Mr. Hoeven , Mr. Durbin , Mr. Tuberville , Mr. Moran , Mr. Risch , Mr. Tester , Mr. Crapo , Mr. Rounds , Mr. Kennedy , Mr. Graham , Mr. Scott of South Carolina , Mr. Cassidy , Mr. Daines , Mr. Cramer , Mr. King , Mr. Hagerty , Mr. Inhofe , Mr. Rubio , Mr. Kelly , Mr. Wicker , Mr. Barrasso , Mr. Blunt , Mr. Tillis , Mr. Peters , Mr. Cardin , Ms. Cantwell , and Ms. Hirono ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating March 24, 2022, 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 at home and abroad; Whereas there are more than 1,200,000 female agricultural producers in the United States, making up more than a third of the agricultural producers in the United States; Whereas, in 2017, farms operated by women in the United States sold $148,000,000,000 in agricultural products, accounting for 38 percent of the total agriculture sales in the United States for that year; Whereas, in addition to leading farming operations, women working in agriculture make a difference across the United States in various commodity and industry fields, such as research and development, manufacturing, sales and distribution, agricultural education, agribusiness and advocacy, which extends 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 STEM and agricultural education and entrepreneurial and community initiatives and by serving as mentors for 4-H, FFA, the Cooperative Extension System, and numerous postsecondary agricultural science educator programs; Whereas March is National Women’s 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 21 and March 25, 2022: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) designates March 24, 2022, 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. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres562ats/xml/BILLS-117sres562ats.xml |
117-sres-563 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 563 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 29, 2022 Mr. Braun (for himself, Mr. Ossoff , Mr. Graham , Mr. Warnock , Mr. Scott of South Carolina , and Mr. Young ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Honoring the life and legacy of Charles Isham Taylor on the 100th anniversary of his passing.
Whereas Charles Isham Taylor (referred to in this preamble as Taylor ) was born on January 20, 1875, in Anderson, South Carolina; Whereas Taylor joined the United States Army and served as a private with the Buffalo Soldiers of the Tenth Calvary Regiment during the Spanish-American War; Whereas, in 1899, Taylor enrolled at Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia, where he joined the Clark College baseball team as the starting third baseman; Whereas, in 1904, Taylor started the first Black professional baseball team in Birmingham, Alabama, the Birmingham Giants; Whereas Taylor moved to Indiana in time for him to assume the leadership of the West Baden Sprudels for the 1910 season; Whereas, in 1914, Taylor became an owner and team manager of the Indianapolis ABCs, along with Thomas Bowser; Whereas, under the leadership of Taylor, the West Baden Sprudels and the Indianapolis ABCs had notable success against several Major-Minor League all-star teams; Whereas Taylor was also co-founder and vice president of the Negro National League; Whereas Taylor passed away on February 23, 1922, in Indianapolis, Indiana, at the age of 47; and Whereas the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum awards the C.I. Taylor Legacy Award to the best manager of each Major League Baseball league: Now, therefore, be it
That it is the sense of the Senate that— (1) Charles Isham Taylor was a pioneer who was dedicated to providing African Americans the same opportunities to compete in the sport of baseball as white individuals, especially in the State of Indiana; (2) Charles Isham Taylor made significant contributions to the sport of baseball and the city of Indianapolis; and (3) on the 100th anniversary of his passing, Charles Isham Taylor should be commemorated and remembered for the impact and significance his life had on providing opportunities for African Americans in the State of Indiana. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres563ats/xml/BILLS-117sres563ats.xml |
117-sres-564 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 564 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 29, 2022 Mr. Braun (for himself and Mr. Young ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Honoring the life and legacy of James Frederick Jimmy Hanley.
Whereas James Frederick Jimmy Hanley (referred to in this preamble as Hanley ) was born on February 17, 1892, in Rensselaer, Indiana; Whereas Hanley was educated at Champion College and the Chicago Musical College; Whereas, in 1914, Hanley joined the United States Army and served during World War I in the 82d Division; Whereas, during Hanley's service in the Army, he wrote and produced an Army musical show entitled Toot Sweet ; Whereas Hanley became part of the Tin Pan Alley music scene in New York; Whereas, as a vaudeville performer and writer, Hanley wrote the Broadway stage scores for Jim Jam Jems , Spice of 1922 , Big Boy , Honeymoon Lane , Sidewalks of New York , and dozens of other popular songs; Whereas Hanley wrote such Broadway hits as Second Hand Rose in 1921, performed by Fanny Brice in the Ziegfeld Follies of 1921, and Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart in 1934, later popularized by Judy Garland in 1938; Whereas, in 1917, Hanley co-wrote (Back Home Again in) Indiana with Ballard MacDonald, which was a hit and was based on the State song of Indiana, On the Banks on the Wabash, Far Away by Paul Dresser; and Whereas (Back Home Again in) Indiana has remained popular and has been performed at every Indianapolis 500 since 1946: Now, therefore, be it
That it is the sense of the Senate that— (1) James Frederick Jimmy Hanley (referred to in this resolution as Hanley ) was a talented Hoosier who provided many musical compositions that were significant during the 1920s and 1930s; (2) Hanley's compositions, especially Indiana , have continued to be culturally significant in introducing Indiana to individuals throughout the world who have never physically visited the State; (3) the lyrics of Indiana provide vivid imagery of the natural beauty of the State and the wonder of calling Indiana home to both current Hoosiers and those who were raised in Indiana and now live elsewhere; and (4) Hanley should be commemorated and remembered on the 130th anniversary of his birth for the cultural impact and significance that his compositions and music continue to have throughout the world. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres564ats/xml/BILLS-117sres564ats.xml |
117-sres-565 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 565 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 29, 2022 Ms. Murkowski (for herself, Mr. Sullivan , Mr. Schumer , Mr. McConnell , Ms. Baldwin , Mr. Barrasso , Mr. Bennet , Mrs. Blackburn , Mr. Blumenthal , Mr. Blunt , Mr. Booker , Mr. Boozman , Mr. Braun , Mr. Brown , Mr. Burr , Ms. Cantwell , Mrs. Capito , Mr. Cardin , Mr. Carper , Mr. Casey , Mr. Cassidy , Ms. Collins , Mr. Coons , Mr. Cornyn , Ms. Cortez Masto , Mr. Cotton , Mr. Cramer , Mr. Crapo , Mr. Cruz , Mr. Daines , Ms. Duckworth , Mr. Durbin , Ms. Ernst , Mrs. Feinstein , Mrs. Fischer , Mrs. Gillibrand , Mr. Graham , Mr. Grassley , Mr. Hagerty , Ms. Hassan , Mr. Hawley , Mr. Heinrich , Mr. Hickenlooper , Ms. Hirono , Mr. Hoeven , Mrs. Hyde-Smith , Mr. Inhofe , Mr. Johnson , Mr. Kaine , Mr. Kelly , Mr. Kennedy , Mr. King , Ms. Klobuchar , Mr. Lankford , Mr. Leahy , Mr. Lee , Mr. Luján , Ms. Lummis , Mr. Manchin , Mr. Markey , Mr. Marshall , Mr. Menendez , Mr. Merkley , Mr. Moran , Mr. Murphy , Mrs. Murray , Mr. Ossoff , Mr. Padilla , Mr. Paul , Mr. Peters , Mr. Portman , Mr. Reed , Mr. Risch , Mr. Romney , Ms. Rosen , Mr. Rounds , Mr. Rubio , Mr. Sanders , Mr. Sasse , Mr. Schatz , Mr. Scott of Florida , Mr. Scott of South Carolina , Mrs. Shaheen , Mr. Shelby , Ms. Sinema , Ms. Smith , Ms. Stabenow , Mr. Tester , Mr. Thune , Mr. Tillis , Mr. Toomey , Mr. Tuberville , Mr. Van Hollen , Mr. Warner , Mr. Warnock , Ms. Warren , Mr. Whitehouse , Mr. Wicker , Mr. Wyden , and Mr. Young ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Honoring and celebrating the life and legacy of Representative Don Young.
Whereas Donald Edwin Young was born on June 9, 1933, to James Young and Nora (Bucy) Young in Meridian, California; Whereas Don Young earned an associate degree from Yuba Junior College and a bachelor’s degree in teaching from Chico State University; Whereas Don Young began what would be decades of service to the United States when he served in the Army as part of the 41st Tank Battalion from 1955 to 1957; Whereas Don Young moved to Alaska in 1959 and found his true home in the village of Fort Yukon, which is located 7 miles above the Arctic Circle; Whereas Don Young met and married the first love of his life, Lula Lu Young, in Fort Yukon; Whereas Don Young and Lu had 2 wonderful daughters, Dawn and Joni, and later 14 grandchildren; Whereas Don Young taught fifth grade at a school run by the Bureau of Indian Affairs during the winter and worked in construction, mining, fishing, and trapping, and as a tugboat captain in the warmer months; Whereas Don Young was elected mayor of Fort Yukon in 1964 and served in that role until 1967; Whereas Don Young was elected to and served in the Alaska House of Representatives from 1967 to 1970 and the Alaska State Senate from 1970 to 1973; Whereas Don Young was elected to the House of Representatives in 1973 in a special election and served 24 additional and consecutive terms; Whereas Representative Young served as Chairman of the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives from 1995 to 2001, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives from 2001 to 2007; Whereas Representative Young was a champion for Alaska Native peoples, including as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs of the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives; Whereas Representative Young fiercely defended Alaska and Alaskans as the sole Representative for the largest State in the United States and devoted himself to fulfilling the immense promise of his home State; Whereas Representative Young was a leader in strengthening the role of Alaska in providing for the national defense of the United States through his support for the Coast Guard, the Alaskan Command, and the ballistic missile defense and his steadfast commitment to the leadership of the United States in the Arctic; Whereas Representative Young sponsored at least 85 bills that were enacted into Federal law and sponsored and cosponsored many more measures that were part of broader legislation; Whereas legislative achievements by Representative Young span the policy spectrum, from authorizing the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System to important amendments and the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act ( 43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq. ); Whereas Representative Young authored and advocated for generational laws, including the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 5301 et seq. ) in 1975, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act ( Public Law 94–265 ;90 Stat. 331) in 1976, the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 ( Public Law 105–57 ; 111 Stat. 1252) in 1997, SAFETEA-LU ( Public Law 109–59 ; 119 Stat. 1144) in 2005, Multinational Species Conservation Funds Reauthorization Act of 2007 ( Public Law 110–132 ; 121 Stat. 1360) in 2007, and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act ( Public Law 117–58 ; 135 Stat. 429) in 2021; Whereas Representative Young formed strong relationships and friendships with members on both sides of the aisle and proudly worked with 10 different presidents; Whereas Representative Young married his second love, Anne Garland Walton, in 2015, in the United States Capitol; Whereas, on December 5, 2017, Representative Young became the 45th Dean of the House of Representatives, reflecting his status as its most senior member; Whereas Representative Young was the longest-serving Republican in the history of Congress; and Whereas Representative Young ultimately served the 49th State with dedication and distinction for 49 years and 13 days, which is more than 3/4 of the period in which Alaska has been a State: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) mourns the death of Don Young, congressman for all Alaska and the 45th Dean of the House of Representatives; (2) honors Representative Young for his lifetime of service to Alaska and the United States, his spirited bipartisanship, and his enduring respect for and devotion to the House of Representatives; (3) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate— (A) communicate this resolution to the House of Representatives; and (B) transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to the family of the Honorable Don Young; and (4) at the time that the Senate adjourns or recesses today, the Senate stands adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the Honorable Don Young. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres565ats/xml/BILLS-117sres565ats.xml |
117-sres-566 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 566 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 29, 2022 Mr. Van Hollen (for himself and Mr. Marshall ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Recognizing the 100th anniversary of the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer and the importance of Commission on Cancer-accredited programs in ensuring comprehensive, high-quality, patient-centered cancer care.
Whereas the Commission on Cancer was established by the American College of Surgeons in 1922 as a consortium of professional organizations dedicated to improving survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients through standard setting, which promotes cancer prevention, research, education, and monitoring of comprehensive quality care; Whereas the Commission on Cancer is comprised of individuals and representatives of more than 50 cancer-related organizations; Whereas the Commission on Cancer establishes standards to ensure quality, multidisciplinary, and comprehensive cancer care delivery in health care settings; Whereas the Commission on Cancer conducts surveys in health care settings to assess compliance with those standards; Whereas the Commission on Cancer collects standardized data from Commission on Cancer-accredited health care settings to measure cancer care quality; Whereas the Commission on Cancer uses data to monitor treatment patterns and outcomes, and enhance cancer control and clinical surveillance activities; Whereas the Commission on Cancer develops effective educational interventions to improve cancer prevention, early detection, cancer care delivery, and outcomes in health care settings; Whereas the Commission on Cancer has accredited more than 1,500 cancer programs in the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; Whereas accreditation from the American College of Surgeons is a voluntary commitment by a cancer program that ensures patients will have access to the full scope of services required to diagnose, treat, rehabilitate, and support patients with cancer and their families; Whereas accreditation allows cancer programs to continually evaluate performance and take proactive, corrective actions when necessary; Whereas continuous evaluation reaffirms the commitment of the cancer program to provide high-quality, patient-centered cancer care; Whereas accreditation is regarded as important in improving oncologic outcomes through compliance with standards that include continuous quality improvement; Whereas quality standards required for accreditation ensure that patients receive comprehensive care with a multidisciplinary team approach to coordinate the best available treatment options; Whereas patients treated by accredited cancer programs receive information about ongoing cancer clinical trials and new treatment options and access to a cancer database that offers lifelong patient follow-up; Whereas accreditation promotes access to prevention and early detection programs, cancer education, and support services; Whereas patients treated in accredited cancer programs have access to the full continuum of patient-centered care, including distress screening, patient navigation, and delivery of survivorship care plans that detail treatments received and provide detailed information on future care needs; Whereas accreditation requires evaluation of the entire scope, organization, and activity of a cancer program by external peer review from specially trained surveyors who evaluate compliance with stringent standards designed to promote high-quality care; Whereas the quality reporting tools from the over 30,000,000 cases reported to the Commission on Cancer’s National Cancer Database provide feedback needed to initiate quality improvement studies, which ultimately lead to implementation of quality improvements in accredited cancer programs; Whereas the cancer accreditation programs of the American College of Surgeons use data submitted to such Database to verify and improve quality of care in cancer programs and to further scientific research; and Whereas the American College of Surgeons accredited cancer programs in the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico care for approximately 70 percent of newly diagnosed cancer patients in the United States: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate recognizes the 100th anniversary of the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer and the importance of Commission on Cancer-accredited programs in ensuring comprehensive, high-quality, patient-centered cancer care. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres566is/xml/BILLS-117sres566is.xml |
117-sres-567 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 567 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 30, 2022 Ms. Stabenow (for herself and Ms. Sinema ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions RESOLUTION Supporting the goals and ideals of Social Work Month and World Social Work Day on March 15, 2022.
Whereas, since its founding more than a century ago, the social work profession has been dedicated to improving human well-being and enhancing the basic needs of all people, especially the most vulnerable among us; Whereas the theme of Social Work Month 2022, The Time is Right for Social Work , embodies how social workers have been an essential workforce in responding to the COVID–19 pandemic, even as the Nation continues to grapple with systemic racism, gender-based violence, homophobia, transphobia, economic inequality, climate change, and other challenges; Whereas social workers are a large, racially and socioeconomically diverse mental and behavioral health workforce in the United States, and social workers provide culturally competent, evidence-based services in the community in a broad range of settings, including healthcare, schools, community clinics, private practice, child welfare agencies, and correctional facilities; Whereas social workers continue to advocate for social justice and equal rights for all, especially for vulnerable, underserved, and marginalized people; Whereas social work is one of the fastest growing professions in the United States, with more than 700,000 social workers today and a projected increase to 800,000 by 2028; Whereas social workers are leaders in creating and implementing public policies that improve health and well-being, strengthen the social fabric, and ensure a more just society; Whereas social workers serve in all levels of government, including Congress, where there are 5 social workers currently in office; Whereas social workers develop evidence-based interventions that address a number of the most vexing problems facing society, and social workers conduct cutting-edge research that informs both policy and practice; Whereas there is a need— (1) to ensure accuracy of workforce data surrounding the social work profession so that data projections adequately reflect the depth and breadth of social work practice across settings, as well as the needs of the clients and communities served by the profession; and (2) to make meaningful investments in the social work profession to address challenges associated with recruitment and retention in recognition of the pressing need for such professionals and the crucial services they provide; and Whereas social workers meet individuals no matter where those individuals are in their life circumstances and empower those individuals to fulfill their potential: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) supports the goals and ideals of Social Work Month and World Social Work Day on March 15, 2022; (2) acknowledges the diligent efforts of individuals and groups who promote the importance of social work and observe Social Work Month and World Social Work Day; (3) encourages individuals to engage in appropriate ceremonies and activities to promote further awareness of the life-changing role that social workers play; and (4) recognizes with gratitude the contributions of the millions of social workers who have advanced individual, family, and community well-being since the founding of the social work profession more than a century ago. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres567is/xml/BILLS-117sres567is.xml |
117-sres-568 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 568 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 30, 2022 Mrs. Feinstein (for herself, Mr. Tillis , Mr. McConnell , Mr. Blumenthal , Mr. Booker , Mr. Crapo , Ms. Klobuchar , Mr. Rubio , Mr. Markey , Mr. Grassley , Mr. Tuberville , Ms. Ernst , and Mr. Cornyn ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations RESOLUTION Supporting the goals and ideals of Countering International Parental Child Abduction Month and expressing the sense of the Senate that Congress should raise awareness of the harm caused by international parental child abduction.
Whereas thousands of children have been abducted from the United States by parents, separating those children from their parents who remain in the United States; Whereas it is illegal under section 1204 of title 18, United States Code, to remove, or attempt to remove, a child from the United States or to retain a child (who has been in the United States) outside of the United States with the intent to obstruct the lawful exercise of parental rights; Whereas 9,816 children were reported abducted from the United States between 2010 and 2020; Whereas, during 2020, 1 or more cases of international parental child abduction involving children who are citizens of the United States were identified in 106 countries around the world; Whereas the United States is a party to the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, done at The Hague, October 25, 1980 (TIAS 11670) (referred to in this preamble as the Hague Convention on Abduction ), which— (1) supports the prompt return of wrongly removed or retained children; and (2) calls for all participating parties to respect parental custody rights; Whereas the majority of children who were abducted from the United States have yet to be reunited with their custodial parents; Whereas, between 2015 and 2021, Argentina, the Bahamas, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Nicaragua, Peru, Romania, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, and the United Arab Emirates were identified under the Sean and David Goldman International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act of 2014 ( 22 U.S.C. 9101 et seq. ) as engaging in a pattern of noncompliance (as defined in section 3 of such Act ( 22 U.S.C. 9101 )); Whereas the Supreme Court of the United States has recognized that family abduction— (1) is a form of child abuse with potentially devastating consequences for a child , which may include negative impacts on the physical and mental well-being of the child; and (2) may cause a child to experience a loss of community and stability, leading to loneliness, anger, and fear of abandonment ; Whereas, according to the 2010 Report on Compliance with the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction by the Department of State, an abducted child is at risk of significant short- and long-term problems, including anxiety, eating problems, nightmares, mood swings, sleep disturbances, [and] aggressive behavior ; Whereas international parental child abduction has devastating emotional consequences for the child and for the parent from whom the child is separated; Whereas the United States has a history of promoting child welfare through institutions including— (1) the Children’s Bureau of the Administration for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services; and (2) the Office of Children’s Issues of the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the Department of State; Whereas the Coalition to End International Parental Child Abduction, through dedicated advocacy and regular testimony, has highlighted the importance of this issue to Congress and called on successive administrations to take concerted action to stop international parental child abduction and repatriate kidnapped United States children; Whereas Congress has signaled a commitment to ending international parental child abduction by enacting— (1) the International Child Abduction Remedies Act ( 22 U.S.C. 9001 et seq. ); (2) the International Parental Kidnapping Crime Act of 1993 ( Public Law 103–173 ), which enacted section 1204 of title 18, United States Code; and (3) the Sean and David Goldman International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act of 2014 ( 22 U.S.C. 9101 et seq. ); Whereas the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 543, 112th Congress, agreed to on December 4, 2012, condemning the international abduction of children; Whereas the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 431, 115th Congress, agreed to on April 19, 2018, to raise awareness of, and opposition to, international parental child abduction; Whereas the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 23, 116th Congress, agreed to on April 11, 2019, to raise awareness of the harm caused by international parental child abduction; Whereas Congress calls upon the Department of State to fully utilize the tools available under the Sean and David Goldman International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act of 2014 ( 22 U.S.C. 9101 et seq. ) to negotiate, and make publicly available, bilateral agreements or memorandums of understanding— (1) with countries not parties to the Hague Convention on Abduction to resolve abduction and access cases; and (2) regarding open abduction and access cases predating the Hague Convention on Abduction with countries that have thereafter become parties to the Hague Convention on Abduction; Whereas all 50 States and the District of Columbia have enacted laws criminalizing parental kidnapping; Whereas, in 2020, the Prevention Branch of the Office of Children’s Issues of the Department of State— (1) fielded more than 4,200 inquiries from the general public relating to preventing a child from being removed from the United States; and (2) enrolled more than 3,000 children in the Children’s Passport Issuance Alert Program, which— (A) is one of the most important tools of the Department of State for preventing international parental child abduction; and (B) allows the Office of Children’s Issues to contact the enrolling parent or legal guardian to verify whether the parental consent requirement has been met when a passport application has been submitted for an enrolled child; Whereas the Department of State cannot track the ultimate destination of a child through the use of the passport issued by the Department of State if the child is transported to a third country after departing from the United States; Whereas a child who is a citizen of the United States may have another nationality and may travel using a passport issued by another country, which— (1) increases the difficulty of determining the whereabouts of the child; and (2) makes efforts to prevent abduction more critical; Whereas, during 2020, 185 children were returned to the United States, and an additional 72 cases were resolved in other ways; and Whereas, in 2020, the Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Prevention Branch of the Office of Children’s Issues of the Department of State, enrolled 200 children in the Prevent Abduction Program, which is aimed at preventing international parental child abduction through coordination with the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officers at the airport, seaport, or land border ports of entry by intercepting the child before departure: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) recognizes and observes Countering International Parental Child Abduction Month during the period beginning on April 1, 2022, and ending on April 30, 2022, to raise awareness of, and opposition to, international parental child abduction; and (2) urges the United States to continue playing a leadership role in raising awareness about the devastating impacts of international parental child abduction by educating the public about the negative emotional, psychological, and physical consequences to children and parents victimized by international parental child abduction. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres568is/xml/BILLS-117sres568is.xml |
117-sres-569 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 569 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 30, 2022 Mr. Brown (for himself and Mr. Sullivan ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations RESOLUTION Supporting the goals of World Tuberculosis Day to raise awareness about tuberculosis.
Whereas, in 2020, nearly ¼ of the global population was infected with the tuberculosis bacterium (referred to in this preamble as TB ); Whereas the World Health Organization (referred to in this preamble as the WHO ) estimates that 9,900,000 people developed TB in 2020, 8 percent of whom were also infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (referred to in this preamble as HIV ); Whereas, in 2020, TB killed an estimated 1,514,000 people, second only to coronavirus disease 2019 (referred to in this preamble as COVID–19 ) as a leading cause of death from a single infectious agent; Whereas, globally in 2020, an estimated 1,100,000 children developed TB, and in 2020, 228,972 children died of TB; Whereas 2/3 of new TB infections in 2020 occurred in 8 countries: India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and South Africa; Whereas TB is a leading killer of people infected with HIV, and 214,000 people with HIV died of TB in 2020; Whereas vulnerable populations also at high risk for developing TB include individuals who are pregnant and newborns; Whereas, in 2020, TB was the 13th leading cause of death; Whereas, in some settings, women with TB can face stigma, discrimination, and ostracization by their families and communities; Whereas the global TB epidemic and the spread of drug-resistant TB present a persistent public health threat to the United States because the disease does not recognize borders; Whereas antibiotic-resistant pathogens are a growing problem worldwide, and drug-resistant TB can occur when the drugs used to treat TB are mismanaged or not made consistently accessible; Whereas studies have demonstrated direct person-to-person transmission of drug-resistant TB; Whereas multi-drug resistant TB (referred to in this preamble as MDR–TB ) is caused by bacteria with resistance to rifampin and isoniazid, the 2 most potent treatments for TB infection; Whereas, in 2020, according to the 2021 WHO Global Tuberculosis Report, an estimated 3 to 4 percent of all new TB cases and 18 to 21 percent of previously treated cases were MDR–TB or rifampin-resistant TB; Whereas, in 2020, an estimated 297,000 people around the world developed MDR–TB or rifampin-resistant TB, yet only approximately 1 in 3 of those individuals were identified and treated; Whereas extensively drug-resistant TB (referred to in this preamble as XDR–TB ) is a rare type of TB that is resistant to nearly all medicines, and therefore can be very difficult and expensive to treat, especially among patients with HIV; Whereas, in 2020, 25,681 cases of XDR–TB were reported; Whereas, in 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (referred to in this preamble as CDC ) estimated that the average cost of treating a single patient with MDR–TB in the United States was $182,186, and the average cost of treating a patient with XDR–TB was even higher at $567,708, compared with $20,211 to treat a patient with drug-susceptible TB; Whereas, between 2005 and 2007, according to an analysis by the CDC, MDR–TB and XDR–TB cases in the United States collectively cost the health care system an estimated $53,000,000; Whereas the CDC estimates that costs resulting from all forms of TB in the United States totaled more than $503,000,000 in 2020; Whereas, in a 2000 report, the Institute of Medicine found that a decrease in TB control funding and the spread of HIV and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (commonly referred to as AIDS ) caused a resurgence of TB in the late 1980s and early 1990s; Whereas a total of 7,174 TB cases were reported in the United States in 2020, representing all 50 States and the District of Columbia, and up to 13,000,000 people in the United States are estimated to be living with latent TB infection; Whereas the rate of TB disease in African Americans is 8.5 times higher than the rate of disease in White, non-Hispanic Americans, and significant disparities exist among other minorities in the United States, including Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans and Alaska Natives, with approximately 89 percent of all reported TB cases in the United States in 2020 occurring in racial or ethnic minorities; Whereas smoking— (1) greatly increases the risks of contracting TB and infection recurrence; and (2) impairs therapeutic efficacy; Whereas diabetes is a major risk factor for TB, and people with diabetes are more likely to develop and succumb to TB; Whereas bedaquiline is an antibiotic that boosts the chance of survival for an MDR–TB patient from approximately 50 percent to as much as 80 percent, and through a public-private partnership, the United States Agency for International Development (referred to in this preamble as USAID ) provided approximately 105,000 treatments in 110 eligible countries from 2015 through 2019; Whereas Bacillus Calmette-Guerin, a TB vaccine that is known as BCG, provides some protection to infants and young children against serious forms of childhood TB but has had little epidemiologic impact on controlling TB worldwide; Whereas there is a critical need for new drugs, diagnostics, and vaccines for controlling the global TB epidemic; Whereas, in September 2018, the United Nations held the first high-level meeting on TB at which 120 countries, including the United States, signed a political declaration committing to accelerating the TB response, including by increasing funding for TB control programs and research and development efforts, with the goal of reaching all affected people with TB prevention and care; Whereas the enactment of the Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–293 ; 122 Stat. 2918) and the Comprehensive Tuberculosis Elimination Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–392 ; 122 Stat. 4195) led to a historic United States commitment to support the global eradication of TB, including a commitment to treat 4,500,000 TB patients and 90,000 MDR–TB patients between 2009 and 2013 and to provide additional treatment through coordinated multilateral efforts; Whereas USAID— (1) provides technical assistance to 55 countries and implements bilateral programs in 23 high-burden TB countries that— (A) build capacity; and (B) support the adoption of state-of-the-art TB-related technologies; (2) supports the development of new diagnostic and treatment tools; and (3) supports research to develop new vaccines and other new methods to combat TB; Whereas, in 2018, USAID launched— (1) a new business model entitled Global Accelerator to End Tuberculosis to accelerate progress and build capacity with respect to TB prevention and treatment; and (2) a new mechanism to directly support local organizations in priority countries; Whereas TB incidence in the countries that receive bilateral TB funding from the United States through USAID has decreased by more than 29 percent since 2000; Whereas, according to the Copenhagen Consensus Center, TB prevention programs return $56 for each dollar invested, which is one of the highest returns on investment of any health intervention; Whereas the CDC, in partnership with other entities of the United States and individual States and territories— (1) directs the national TB elimination program; (2) coordinates TB surveillance, technical assistance, and prevention activities; and (3) helps to support the development of new diagnostic, treatment, and prevention tools to combat TB; Whereas the National Institutes of Health, through its many institutes and centers, plays the leading role in basic and clinical research on the identification, treatment, and prevention of TB; Whereas the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (referred to in this preamble as the Global Fund ), to which the United States is a top financial donor, provides more than 77 percent of all international financing for TB programs; Whereas, in 2020, programs supported by the Global Fund detected and treated more than 4,700,000 cases of TB; Whereas the COVID–19 pandemic and mitigation efforts put in place as a result of the pandemic have taken a devastating toll on countries with the highest burden of TB disease and on the global TB response, threatening to reverse up to 8 years of progress fighting the disease; Whereas, in 2020, in the 23 high-burden TB countries in which USAID implements bilateral programs, 1,000,000 fewer people with TB had access to diagnosis and treatment, a 23 percent decline from 2019; Whereas, between 2020 and 2025, global projections estimate that the impact of the COVID–19 pandemic will lead to an additional 6,300,000 cases of TB and an additional 1,400,000 TB deaths; and Whereas March 24, 2022, is World Tuberculosis Day, a day that commemorates the date in 1882 on which Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes TB: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) supports the goals of World Tuberculosis Day to raise awareness about tuberculosis; (2) commends the progress of tuberculosis elimination efforts by entities that include the United States Agency for International Development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, the World Health Organization, and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; and (3) reaffirms the commitment to strengthen the leadership role of the United States in, and the effectiveness of the global response to, the fight to end the tuberculosis epidemic. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres569is/xml/BILLS-117sres569is.xml |
117-sres-570 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 570 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 30, 2022 Mr. Portman (for himself and Ms. Hirono ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating April 2022 as National Native Plant Month .
Whereas native plants are indigenous species that have evolved and occur naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, and habitat; Whereas there are more than 17,000 native plant species in the United States, which include trees, shrubs, vines, grasses, and wildflowers; Whereas native plants help prevent flooding, drought, and erosion and can help restore damaged ecosystems; Whereas native plants provide shelter as well as nectar, pollen, and seeds that serve as food for native butterflies, insects, birds, and other wildlife in ways that non-native plants cannot; Whereas more than 200 of the native plant species in the United States are estimated to have been lost since the early 19th century; Whereas habitat loss and degradation, extreme weather events, and invasive species have contributed to the decline of native plants in the United States; and Whereas native plants are essential components of resilient ecosystems and our natural heritage: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) designates April 2022 as National Native Plant Month ; and (2) recognizes the benefits of native plants to the environment and economy of the United States. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres570ats/xml/BILLS-117sres570ats.xml |
117-sres-571 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 571 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 30, 2022 Mr. Grassley (for himself and Mr. Luján ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Supporting the goals and ideals of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Awareness Month.
Whereas deep vein thrombosis (referred to in this preamble as DVT ) is a condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in the deep veins of the body, such as in the arm, abdomen, around the brain, and most commonly in the leg; Whereas a potentially life-threatening complication of DVT is pulmonary embolism (referred to in this preamble as PE ), where a blood clot breaks off, travels through the blood stream, and lodges in the lung; Whereas DVT and PE are serious but often preventable medical conditions; Whereas DVT and PE affect as many as 900,000 individuals in the United States each year; Whereas DVT and PE kill an estimated 60,000 to 100,000 individuals in the United States each year, and 1 out of 4 individuals who have a PE die without warning; Whereas DVT and PE deaths are often preventable; Whereas DVT and PE are the leading causes of preventable hospital death in the United States; Whereas DVT and PE are a common complication faced by cancer patients, and survival rates are lower for individuals with cancer who also have blood clots; Whereas pregnancy increases the risk of DVT and PE, and that risk remains elevated for up to 3 months after giving birth; Whereas immobility, surgery, older age, and a family history of clotting and thrombophilia increase the risk of DVT and PE; Whereas DVT and PE contributes to up to $10,000,000,000 in incremental medical costs each year in the United States; and Whereas the establishment of March as Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Awareness Month would raise awareness about this life-threatening but preventable condition: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) supports the goals and ideals of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Awareness Month; and (2) recognizes the importance of raising awareness of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres571ats/xml/BILLS-117sres571ats.xml |
117-sres-572 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 572 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 31, 2022 Mr. Menendez (for himself, Mr. Bennet , Mr. Blumenthal , Mr. Booker , Mr. Brown , Mr. Cardin , Mr. Padilla , Ms. Cortez Masto , Mr. Luján , Ms. Duckworth , Mr. Durbin , Mrs. Feinstein , Mr. Heinrich , Mr. Hickenlooper , Ms. Hirono , Mr. Kelly , Ms. Klobuchar , Mr. Markey , Mrs. Murray , Ms. Rosen , Mr. Sanders , Ms. Smith , Mr. Van Hollen , Ms. Warren , and Mr. Whitehouse ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Honoring the accomplishments and legacy of César Estrada Chávez.
Whereas César Estrada Chávez was born on March 31, 1927, near Yuma, Arizona; Whereas César Estrada Chávez spent his early years on a family farm; Whereas, at the age of 10, César Estrada Chávez joined the thousands of migrant farm workers laboring in fields and vineyards throughout the Southwest after a bank foreclosure resulted in the loss of the family farm; Whereas César Estrada Chávez, after attending more than 30 elementary and middle schools and achieving an eighth grade education, left school to work full time as a farm worker to help support his family; Whereas, at the age of 17, César Estrada Chávez entered the United States Navy and served the United States with distinction for 2 years; Whereas, in 1948, César Estrada Chávez returned from military service to marry Helen Fabela, whom he had met while working in the vineyards of central California; Whereas César Estrada Chávez and Helen Fabela had 8 children; Whereas, as early as 1949, César Estrada Chávez was committed to organizing farm workers to campaign for safe and fair working conditions, reasonable wages, livable housing, and outlawing child labor; Whereas, in 1952, César Estrada Chávez joined the Community Service Organization, a prominent Latino civil rights group, and worked with the organization to coordinate voter registration drives and conduct campaigns against discrimination in East Los Angeles; Whereas César Estrada Chávez served as the national director of the Community Service Organization; Whereas, in 1962, César Estrada Chávez left the Community Service Organization to establish the National Farm Workers Association, which eventually became the United Farm Workers of America; Whereas, under the leadership of César Estrada Chávez, the United Farm Workers of America organized thousands of migrant farm workers to fight for fair wages, health care coverage, pension benefits, livable housing, and respect; Whereas César Estrada Chávez was a strong believer in the principles of nonviolence practiced by Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; Whereas César Estrada Chávez effectively used peaceful tactics that included fasting for 25 days in 1968, 25 days in 1972, and 38 days in 1988 to call attention to the terrible working and living conditions of farm workers in the United States; Whereas, through his commitment to nonviolence, César Estrada Chávez brought dignity and respect to organized farm workers and became an inspiration to, and a resource for, individuals engaged in human rights struggles throughout the world; Whereas the influence of César Estrada Chávez extends far beyond agriculture and provides inspiration for individuals working to better human rights, empower workers, and advance the American Dream, which includes all individuals of the United States; Whereas César Estrada Chávez died on April 23, 1993, at the age of 66 in San Luis, Arizona, only miles from his birthplace; Whereas more than 50,000 individuals attended the funeral services of César Estrada Chávez in Delano, California; Whereas César Estrada Chávez was laid to rest at the headquarters of the United Farm Workers of America, known as Nuestra Señora de La Paz, located in the Tehachapi Mountains in Keene, California; Whereas, since the death of César Estrada Chávez, schools, parks, streets, libraries, and other public facilities, as well as awards and scholarships, have been named in his honor; Whereas more than 10 States and dozens of communities across the United States honor the life and legacy of César Estrada Chávez each year on March 31; Whereas March 31 is recognized as an official State holiday in California, Colorado, and Texas, and there is growing support to designate the birthday of César Estrada Chávez as a national day of service to memorialize his heroism; Whereas, during his lifetime, César Estrada Chávez was a recipient of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Nonviolent Peace Prize; Whereas, on August 8, 1994, César Estrada Chávez was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom; Whereas, on October 8, 2012, President Barack Obama authorized the Secretary of the Interior to establish a César Estrada Chávez National Monument in Keene, California; Whereas President Barack Obama first proclaimed March 31, 2010, to be César Chávez Day and asked all people of the United States to observe March 31 with service, community, and education programs to honor the enduring legacy of César Estrada Chávez; Whereas President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., most recently honored the life and service of César Estrada Chávez by proclaiming March 31, 2021, to be César Chávez Day and by asking all people of the United States to observe March 31 with service, community, and education programs to honor the enduring legacy of César Estrada Chávez; and Whereas the United States should continue the efforts of César Estrada Chávez to ensure equality, justice, and dignity for all people of the United States: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) recognizes the accomplishments and example of César Estrada Chávez, a great hero of the United States; (2) pledges to promote the legacy of César Estrada Chávez; and (3) encourages the people of the United States to commemorate the legacy of César Estrada Chávez and to always remember his great rallying cry: ¡Sí, se puede! , which is Spanish for Yes, we can! . | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres572is/xml/BILLS-117sres572is.xml |
117-sres-573 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 573 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 31, 2022 Mr. Schumer (for himself and Mr. McConnell ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION To authorize testimony and representation in United States v. Robertson, et al.
Whereas, in the case of United States v. Robertson, et al. , Cr. No. 21-34, pending in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, the prosecution has requested the production of testimony from Daniel Schwager, a former employee of the Office of the Secretary of the Senate, and from Nate Russell and Diego Torres, custodians of records in the Senate Recording Studio, a department of the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate; 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, and Nate Russell and Diego Torres, custodians of records in the Senate Recording Studio, are authorized to provide relevant testimony in the case of United States v. Robertson, et al. , except concerning matters for which a privilege should be asserted. 2. The Senate Legal Counsel is authorized to represent Messrs. Schwager, Russell, and Torres, and any current or former officer or employee of their offices, in connection with the production of evidence authorized in section one of this resolution. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres573ats/xml/BILLS-117sres573ats.xml |
117-sres-574 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 574 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 31, 2022 Mr. Casey (for himself and Ms. Baldwin ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Designating May 2, 2022, as Dr. John E. Fryer Day .
Whereas Dr. John E. Fryer practiced psychiatry in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from 1967 to 2003, and was a professor of psychiatry and family and community medicine at Temple University School of Medicine; Whereas, beginning in 1952, the American Psychiatric Association (referred to in this preamble as the APA ) classified homosexuality as a mental disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (referred to in this preamble as the DSM ) and in the revised DSM–II; Whereas, as a result of the classification and resulting therapeutic protocol, homosexuals in the United States were subject to chemical castration, electric shock therapy, mental institutionalization, and lobotomies; Whereas the classification was used to demonize homosexuals and other non-heterosexuals as perverts to be feared and loathed and to buttress homophobic statutes and regulations; Whereas many States would not grant professional licenses to known homosexuals and would revoke licenses from individuals who were later found to be homosexual; Whereas, in 1971, gay rights pioneers Frank Kameny and Barbara Gittings successfully petitioned the APA for a panel on homosexuality at the APA annual meeting; Whereas Kameny and Gittings sought to have a gay psychiatrist on the panel, but no one would risk losing their license and professional standing by admitting publicly to being homosexual; Whereas Dr. Fryer agreed to appear on the panel under the pseudonym of Dr. Henry Anonymous, while in a mask and using a voice modulator; Whereas Dr. Fryer’s testimony on May 2, 1972, at the APA annual meeting was so powerful that the APA undertook studies to determine whether the classification of homosexuality as a mental illness was based on science or prejudice; Whereas, in 1973, after study and review, the members of the APA voted to declassify homosexuality as a mental illness; Whereas, as a result of Dr. John E. Fryer’s courage and articulate presentation as the first psychiatrist in the United States to speak publicly about his homosexuality, the course of civil rights for individuals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (referred to in this preamble as LGBTQ ) was seminally advanced; Whereas, during the human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (referred to in this preamble HIV/AIDS ) crisis, Dr. John Fryer was among the first, if not the first, psychiatrists to provide professional services to individuals with HIV/AIDS and individuals who had lost loved ones to HIV/AIDS; Whereas Dr. John Fryer’s contributions to the LGBTQ community have been adapted into the celebrated theater production entitled 217 Boxes of Dr. Henry Anonymous and the movie CURED ; Whereas the Philadelphia Historical Commission has designated the John. E. Fryer House at 138 West Walnut Lane, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as historic in the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places; Whereas the Philadelphia City Council proclaimed May 2, 2022, as John Fryer Day in the city of Philadelphia to mark the 50th anniversary of his testimony on homosexuality at the 1972 APA annual meeting and to commemorate his momentous and seminal LGBTQ civil rights activism; and Whereas Dr. John Fryer is a civil rights hero and was designated by the Equality Forum as an LGBT History Month Icon in 2016: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) designates May 2, 2022, as Dr. John E. Fryer Day ; and (2) encourages the Federal Government, States, and localities to continue supporting the teaching of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (referred to in this resolution as LGBTQ ) history, including the contributions of Dr. John E. Fryer and other LGBTQ civil rights heroes. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres574is/xml/BILLS-117sres574is.xml |
117-sres-575 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 575 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 4 (legislative day, March 31), 2022 Mr. Leahy submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations RESOLUTION Recognizing April 4, 2022, as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, and reaffirming the leadership of the United States in eliminating landmines and unexploded ordnance.
Whereas landmines and unexploded ordnance threaten the safety, health, and lives of civilian populations and create humanitarian and development challenges that have serious and lasting social, economic, and security consequences for affected populations; Whereas demining and clearance of unexploded ordnance enables displaced people to return to their homes and has a direct impact on development outcomes such as food security, school attendance, and economic development; Whereas people in at least 60 countries and other areas are at risk from mines and unexploded ordnance in their communities; Whereas more than 125,000 deaths and injuries resulting from anti-personnel or anti-vehicle mines and other explosive remnants of war have been recorded in the Landmine Monitor database since 2001, and thousands more individuals around the world are killed and injured by such mines and remnants each year; Whereas, over the past 3 decades, the United States has been the global leader in supporting efforts to clear mine-contaminated areas around the world, dedicating more than $4,000,000,000 for demining and related programs since 1993 and helping to eliminate more than 90,000 tons of ordnance in nearly 40 countries; Whereas, since 1989, the United States Agency for International Development has allocated more than $324,000,000 through the Leahy War Victims Fund in more than 50 countries to provide artificial limbs, wheelchairs, rehabilitation, vocational training, and other assistance to survivors of accidents caused by landmines and unexploded ordnance; Whereas landmines contaminate countries in which the United States Armed Forces have been engaged in combat or stabilization operations, including Iraq, Syria, Kosovo, and Somalia, posing a significant risk to United States military personnel; Whereas the United States Government expressed its support for the Maputo +15 declaration of June 27, 2014, which established the goal to destroy all stockpiled anti-personnel mines and clear all mined areas as soon as possible, and to the fullest extent possible by 2025 ; Whereas there are 164 States Parties to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction, done at Oslo September 18, 1997, although the United States is not yet among them; Whereas the recent use of landmines, cluster bombs, and other munitions, particularly in the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Ukraine, has created new humanitarian priorities and funding requirements for demining, while legacy mine contamination remains an urgent challenge impacting millions of people globally; Whereas additional resources for demining will be needed to achieve a world free of the threat of landmines and other explosive hazards; and Whereas, on December 8, 2005, the United Nations General Assembly declared that April 4th of each year shall be observed as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) reaffirms the commitment of the United States to support international humanitarian efforts to eliminate landmines and unexploded ordnance; (2) recognizes those individuals in numerous countries who, at great risk to their personal safety, work to locate and remove anti-personnel landmines and unexploded ordnance; (3) affirms its support for the goal, as expressed by the Maputo +15 declaration of June 27, 2014, to intensify efforts to clear mined areas to the fullest extent possible by 2025; (4) calls upon the United States Government— (A) to continue providing the funding necessary to support international humanitarian demining activities; (B) to maintain its international leadership role in seeking to rid the world of areas contaminated by landmines and unexploded ordnance; and (C) to rededicate itself to addressing legacy mine contamination as an urgent humanitarian priority; and (5) reaffirms the goals of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres575is/xml/BILLS-117sres575is.xml |
117-sres-576 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 576 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 4 (legislative day, March 31), 2022 Mr. Luján (for himself, Mr. Blumenthal , Mr. Brown , Mr. Heinrich , Mr. King , Ms. Klobuchar , Mr. Markey , Mr. Padilla , Ms. Smith , and Mr. Van Hollen ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions RESOLUTION Supporting the goals and ideals of National Public Health Week.
Whereas the week of April 4, 2022, is designated as National Public Health Week by the American Public Health Association; Whereas the theme for National Public Health Week in 2022 is Public Health is Where You Are ; Whereas the goal of National Public Health Week in 2022 is to recognize the contributions of public health in— (1) improving the health of the people of the United States; and (2) achieving health equity; Whereas, as of the date of introduction of this resolution, the United States and the global community are responding to the COVID–19 pandemic, which requires support for— (1) a robust public health infrastructure and workforce; (2) State, territorial, local, and Tribal health departments, health care workers, public health laboratories, and first responders; (3) diagnostic testing of new and potential COVID–19 cases and activities related to epidemiology and public health data; (4) complying with appropriate social distancing and quarantine recommendations; (5) relieving financial burdens for individuals in the United States hurt by the COVID–19 pandemic, including through public health emergency leave; (6) the Medicaid programs and community health centers of States to ensure care for vulnerable populations; (7) collaboration among the Federal Government, State and local governments, schools, businesses, and employers to support public health measures to decrease community spread of COVID–19; (8) investments in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that support infectious disease outbreak preparedness and critical public health infrastructure for State and local health departments and public health laboratories; (9) a comprehensive effort to ensure a successful COVID–19 vaccination campaign that boosts access to vaccines for vulnerable populations and trust in vaccine safety and effectiveness; and (10) efforts to address racism as a public health crisis and reduce racial and ethnic health disparities related to COVID–19 deaths, vaccine access and testing, and important health outcomes outside of the pandemic such as maternal mortality; Whereas, in 2020, the life expectancy at birth for the population of the United States declined by 1.5 years, which is the largest drop in life expectancy since 1943; Whereas many of the leading causes of death for individuals in the United States result from chronic conditions, which are among the most common, costly, and preventable of all health challenges; Whereas there are significant differences in the health status of individuals living in the healthiest States and those living in the least healthy States, including differences in obesity rates, the prevalence of chronic disease, and the prevalence of infectious disease; Whereas racial and ethnic minority populations in the United States continue to experience disparities in the burden of illness and death, as compared to the entire population of the United States; Whereas violence is a leading cause of premature death, and it is estimated that more than 7 individuals per hour die a violent death in the United States; Whereas deaths from homicides cost the economy of the United States billions of dollars, and the violence of homicides can cause social and emotional distress, community trauma, injury, disability, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder; Whereas more than 47,500 lives were lost due to suicide in 2019, and in May 2020, during the COVID–19 pandemic, emergency department visits for suspected suicide attempts began to increase among adolescents aged 12 to 17 years, especially among girls; Whereas an estimated 1 in 7 children in the United States experience child abuse and neglect, and 1,840 children died of abuse and neglect in 2019; Whereas, despite significant progress in reducing the infant mortality rate in the United States to a historic low of 5.6 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 2019, the infant mortality rate in the United States still greatly varies among States; Whereas women die from pregnancy-related complications in the United States at a higher rate than in many other developed countries, and an estimated 60 percent of maternal deaths in the United States are preventable; Whereas Black mothers experience a maternal mortality rate 3 to 4 times higher than White mothers; Whereas there were an estimated 100,306 drug overdose deaths in the United States during the 12-month period ending in April 2021, the highest level ever recorded during a 12-month period and an increase of 28.5 percent from the 78,056 deaths during the same period the prior year; Whereas cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the United States, accounting for more than 480,000 deaths each year, including more than 41,000 deaths resulting from secondhand smoke; Whereas the percentage of adults in the United States who smoke cigarettes has decreased from 20.9 percent in 2005 to 13.7 percent in 2018; Whereas, in 2020, according to data from the National Youth Tobacco Survey, 19.6 percent of high school students (3,020,000 students) and 4.7 percent of middle school students (550,000 students) reported current e-cigarette use; Whereas data from the National Youth Tobacco Survey showed that in 2020 approximately 40 percent of high school e-cigarette users were using an e-cigarette on 20 or more days of the month, and approximately ¼ of high school e-cigarette users were using e-cigarettes every day, indicating a strong dependence on nicotine among youth; Whereas, in the past 2 decades, heat-related mortality for older individuals has almost doubled, reaching a record high of approximately 19,000 deaths in 2018; Whereas, from 2018 to 2019, the United States spent approximately $13 per person on climate change adaptation in the health sector, far less than what is needed to prevent the growing health impacts of climate change; Whereas, in 2016, fine particulate air pollution led to more than 64,000 premature deaths in the United States, and Black and Hispanic individuals in the United States were disproportionately impacted; Whereas voting helps shape the conditions in which people can be healthy, and good health is consistently positively associated with higher likelihood of voter participation; Whereas public health organizations use National Public Health Week to educate public policymakers and public health professionals on issues that are important to improving the health of the people of the United States; Whereas studies show that small strategic investments in disease prevention can result in significant savings in health care costs; Whereas vaccination is one of the most significant public health achievements in history and has resulted in substantial decreases in— (1) the number of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths associated with vaccine-preventable diseases; and (2) health care costs associated with vaccine-preventable diseases; Whereas each 10-percent increase in local public health spending contributes to— (1) a 6.9-percent decrease in infant deaths; (2) a 3.2-percent decrease in deaths related to cardiovascular disease; (3) a 1.4-percent decrease in deaths due to diabetes; and (4) a 1.1-percent decrease in cancer-related deaths; Whereas public health professionals help communities prevent, prepare for, mitigate, and recover from the impact of a full range of health threats, including— (1) disease outbreaks, such as the COVID–19 pandemic; (2) natural disasters, such as wildfires, flooding, and severe storms; and (3) other disasters, including disasters caused by human activity and public health emergencies; Whereas public health professionals collaborate with partners outside of the health sector, including city planners, transportation officials, education officials, and private sector businesses, recognizing that other sectors can influence health outcomes; Whereas, in communities across the United States, individuals are changing the way they care for their health by avoiding tobacco use, eating healthier, increasing physical activity, and preventing unintentional injuries at home and in the workplace; and Whereas efforts to adequately support public health and the prevention of disease and injury can continue to transform a health system focused on treating illness into a health system focused on preventing disease and injury and promoting wellness: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) supports the goals and ideals of National Public Health Week; (2) recognizes the efforts of public health professionals, the Federal Government, States, Tribes, municipalities, local communities, and individuals in preventing disease and injury; (3) recognizes the role of public health in— (A) preventing and responding to infectious disease outbreaks, such as the COVID–19 pandemic; (B) mitigating short-term and long-term impacts of infectious disease outbreaks on the health and wellness of individuals in the United States; (C) addressing social and other determinants of health, including health disparities experienced by minority populations; and (D) improving the overall health of individuals and communities in the United States; (4) encourages increased efforts and resources— (A) to improve the health of individuals in the United States; and (B) to make the United States, in 1 generation, the healthiest country in the world by— (i) providing greater opportunities to improve community health and prevent disease and injury; and (ii) strengthening the public health system and workforce in the United States; and (5) encourages the people of the United States to learn about the role of the public health system in improving health across the United States. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres576is/xml/BILLS-117sres576is.xml |
117-sres-577 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 577 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 6, 2022 Ms. Stabenow (for herself and Mr. Thune ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Designating April 2022 as Parkinson’s Awareness Month .
Whereas Parkinson’s disease— (1) affects 1,000,000 individuals in the United States; (2) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the world; (3) is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors; and (4) is the 14th leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Whereas it is estimated that, by the year 2037, the number of individuals with Parkinson’s disease in the United States will nearly double, and the disease will cost the United States at least $79,000,000,000 annually; Whereas the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can include dementia and cognitive impairment, tremors, slowness of movement, freezing in place, inability to walk and maintain balance, speech difficulties, depression, losing the ability to swallow, and a variety of other symptoms; Whereas there are millions of family caregivers, friends, and loved ones whose lives are greatly affected by Parkinson’s disease; and Whereas more research, education, and community support services are needed to— (1) find better treatments and a cure for Parkinson's disease; and (2) maintain dignity for those living with the disease today: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) designates April 2022 as Parkinson’s Awareness Month ; (2) supports the goals and ideals of Parkinson’s Awareness Month; (3) continues to support research to find better treatments and a cure for Parkinson’s disease; (4) recognizes the individuals living with Parkinson’s disease who participate in vital clinical trials to advance the knowledge of the disease; and (5) commends the dedication of organizations, volunteers, researchers, and millions of individuals across the country working to improve the quality of life of people living with Parkinson’s disease and their families. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres577is/xml/BILLS-117sres577is.xml |
117-sres-578 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 578 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 6, 2022 Mr. Moran (for himself and Mr. Marshall ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Commending and congratulating the University of Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team for winning the 2022 National Collegiate Athletic Association Basketball National Championship.
Whereas, on Monday, April 4, 2022, the University of Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team (referred to in this preamble as the Jayhawks ) defeated the University of North Carolina Tar Heels by a score of 72 to 69 in the 2022 National Collegiate Athletic Association (referred to in this preamble as the “NCAA”) Basketball National Championship game in New Orleans, Louisiana; Whereas the inventor of the game of basketball, James Naismith, was the first coach of the University of Kansas men's basketball program; Whereas the University of Kansas men's basketball program leads the NCAA in all-time wins; Whereas the 2022 NCAA Basketball National Championship victory by the Jayhawks is the fourth in the history of the University of Kansas men's basketball program, in addition to 2 National Basketball Championship titles awarded to the University of Kansas by the Helms Foundation; Whereas the Jayhawks were Big 12 Conference regular season champions and Big 12 Tournament champions; Whereas the Jayhawks finished the 2022 season with a 34–6 record; Whereas, in the 2022 NCAA Basketball National Championship game, the Jayhawks overcame a 15-point deficit at halftime, the largest deficit a winning team has ever overcome in the National Championship game in NCAA Basketball history; Whereas Ochai Agbaji scored 12 points and was named Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four; Whereas 4 other players scored in the double-digits in the NCAA Basketball National Championship— (1) Christian Braun, a Kansas native, who scored 12 points and had 12 rebounds; (2) David McCormack, who scored 15 points and had 10 rebounds; (3) Jalen Wilson, who scored 15 points and had 4 rebounds; and (4) Remy Martin, who scored 14 points to help the Jayhawks win the NCAA Basketball National Championship; and Whereas Hall of Fame Head Coach Bill Self won his second NCAA Basketball National Championship with the Jayhawks: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) commends the University of Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball team (referred to in this resolution as the Jayhawks ) for winning the 2022 National Collegiate Athletic Association Basketball National Championship; (2) recognizes the players, coaches, and staff of the Jayhawks; and (3) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to— (A) the Chancellor of the University of Kansas, Dr. Douglas Girod; (B) the Athletic Director of the University of Kansas, Travis Goff; and (C) the Head Coach of the Jayhawks, Bill Self. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres578ats/xml/BILLS-117sres578ats.xml |
117-sres-579 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 579 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 6, 2022 Mr. Cruz submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Recognizing the 100th anniversary of Big Bertha, one of the largest bass drums in use by a university in the United States and located at The University of Texas at Austin.
Whereas Big Bertha, one of the largest bass drums in use by a university in the United States, is known as the Sweetheart of the Longhorn Band and an icon of The University of Texas at Austin; Whereas Big Bertha is so large that, following her construction, part of the walls of the factory where she was assembled had to be removed so Big Bertha could leave the factory for shipping; Whereas the year 2022 marks the 100th anniversary since Big Bertha was first put into service on October 28, 1922, in support of the football team for the University of Chicago, which was led by Coach Amos Alonzo Stagg and his assistant Fritz Crisler, both of whom would go on to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame; Whereas, in 1938, Big Bertha made a special trip to Carnegie Hall in New York City to join an orchestra directed by famed Italian conductor Arturo Toscanini for a performance of Verdi’s Requiem, where Big Bertha was the star of the show, used to play a single note; Whereas Big Bertha was a witness to history, having been present at the dawn of the Atomic Age, when, at approximately 3:25 PM on December 2, 1942, Enrico Fermi and his colleagues at the Metallurgical Laboratory at the University of Chicago engineered the first controlled, self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction as part of their work in support of the Manhattan Project; Whereas the nuclear chain reaction occurred on a squash court under the west stands of the former Stagg Field on the University of Chicago campus adjacent to where Big Bertha was in storage, resulting in Big Bertha becoming radioactive; Whereas The University of Texas at Austin purchased Big Bertha from the University of Chicago in 1955, at which time Big Bertha moved to Texas, making her new home in Austin; Whereas Big Bertha now resides in the north end zone concourse of Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, where she has been admired by Longhorn football fans for generations; Whereas, due to her important role supporting The University of Texas at Austin Longhorns football team (referred to in this preamble as the Texas Longhorns ), Big Bertha has an endowment to provide for her care; Whereas, since moving to Austin, Big Bertha has been a witness to football history on multiple occasions, including witnessing the Texas Longhorns win national championships in 1963 and 2005, back-to-back national championships in 1969 and 1970, 19 conference championships, 8 Cotton Bowl Championships, and many other prominent bowl games; Whereas Big Bertha supported the Texas Longhorns during each of Hall of Fame Coach Darrell K. Royal’s 20 years coaching the Texas Longhorns to a record that included 167 wins, 47 losses, and 5 ties; Whereas Big Bertha boomed in support of the winning Heisman Trophy campaigns of Texas Longhorns greats Earl Campbell in 1977 and Ricky Williams in 1998; Whereas Big Bertha’s name was given to her on the 50th anniversary of her move to Austin; Whereas Big Bertha is a television celebrity, having been the focus of a 2015 episode of the Arts and Entertainment Network television show Shipping Wars in which Big Bertha was shipped to London, England, to participate in a New Year’s Day parade; Whereas photogrammetry is the science and technology used to obtain reliable information about the size and dimensions of physical objects; Whereas photogrammetry has been used to measure and compare the size of Big Bertha with other large university bass drums and has scientifically proven that Big Bertha is, in fact, larger than other drums that have been claimed to be the world’s largest ; Whereas Big Bertha and her handlers, the Bertha Crew , are an essential part of United States history and The University of Texas Longhorn Band; and Whereas Big Bertha has been part of many historic performances across Texas, the United States, and the world: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate recognizes— (1) the 100th anniversary of the construction of Big Bertha, one of the largest bass drums in use by a university in the United States; (2) The University of Texas Longhorn Band as an important cultural and historical icon of The University of Texas at Austin and the State of Texas; (3) Big Bertha for her preeminence in band and musical performances, including on the national stage as the star of the show at an historic performance at Carnegie Hall in 1938 and the international stage as part of a New Year’s Day parade in London, England, in 2015; (4) the Bertha Crew and The University of Texas Longhorn Band for their continued legacy of excellence in musical performance and in support of school spirit; and (5) that the ongoing debate between universities in the United States regarding which institution possesses the largest bass drum is reflective of the spirit of competition that has helped the United States reach new heights in academic and scientific achievement and ingenuity for more than a century. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres579ats/xml/BILLS-117sres579ats.xml |
117-sres-580 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 580 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 6, 2022 Mr. Braun (for himself and Mr. Young ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Recognizing the 100th anniversary of the creation of the Purdue All-American Marching Band’s World's Largest Drum.
Whereas the World’s Largest Drum is a significant piece of the All-American Marching Band and an icon of Purdue University; Whereas, in 1921, All-American Marching Band Director Paul Spotts Emrick commissioned the World’s Largest Drum from the Leedy Corporation of Indianapolis; Whereas, in 1921, the World’s Largest Drum was the largest drum in existence and was displayed at the Indiana Statehouse and Indiana State Fair; Whereas it is a Purdue All-American Marching Band tradition to honor national leaders and heroes with the privilege to beat the World’s Largest Drum, with President Harry Truman, Gus Grissom, and Neil Armstrong being among those accepting the invitation; and Whereas the World’s Largest Drum is an essential element of the All-American Marching Band’s performances across Indiana, the United States, and the world: Now, therefore, be it
That it is the sense of the Senate that— (1) the Purdue All-American Marching Band, which is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the construction of the World’s Largest Drum, continues to remain an important cultural and historical icon of Purdue University and the State of Indiana; (2) the World’s Largest Drum deserves recognition for the continued legacies of excellence and discipline exhibited by the World’s Largest Drum crew and the Purdue All-American Marching Band; and (3) continued admiration of the World’s Largest Drum exemplifies the spirit of ingenuity of the people of the United States to push the bounds of engineering and create new products. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres580ats/xml/BILLS-117sres580ats.xml |
117-sres-581 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 581 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 6, 2022 Mr. Grassley submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Supporting the designation of the week of April 24 through April 30, 2022, as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week .
Whereas crime and victimization in the United States have significant, and sometimes life-shattering, impacts on victims, survivors, and communities across the United States; Whereas research suggests that there are several million violent victimizations each year in the United States, yet less than half of all violent crimes are ever reported to police; Whereas crime victims and survivors need and deserve support and access to services to help them cope with the physical, psychological, financial, and other adverse effects of crime; Whereas Congress has recognized the importance of supporting crime victims and survivors through the passage of legislation concerning this important issue, including— (1) the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 ( 34 U.S.C. 20101 et seq. ); (2) the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 ( 34 U.S.C. 12291 et seq. ); (3) the Survivors’ Bill of Rights Act of 2016 ( Public Law 114–236 ; 130 Stat. 966); (4) the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act ( 42 U.S.C. 10401 et seq. ); (5) the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 ( 22 U.S.C. 7101 et seq. ); (6) the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act ( 34 U.S.C. 21701 et seq. ); (7) the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018 ( Public Law 115–299 ; 132 Stat. 4383); (8) the Scott Campbell, Stephanie Roper, Wendy Preston, Louarna Gillis, and Nila Lynn Crime Victims’ Rights Act ( Public Law 108–405 ; 118 Stat. 2261); and (9) the Justice for All Act of 2004 ( Public Law 108–405 ; 118 Stat. 2260); Whereas crime can touch the life of any individual, regardless of the age, race, national origin, religion, or gender of that individual; Whereas a just society acknowledges the impact of crime on individuals, families, schools, and communities by protecting the rights of crime victims and survivors; Whereas crime victims and survivors in the United States, and the families of those victims and survivors, need and deserve support and assistance to help cope with the often devastating consequences of crime; Whereas, since Congress adopted the first resolution designating Crime Victims Week in 1985, communities across the United States have joined Congress and the Department of Justice in commemorating National Crime Victims’ Rights Week to celebrate a shared vision of a comprehensive and collaborative response that identifies and addresses the many needs of crime victims and survivors and the families of those victims and survivors; Whereas the Senate applauds the work of crime victims advocates to ensure that all crime victims and survivors, and the families of those victims and survivors, are— (1) treated with dignity, fairness, and respect; (2) offered support and services, regardless of whether the victims and survivors report crimes committed against them; and (3) recognized as key participants within the criminal, juvenile, Federal, and Tribal justice systems in the United States when the victims and survivors report crimes; and Whereas the Senate recognizes and appreciate the continued importance of— (1) promoting the rights of, and services for, crime victims and survivors; and (2) honoring crime victims and survivors, and the individuals who provide services for those victims and survivors: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) supports the designation of the week of April 24 through April 30, 2022, as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week ; (2) recognizes that crime victims and survivors, and the families of those victims and survivors, should be treated with dignity, fairness, and respect; (3) applauds the work carried out by thousands of victim assistance organizations and agencies that serve crime survivors at the local, State, Federal, and Tribal levels; (4) remains committed to funding programs authorized by the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 ( 34 U.S.C. 20101 et seq. ) and the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 ( 34 U.S.C. 12291 et seq. ), among other Federal programs, which help thousands of public, community-based, and Tribal victim and survivor assistance organizations and agencies that provide essential, and often life-saving, services to millions of crime victims throughout the United States; and (5) encourages the observance of the 41st anniversary of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week with appropriate public awareness, education, and outreach activities. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres581ats/xml/BILLS-117sres581ats.xml |
117-sres-582 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 582 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 6, 2022 Mr. King (for himself, Mr. Daines , Mr. Reed , Mr. Rubio , Ms. Hirono , Mr. Cassidy , Ms. Klobuchar , Mr. Wicker , Mr. Padilla , Mrs. Blackburn , Mr. Luján , Ms. Lummis , Mrs. Feinstein , Mr. Cramer , Mr. Whitehouse , Mr. Burr , Ms. Cortez Masto , Mr. Marshall , Ms. Rosen , Mr. Scott of South Carolina , Mr. Manchin , Mr. Barrasso , Mr. Kaine , Mr. Hoeven , Mr. Warner , Ms. Collins , Ms. Cantwell , Mr. Portman , Mr. Durbin , Mr. Braun , Mr. Wyden , Mr. Tillis , Ms. Baldwin , Mr. Kennedy , Mr. Markey , Mr. Hagerty , Mr. Peters , Mr. Boozman , Mr. Cardin , Mr. Young , Mr. Kelly , Mr. Graham , Ms. Hassan , Mrs. Capito , Ms. Warren , Mr. Rounds , Ms. Duckworth , Mr. Blunt , Mr. Van Hollen , Mr. Scott of Florida , Mr. Merkley , Mr. Cotton , Ms. Smith , Mrs. Shaheen , Mrs. Murray , Mr. Coons , Mr. Carper , Mr. Hickenlooper , Mr. Murphy , Mr. Heinrich , Ms. Stabenow , and Mr. Tester ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating the week of April 16 through April 24, 2022, as National Park Week .
Whereas, on March 1, 1872, Congress established Yellowstone National Park as the first national park for the enjoyment of the people of the United States; Whereas, on August 25, 1916, Congress established the National Park Service with the mission to preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of current and future generations; Whereas, on March 1, 2022, Yellowstone National Park was the first national park within the National Park System to celebrate its sesquicentennial; Whereas the National Park Service continues to protect and manage the majestic landscapes, hallowed battlefields, and iconic cultural and historical sites of the United States; Whereas the units of the National Park System can be found in every State and many territories of the United States and many of those units embody the rich natural and cultural heritage of the United States, reflect a unique national story through people and places, and offer countless opportunities for recreation, volunteerism, cultural exchange, education, civic engagement, and exploration; Whereas visits and visitors to the national parks of the United States are important economic drivers, responsible for contributing $28,600,000,000 in spending to the national economy in 2020; Whereas the dedicated employees of the National Park Service carry out their mission to protect the units of the National Park System so that the vibrant culture, diverse wildlife, and priceless resources of these unique places will endure for perpetuity; and Whereas the people of the United States have inherited the remarkable legacy of the National Park System and are entrusted with the preservation of the National Park System throughout its second century: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) designates the week of April 16 through April 24, 2022, as National Park Week ; and (2) encourages the people of the United States and the world to responsibly visit, experience, recreate in, and support the treasured national parks of the United States. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres582ats/xml/BILLS-117sres582ats.xml |
117-sres-583 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 583 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 6, 2022 Mr. Peters (for himself, Mrs. Fischer , Mr. Wicker , and Ms. Cantwell ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Supporting the goals and ideals of National Safe Digging Month.
Whereas, each year, the underground utility infrastructure of the United States, including pipelines, electric, gas, telecommunications, water, sewer, and cable television lines, is jeopardized by unintentional damage caused by those who fail to have underground utility lines located prior to digging; Whereas some utility lines are buried only a few inches underground, making the lines easy to strike, even during shallow digging projects; Whereas digging prior to having underground utility lines located often results in unintended consequences, such as service interruption, environmental damage, personal injury, and even death; Whereas the month of April marks the beginning of the peak period during which excavation projects are carried out around the United States; Whereas, in 2002, Congress required the Department of Transportation and the Federal Communications Commission to establish a 3-digit, nationwide, toll-free number to be used by State One Call systems to provide information on underground utility lines; Whereas, in 2005, the Federal Communications Commission designated 811 as the nationwide One Call number for homeowners and excavators to use to obtain information on underground utility lines before conducting excavation activities; Whereas the 1,800 members of the Common Ground Alliance, States, One Call centers, and other stakeholders who are dedicated to ensuring public safety, environmental protection, and the integrity of services, promote the national Call Before You Dig campaign to increase public awareness about the importance of homeowners and excavators calling 811 to find out the location of underground utility lines before digging; Whereas the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011 ( Public Law 112–90 ; 125 Stat. 1904) affirmed and expanded the One Call program by eliminating exemptions given to local and State government agencies and their contractors regarding notifying One Call centers before digging; Whereas, according to the Common Ground Alliance’s 2020 Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) Report published in October 2021, there were an estimated 468,000 instances of excavation-related damage to underground facilities in the United States during 2020, and failing to contact 811 in advance of a digging project caused over 30 percent of these damages; Whereas, in 2021, the Common Ground Alliance conducted a survey of active diggers who have completed a project within the past 12 months and found that 74 percent of the more than 1,800 respondents were aware of 811; Whereas the Common Ground Alliance estimated that the societal costs of excavation-related damage to buried utilities were $30,000,000,000 in 2019, including costs for facility repair, property damage, medical bills, and costs to the surrounding businesses affected by the resulting utility outages; and Whereas the Common Ground Alliance has designated April as National Safe Digging Month to increase awareness of safe digging practices across the United States and to celebrate the anniversary of 811, the national Call Before You Dig number: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) supports the goals and ideals of National Safe Digging Month; (2) encourages all homeowners and excavators throughout the United States to call 811 before digging; and (3) encourages all damage prevention stakeholders to help educate homeowners and excavators throughout the United States about the importance of calling 811 before digging. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres583ats/xml/BILLS-117sres583ats.xml |
117-sres-584 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 584 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 7, 2022 Ms. Murkowski (for herself and Mr. Sullivan ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Congratulating Miss Emma Broyles of Alaska for being crowned Miss America 2022.
Whereas Emma Broyles was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, and graduated from Service High School in 2019; Whereas Miss Broyles, an honors student and a biomedical sciences major at Arizona State University, plans to attend medical school and become a dermatologist; Whereas Miss Broyles, who has excelled at a wide range of musical activities from an early age, is pursuing a minor in voice performance; Whereas Miss Broyles applied her exceptional talents in the Miss Alaska 2021 competition; Whereas Miss Broyles was crowned Miss Alaska on June 17, 2021; Whereas Miss Broyles, as Miss Alaska, participated in the 100th Anniversary Miss America Competition (referred to in this preamble as the Competition ) alongside 50 outstanding young women from across the country; Whereas Miss Broyles was inspired by her older brother to choose Building Community through the Special Olympics as the theme of her social impact initiative; Whereas, during the talent segment of the Competition, Miss Broyles sang Let Me Be Your Star from the television show Smash ; Whereas, throughout the Competition, Miss Broyles spoke openly and courageously about her struggles with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and dermatillomania; Whereas Miss Broyles was crowned Miss America 2022 on December 16, 2021; Whereas Miss Broyles is the first Alaskan to be crowned Miss America in the 100-year history of the Competition; Whereas Miss Broyles is the first Korean-American to be crowned Miss America; and Whereas Alaskans take great pride in Miss Broyles’ victory: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) congratulates Miss Emma Broyles of Alaska for being crowned Miss America 2022; (2) celebrates historic achievement of Miss Broyles as the first Alaskan and first Korean-American to be crowned Miss America; and (3) commends Miss Broyles for inspiring young people and serving as a positive role model for millions of individuals in the United States. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres584is/xml/BILLS-117sres584is.xml |
117-sres-585 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 585 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 7, 2022 Mr. Menendez (for himself, Mr. Risch , Mr. Schatz , Mr. Sullivan , Mr. Coons , Mr. Romney , Mr. Booker , Mr. Graham , Mr. Markey , Mr. Cruz , Mr. Kaine , Ms. Murkowski , Mrs. Shaheen , Ms. Ernst , Mr. Van Hollen , Mr. Cardin , Mr. Merkley , Mr. Murphy , and Mr. Durbin ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary April 26, 2022 Committee discharged; considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Honoring the life, achievements, and legacy of the Honorable Madeleine K. Albright.
Whereas, on May 15, 1937, the Honorable Madeleine K. Albright was born in Prague to Josef Korbel, a Czechoslovak diplomat, and his wife Anna; Whereas Albright and her family were forced to flee to Britain in 1939, due to the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia; Whereas Albright and her family returned to Prague after the war, only to be forced to flee again in 1948, due to her father’s opposition to communism; Whereas Albright and her family moved to the United States as refugees seeking political asylum, and Albright became a naturalized United States citizen in 1957; Whereas Albright attended Wellesley College to study political science on a full scholarship and graduated with honors; Whereas Albright earned a certificate in Russian, a Master of Arts degree, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Columbia University while raising 3 children; Whereas, in 1982, Albright was appointed to the position of Research Professor of International Affairs at the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University and to the position of Director of the Women in Foreign Service Program at the university; Whereas, in 1993, President Clinton appointed Albright Ambassador to the United Nations, where she represented the interests of the United States on the world stage and pushed for multilateral cooperation to confront atrocities, playing a vital role in the involvement by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (referred to in this preamble as NATO ) to prevent further atrocities and ethnic cleansing in the former Yugoslavia; Whereas, in 1997, Albright was nominated for the position of Secretary of State and was unanimously confirmed by the Senate, becoming the first woman to serve as Secretary of State; Whereas, during her time as Secretary of State, Albright championed democracy and human rights around the world, galvanized the international community to prevent war crimes in Kosovo through NATO intervention, and advocated for NATO to accept Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic as members of NATO; Whereas, upon returning to private life in 2001, Albright became a best-selling author and successful businessperson, led the boards of a number of organizations, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom; and Whereas, throughout her life, Albright passionately advocated for human rights, including those of women and refugees, while remaining actively involved in civil society: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) honors the life, achievements, and legacy of the Honorable Madeleine K. Albright; (2) commends to future generations Albright’s example as a patriot and public servant in the pursuit of a more peaceful, prosperous, and cooperative world order; and (3) extends its deepest condolences and sympathy to the family and friends of the Honorable Madeleine K. Albright. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres585ats/xml/BILLS-117sres585ats.xml |
117-sres-586 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 586 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 7, 2022 Mr. Carper submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions RESOLUTION Expressing support for the designation of the week of April 4 through April 8, 2022, as National Assistant Principals Week.
Whereas the National Association of Secondary School Principals (referred to in this preamble as NASSP ), the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and the American Federation of School Administrators have designated the week of April 4 through April 8, 2022, as National Assistant Principals Week ; Whereas an assistant principal, as a member of the school administration, interacts with many sectors of the school community, including support staff, instructional staff, students, and parents; Whereas assistant principals are responsible for establishing a positive learning environment and building strong relationships between school and community; Whereas assistant principals play a pivotal role in the instructional leadership of their schools by supervising student instruction, mentoring teachers, recognizing the achievements of staff, encouraging collaboration among staff, ensuring the implementation of best practices, monitoring student achievement and progress, facilitating and modeling data-driven decision making to inform instruction, and guiding the direction of targeted intervention and school improvement; Whereas the day-to-day logistical operations of schools require assistant principals to monitor and address facility needs, attendance, transportation issues, and scheduling challenges, as well as to supervise extra- and co-curricular events; Whereas assistant principals are entrusted with maintaining an inviting, safe, and orderly school environment that supports the growth and achievement of each and every student by nurturing positive peer relationships, recognizing student achievement, mediating conflicts, analyzing behavior patterns, providing interventions, and, when necessary, taking disciplinary actions; Whereas, since its establishment in 2004, the NASSP National Assistant Principal of the Year Program has recognized outstanding middle and high school assistant principals who demonstrate success in leadership, curriculum, and personalization; and Whereas the week of April 4 through April 8, 2022, is an appropriate week to designate as National Assistant Principals Week: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) supports the designation of National Assistant Principals Week; (2) honors the contributions of assistant principals to the success of students in the United States; and (3) encourages the people of the United States to observe National Assistant Principals Week with appropriate ceremonies and activities that promote awareness of the role played by assistant principals in school leadership and ensuring that every child has access to a high-quality education. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres586is/xml/BILLS-117sres586is.xml |
117-sres-587 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 587 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 7, 2022 Mr. Scott of Florida (for himself and Mr. Rubio ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Honoring the memory of Jereima Jeri Bustamante on the fourth anniversary of her passing.
Whereas Jereima Jeri Bustamante (referred to in this preamble as Jeri Bustamante ) lived the American Dream; Whereas, after moving from Panama to the United States with her family, Jeri Bustamante— (1) attended Miami Beach Senior High School; and (2) earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and Media Sciences and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Florida International University; Whereas Jeri Bustamante had a tireless work ethic and a passion for communication and paid for her education by working while enrolled in school; Whereas that tireless work ethic propelled Jeri Bustamante to professional success, beginning with an internship at a Miami television station and culminating in a period of service as press secretary to Governor Rick Scott; Whereas the enthusiasm, compassion, tenacity, and vibrant energy of Jeri Bustamante are greatly missed by her family, friends, and coworkers; Whereas the spirit of Jeri Bustamante lives on through the Jereima Bustamante Memorial Scholarship, which aims to help graduates of Miami Beach Senior High School achieve their goals and pursue the American Dream through a college education; and Whereas April 8, 2022, marks 4 years since the life of Jeri Bustamante was tragically cut short in a fatal boating accident: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) honors the life and memory of Jereima Jeri Bustamante (referred to in this resolution as Jeri Bustamante ); (2) offers heartfelt condolences to the family, loved ones, and friends of Jeri Bustamante; (3) recognizes that living the American Dream remains possible for any individual who, following the example of Jeri Bustamante, works hard to pursue and achieve a goal; and (4) encourages the recipients of the Jereima Bustamante Memorial Scholarship to carry on the legacy of Jeri Bustamante. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres587is/xml/BILLS-117sres587is.xml |
117-sres-588 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 588 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 7, 2022 Mr. Reed (for himself, Mr. Scott of South Carolina , Mr. Durbin , Ms. Lummis , Ms. Ernst , Mr. Casey , Ms. Hassan , Mr. Peters , Mr. Barrasso , Mr. Braun , Mr. Coons , Mr. Marshall , Mr. Van Hollen , Mrs. Murray , Mr. Hagerty , Mr. Risch , Mrs. Blackburn , Mr. Crapo , Mr. Daines , Mr. Boozman , Mr. Cruz , Mr. Rubio , Mr. Tillis , Mr. Warnock , Mrs. Feinstein , Mr. Rounds , Mrs. Capito , Ms. Klobuchar , Ms. Collins , Mr. Wyden , Mr. Warner , Mr. Young , Mr. Cardin , Mr. Luján , Mr. Whitehouse , Ms. Cortez Masto , Mr. Manchin , Mr. Cassidy , Ms. Rosen , and Mr. Scott of Florida ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary April 27, 2022 Committee discharged; considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating April 2022 as Financial Literacy Month .
Whereas, according to the 2020 report entitled Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, economic distress from the COVID–19 pandemic was evident when analyzing the self-assessments of individuals with respect to their financial trajectories over the past year; Whereas, according to the 2019 report entitled How America Banks: Household Use of Banking and Financial Services by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, approximately 5.4 percent of households in the United States are unbanked and, therefore, have limited or no access to savings, lending, and other basic financial services; Whereas, according to the 2021 Consumer Financial Literacy and Preparedness Survey of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling and Wells Fargo— (1) 47 percent of the general population in the United States report having credit card debt; (2) 38 percent of adults in the United States report carrying credit card balances from month-to-month; and (3) 44 percent of the general population in the United States have a budget and keep close track of expenses, such as food, housing, and entertainment; Whereas, according to a report entitled Financial Capability of Adults with Disabilities by the National Disability Institute and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, people with disabilities were more likely to struggle with the key components of financial capability, which are making ends meet, planning ahead, managing financial products, and financial knowledge and decision making, and could benefit from targeted financial education; Whereas, according to the statistical release of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System for the fourth quarter of 2021 entitled Household Debt and Credit — (1) outstanding household debt in the United States has been increasing steadily since 2013 and was $414,000,000,000 higher than at the end of 2019; and (2) outstanding student loan balances have more than doubled in the last decade to approximately $1,560,000,000,000; Whereas, according to the 2022 report entitled Survey of the States: Economic and Personal Finance Education in Our Nation’s Schools , by the Council for Economic Education— (1) only 25 States require students to take an economics course as a high school graduation requirement; and (2) only 23 States require students to take a personal finance course as a high school graduation requirement, either independently or as part of an economics course; Whereas expanding access to the safe, mainstream financial system will provide individuals with less expensive and more secure options for managing finances and building wealth; Whereas quality personal financial education is essential to ensure that individuals are prepared— (1) to make sound money management decisions about credit, debt, insurance, financial transactions, and planning for the future; and (2) to become responsible workers, heads of household, investors, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and citizens; Whereas financial education in schools in the United States is critical to a long-term financial inclusion strategy to reach students who are not able to get sufficient personal finance guidance at home; Whereas, according to the 2021 report entitled Game Changer: The Evaluation of the Jump$tart Financial Foundations for Educators Professional Development Program by the Financial Literacy Group, teacher training regarding financial education improves student outcomes significantly, especially among historically underserved students; Whereas increased financial literacy— (1) empowers individuals to make wise financial decisions; and (2) reduces the confusion caused by an increasingly complex economy; Whereas a greater understanding of, and familiarity with, financial markets and institutions will lead to increased economic activity and growth; and Whereas, in 2003, Congress— (1) determined that coordinating Federal financial literacy efforts and formulating a national strategy is important; and (2) in light of that determination, passed the Financial Literacy and Education Improvement Act ( 20 U.S.C. 9701 et seq. ), establishing the Financial Literacy and Education Commission: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) designates April 2022 as Financial Literacy Month to raise public awareness about— (A) the importance of personal financial education in the United States; and (B) the serious consequences that may result from a lack of understanding about personal finances; and (2) calls on the Federal Government, States, localities, schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and the people of the United States to observe Financial Literacy Month with appropriate programs and activities. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres588ats/xml/BILLS-117sres588ats.xml |
117-sres-589 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 589 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 7, 2022 Mrs. Shaheen (for herself, Ms. Ernst , Ms. Hirono , Mrs. Blackburn , Ms. Hassan , Mrs. Capito , Ms. Klobuchar , Ms. Collins , Ms. Warren , Ms. Murkowski , Ms. Cortez Masto , Ms. Stabenow , Ms. Baldwin , Ms. Smith , Mrs. Feinstein , Ms. Sinema , Ms. Duckworth , Ms. Rosen , Mrs. Gillibrand , Mrs. Murray , Ms. Lummis , Ms. Cantwell , Mrs. Fischer , and Mrs. Hyde-Smith ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations RESOLUTION Recognizing, honoring, and commending the women of Ukraine who have contributed to the fight for freedom and the defense of Ukraine.
Whereas, on February 24, 2022, Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin instigated an unprovoked, unjustified, and unlawful war violating the territorial integrity of the sovereign country of Ukraine; Whereas, in response to this invasion, the people of Ukraine marshaled their will to defend their country and shared belief in a sovereign Ukraine in order to resist the imperialist ambitions of Vladimir Putin; Whereas every Ukrainian man, woman, and child has done their part to defend democracy and freedom in Ukraine; Whereas women have played a key role in defending Ukraine, keeping their families and innocent children safe and responding to the invasion by the Russian Federation; Whereas, in the first 6 weeks of fighting in Ukraine, more than 4,300,000 Ukrainians, of which the majority are women and children, fled the country in response to Putin’s war; Whereas women play a critical role in facilitating the transit of children to safety, including by escorting the children of parents and guardians who cannot leave Ukraine so that such children are able to find safety in neighboring countries; Whereas the women who remain in Ukraine contribute to all aspects of warfighting, including by fighting on the front lines and as part of the territorial defense, delivering supplies and weapons, and preparing cities for assaults by the Russian Federation; Whereas 17 percent of the armed forces of Ukraine are women; Whereas the women of Ukraine have a long history of defending Ukraine and standing up for their rights and freedoms; Whereas, following the 2014 invasion of the sovereign and independent state of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, the women of Ukraine joined the fight to preserve their independence; Whereas, despite significant contributions to the war effort, outdated legislation in Ukraine classifies women as cooks, tailors, and administrative assistants, even while women were fighting and dying on the front lines beside their male counterparts; Whereas women are an integral part of the armed forces of Ukraine and continue to defend their homes and their country; Whereas, on March 9, the armed forces of the Russian Federation deliberately attacked civilian targets in Mariupol, Ukraine, which destroyed a hospital that served as both a maternity ward and a children’s hospital, killing two women and a baby; Whereas, following the devastating attack on the well-known and established hospital, the world watched in horror as pregnant women, mothers carrying newborn babies, and young children fled the rubble of what should have been a safe place; Whereas the women at the hospital should have been celebrating new life and looking toward raising their children in peace and safety, instead, those women are seeking shelter in subways, giving birth in bunkers, and worrying for the safety of their children and the future of Ukraine; Whereas the attack on the maternity ward and children’s hospital in Mariupol was the third such attack on a maternity ward in Ukraine by the Russian Federation since the beginning of the invasion on February 24; Whereas, according to the United Nations, more than 4,300 women have given birth since the start of the war, and 80,000 Ukrainian women are expected to give birth in between April and June of 2022; Whereas all women, in every situation, have the right to a safe birth and access to crucial supplies necessary for the management of pregnancy complications, including oxygen and medical supplies, which are running dangerously low in Ukraine because of the ongoing violence and refusal on the part of the Russian Federation to allow for safe passage for humanitarian purposes; Whereas the unprovoked attack on a civilian building constitutes a war crime under the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, done at Geneva August 12, 1949, (commonly referred to as the Fourth Geneva Convention ) and should be investigated as such a crime; Whereas the Russian Federation has deliberately attacked civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, including schools, hospitals, businesses, apartment buildings, and utility services; Whereas the initial days of the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation have resulted in a disproportionate number of women and children seeking safety outside of Ukraine; Whereas Ukrainian women and girls, like women and girls in all humanitarian emergencies, including women and girls forced to leave their homes in conflict settings, face increased and exacerbated vulnerabilities to— (1) gender-based violence, including rape, child marriage, domestic violence, and sexual exploitation and assault; (2) all forms of human trafficking; (3) disruptions in education and livelihood; (4) lack of access to health care; and (5) food insecurity and malnutrition; Whereas the world has a responsibility to respond with care to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and in neighboring countries to address the specific needs of women and girls; Whereas the United Nations Security Council adopted United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on October 31, 2000, acknowledging the impact of conflict and security decisions on women and calling on all member states to include women at all decision-making levels in national, regional and international institutions and mechanisms for the prevention, management, and resolution of conflict ; Whereas, according to the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (commonly referred to as UN Women ), peace negotiations are more likely to end in a peace agreement when women and women’s groups play a meaningful role in the negotiation process, and according to the International Peace Institute, a peace agreement is 35 percent more likely to last at least 15 years if women participate in the development of the peace agreement; Whereas, in 2016, Ukraine adopted its first National Action Plan for the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, and, on October 28, 2020, Ukraine approved a new National Action Plan for 2021 through 2025 in order to address the impact on women of the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and to ensure gender equality in the security and defense sectors of Ukraine; Whereas representation of women in politics in Ukraine has increased steadily since the first parliament of an independent Ukraine met in 1990; Whereas more than 20 percent of seats in the ninth and current Verkhovna Rada are held by women, the most in Ukrainian history; Whereas women across Ukraine have made political gains in recent years, including in local elections on October 25, 2020, where 38 percent of deputies elected were women; and Whereas women in Ukraine should be involved at all levels and in all aspects of leadership, negotiation, conflict resolution, and peacekeeping in order to ensure the most enduring peace for Ukraine and the region: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) recognizes, honors, and commends the women of Ukraine who have contributed to the fight for freedom and the defense of Ukraine, including women who— (A) are members of the Armed Forces Territorial Defense Forces of Ukraine; (B) are volunteers, organizing and operating humanitarian organizations; (C) are doctors, nurses, paramedics, and support personnel, providing life-saving services across Ukraine; (D) have mobilized to assist the safe transfer of the children and other vulnerable individuals from Ukraine; and (E) are public leaders, politicians, and diplomats; (2) stands with the people of Ukraine in support of their fight for freedom against the Russian Federation; (3) acknowledges the women who have risked their lives to travel through territory controlled by the Russian Federation, break siege tactics surrounding cities, and to ensure the safety of children and the elderly; (4) commends— (A) the bordering countries of Ukraine, including Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, and Moldova, who are accommodating more than 4,300,000 refugees; and (B) the broader European Union for committing to provide support during the growing humanitarian crisis; (5) calls on all countries to ensure that aid provided in support of refugees of and internally displaced persons within Ukraine takes into account the needs of women and the gender-specific risks that women face in seeking safety; (6) acknowledges the important role women must play in resolving the conflict between Ukraine and the Russian Federation as outlined in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (2016) and required by the laws of the United States and regulations of Ukraine; (7) further calls on all countries to promote the meaningful inclusion of women in negotiations and decision-making at all levels, including security decisions; and (8) commits to supporting the women of Ukraine wherever they are as they fight back against tyranny and work for the free and democratic future of Ukraine. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres589is/xml/BILLS-117sres589is.xml |
117-sres-590 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 590 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 7, 2022 Mr. Booker (for himself, Mr. Merkley , Mr. Brown , Mr. Markey , Mr. Durbin , Ms. Duckworth , Mr. Menendez , Mr. Van Hollen , Mr. Peters , Mr. Blumenthal , Ms. Warren , Ms. Klobuchar , Mr. Sanders , Ms. Cortez Masto , Ms. Baldwin , Ms. Stabenow , and Ms. Rosen ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions RESOLUTION Recognizing the designation of the week of April 11 through April 17, 2022, as the fifth annual Black Maternal Health Week to bring national attention to the maternal health crisis in the United States and the importance of reducing maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women and birthing persons.
Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black women in the United States are 3 times more likely than White women to die from pregnancy-related causes; Whereas Black women in the United States suffer from life-threatening pregnancy complications, known as maternal morbidities , twice as often as White women; Whereas maternal mortality rates in the United States are— (1) among the highest of any member country of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development; and (2) increasing rapidly, from 17.4 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2018, to 23.8 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020; Whereas the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among affluent countries, in part because of the disproportionate mortality rate of Black women; Whereas Black women are 49 percent more likely than all other women to deliver prematurely; Whereas the high rates of maternal mortality among Black women span across— (1) income levels; (2) education levels; and (3) socioeconomic status; Whereas structural racism, gender oppression, and the social determinants of health inequities experienced by Black women and birthing persons in the United States significantly contribute to the disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women and birthing persons; Whereas racism and discrimination play a consequential role in maternal health care experiences and outcomes of Black birthing persons; Whereas a fair and wide distribution of resources and birth options, especially with regard to reproductive health care services and maternal health programming, is critical to closing the racial gap in maternal health outcomes; Whereas Black midwives, doulas, perinatal health workers, and community-based organizations provide holistic maternal care but face structural and legal barriers to licensure, reimbursement, and provision of care; Whereas COVID–19, which has disproportionately harmed Black Americans, is associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and maternal and neonatal complications; Whereas the COVID–19 pandemic has further highlighted issues within the broken health care system in the United States and the harm of that system to Black women and birthing persons; Whereas new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has indicated that since the COVID–19 pandemic began, the maternal mortality rate for Black women has increased by 26 percent; Whereas, even as there is growing concern about improving access to mental health services, Black women are least likely to have access to mental health screenings, treatment, and support before, during, and after pregnancy; Whereas Black pregnant and postpartum workers are disproportionately denied reasonable accommodations in the workplace, leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes; Whereas Black pregnant people disproportionately experience surveillance and punishment, including shackling incarcerated people in labor, drug testing mothers and infants without informed consent, separating mothers from their newborns, and criminalizing pregnancy outcomes; Whereas justice-informed, culturally congruent models of care are beneficial to Black women; and Whereas an investment must be made in— (1) maternity care for Black women and birthing persons, including support of care led by the communities most affected by the maternal health crisis in the United States; (2) continuous health insurance coverage to support Black women and birthing persons for the full postpartum period up to at least 1 year after giving birth; and (3) policies that support and promote affordable, comprehensive, and holistic maternal health care that is free from gender and racial discrimination, regardless of incarceration: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate recognizes that— (1) Black women are experiencing high, disproportionate rates of maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States; (2) the alarmingly high rates of maternal mortality among Black women are unacceptable; (3) in order to better mitigate the effects of systemic and structural racism, Congress must work toward ensuring that the Black community has— (A) safe and affordable housing; (B) transportation equity; (C) nutritious food; (D) clean air and water; (E) environments free from toxins; (F) fair treatment within the criminal justice system; (G) safety and freedom from violence; (H) a living wage; (I) equal economic opportunity; (J) a sustained workforce pipeline for diverse perinatal professionals; and (K) comprehensive, high-quality, and affordable health care with access to the full spectrum of reproductive care; (4) in order to improve maternal health outcomes, Congress must fully support and encourage policies grounded in the human rights, reproductive justice, and birth justice frameworks that address Black maternal health inequity; (5) Black women and birthing persons must be active participants in the policy decisions that impact their lives; (6) in order to ensure access to safe and respectful maternal health care for Black birthing persons, Congress must pass the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021 (S. 346; H.R. 959); and (7) Black Maternal Health Week is an opportunity to— (A) deepen the national conversation about Black maternal health in the United States; (B) amplify community-driven policy, research, and care solutions; (C) center the voices of Black mothers, women, families, and stakeholders; (D) provide a national platform for Black-led entities and efforts on maternal health, birth, and reproductive justice; and (E) enhance community organizing on Black maternal health. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres590is/xml/BILLS-117sres590is.xml |
117-sres-591 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 591 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 7, 2022 Mr. Blumenthal submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Expressing support for the designation of April 10, 2022, as Venture Smith Freedom Day .
Whereas, in about 1729, Venture Smith was born free in West Africa and, in 1739, was seized from his home and enslaved in New England; Whereas 257 years ago, in the year 1765, Venture Smith, at the age of 36, purchased his freedom; Whereas Venture Smith went on to free his family from the bondage of slavery; Whereas Venture Smith became a successful landowner, businessman, and author in the United States, generations before Black Americans began to obtain constitutional, legal, social, and economic rights; Whereas, in November 1798, Venture Smith was the first African American to write and publish his own autobiography; Whereas Venture Smith was the first person to write and publish the phrase, My freedom is a privilege which nothing else can equal ; Whereas Venture Smith died a free man on September 19, 1805, in Connecticut; and Whereas April 10 would be an appropriate date to designate as Venture Smith Freedom Day : Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate supports the designation of Venture Smith Freedom Day on April 10, which would recognize the 257th anniversary of Venture Smith purchasing his freedom and going on to become a landowner, businessman, and author in Connecticut. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres591is/xml/BILLS-117sres591is.xml |
117-sres-592 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 592 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 7, 2022 Mr. Casey (for himself and Mr. Cramer ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating April 6, 2022, as National Assistive Technology Awareness Day .
Whereas assistive technology is any item, piece of equipment, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of an individual with a disability or an older adult; Whereas an assistive technology service is any service that directly assists an individual with a disability or an older adult in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device; Whereas, in 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 1 in 4 individuals in the United States, or almost 61,000,000 individuals, has a disability; Whereas, in the 2019–2020 school year, the Department of Education reported that there were more than 7,300,000 children with disabilities; Whereas the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that, among adults 65 years of age and older, 2 in 5 have a disability; Whereas assistive technology enables individuals with disabilities and older adults to be included in their communities and in inclusive classrooms and workplaces; Whereas assistive technology devices and services are necessities, not luxury items, for millions of individuals with disabilities and older adults, without which they would be unable to live in their communities, access education, or obtain, retain, and advance gainful, competitive, and integrated employment; Whereas the availability of assistive technology in the workplace promotes economic self-sufficiency, enhances work participation, and is critical to the employment of individuals with disabilities and older adults; and Whereas State assistive technology programs support a continuum of services that include— (1) the exchange, repair, recycling, and other reutilization of assistive technology devices; (2) device loan programs that provide short-term loans of assistive technology devices to individuals, employers, public agencies, and others; (3) the demonstration of devices to inform decision making; and (4) State financing to help individuals purchase or obtain assistive technology through a variety of initiatives, such as financial loan programs, leasing programs, and other financing alternatives, that give individuals affordable, flexible options to purchase or obtain assistive technology: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) designates April 6, 2022, as “National Assistive Technology Awareness Day”; and (2) commends— (A) assistive technology specialists and program coordinators for their hard work and dedication in serving individuals with disabilities who are in need of finding the proper assistive technology to meet their individual needs; and (B) professional organizations and researchers dedicated to facilitating the access and acquisition of assistive technology for individuals with disabilities and older adults in need of assistive technology devices. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres592ats/xml/BILLS-117sres592ats.xml |
117-sres-593 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 593 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 7, 2022 Mr. Boozman (for himself, Mr. Cotton , Mr. Schumer , Mr. McConnell , Ms. Baldwin , Mr. Barrasso , Mr. Bennet , Mrs. Blackburn , Mr. Blumenthal , Mr. Blunt , Mr. Booker , Mr. Braun , Mr. Brown , Mr. Burr , Ms. Cantwell , Mrs. Capito , Mr. Cardin , Mr. Carper , Mr. Casey , Mr. Cassidy , Ms. Collins , Mr. Coons , Mr. Cornyn , Ms. Cortez Masto , Mr. Cramer , Mr. Crapo , Mr. Cruz , Mr. Daines , Ms. Duckworth , Mr. Durbin , Ms. Ernst , Mrs. Feinstein , Mrs. Fischer , Mrs. Gillibrand , Mr. Graham , Mr. Grassley , Mr. Hagerty , Ms. Hassan , Mr. Hawley , Mr. Heinrich , Mr. Hickenlooper , Ms. Hirono , Mr. Hoeven , Mrs. Hyde-Smith , Mr. Inhofe , Mr. Johnson , Mr. Kaine , Mr. Kelly , Mr. Kennedy , Mr. King , Ms. Klobuchar , Mr. Lankford , Mr. Leahy , Mr. Lee , Mr. Luján , Ms. Lummis , Mr. Manchin , Mr. Markey , Mr. Marshall , Mr. Menendez , Mr. Merkley , Mr. Moran , Ms. Murkowski , Mr. Murphy , Mrs. Murray , Mr. Ossoff , Mr. Padilla , Mr. Paul , Mr. Peters , Mr. Portman , Mr. Reed , Mr. Risch , Mr. Romney , Ms. Rosen , Mr. Rounds , Mr. Rubio , Mr. Sanders , Mr. Sasse , Mr. Schatz , Mr. Scott of Florida , Mr. Scott of South Carolina , Mrs. Shaheen , Mr. Shelby , Ms. Sinema , Ms. Smith , Ms. Stabenow , Mr. Sullivan , Mr. Tester , Mr. Thune , Mr. Tillis , Mr. Toomey , Mr. Tuberville , Mr. Van Hollen , Mr. Warner , Mr. Warnock , Ms. Warren , Mr. Whitehouse , Mr. Wicker , Mr. Wyden , and Mr. Young ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Relating to the death of Kaneaster Hodges, Jr., former United States Senator for the State of Arkansas.
Whereas Kaneaster Hodges, Jr., was born in Newport, Arkansas, attended the public schools of Arkansas, and then attended Princeton University, Southern Methodist University, Boston University, and the University of Arkansas School of Law; Whereas Kaneaster Hodges, Jr., served as a pastor at the Acushnet Wesley Methodist Church and the Long Plain United Methodist Church in Massachusetts in 1963, and served as a chaplain at Rikers Island Correctional Institution in New York City in 1964; Whereas Kaneaster Hodges, Jr., returned to Arkansas in 1964 to attend the University of Arkansas School of Law, where he was named editor-in-chief of the Arkansas Law Review; Whereas Kaneaster Hodges, Jr., joined his father and brother in Newport, Arkansas at the Hodges, Hodges, and Hodges law firm; Whereas Kaneaster Hodges, Jr., served his beloved State of Arkansas as the Newport City Attorney and the Jackson County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney from 1967 to 1974, was appointed as legislative secretary to Governor Pryor in 1975, was instrumental in forming the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission and served as chairman from 1974 to 1975, and served as a member of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission from 1976 to 1977; Whereas Kaneaster Hodges, Jr., was appointed to serve as a United States Senator for the State of Arkansas by Governor Pryor in 1977 for the remainder of the term of the late United States Senator John L. McClellan; Whereas Kaneaster Hodges, Jr., served the State of Arkansas while in the Senate through his work on the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate; Whereas Kaneaster Hodges, Jr., was known by his colleagues in the Senate for his humility, diligence, and cooperation; and Whereas Kaneaster Hodges, Jr., returned to Arkansas at the end of his Senate appointment and continued his career in public service by serving as a trustee of Arkansas College, now Lyon College, as a trustee and past chairman at the University of Arkansas, as a trustee of Arkansas State University Newport Campus, and as president of the Arkansas State University-Newport Charitable Foundation: Now, therefore, be it
That— (1) the Senate— (A) has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Kaneaster Hodges, Jr., former member of the Senate; (B) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate— (i) communicate this resolution to the House of Representatives; and (ii) transmit an enrolled copy thereof to the family of Kaneaster Hodges, Jr.; and (2) when the Senate adjourns today, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the late Kaneaster Hodges, Jr. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres593ats/xml/BILLS-117sres593ats.xml |
117-sres-594 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 594 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 25, 2022 Mr. Hawley (for himself and Mr. Blunt ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Honoring the lives of fallen Missouri police officers and expressing condolences to their families.
Whereas police officers, sheriffs and deputies, and other law enforcement officers serve and protect their communities with honor and sacrifice; Whereas all individuals in law enforcement put their lives on the line while serving and protecting their local communities; Whereas when violent crime increases, law enforcement officers and the communities they serve are directly impacted; Whereas, in the month of March 2022, Missouri experienced violent attacks against police officers, especially in rural areas; Whereas, in a 20-day period, 6 police officers in Missouri were shot in the line of duty, 3 of whom suffered injuries that were fatal; and Whereas these fallen officers include— (1) Corporal Benjamin Lee Cooper of the Joplin Police Department, who passed away in the line of duty on March 8, 2022, after attempting to take a suspect into custody; (2) Police Officer Jake Alexander Reed of the Joplin Police Department, who passed away from injuries sustained in the line of duty on March 11, 2022, after attempting to take a suspect into custody; and (3) Patrolman Lane Anthony Burns of the Bonne Terre Police Department, who passed away in the line of duty on March 17, 2022, after responding to a disturbance: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) expresses deep condolences for the Missouri police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty; (2) recognizes the countless selfless and heroic actions carried out by local law enforcement officers; (3) expresses strong support for police officers and law enforcement officers in rural areas and across the United States that serve and protect their local communities; (4) recognizes the need to ensure that rural law enforcement departments have the proper equipment, training, and resources necessary to protect officers and the individuals in the communities they serve; (5) acknowledges the importance of honoring and remembering fallen police and local law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty; and (6) expresses condolences to the loved ones of each law enforcement officer across the United States who has made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty and whose sacrifice will not be forgotten. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres594is/xml/BILLS-117sres594is.xml |
117-sres-595 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 595 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 26, 2022 Mr. Manchin (for himself, Mr. Wicker , Mr. Casey , Mrs. Capito , Mr. Heinrich , and Mr. Grassley ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating the week of April 18 through April 24, 2022, as National Osteopathic Medicine Week .
Whereas there are more than 134,000 osteopathic physicians and 33,800 osteopathic medical students in the United States; Whereas osteopathic physicians and medical students train at high-caliber schools of osteopathic medicine across the United States, including in rural communities; Whereas osteopathic physicians have made significant contributions to the United States healthcare system since the founding of the field of osteopathic medicine; Whereas osteopathic medicine emphasizes a patient-centered approach to healthcare, and osteopathic physicians play an important role in the United States healthcare system; Whereas osteopathic physicians have been critical in the fight against the coronavirus 2019 pandemic and have worked on the front lines treating patients; Whereas osteopathic physicians practice in all specialty areas and practice settings of medicine; Whereas osteopathic physicians and medical students in the United States are dedicated to improving the health of their communities through efforts to increase education and awareness and by delivering high-quality health services; and Whereas osteopathic physicians currently practice in every State: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) designates the week of April 18 through April 24, 2022, as National Osteopathic Medicine Week ; (2) recognizes the contributions of osteopathic physicians to the United States healthcare system; and (3) celebrates the role that schools of osteopathic medicine play in training the next generation of osteopathic physicians. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres595ats/xml/BILLS-117sres595ats.xml |
117-sres-596 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 596 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 27, 2022 Mr. Schatz (for himself, Mr. Booker , Mr. Blumenthal , Ms. Baldwin , Mr. Wyden , Mr. Padilla , Mr. Markey , Ms. Klobuchar , Mr. Brown , Mr. Casey , and Mrs. Murray ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Designating April 2022 as Preserving and Protecting Local News Month and recognizing the importance and significance of local news.
Whereas the United States was founded on the principle of freedom of the press enshrined in the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which declares that Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press . . . ; Whereas an informed citizenry depends on accurate and unbiased news reporting to inform the judgment of the people; Whereas a robust, diverse, and sustainable local news presence leads to civic engagement and the buttressing of democratic norms and practices; Whereas local news serves as a necessary resource during the COVID–19 pandemic to provide communities with public health information and to inform communities about available services and support from Federal, State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments; Whereas published guidance from the Department of Homeland Security deemed journalists as essential critical infrastructure workers during the COVID–19 pandemic; Whereas the absence of local news outlets and investigative reporting allows local government corruption and corporate malfeasance to go unchecked; Whereas local journalists help combat disinformation by using their community knowledge and connections to debunk fraudulent or misleading content; Whereas local cable franchises routinely provide for public educational and government access channels on their systems, and those channels— (1) offer vital local civic programming that informs communities; (2) provide news and information not often available on other local broadcast channels or cable; (3) supplement local journalism; and (4) at times, are the only source for local news; Whereas the people of the United States trust local news sources by a 2–to–1 margin; Whereas, according to recent research— (1) the United States has lost more than 2,100 local print outlets since 2004; (2) more than 200 counties in the United States have no newspaper at all, creating a news shortage for the 3,200,000 residents of those counties; (3) of the remaining counties in the United States, more than 1/2 , or 1,528, have only 1 newspaper to cover populations ranging from under 1,000 to more than 1,000,000 residents; (4) more than 1/2 of all United States newspapers have changed owners in the past decade, and, in 2018, only 25 companies owned 2/3 of all daily newspapers; (5) of the surviving 6,700 newspapers in the United States, at least 1,000 qualify as ghost newspapers , or newspapers with reporting and photography staffs that are so significantly reduced that they can no longer provide much of the breaking news or public service journalism that once informed readers about vital issues in their communities; and (6) rural counties are among the counties most deeply impacted by the loss of local reporting, as more than 500 of the 2,100 newspapers that have closed or merged since 2004 are in rural counties; Whereas, while overall employment in newspaper, television, radio, and digital newsrooms dropped by roughly 26 percent, or 30,000 jobs, between 2008 and 2020, the plunge in newspaper newsrooms alone was much worse at 57 percent, or 40,000 jobs, in that same time period; Whereas the number of news employees in the radio broadcasting industry dropped by 22 percent between 2004 and 2020; Whereas beat reporting, meaning the day-to-day coverage of a particular field that allows a journalist to develop expertise and cultivate sources, has ceased to be a viable career for would-be journalists due to the decimation of newsroom budgets; Whereas requests submitted under section 552 of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred to as Freedom of Information Act requests ), by local newspapers to local, State, and Federal agencies fell by nearly 50 percent between 2005 and 2010, demonstrating a significant drop in the extent to which local reporters request government records; Whereas newspapers alone lost more than $35,000,000,000 in advertising revenue between 2004 and 2018; Whereas, in the second quarter of 2020, advertising revenue fell by a median of 24 percent for local television companies; Whereas the revenue of all-news radio stations dropped by 24 percent in 2020; Whereas there remains a significant gender disparity in newsroom employment, with women comprising approximately 1/3 of staff who are 30 years of age or older; Whereas women who are local television news anchors and reporters, especially women of color, are often subject to harassment and stalking; Whereas, across the United States, there are more than 200 newspapers published by and for Black readers, and, in recent years, many of those newspapers have seen— (1) significant losses in advertising revenue as small businesses in their communities were forced to close; and (2) circulation declines due to the closures of businesses in their communities; Whereas the number of Black journalists working at daily newspapers dropped by 40 percent between 1997 and 2014, more than for any other demographic group; Whereas the number of print media sources published by and for American Indian readers has shrunk dramatically in recent years, from 700 media outlets in 1998 to only 200 in 2018; Whereas Tribally owned news outlets are often dependent on Tribal governments for funding, but most of those outlets lack the policy structure necessary to fully protect journalistic independence; Whereas a 2018 survey by the Native American Journalists Association found that 83 percent of respondents believed that Native press coverage of Tribal government affairs was sometimes, frequently, or always censored; Whereas there are more than 550 Latino news media outlets in the United States, which rely primarily on a declining advertising revenue base; Whereas the lack of local news impacts communities that speak languages other than English, which are often excluded from national media coverage; Whereas more than 100 local newsrooms have closed during the COVID–19 pandemic; Whereas 8 percent of surveyed local radio stations reported the COVID–19 pandemic ended their local news programs entirely; Whereas 30 percent of local television news stations reported budget cuts and staff reductions because of the COVID–19 pandemic; Whereas PEN America proposed a major reimagining of the local news space in its 2019 call-to-action report, Losing the News: The Decimation of Local Journalism and the Search for Solutions , and called on society and the Federal Government to urgently address the alarming demise of local journalism; and Whereas, half a century ago, Congress perceived that the commercial television industry would not independently provide the educational and public interest broadcasting that was appropriate and necessary for the country, and, informed by an independent report prepared by the Carnegie Commission on Educational Television, created the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which has since ensured that radio and television include public interest educational and reporting programs using annually appropriated funds: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) designates April 2022 as Preserving and Protecting Local News Month ; (2) affirms that local news serves an essential function in the democracy of the United States; (3) recognizes local news as a public good; and (4) acknowledges the valuable contributions of local journalism towards the maintenance of healthy and vibrant communities. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres596is/xml/BILLS-117sres596is.xml |
117-sres-597 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 597 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 27, 2022 Mr. Menendez (for himself, Mr. Padilla , Mr. Heinrich , Mr. Durbin , Mr. Luján , Ms. Cortez Masto , Ms. Rosen , Mr. Booker , Mrs. Feinstein , Mr. Van Hollen , and Mr. Cornyn ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Recognizing the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities National Internship Program on the 30th anniversary of the program and celebrating its legacy of increasing diversity in the Federal Government and the private sector.
Whereas 2022 marks the 30th anniversary of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities National Internship Program (referred to in this preamble as HNIP ); Whereas the HNIP began with 24 interns in the summer of 1992 and has grown to a year-round internship program for Hispanic and underrepresented students, placing over 500 interns every year in multiple Federal agencies; Whereas, in 2020, the Hispanic population accounted for 62,100,000, or 18.7 percent, of the total United States population; Whereas, according to the Annual Report to the President on Hispanic Employment in the Federal Government for Fiscal Year 2018 by the Office of Personnel Management, only 9.1 percent of Federal employees were Hispanic and only 3.3 percent were in Senior Executive Service positions; Whereas the HNIP has been cited in the Hispanic Nine Point Plan by the Office of Personnel Management as a resource to increase the recruitment of Hispanic interns in the Federal Government; and Whereas the HNIP has produced over 14,000 alumni who are now in the Federal Government, State or local government, and private industry: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) recognizes the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities National Internship Program (referred to in this resolving clause as HNIP ) for 30 years of providing internship opportunities to Hispanic and underrepresented students attending Hispanic-serving institutions and other institutions of higher education; (2) congratulates all HNIP alumni who continue to make a difference in the communities of the United States; and (3) encourages the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities to continue to support and inspire future Hispanic and underrepresented leaders. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres597ats/xml/BILLS-117sres597ats.xml |
117-sres-598 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 598 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 27, 2022 Mr. Manchin (for himself and Mrs. Capito ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Congratulating the Glenville State University women's basketball team for winning the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II Women’s Basketball Championship at the Birmingham CrossPlex in Birmingham, Alabama.
Whereas, on March 25, 2022, the Glenville State University Lady Pioneers women’s basketball team (referred to in this preamble as the Glenville State Lady Pioneers ) won the National Collegiate Athletic Association (referred to in this preamble as the NCAA ) Division II Women’s Basketball Championship at the Birmingham CrossPlex in Birmingham, Alabama, which was the first national championship in the history of Glenville State University in any sport and the first NCAA basketball title for a West Virginia school; Whereas the Glenville State Lady Pioneers finished their historic season with a record of 35 wins and 1 loss by securing an 85 to 72 victory over the Western Washington University Vikings in the national championship; Whereas the Glenville State Lady Pioneers and their team motto heart over height have become symbols of pride and success to Glenville State University and the State of West Virginia; Whereas the Glenville State Lady Pioneers defeated their opponents by an average of 25.6 points per game throughout the NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Tournament, becoming just the second team to shutout every opponent in tournament history and breaking the record for points scored in a single NCAA Division II tournament by scoring 525 total points, besting the previous record of 504 points set by California University of Pennsylvania in 2004; Whereas the Glenville State Lady Pioneers overcame a 2-point deficit at halftime to outscore the Western Washington University Vikings by 15 points in the second half, scoring 30 points off of 25 turnovers and taking 23 more shots than the Vikings; Whereas Re’Shawna Stone scored 25 points in 29 minutes and collected 5 steals to lead the team to victory over the Western Washington University Vikings and was recognized as the Most Valuable Player for the 2021–2022 NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Tournament; Whereas Re’Shawna Stone was named to the First Team of the 2021–22 Division II Conference Commissioners Association Women’s Basketball All-Americans and as the Player of the Year for the Mountain East Conference and Atlantic Region, averaging 16.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per game while leading the team in both assists and steals; Whereas Zakiyah Winfield played a pivotal role in the championship game by scoring 23 points, including a buzzer beater in the third quarter of the game, and collecting 7 rebounds, after averaging 19.5 points and 7.3 rebounds in the tournament; Whereas Kim Stephens, Head Coach of the Glenville State Lady Pioneers, was named the 2022 Women’s Basketball Coaches Association NCAA Division II National Coach of the Year and received the Pat Summitt Trophy, which was named after the former University of Tennessee coach and is awarded annually to each of the 6 membership divisions of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association; Whereas Coach Stephens, a native of Parkersburg, West Virginia, graduate of Parkersburg South High School and Glenville State University, and former player and Assistant Coach for the Glenville State Lady Pioneers, has led the team to the NCAA Division II Tournament in all 6 years as Head Coach, finishing the 2021–2022 season with a career record of 158 wins and 21 losses; Whereas, in the history of the Glenville State Lady Pioneers, the team has reached the NCAA Division II Tournament 6 consecutive times and the Elite Eight 3 times; Whereas, on their way to winning the first national championship for the Glenville State Lady Pioneers, the team was one of the most dominant college sports teams in the United States, boasting the top scoring offense in the United States by averaging 96 points per game and 13.5 points more than any other team in Division II during the 2021–2022 season; and Whereas the Glenville State Lady Pioneers should be praised for the historic season of both athletic and academic accomplishments: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) congratulates the Glenville State University Lady Pioneers women’s basketball team for winning the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II Women’s Basketball Championship; (2) recognizes the athletic program at Glenville State University for its achievement in both sports and academics; and (3) respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to— (A) Glenville State University for appropriate display; (B) the President of Glenville State University; and (C) the Head Coach of the Glenville State University Lady Pioneers women’s basketball team. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres598ats/xml/BILLS-117sres598ats.xml |
117-sres-599 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 599 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 27, 2022 Mrs. Murray (for herself, Ms. Ernst , Mr. Menendez , Mr. Tester , Mr. Cardin , Mrs. Capito , Ms. Cantwell , Mrs. Shaheen , Mrs. Feinstein , Mr. Van Hollen , Mr. Durbin , Ms. Smith , Mr. Carper , Mr. Blumenthal , Mr. Murphy , Mr. Booker , Ms. Hassan , Mr. King , Mrs. Hyde-Smith , and Ms. Klobuchar ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Honoring military children during the National Month of the Military Child.
Whereas almost 2,600,000 individuals demonstrate courage and commitment to freedom by serving in the reserves or active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States; Whereas 35.9 percent of active duty members of the Armed Forces have children; Whereas approximately 2,000,000 military children have experienced a parental deployment since September 11, 2001; Whereas no one feels the effect of deployments more than the children of deployed members of the Armed Forces; Whereas approximately 2,300,000 children under the age of 18 live with a veteran who is disabled; Whereas more than 25,000 military children have experienced the death of a military parent since September 11, 2001; Whereas the daily struggles and personal sacrifices of children of members of the Armed Forces are too often unnoticed; Whereas countless children live with a parent who is a member of the Armed Forces and who bears a visible or invisible wound of war; Whereas the children of members of the Armed Forces are a source of pride and honor to the people of the United States, and it is fitting that the United States recognize the contributions and celebrate the spirit of such children; Whereas the National Month of the Military Child, observed in April of each year, recognizes military children for their sacrifices and contributes to demonstrating the unconditional support of the United States for members of the Armed Forces; Whereas, in addition to programs of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to support military families and military children, various programs and campaigns have been established in the private and nonprofit sectors to honor, support, and thank military children by fostering awareness and appreciation for the sacrifices and the challenges that these children face; and Whereas a month-long salute to military children encourages support for the organizations and campaigns established to provide direct support for military children and families: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) joins the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in honoring the children of members of the Armed Forces and recognizes that such children share in the burden of protecting the United States; and (2) urges the people of the United States to join the military community in observing the National Month of the Military Child with appropriate ceremonies and activities that honor, support, and thank military children. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres599ats/xml/BILLS-117sres599ats.xml |
117-sres-600 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 600 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 28, 2022 Ms. Baldwin (for herself, Mr. Casey , Mr. Durbin , Mr. Padilla , Mrs. Feinstein , Mrs. Murray , Mr. Wyden , Mr. Blumenthal , Ms. Hassan , Mr. Hickenlooper , Mr. Luján , Ms. Smith , Mr. Brown , Mr. Cardin , Mrs. Shaheen , and Mr. Van Hollen ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions RESOLUTION Supporting the goals and ideals of Workers’ Memorial Day, honoring workers who have been killed or injured in the workplace, and recognizing the importance of strengthening worker health and safety protections.
Whereas 4,764 workers were killed in the United States due to job-related traumatic injuries in 2020, and 120,000 workers die in the United States each year from job-related diseases; Whereas, each day, in total, an average of 340 workers die from job-related injuries and illnesses in the United States; Whereas, annually, there are more than 3,200,000 occupational injuries in the United States; Whereas tens of thousands of individuals in the United States with workplace-related injuries or illnesses have become permanently disabled; Whereas the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (referred to in this preamble as OSHA ), the primary Federal agency that establishes and enforces workplace health and safety standards— (1) only has sufficient resources to inspect each establishment within the jurisdiction of OSHA once every 236 years; and (2) must receive the resources necessary to adequately protect the health and safety of workers in the United States; Whereas workers continue to face serious risks of injury, illness and death from COVID-19, infectious diseases, heat exposure, and workplace violence; Whereas millions of workers have been infected with COVID-19, and thousands of workers in the United States alone have died from COVID-19; Whereas these injuries, illnesses, and deaths are preventable; and Whereas observing Workers’ Memorial Day— (1) allows the people of the United States to honor and remember victims of workplace-related injuries and disease; and (2) reminds the people of the United States to strive for better safety and health protections for workers: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) supports the goals and ideals of Workers’ Memorial Day to honor and remember workers who have been killed or injured in the workplace; (2) recognizes the importance of strengthening worker health and safety standards to secure the safe workplaces workers deserve; (3) encourages the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Mine Safety and Health Administration, employers, community and worker organizations, professional associations, and academic institutions to support activities increasing awareness of the importance of preventing illness, injury, and death in the workplace; and (4) calls upon the people of the United States to observe Workers' Memorial Day with appropriate ceremonies and respect. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres600is/xml/BILLS-117sres600is.xml |
117-sres-601 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 601 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 28, 2022 Mr. King (for himself, Mr. Risch , Mr. Crapo , Ms. Smith , Mrs. Shaheen , Mr. Manchin , Ms. Collins , and Mr. Wicker ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Celebrating the 150th 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 applications—from traditional timber framing to high-tech mass timber—and 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 29, 2022, marks the 150th anniversary of Arbor Day: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) recognizes April 29, 2022, as National Arbor Day ; (2) celebrates the 150th 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. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres601is/xml/BILLS-117sres601is.xml |
117-sres-602 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 602 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 28, 2022 Ms. Hirono submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions RESOLUTION Expressing support for the designation of April 30, 2022, as National Adult Hepatitis B Vaccination Awareness Day .
Whereas up to 2,400,000 individuals in the United States are chronically infected with hepatitis B, and up to two-thirds of individuals with chronic hepatitis B are unaware of their infection status; Whereas hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver transmitted via infected blood and other body fluids, including through mother-to-child transmission and injection drug use; Whereas hepatitis B is associated with significant disparities among— (1) communities of color, including Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and African immigrants; (2) sexual and gender minority communities; and (3) individuals affected by the opioid crisis; Whereas individuals with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, HIV, hepatitis C, and chronic liver disease, and individuals on hemodialysis are at an increased risk for hepatitis B co-infection; Whereas there is no cure for hepatitis B, and individuals with chronic hepatitis B require lifelong medical care; Whereas chronic hepatitis B represents one of the most common causes of liver cancer; Whereas 1 in every 4 individuals with unmanaged chronic hepatitis B will develop liver cancer, cirrhosis, or liver failure, with liver cancer having a 5-year survival rate of only 18 percent in the United States; Whereas safe and highly effective vaccines to protect against hepatitis B are available; Whereas, in accordance with universal childhood hepatitis B vaccination recommendations in the United States, infants and children have been routinely vaccinated against hepatitis B since the 1990s; Whereas all adults between the ages of 19 and 59 and adults 60 and older with hepatitis B risk factors are recommended to be vaccinated against hepatitis B; Whereas the hepatitis B vaccine, which is 95 percent effective and was the first anticancer vaccine to be developed, is projected to have prevented 310,000,000 cases of hepatitis B worldwide between 1990 and 2020; Whereas only 30 percent of adults in the United States are vaccinated against hepatitis B; Whereas the number of reported acute hepatitis B cases increased by 11 percent in the United States between 2014 and 2018; Whereas, as a result of the opioid epidemic, there have been significant regional increases in acute hepatitis B cases in the United States, including— (1) a 489 percent increase between 2015 and 2016 in Maine; (2) a reported 114 percent increase between 2009 and 2013 in Kentucky, West Virginia, and Tennessee; (3) a reported 78 percent increase in 2017 in southeastern Massachusetts; and (4) a reported 56 percent increase between 2014 and 2016 in North Carolina; Whereas 36 percent of new hepatitis B cases are among individuals who inject drugs; Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hepatitis B is 50 to 100 times more infectious than HIV and 5 to 10 times more infectious than hepatitis C; and Whereas there are significant opportunities, particularly within the setting of the opioid epidemic, to prevent new hepatitis B infections and thereby reduce the incidence of liver cancer and cirrhosis through efforts to— (1) increase adult hepatitis B vaccination; and (2) maintain childhood hepatitis B vaccination: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) supports the designation of April 30, 2022, as National Adult Hepatitis B Vaccination Awareness Day ; (2) recognizes the importance of providing support and encouragement— (A) for all individuals to be tested for hepatitis B; (B) for individuals susceptible to infection to be vaccinated against hepatitis B; and (C) for individuals diagnosed with hepatitis B to be linked to appropriate care; and (3) in order to reduce the number of new hepatitis B infections and hepatitis B-related deaths, encourages a commitment to— (A) increasing adult hepatitis B vaccination rates; (B) maintaining childhood hepatitis B vaccination rates; and (C) promoting provider and community awareness of adult hepatitis B vaccination. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres602is/xml/BILLS-117sres602is.xml |
117-sres-603 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 603 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 28, 2022 Mrs. Feinstein (for herself, Mr. Grassley , Mr. Leahy , Mr. Tillis , Ms. Hassan , Mrs. Blackburn , Ms. Cortez Masto , Mrs. Shaheen , Mr. Padilla , Mr. Blumenthal , Ms. Smith , Mr. Menendez , Mr. Booker , Mr. Durbin , Mr. Heinrich , Mr. Whitehouse , Ms. Klobuchar , Mr. Luján , Mrs. Murray , and Mr. Wyden ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.
Whereas the Senate is committed to the awareness, prevention, and deterrence of sexual violence affecting individuals in the United States; Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (referred to in this preamble as the “CDC”), 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men experience sexual or physical violence and stalking by an intimate partner; Whereas, according to the 2020 Child Maltreatment Report of the Department of Health and Human Services, child protection service agencies throughout the United States substantiated, or found strong evidence to indicate, that 57,963 children under 18 years of age were victims of sexual abuse that year; Whereas, according to the 2015 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men who have experienced a completed or attempted rape experienced it for the first time between the ages of 11 and 17; Whereas sexual violence is a burden for many individuals who serve in the Armed Forces, and the Department of Defense estimates that approximately 20,500 members of the Armed Forces, including approximately 13,000 women and 7,500 men, experienced some form of contact or penetrative sexual assault during 2018; Whereas, due to the unprecedented challenges presented by the COVID–19 pandemic, including mandatory stay-at-home orders, the needs of sexual assault victims have become even more complex and challenging; Whereas sexual assault does not discriminate on any basis and can affect any individual in the United States; Whereas sexual violence may take many forms, including— (1) acquaintance, stranger, spousal, and gang rape; (2) incest; (3) child sexual abuse; (4) elder sexual abuse; (5) sexual abuse and exploitation of underserved communities; (6) commercial sex trafficking; (7) sexual harassment; and (8) stalking; Whereas studies have suggested that survivors of color face unique challenges, and more should be done to better understand the impact of sexual violence on communities of color; Whereas studies have suggested that the rate at which American Indians and Alaska Natives experience sexual violence is significantly higher than for other populations in the United States; Whereas, according to the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, in addition to the immediate physical and emotional costs, sexual assault has numerous adverse consequences, which can include post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, major depression, homelessness, eating disorders, and suicide; Whereas, according to a 2019 CDC survey, the average cost of rape is $122,461 for each victim over the victim's lifetime, totaling a $3,100,000,000,000 economic burden for survivors of rape in the United States; Whereas, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey, an average of only 23 percent of rapes or sexual assaults in the United States were reported to law enforcement agencies between 2019 and 2020; Whereas many sexual assaults are not reported to law enforcement agencies, and many States have restrictive criminal statutes of limitations, which enable many perpetrators to evade punishment for their crimes; Whereas advances in deoxyribonucleic acid (commonly known as “DNA”) technology have enabled law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute the perpetrators in tens of thousands of previously unsolved sexual assault cases; Whereas incarceration of sexual assault perpetrators can prevent perpetrators from committing additional crimes; Whereas, according to a March 2021 survey by the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, 45 percent of rape crisis centers lack a therapist on staff, and 76 percent of programs had an increased demand for services in the past year; Whereas national, State, territorial, and Tribal coalitions, community-based rape crisis centers, culturally-specific sexual assault organizations, and other organizations across the United States are committed to— (1) eliminating sexual violence through prevention and education; and (2) increasing public awareness of sexual violence and the prevalence of sexual violence; Whereas thousands of volunteers and staff at rape crisis centers, State coalitions against sexual assault, culturally specific sexual assault organizations, and nonprofit organizations across the United States play an important role in making crisis hotlines and other services available to survivors of sexual assault; Whereas important partnerships have been formed among criminal and juvenile justice agencies, health professionals, public health workers, educators, first responders, and victim service providers; Whereas free, confidential help is available to all victims and survivors of sexual assault through— (1) the victim service programs of the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (commonly known and referred to in this preamble as RAINN ), including the National Sexual Assault Hotline— (A) by telephone at 800–656–HOPE; and (B) online at https://hotline.rainn.org; and (2) more than 1,500 sexual assault service providers across the United States; Whereas the victim service programs of RAINN, including the National Sexual Assault Hotline, help more than 300,000 survivors and their loved ones each year; Whereas the Department of Defense provides the Safe Helpline, Safe HelpRoom, and Safe Helpline mobile application, each of which provide support and help to members of the Department of Defense community— (1) by telephone at 877–995–5247; and (2) online at https://SafeHelpline.org; Whereas individual and collective efforts reflect the dream of the people of the United States— (1) for individuals and organizations to actively work to prevent all forms of sexual violence; and (2) for no victim of sexual assault to be unserved or feel that there is no path to justice; and Whereas April 2022 is recognized as “National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month”: Now, therefore, be it
That— (1) it is the sense of the Senate that— (A) National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month provides a special opportunity to— (i) educate the people of the United States about sexual violence; and (ii) encourage— (I) the prevention of sexual assault; (II) improvement in the treatment of survivors of sexual assault; and (III) the prosecution of perpetrators of sexual assault; (B) it is appropriate to properly acknowledge survivors of sexual assault and to commend the volunteers and professionals who assist those survivors in their efforts to heal; (C) national and community organizations and private sector supporters should be recognized and applauded for their work in— (i) promoting awareness about sexual assault; (ii) providing information and treatment to survivors of sexual assault; and (iii) increasing the number of successful prosecutions of perpetrators of sexual assault; and (D) public safety, law enforcement, and health professionals should be recognized and applauded for their hard work and innovative strategies to ensure perpetrators of sexual assault are held accountable; and (2) the Senate supports the goals and ideals of National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres603ats/xml/BILLS-117sres603ats.xml |
117-sres-604 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 604 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 28, 2022 Ms. Hassan (for herself, Mr. Cornyn , Mr. Casey , Ms. Collins , Ms. Ernst , Mr. Kaine , and Ms. Smith ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions RESOLUTION Supporting the designation of the week of April 25 through April 29, 2022, 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 25 through April 29, 2022, 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. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres604is/xml/BILLS-117sres604is.xml |
117-sres-605 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 605 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 28, 2022 Mr. Portman (for himself and Ms. Klobuchar ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Designating April 2022 as Second Chance Month .
Whereas every individual is endowed with human dignity and value; Whereas redemption and second chances are values of the United States; Whereas millions of citizens of the United States have a criminal record; Whereas hundreds of thousands of individuals return to their communities from Federal and State prisons every year; Whereas many individuals returning from Federal and State prisons have paid their debt for committing crimes but still face significant legal and societal barriers (referred to in this preamble as collateral consequences ); Whereas collateral consequences for an individual returning from a Federal or State prison are often mandatory and take effect automatically, regardless of— (1) whether there is a nexus between the crime and public safety; (2) the seriousness of the crime; (3) the time that has passed since the individual committed the crime; or (4) the efforts of the individual to make amends or earn back the trust of the public; Whereas, for individuals returning to their communities from Federal and State prisons, gaining meaningful employment is one of the most significant predictors of successful reentry and has been shown to reduce future criminal activity; Whereas many individuals who have been incarcerated struggle to find employment and access capital to start a small business because of collateral consequences, which are often not directly related to the offenses the individuals committed or any proven public safety benefit; Whereas many States have laws that prohibit an individual with a criminal record from working in certain industries or obtaining professional licenses; Whereas, in addition to employment, education has been shown to be a significant predictor of successful reentry for individuals returning from Federal and State prisons; Whereas an individual with a criminal record often has a lower level of educational attainment than the general population and has significant difficulty acquiring admission to, and funding for, educational programs; Whereas an individual who has been convicted of certain crimes is often barred from receiving the financial aid necessary to acquire additional skills and knowledge; Whereas an individual with a criminal record— (1) faces collateral consequences in securing a place to live; and (2) is often barred from seeking access to public housing; Whereas collateral consequences prevent millions of individuals in the United States from contributing fully to their families and communities; Whereas collateral consequences can contribute to recidivism, which increases crime and victimization and decreases public safety; Whereas collateral consequences have particularly impacted underserved communities of color and community rates of employment, housing stability, and recidivism; Whereas the inability to find gainful employment and other collateral consequences inhibit the economic mobility of an individual with a criminal record, which can negatively impact the well-being of the children and family of the individual for generations; Whereas the bipartisan First Step Act of 2018 ( Public Law 115–391 ; 132 Stat. 5194) was signed into law on December 21, 2018, to increase opportunities for individuals incarcerated in Federal prisons to participate in meaningful recidivism reduction programs and prepare for their second chances; Whereas the programs authorized by the Second Chance Act of 2007 ( Public Law 110–199 ; 122 Stat. 657)— (1) have provided reentry services to more than 164,000 individuals in 49 States and the District of Columbia since the date of enactment of the Act; and (2) were reauthorized by the First Step Act of 2018 ( Public Law 115–391 ; 132 Stat. 5194); Whereas the anniversary of the death of Charles Colson, who used his second chance following his incarceration for a Watergate-related crime to found Prison Fellowship, the largest program in the United States that provides outreach to prisoners, former prisoners, and their families, falls on April 21; and Whereas the designation of April as Second Chance Month may contribute to— (1) increased public awareness about— (A) the impact of collateral consequences; and (B) the need for closure for individuals with a criminal record who have paid their debt; and (2) opportunities for individuals, employers, congregations, and communities to extend second chances to those individuals: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) designates April 2022 as Second Chance Month ; (2) honors the work of communities, governmental institutions, nonprofit organizations, congregations, employers, and individuals to remove unnecessary legal and societal barriers that prevent individuals with criminal records from becoming productive members of society; and (3) calls upon the people of the United States to observe Second Chance Month through actions and programs that— (A) promote awareness of those unnecessary legal and social barriers; and (B) provide closure for individuals with a criminal record who have paid their debt. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres605is/xml/BILLS-117sres605is.xml |
117-sres-606 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 606 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 2, 2022 Mr. Cassidy (for himself and Mr. King ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration RESOLUTION Supporting the goals and ideals of National High School Seniors Voter Registration Day .
Whereas in order for the Federal Government to remain of the people, by the people, and for the people, individuals must take advantage of their right to vote; Whereas the right to vote is one of the most important rights of a citizen, and every effort should be made to promote voter registration at school so that students may begin participating in the foundation of the representative democracy of the United States; Whereas the legislature of Louisiana voted in 2002 to annually recognize the first Tuesday in May as Louisiana High School Seniors Voter Registration Day; and Whereas the purpose of National High School Seniors Voter Registration Day is to allow students to register to vote at school to encourage their participation in making democracy work: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) recognizes the first Tuesday in May as National High School Seniors Voter Registration Day ; and (2) encourages school districts to— (A) register high school seniors of voting age on the first Tuesday in May; and (B) encourage students to make a lifelong commitment to civic participation in all areas of society by educating them on the importance of voting. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres606is/xml/BILLS-117sres606is.xml |
117-sres-607 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 607 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 2, 2022 Mr. King (for himself and Mr. Cornyn ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions RESOLUTION Supporting the designation of the week of May 1, 2022, as Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week and May 5, 2022, as Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day .
Whereas children in the United States were already experiencing a public health crisis of mental and behavioral health before the additional challenges of the COVID–19 pandemic; Whereas a 2013 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that mental disorders affect between 13 and 20 percent of children each year and cost $247,000,000,000 annually; Whereas the National Institute of Mental Health estimates that nearly ½ of adolescents (49.5 percent of the population aged 13 to 18) will experience a mental disorder; Whereas, in 2019, according to the Census Bureau, over 11 percent of children aged 3 to 17 received treatment or counseling from a mental health professional; Whereas suicide is the third leading cause of death for youth aged 10 to 24, and 90 percent of youth suicide deaths involve an underlying mental illness; Whereas, during the COVID–19 pandemic, increased isolation and collective trauma has led to an increase in demand for mental health services for children; Whereas, compared with 2019, the proportion of visits of children to emergency rooms for concerns relating to mental health increased between approximately 24 and 31 percent; Whereas the COVID–19 pandemic has laid bare the inequities in the mental health delivery system for all populations in the United States, specifically impacting children and adults who have been exposed to adverse childhood experiences; and Whereas the stigma surrounding mental and behavioral health persists, and acknowledging this public health crisis and creating awareness as early as possible is as important as ever: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) recognizes the importance of connecting children with appropriate mental and behavioral health services and supports; (2) seeks to create awareness for the additional challenges children and their families have faced during the COVID–19 pandemic due to isolation from family and peers, barriers to services, and exposure to traumas; (3) supports programs and services aimed at expanding access to care, building resiliency, and addressing trauma; and (4) shows appreciation and gratitude for family members, friends, educators, mental and behavioral health service providers, and others in their support for the mental health and well-being of children. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres607is/xml/BILLS-117sres607is.xml |
117-sres-608 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 608 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 2, 2022 Mr. Merkley (for himself, Mr. Murphy , Ms. Warren , Mr. Booker , Mr. Van Hollen , and Mr. Blumenthal ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of Congress about the need to stop excessive price increases by oil and gas companies and the importance of rapidly transitioning to a clean energy economy.
Whereas the war in Ukraine has once again highlighted that the dependence of the United States and our allies on fossil fuels threatens the national security of the United States and our allies; Whereas, according to Pulitzer Prize-winning author Daniel Yergin, clean energy first emerged in the 1970s for energy security purposes; Whereas authoritarian regimes across the world are using fossil fuel revenue to support their regimes and to undermine freedom; Whereas, according to Dr. Jeff Colgan, countries that rely on oil and gas revenue are more likely to instigate military conflict; Whereas the Russian Federation's Ministry of Finance has reported that 40 percent of the Russian Federation's budget is derived from oil and gas production; Whereas Americans are suffering from high gasoline and energy prices that, according to the Energy Information Administration, have been exacerbated by the war in Ukraine; Whereas oil and gas companies are profiteering off of Russia's war in Ukraine by inflating gas prices at the expense of their consumers; Whereas oil and gas companies were reporting record profits even before raising gasoline prices in the wake of the war in Ukraine; Whereas the Energy Information Administration has reported that gasoline prices have remained high even after the price of oil has dropped; Whereas the biggest oil and gas companies have indicated that much of their record profits will be diverted to executives and shareholders; Whereas the Department of Defense has found that increasing temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and more frequent, intense, and unpredictable extreme weather conditions caused by climate change are exacerbating existing risks and creating new security challenges for United States interests; and Whereas energy efficiency and renewable energy from domestic manufacturers can come online more quickly and reliably than oil and gas production, which will ensure United States energy independence and help us maintain a safe and healthy climate: Now, therefore, be it
That it is the sense of the Senate that— (1) Congress and the Biden Administration must— (A) stop price gouging and excessive price increases by oil and gas companies; and (B) help consumers and small businesses that are being harmed by rising energy prices; and (2) the United States must transition to a clean energy economy as quickly as possible to protect our national security. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres608is/xml/BILLS-117sres608is.xml |
117-sres-609 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 609 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 3, 2022 Mr. Menendez (for himself, Mr. Rubio , Mr. Kaine , Mr. Tillis , Mr. Cardin , Mr. Moran , Mr. Coons , Mr. Cornyn , Mr. Merkley , and Mr. Van Hollen ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations RESOLUTION Recognizing widening threats to press freedom and free expression around the world, and reaffirming the vital role that a free and independent press plays in combating the growing threat of authoritarianism, countering misinformation and disinformation, documenting human rights abuses, informing local and international audiences about public health crises, and furthering discourse and debate to advance healthy democracies, in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2022.
Whereas Thomas Jefferson, who championed the necessity of a free press for a thriving democratic society, wisely declared, Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost. ; Whereas Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in Paris on December 10, 1948, states, “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.”; Whereas in 1993, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the third day of May of each year to be “World Press Freedom Day”— (1) to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom; (2) to evaluate press freedom around the world; (3) to defend the media against attacks on its independence; and (4) to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives while working in their profession; Whereas the Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act of 2009 ( Public Law 111–166 ) expanded the examination of the freedom of the press around the world in the annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices published by the Department of State; Whereas, on December 18, 2013, and December 18, 2019, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 68/163 and Resolution 74/157, respectively, on the safety of journalists and the problem of impunity by unequivocally condemning all attacks on, and violence against, journalists and media workers, including torture, extrajudicial killing, enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention, and intimidation and harassment in conflict and non-conflict situations; Whereas the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and various State constitutions protect freedom of the press in the United States; Whereas the United States Government has used the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (subtitle F of title XII of Public Law 114–328 ) to place targeted visa and economic sanctions on individuals, including for their roles in the targeted killings of journalists; Whereas, in an effort to combat attacks against journalists, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken in February 2021 announced the Khashoggi Ban, a new policy allowing the Department of State to impose visa restrictions on individuals who, acting on behalf of a foreign government, are believed to have been directly engaged in serious, extraterritorial counter-dissident activities, including activities that suppress, harass, surveil, threaten, or harm journalists, activists, or other persons perceived to be dissidents for their work; Whereas the 2021 World Press Freedom Index, compiled by Reporters Without Borders, warns that the COVID–19 pandemic illustrates the negative factors threatening the right to reliable information and amplifies the many crises that threaten media freedom and pluralism; Whereas the Freedom in the World 2022 report, published by Freedom House, marked the 16th consecutive year of decline in global freedom, with some 38 percent of the global population liv[ing] in Not Free countries, the highest proportion since 1997 , and the organization’s Freedom on the Net 2021 report identified 11 consecutive years of decline in internet freedom; Whereas worsening media freedom has been one of the key drivers of these global declines, including attacks and prosecutions against journalists, pressure on media outlets, repressive regulatory and legal frameworks, internet shutdowns, and blocks on online sources of information; Whereas, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists— (1) at least 27 journalists were killed in 2021, 21 of whom were singled out in retaliation for their work; (2) India and Mexico had the most retaliatory killings in 2021; (3) at least 293 journalists were imprisoned in relation to their work on December 1, 2021, marking the sixth consecutive year that at least 250 journalists were imprisoned globally; (4) China, Myanmar, Egypt, Vietnam, Belarus, and Turkey were responsible for nearly 50 percent of all jailed journalists worldwide; and (5) journalists around the world have been targeted by sophisticated spyware products that pose a severe risk to their safety and the safety of their sources; Whereas the Freedom to Write Index 2021, published by PEN America, noted that at least 277 writers and public intellectuals, including columnists and editorial journalists, were jailed across 36 different countries during 2021; Whereas, according to Reporters Without Borders, 362 journalists, 93 citizen journalists, and 20 media assistants were imprisoned as of April 22, 2022; Whereas since the start of Russia's full-scale offensive against Ukraine, Reporters Without Borders has documented attacks directly targeting journalists wearing a Press armband including— (1) the killing of 7 journalists; (2) the torture by electric shock, beatings, and mock executions of journalists working for the international press; and (3) the targeted kidnappings of journalists and their families in occupied regions of Ukraine to put pressure on their reporting; Whereas in the Ukrainian territory of Crimea, Ukrainian journalists and bloggers have repeatedly been threatened, arbitrarily arrested, and tortured for resisting Russian occupation, such as the detention of Crimean journalist Vladyslav Yesipenko and Crimean Tatar journalists Osman Arifmemetov, Rustem Sheikhaliev, and Remzi Bekirov; Whereas media workers face heightened dangers in Russia, leading up to and following draconian censorship laws passed in the wake of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine have intensified already wide spread harassment, repression, and government-driven retaliation, including in the cases of— (1) Sergey Mikhaylov, publisher of independent newspaper Listok, who was arrested for spreading fakes about the Russian military; (2) Mikhail Afanasyev, editor-in-chief of the online magazine Novy Fokus, who was charged with spreading false information about the Russian military; (3) Natalya Tyshkevich, Vladimir Metelkin, Alla Gutnikova, and Armen Aramyan, the editors of student magazine DOXA, who were detained after refusing to take down a video informing Russian youth of their right to protest in support of Navalny; and (4) Novaya Gazeta, a landmark independent newspaper, which ceased publication in Russia after receiving ominous warnings from Russia’s media regulator under its foreign agents law; Whereas the Government of the People's Republic of China, which according to Reporters Without Borders is currently detaining at least 127 journalists and forced 18 foreign correspondents to leave the country in 2020, has unleashed an onslaught of attacks on press freedom in China and Hong Kong, including through— (1) state-sponsored censorship and disinformation campaigns limiting access to information about the novel coronavirus, including through its censorship of virus-related keywords on social media platforms; (2) attacks on press freedom in Hong Kong, including the passage of the National Security Law, which poses an existential threat to the city’s tradition of press freedom, and the arrest and subsequent conviction of Jimmy Lai, owner of Hong Kong’s largest media outlet, Apple Daily, and an outspoken democracy advocate; (3) arrests or other repressive actions against independent journalists and others in mainland China attempting to share uncensored news or opinion about the COVID–19 outbreak, including the detention of citizen journalist Chen Qiushi, who disappeared without explanation for longer than 600 days; (4) the detention of journalists critical of the Government of China, including Chen Jieren, who remains in prison after being sentenced to 15 years in 2020, following 2 years of incommunicado detention, after blogging about allegations of corrupt local officials; and (5) the 2017 disappearance of Uyghur journalist and poet Qurban Mamut following a visit to the United States to visit his son, and his subsequent detention and 15-year prison sentence for alleged political crimes ; Whereas Afghanistan under the Taliban remains one of the most repressive countries for journalists, with journalists subject to arrest, beatings and arbitrary restrictions on their work; Whereas Belarus has witnessed sweeping attacks against the press since Alexander Lukashenka’s fraudulent election in August 2020, with journalists and media workers harassed, assaulted, imprisoned, or otherwise retaliated against for their work, including— (1) Raman Pratasevich, a journalist in exile whose plane from Greece to Lithuania was illegally diverted by Belarusian authorities and forced to land in Minsk, allowing Pratasevich and his girlfriend Sofia Sapega to be arrested; (2) Andrey Kuznechyk, a journalist who, while working for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, was detained in November 2021 and is facing unspecified charges; (3) Katsiaryna Andreyeva and Daria Chultsova, journalists sentenced to 2 years in prison (on charges of violating public order) for filming live coverage of the violent dispersal of a protest against President Lukashenka; (4) 15 journalists and other employees of leading independent media outlet Tut.By, including respected chief editor, Maryna Zolotava, were arrested in May 2021, and most of them remain in custody on charges of tax evasion; (5) Ihar Losik, a blogger who is also affiliated with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, was sentenced to 15 years in prison in December 2021 for allegedly violating public order; and (6) Aleh Hruzdzilovich, a Narodnaya Volya and former Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty correspondent who was sentenced in March 2022 to 1 1/2 years in prison for allegedly participating in protests; Whereas Reporters Without Borders asserts that press freedom in [Burma] has been set back ten years in ten days after the February 2021 military coup, since— (1) media workers were forced into hiding and confronted censorship, harassment, internet blocks, beatings, interrogations, threats, and injuries at the hands of the military; (2) multiple independent media outlets had to cease operations or close altogether or had their licenses revoked by the military; and (3) journalists were detained at alarming rates, with 26 journalists in prison at the end of 2021; Whereas Cuba remains a highly restricted environment for independent media, marked by internet restrictions and constant harassment of journalists and news outlets, including— (1) Luz Escobar, a journalist who was repeatedly barred by security forces from leaving her home; (2) new regulations imposed in August 2021 that criminalize the online dissemination of false or offensive information; and (3) the detention of at least 7 journalists during the July 2021 anti-government protests; Whereas Egypt’s restrictions on the media have accelerated under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi since 2013, with at least 25 journalists imprisoned during 2021, including— (1) Alaa Abd El Fattah, a blogger, who was sentenced to 5 years in prison for broadcasting false news after having already endured torture and a hunger strike during his time in jail; (2) Ismail Alexandrani, an Egyptian freelance journalist, who was detained in November 2015 and later sentenced to 10 years in prison by a military court for his counterterrorism research in the North Sinai; (3) Hisham Abdel Aziz, an Al Jazeera journalist who is on the verge of losing his eyesight following untreated glaucoma while in prison; and (4) Mahmoud Abou Zeid, who was released after 5 years in prison, but remains subject to a 5-year probation term that requires his continuous presence at a police station between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. every night; Whereas assaults on press freedom in El Salvador imperil its fragile democracy and include both verbal attacks on journalists by political leaders and the use of state power to intimidate independent media, such as— (1) the ongoing criminal investigation against outlet El Faro, which was launched after it reported damaging information about the administration; (2) the online attacks and threats to journalists from the outlet Revista Factum, which has been banned from press conferences at the presidential residence; and (3) the adoption of a new law that imposes prison sentences ranging from 10 to 15 years for certain reporting on criminal groups, such as gangs; Whereas, according to Reporters Without Borders and Freedom House, Indian authorities have recently imposed internet and communication blackouts, detained and charged journalists covering political demonstrations, and called for the temporary blockage of journalists and media accounts on Twitter; (1) Gautam Navlakha, a journalist and activist, who has been awaiting trial since April 2020 on charges of instigating caste violence , has been denied bail on medical grounds multiple times, and is currently detained in solitary confinement; and (2) Anand Teltumbde, a columnist and writer, who has been detained since April 2020, charged with illegally associating with a Maoist group, and has been denied bail 3 times despite a serious medical condition and overcrowded jails during the COVID–19 pandemic; Whereas Iran remains the fourth-highest jailer of writers and public intellectuals worldwide, promoting an extremely hostile environment for the press, severely restricting freedoms of the press and of speech, and subjecting media workers to aggressive intimidation, arbitrary summons, arrests, travel bans, conditional releases, torture, inhumane treatment, and unsubstantiated and unjust sentences, including— (1) freelance journalist Fariborz Kalantari, who was sentenced on February 7, 2021, to 7 years in prison and 74 lashes for using his telegram channel to circulate articles about corruption charges brought against the ex-Vice President’s brother; (2) the editor of weekly Agrin Rozh, Mahmoud Mahmoudi, who was arrested by agents of the Ministry of Intelligence in Sanandaj after issuing an open letter calling for the release of detained Kurdish activists; (3) freelance blogger and activist Seyed Hossein Ronaghi Maleki, who was forcefully taken to an unknown location by unidentified security forces on February 23, 2022, after condemning the ratification of the User Protection Bill, a piece of legislation that restricts Iranians’ access to the internet; (4) freelance photojournalist Nooshin Jafari, who was arrested in 2021 and sentenced to a 4-year prison term for spreading anti-state propaganda and insulting sanctities ; (5) Iranian journalist Navid Seyed-Mohammadi, a Kurdish reporter for the state-run Islamic Republic Radio and Television broadcaster, who was arrested in May 2020 and is serving a 7-year prison sentence for espionage for hostile states ; and (6) Iranian journalist Khosrow Sadeghi Borojeni, who is serving a 7-year sentence in Tehran’s Evin Prison for colluding against national security and insulting the Islamic republic’s founder in relation to his critical writing. After being arrested and released on bail in May 2019, he began his prison sentence in August 2020; Whereas Reporters Without Borders reported that Mexico continues to be one of the world’s deadliest countries for journalists, where reporters covering stories on political corruption and organized crime are frequently assaulted and murdered, including— (1) 8 journalists killed during the first 4 months of 2022; (2) Gustavo Sánchez Cabrera, a reporter who covered crime and politics and who was gunned down in front of his son; (3) Ricardo Domínguez López, the founder and editor of news website InfoGuaymas; and (4) broadcast journalist Lourdes Maldonado López and photojournalist Margarito Martinez, who were killed in Tijuana within a week of each other in January 2022; Whereas Haiti is the second deadliest country in the Western Hemisphere for journalists, with 3 journalists killed during the first 4 months of 2022, following a steady uptick of near-fatal and fatal violence against the press over the last several years; Whereas the years-long persecution of journalists in Nicaragua continues, including news outlets forced to close and individual journalists being threatened, harassed, sued, surveilled, jailed, and forced into exile, including— (1) Miguel Mendoza, who was given a 9-year prison sentence in February for undermining national integrity and disseminating false news; and (2) Miguel Mora, former director of 100% Noticias, who was given 13-year prison sentence in February 2022 for conspiracy to undermine national integrity ; Whereas Honduras remains one of the Western Hemisphere’s deadliest countries for journalists, where those working for opposition media or who are outspoken critics of the government are subjected to harassment, intimidation, and death threats by the country’s security forces and its affiliates; Whereas in Peru, criminal defamation lawsuits and legislation have been used to harass and silence investigative journalists who write about prominent political figures; Whereas the Office of the Director of National Intelligence has concluded that the murder of Washington Post journalist and American resident Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul in 2018 was approved by Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman; Whereas impunity continues for the Saudi officials involved in the 2018 assassination of Saudi columnist Jamal Khashoggi; Whereas the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia maintains an especially hostile environment towards journalists through systematic and arbitrary arrests, torture and inhumane or degrading treatment, lengthy pre-trial detentions, political persecution, and conditional release restrictions, which inhibit reporters and columnists from traveling or returning to their professional work post-detention, including— (1) Maha Al-Rafidi Al-Qahtani, a journalist and writer arrested in September 2019, held in solitary confinement, and physically abused while in prison; (2) Abdulrahman Farhana, a columnist detained in February 2019, charged with membership in a terrorist organization; (3) Zuhair Kutbi, a journalist jailed in January 2019, who reportedly suffers from torture, malnourishment, and denial of cancer treatment in prison; and (4) Raif Badawi, a blogger who recently completed a 10-year prison sentence on blasphemy charges, and who remains subjected to a further 10-year travel ban which prevents him from uniting with his family who received asylum in Canada; Whereas the battle for a free press continues to be fought in South and Southeast Asia, where— (1) Bangladeshi journalists have repeatedly been arrested and charged under the Digital Security Act, some of whom have been subjected to torture and one of whom died in custody; (2) journalist and Nobel Prize laureate, Maria Ressa has been targeted by the Government of the Philippines’ aggressive campaign against independent media after her reporting on, among other topics, President Duterte’s war on drugs ; (3) Vietnamese journalists Pham Chi Dung, Nguyen Tuong Thuy, and Le Huu Minh Tuan were each sentenced to more than 10 years in prison; and (4) Pham Doan Trang, a Vietnamese journalist and writer, following a year in detention, was sentenced to 9 years in prison for anti-state propaganda in a judicial proceeding and imprisonment declared arbitrary by the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention; Whereas press freedom continues to face challenges in sub-Saharan Africa, including in— (1) Ethiopia, where a crackdown on the press amid the ongoing civil conflict has included— (A) the 1-week suspension of the independent publication Addis Standard; (B) the expulsion of New York Times reporter Simon Marks; (C) the arbitrary arrests of numerous journalists who have been detained for up to several months, making the country the second-worst jailer of journalists in Sub-Saharan Africa; (D) the exile of several other journalists who left the country afraid of persecution, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists; (E) the November 2021 arrest of Bikila Amenu and Dessu Dulla, 2 journalists who remain imprisoned as of April 2022; (F) the May 2021 killing of journalist Sisay Fida, which was documented by the Committee to Protect Journalists to have occurred in connection to his journalistic work; and (G) the January 2021 killing of another journalist, Dawit Kebede Araya, for reasons that remain unclear; (2) Nigeria, where journalist Luke Binniyat was arrested in November 2021, was released on bail in February 2022, and faces 3 years in prison if convicted of sending false information under the Cybercrimes Act; and (3) Eritrea, where— (A) Medhanie Haile, co-founder of the Keste Debena newspaper, has been detained incommunicado since September 2001 and is suffering from serious health issues due to harsh prison conditions; (B) Temesgen Ghebreyesus, editor of the Keste Debena newspaper, has also been detained incommunicado since September 2001; (C) Idris Said Aba Arre, a freelance journalist and author, has been detained incommunicado and without charges since October 2001 after denouncing the mass arrest of a group of politicians known as the G–15; (D) Dawit Isaak, co-owner of the newspaper Setit, since his arrest in September 2001, has been tortured, has been held in solitary confinement, and has been suffering from medical conditions which have worsened during detention; and (E) Amanuel Asrat, a poet and editor-in-chief of Zemen, has been detained incommunicado since 2001; Whereas the Turkish Journalists’ Association reported that— (1) in 2021— (A) 115 journalists faced physical violence; and (B) 73 journalists were detained, with at least 44 journalists remaining in prison at the end of the year; (2) 3 out of every 5 journalists face threats during their career; and (3) Turkey is maintaining its standing as— (A) one of the world’s most oppressive environments for press freedom; and (B) one of the world’s leading jailers of journalists; Whereas in Turkey, the continued persecution of journalists and writers, initially targeted in 2016 during a nation-wide crackdown on dissent following the failed 2016 coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has resulted in lengthy sentences and judicial harassment, including Gültekin Avcı, a writer and former columnist with now-shuttered Bugün, who was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in December 2020 for conspiracy , where his columns were used as evidence of his alleged crime; Whereas Morocco has experienced severe crackdowns on freedom of expression and supporters of a free press, including— (1) Taoufik Bouachrine, the publisher and editor-in-chief of Akhbar al-Youm, who was arrested in February 2018 on retaliatory charges related to his journalism and is serving a 15-year sentence; (2) Soulaimane Raissouni, a columnist and editor-in-chief Akhbar al-Youm, who succeeded publisher Taoufik Bouachrine and was arrested on similar retaliatory charges in May 2020 and is serving a 5-year sentence; (3) Ali Anouzla, a journalist and editor of the news website Lakome, who has been repeatedly arrested on retaliatory charges relating to his journalism including appologism for terrorism , material aid for terrorism , and incitement to terrorism ; (4) Maati Monjib, a historian and advocate for free press, who was detained in December 2020 for 3 months on specious national security and fraud charges and remains subject to restrictive bail conditions; and (5) Omar Radi, a journalist who was arrested on suspicion of espionage in June 2020 shortly after Amnesty International reported that the Moroccan authorities hacked his phone and monitored his activities; Whereas the Government of Venezuela continues to target independent media outlets, restricting the exercise of freedom of expression and severely limiting Venezuelan access to accurate information; Whereas American journalists have been victimized while covering conflicts abroad, including— (1) Christopher Allen, who was killed while covering the conflict in South Sudan on August 26, 2017, and whose killing has yet to be investigated by authorities after nearly 5 years; (2) Austin Tice, who was kidnapped in Syria and has been held in captivity since August 12, 2012; and (3) Brent Renaud, who was killed by Russian forces while covering the war in Ukraine on March 13, 2022; Whereas, under the auspices of the United States Agency for Global Media, the United States Government provides financial assistance to several editorially independent media outlets, including Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, and the Middle East Broadcast Networks— (1) which report and broadcast news, information, and analysis in critical regions around the world; and (2) whose journalists regularly face harassment, fines, and imprisonment for their work; and Whereas press freedom— (1) is a key component of democratic governance, activism in civil society, and socioeconomic development; and (2) enhances public accountability, transparency, and participation in civil society and democratic governance: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) declares that a free press— (A) is a central component of free societies and democratic governance; (B) contributes to an informed civil society and government accountability; (C) helps to expose corruption; (D) enhances public accountability and transparency of governments at all levels; and (E) disseminates information that is essential to improving public health and safety; (2) expresses concerns about threats to the exercise of freedom of expression, including by the press, around the world; (3) recognizes and commends journalism’s role in providing trusted, accurate, and timely information and in holding governments and leaders accountable to citizens; (4) is dismayed that, under cover of the COVID–19 pandemic, many governments have restricted the work of journalists reporting on the public health crisis and on peaceful protests on a variety of issues; (5) pays tribute to journalists who made tremendous sacrifices, including the loss of their lives, in the pursuit of truth and justice; (6) condemns all actions around the world that suppress press freedom; (7) calls for the unconditional and immediate release of all wrongfully detained journalists; (8) reaffirms the centrality of press freedom to efforts of the United States Government to support democracy, mitigate conflict, and promote good governance domestically and around the world; and (9) calls on the President and the Secretary of State— (A) to preserve and build upon the leadership of the United States on issues relating to press freedom, on the basis of the protections for freedom of the press afforded the American people under the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States; (B) to transparently investigate and bring to justice the perpetrators of attacks against journalists; and (C) to promote the respect and protection of press freedom around the world. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres609is/xml/BILLS-117sres609is.xml |
117-sres-610 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 610 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 3, 2022 Mr. Cassidy (for himself, Ms. Sinema , Mr. Cornyn , Mr. Graham , Mr. Menendez , Mr. Wyden , Mr. Whitehouse , Mr. Rubio , and Mr. Young ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of Congress that the activities of transnational criminal organizations, including the use of illicit economies, illicit trade, and trade-based money laundering, pose a threat to the national interests and national security of the United States and allies and partners of the United States around the world.
Whereas trade-based money laundering is among the most widely used and least understood forms of money laundering, disguising proceeds of crime by moving value through international trade transactions in an attempt to legitimize illicit origins of money or products; Whereas the transnational nature and complexity of trade-based money laundering make detection and investigation exceedingly difficult; Whereas drug trafficking organizations, terrorist organizations, and other transnational criminal organizations have succeeded at trade-based money laundering despite the best efforts of United States law enforcement; Whereas trade-based money laundering includes other offenses such as tax evasion, disruption of markets, profit loss for businesses, and corruption of government officials, and constitutes a persistent threat to the economy and security of the United States; Whereas trade-based money laundering can result in the decreased collection of customs duties as a result of the undervaluation of imports and fraudulent cargo manifests; Whereas trade-based money laundering can decrease tax revenue collected as a result of the sale of underpriced goods in the marketplace; Whereas trade-based money laundering is one mechanism by which counterfeiters infiltrate supply chains, threatening the quality and safety of consumer, industrial, and military products; Whereas drug trafficking organizations collaborate with Chinese criminal networks to launder profits from drug trafficking through Chinese messaging applications; Whereas, on March 16, 2021, the Commander of the United States Southern Command, Admiral Faller, testified to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate that transnational criminal organizations market in drugs and people and guns and illegal mining, and one of the prime sources that underwrites their efforts is Chinese money-laundering ; Whereas the deaths and violence associated with drug traffickers, the financing of terrorist organizations and other violent non-state actors, and the adulteration of supply chains with counterfeit goods showcase the danger trade-based money laundering poses to the United States; Whereas trade-based money laundering undermines national security and the rule of law in countries where it takes place; Whereas illicit profits for transnational criminal organizations and other criminal organizations can lead to instability globally; Whereas the United States is facing a drug use and overdose epidemic, as well as an increase in consumption of synthetic drugs, such as methamphetamine and fentanyl, which is often enabled by Chinese money laundering organizations operating in coordination with drug-trafficking organizations and transnational criminal organizations in the Western Hemisphere that use trade-based money laundering to disguise the proceeds of drug trafficking; Whereas the presence of drug traffickers in the United States and their intrinsic connection to international threat networks, as well as the use of licit trade to further their motives, is a national security concern; Whereas drug-trafficking organizations frequently use the trade-based money laundering scheme known as the Black Market Peso Exchange to move their ill-gotten gains out of the United States and into Central and South America; Whereas United States ports and U.S. Customs and Border Protection do not have the capacity to properly examine the 60,000,000 shipping containers that pass through United States ports annually, with only 2 to 5 percent of that cargo actively inspected; Whereas trade-based money laundering can only be combated effectively if the intelligence community, law enforcement agencies, the Department of State, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, and the private sector work together; Whereas drug-trafficking organizations, terrorist organizations, and other transnational criminal organizations disguise the proceeds of their illegal activities behind sophisticated mechanisms that operate seamlessly between licit and illicit trade and financial transactions, making it almost impossible to address without international cooperation; and Whereas the United States has established Trade Transparency Units with 18 partner countries, including with major drug-producing and transit countries, to facilitate the increased exchange of import-export data to combat trade-based money laundering: Now, therefore, be it
That it is the sense of the Senate that— (1) the activities of transnational criminal organizations and their networks, and the means by which such organizations and networks move and launder their ill-gotten gains, such as through the use of illicit economies, illicit trade, and trade-based money laundering, pose a threat to the national interests and national security of the United States and allies and partners of the United States around the world; (2) in addition to considering the countering of illicit economies, illicit trade, and trade-based money laundering as a national priority and committing to detect, address, and prevent such activities, the President should— (A) continue to assess, in the periodic national risk assessments on money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing conducted by the Department of the Treasury, the ongoing risks of trade-based money laundering; (B) finalize the assessment described in the Explanatory Statement accompanying the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2020 (division C of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 ( Public Law 116–93 )), which directs the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network of the Department of the Treasury to thoroughly assess the risk that trade-based money laundering and other forms of illicit finance pose to national security; (C) work expeditiously to develop, finalize, and execute a strategy, as described in section 6506 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020 (title LXV of division F of Public Law 116–283 ; 134 Stat. 4631), drawing on the multiple instruments of United States national power available, to counter— (i) the activities of transnational criminal organizations, including illicit trade and trade-based money laundering; and (ii) the illicit economies such organizations operate in; (D) coordinate with international partners to implement that strategy, exhorting those partners to strengthen their approaches to combating transnational criminal organizations; and (E) review that strategy on a biennial basis and improve it as needed in order to most effectively address illicit economies, illicit trade, and trade-based money laundering by exploring the use of emerging technologies and other new avenues for interrupting and putting an end to those activities; and (3) the Trade Transparency Unit program of the Department of Homeland Security should take steps to strengthen its work, including in countries that the Department of State has identified as major money laundering jurisdictions under section 489 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 ( 22 U.S.C. 2291h ). | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres610is/xml/BILLS-117sres610is.xml |
117-sres-611 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 611 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 3, 2022 Mr. Menendez submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of Congress that the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) continues to make an invaluable contribution to the United States and international security, and recognizing that the United States will seek a successful Ninth Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
Whereas the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) opened for signature 53 years ago on July 1, 1968, and entered into force in 1970; Whereas the NPT is a cornerstone of the global nuclear nonproliferation regime and has grown to include 191 States Parties; Whereas the United States remains committed to upholding the three pillars of the NPT, which include— (1) non-proliferation; (2) disarmament; and (3) the peaceful use of nuclear energy; Whereas Article III of the NPT obligates each nonnuclear weapon state to the NPT to conclude a Safeguards Agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to verify treaty compliance, 174 of which are Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements crafted to detect the diversion of nuclear materials from peaceful to non-peaceful uses; Whereas the IAEA strengthens the global nuclear and security framework and helps promote international nuclear cooperation, and IAEA safeguards are a requirement for United States bilateral nuclear cooperation; Whereas the United States was the first country to conclude a safeguards agreement with the IAEA; Whereas the 2018 Department of Defense Nuclear Posture Review affirms, The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is a cornerstone of the nuclear nonproliferation regime. It plays a positive role in building consensus for non-proliferation and enhances international efforts to impose costs on those that would pursue nuclear weapons outside the Treaty. ; Whereas the success of the NPT has and will continue to depend upon the full implementation by all States Parties of the NPT's three mutually reinforcing pillars; Whereas, over the past half century, the United States has exhibited leadership in strengthening each of the NPT’s three pillars for the global good, including— (1) reducing its nuclear weapons stockpile by 88 percent from its maximum in 1967 of 31,225 in parallel with equally massive reductions of the Russian Federation’s stockpile through bilateral coordination; (2) cooperating with former Soviet States to facilitate the surrender of nuclear weapons on their soil after the fall of the Soviet Union; (3) providing voluntary contributions to the IAEA to promote peaceful nuclear activities exceeding $378,000,000 since 2010, including activities that help in the treatment of cancer and other life-saving applications; and (4) extending deterrence to United States allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Australia, which is an unmistakable demonstration of the United States commitment to collective security; Whereas the United States calls on the Islamic Republic of Iran to comply with its obligations under the NPT, which it ratified in 1970, abide by its 1974 comprehensive safeguards agreement with the IAEA, and fully and permanently implement the Additional Protocol to its IAEA safeguards agreement in refraining to obtain or produce nuclear weapons; Whereas heightened geopolitical tensions in recent years have made cooperation on nonproliferation and arms control issues with the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China more challenging; Whereas recent harmful actions by the Government of the Russian Federation have led to a further a deterioration in bilateral relations with the United States, including Russia’s illegal occupation of Crimea, its 2014 invasion of Eastern Ukraine, and its 2022 invasion into all of Ukraine, its brazen interference in the 2016 and 2020 United States presidential elections, its violation of the Treaty between the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics on the Elimination of Their Intermediate-Range and Shorter-Range Missiles, signed at Washington December 8, 1987, and entered into force June 1, 1988 (commonly referred to as the INF Treaty ), its use of chemical nerve agents in assassination attempts in the United Kingdom and against Aleksei A. Navalny, and its destabilizing actions in Syria; Whereas concerning actions by the People’s Republic of China have also strained bilateral relations with the United States, including a sustained build-up of nuclear forces, threatening military activities toward Taiwan, and the transfer by Chinese entities of proliferation and missile technology transfers to States such as the Islamic Republic of Iran, North Korea, Syria, and Pakistan; Whereas, despite these challenges, the United States remains committed to a stable strategic relationship with the Governments of the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China and especially in the field of nonproliferation and arms control; Whereas United States efforts to reduce dangers associated with nuclear arsenals through ambitious arms control agreements with both the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China would advance United States and global security, adding to the benefits of stability and transparency provided by existing agreements; Whereas President Joseph R. Biden’s decision to extend the New START Treaty between the United States and the Russian Federation for five years places verifiable legally binding limits on Russian ICBMs, SLBMs, and heavy bombers until February 5, 2026; Whereas the Bilateral Consultative Commission (BCC) continues to be the appropriate forum for the Parties to engage constructively on any New START Treaty implementation issues that arise; Whereas the Ninth Review Conference of the States Parties to the NPT will take place in August of 2022 in New York, having been rescheduled due to restrictions brought on by the COVID–19 pandemic; and Whereas the Ninth Review Conference presents an opportunity to refocus States Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons on the danger that the spread of nuclear weapons poses, to discuss potential ways to deal with countries that continue to pose a nuclear security threat, and to find common solutions so as to further reduce the number of nuclear weapons in the world and enable increased use of nuclear energy while improving safeguards to ensure that illicit nuclear programs are not occurring: Now, therefore, be it
That it is the sense of Congress that— (1) the United States should continue to encourage all States Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) to comply fully with the terms and the spirit of the Treaty; (2) the United States should— (A) maintain support for the IAEA through its assessed and voluntary contributions and seek to pay its dues at the beginning of the IAEA’s fiscal year and through advocating for all countries to enter into the Additional Protocols with the IAEA; (B) pursue a verifiable and comprehensive arms control agreement with the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China to capture strategic and nonstrategic nuclear weapons capabilities, which would enhance United States and global security by building upon other treaties, agreements, and transparency measures that reduce nuclear risk; (C) continue to encourage opportunities with other nuclear weapon-possessing States to reduce the reliance upon, role, and number of nuclear weapons in their national military strategies; and (D) advance critical United States security partnerships like the one among Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States (commonly known as AUKUS ) consistent with IAEA safeguards, to provide Australia with naval nuclear propulsion technology to better deter against military aggression in the Indo-Pacific; and (3) the President is encouraged to work with other States Parties to the NPT to strengthen compliance and enforcement mechanisms and develop collective responses in the United Nations Security Council and in any other relevant multilateral fora to any notification of withdrawal from the Treaty. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres611is/xml/BILLS-117sres611is.xml |
117-sres-612 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 612 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 3, 2022 Ms. Ernst (for herself, Mr. Risch , Mr. Young , Ms. Hirono , Mrs. Capito , and Mr. Markey ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship May 18 (legislative day, May 17), 2022 Committee discharged; considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Recognizing women-owned small businesses for National Small Business Week.
Whereas the United States proudly recognizes small businesses as the backbone of the economy and acknowledges the impactful contributions of women entrepreneurs throughout the United States who are pushing small businesses to succeed; Whereas, because female professionals, leaders, and small business owners play a vital role in the economy of the United States, when the United States empowers women, it empowers the entire economy; Whereas women entrepreneurs provide critical goods and services, create high-paying jobs, build stronger supply chains for the United States, and play an integral role in Federal contracting and procurement; Whereas women small business owners are key job creators and employers that are building a legacy for the next generation of businesswomen; Whereas, according to the 2019 Annual Business Survey conducted by the Census Bureau, women-owned businesses employed more than 10,000,000 workers and accumulated $1,800,000,000,000 in receipts; Whereas women-owned businesses make up more than 20 percent of all employer firms in the United States; Whereas the vast majority of all women-owned businesses are classified as small businesses; Whereas National Small Business Week takes place from May 1 to May 7, 2022, and recognizes the critical contributions of the entrepreneurs and small business owners of the United States; and Whereas women-owned small businesses should be celebrated for their accomplishments and contributions during National Small Business Week: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) acknowledges the important role women-owned small businesses have in the economy of the United States; and (2) commits to supporting women-owned small businesses by recognizing those businesses during National Small Business Week. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres612ats/xml/BILLS-117sres612ats.xml |
117-sres-613 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 613 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 3, 2022 Mr. Cardin (for himself, Mr. Scott of South Carolina , Mr. Sullivan , Mr. Rubio , Mr. Braun , Mr. Wyden , Mr. Menendez , Mr. Markey , Mr. Padilla , Mrs. Capito , Ms. Hirono , Mr. Booker , Mr. Brown , Ms. Cortez Masto , and Mr. Schatz ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Promoting minority health awareness and supporting the goals and ideals of National Minority Health Month in April 2022, 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 2022 is Give Your Community a Boost! ; 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 a study by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, entitled The Economic Burden of Health Inequalities in the United States , concluded that, between 2003 and 2006, the combined cost of health inequalities and premature death in the United States was $1,240,000,000,000; 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 2.2 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 more than 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, although African Americans represented only 13 percent of the population of the United States, African Americans accounted for 42.1 percent of new HIV diagnoses; Whereas, in 2019, African American youth accounted for more than 50 percent, and Hispanic youth accounted for more than 10 percent, of all new HIV diagnoses among youth in the United States; 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 Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander men are 10 percent more likely to die from cancer than non-Hispanic White men; 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 (not including overweight); Whereas Asian Americans accounted for 30.1 percent of chronic Hepatitis B cases, and non-Hispanic Whites 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, 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 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 the 2021 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report found African Americans received worse care than non-Hispanic Whites for about 43 percent of quality measures, American Indians and Alaska Natives received worse care than non-Hispanic Whites for about 40 percent of quality measures, Hispanics received worse care than non-Hispanic Whites for 36 percent of quality measures, and Asian Americans and Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders received worse care than non-Hispanic Whites for nearly 30 percent of quality measures; Whereas nearly 25 percent of reported COVID–19 cases are among Hispanics compared to less than 55 percent comprising non-Hispanic Whites; Whereas 3 times more American Indians and Alaska Natives, 2.3 times more Hispanics, and 2.4 times more African Americans were hospitalized due to COVID–19 compared to non-Hispanic Whites; Whereas significant differences in social determinants of health can lead to poor health outcomes and declines in life expectancy; and Whereas community-based health care initiatives, such as prevention-focused programs, present a unique opportunity to use innovative approaches 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 goals and ideals of National Minority Health Month in April 2022, which include 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. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres613ats/xml/BILLS-117sres613ats.xml |
117-sres-614 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 614 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 3, 2022 Mr. Graham (for himself, Ms. Sinema , Mr. Kelly , Mr. Coons , Ms. Warren , Mr. Markey , and Mr. Scott of South Carolina ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating July 20, 2022, as Glioblastoma Awareness Day .
Whereas approximately 13,460 new cases of glioblastoma will be diagnosed in the United States in 2022; Whereas glioblastoma is— (1) the most common malignant brain tumor, accounting for approximately 1/2 of all primary malignant brain tumors; and (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 6.8 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 , as the treatment and removal of glioblastoma presents significant challenges due to the uniquely complex and fragile nature of the brain, the primary organ in the human body that controls not only cognitive ability, but also the actions of every organ and limb; Whereas patients and caregivers play a critical role in furthering research for glioblastoma; Whereas, relative to other types of cancers, brain cancer patients pay the second highest out-of-pocket costs for medical services in both the initial and end-of life phases of care; Whereas, although research advances may fuel the development of new treatments for glioblastoma, challenging obstacles to accelerating progress toward new treatments for glioblastoma remain, and there are no screening or early detection methods; Whereas, in 2021, the World Health Organization reclassified brain tumors and made significant changes to the molecular characteristics of a glioblastoma diagnosis, necessitating critical biomarker testing for patients suspected of having a possible glioblastoma; Whereas, although glioblastoma was first described in medical and scientific literature in the 1920s, and despite its devastating prognosis, only 4 drugs and 1 medical device have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat glioblastoma since the 1920s, and the mortality rates associated with glioblastoma have changed little during the past 30 years; Whereas, in 2020, the National Cancer Institute established the Glioblastoma Therapeutics Network (referred to in this preamble as GTN ), as part of a national infrastructure to enhance and support the discovery and development of glioblastoma therapies available for multi-institutional GTN teams to drive 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 20, 2022, as Glioblastoma Awareness Day ; (2) encourages increased public awareness of glioblastoma; (3) honors the individuals who have died from glioblastoma, a devastating disease, or are currently living with it; (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. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres614ats/xml/BILLS-117sres614ats.xml |
117-sres-615 | III Calendar No. 380 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 615 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 3, 2022 Mr. Coons (for himself, Mr. Blunt , Mr. Durbin , and Mr. Portman ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations May 24, 2022 Reported by Mr. Menendez , without amendment RESOLUTION Expressing appreciation for the efforts of the Republic of Poland to assist Ukrainian refugees and support the sovereignty of Ukraine following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Whereas, on February 24, 2022, Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin instigated an unprovoked, unjustified, and unlawful war by violating the territorial integrity of the sovereign country of Ukraine; Whereas, as of May 3, 2022, more than 5,500,000 Ukrainians have fled Ukraine since the Russian Federation began its invasion; Whereas the Republic of Poland has played a critical role in responding to the influx of Ukrainian refugees into Europe, admitting more than half of the Ukrainians who have fled from the conflict; Whereas the Republic of Poland has accepted more Ukrainian refugees than any other country, admitting more than 3,000,000 Ukrainian refugees as of May 3, 2022; Whereas, prior to the invasion, the Republic of Poland had admitted more than 1,500,000 Ukrainians since 2014, when the Russian Federation illegally annexed the Crimea region of Ukraine and started a separatist conflict in eastern Ukraine; Whereas the Republic of Poland continues to provide critical services to Ukrainian refugees in the Republic of Poland, including access to the Polish labor market, health care system, education, and social benefits; Whereas the people of the Republic of Poland have joined their government in responding to Ukrainian refugees with generosity, leadership, and resolve, including by welcoming Ukrainian refugees into their homes; Whereas the leaders of the Republic of Poland supported Ukrainian sovereignty and advocated for the need for a united front against Russian aggression prior to the invasion of Ukraine; Whereas the Republic of Poland has facilitated the shipment of humanitarian assistance into Ukraine by collecting and sending aid into Ukraine and by serving as a transit hub, simplifying border crossing procedures, and waiving road tolls for aid trucks; Whereas the Republic of Poland continues to provide vital military assistance to Ukraine and serves as a crucial transit hub for sending international military supplies and equipment into Ukraine; Whereas the Republic of Poland is a key partner in deterrence efforts against additional Russian aggression in Eastern Europe, including through their hosting of approximately 10,000 United States troops; Whereas the Republic of Poland has hosted the United States Embassy Kyiv during its temporary relocation, supporting the vital work of the Department of State of assisting United States citizens and their families departing Ukraine; and Whereas Poland is a crucial member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization alliance and a historic friend of the United States: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) thanks the Republic of Poland for its pivotal role accepting Ukrainian refugees; and (2) appreciates the ongoing support of the Republic of Poland for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, including through the North Atlantic Treaty Organization alliance.
May 24, 2022 Reported without amendment | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres615rs/xml/BILLS-117sres615rs.xml |
117-sres-616 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 616 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 5, 2022 Mr. Menendez (for himself, Mr. Risch , Mr. Markey , and Mr. Romney ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations RESOLUTION Expressing support for the Association of South East Asian Nations, its 10 member states, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, and the United States-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington, DC, and reaffirming the commitment of the United States to continue to remain a strong, reliable, and active partner in the ASEAN region.
Whereas the 10 members of the Association of South East Asian Nations ( ASEAN ) represent a variety of different cultures and beliefs; Whereas an estimated 7,000,000 United States citizens identify with an ethnicity represented in ASEAN; Whereas the United States and ASEAN have been cooperating to advance mutual interests for approximately 45 years, having first established dialogue on September 10, 1977, through the Joint Communique of the First ASEAN-United States Dialogue and the United States acceded to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia at the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference Session in Thailand on July 22, 2009; Whereas the United States was the first non-ASEAN country to appoint an ambassador to ASEAN on April 29, 2008, and the first non-member to establish a permanent mission to ASEAN in 2010; Whereas cooperation between the United States Government and the governments and people of ASEAN member states can help realize the common goals of a free, open, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region rooted in a rules-based order that promotes security, opportunity, and dignity to all people; Whereas ASEAN member states have vibrant economies that have given rise to a flourishing middle class and collectively are predicted to become the fourth-largest economy in the world by 2050; Whereas, in 2020, the 10 ASEAN member states represented the fifth largest economy in the world and constituted the fourth-largest export market of the United States, with total exports from the United States to ASEAN countries reaching $111,900,000,000; Whereas ASEAN is the number one destination for United States investment in the Indo-Pacific, with $328,500,000,000 in cumulative foreign direct investment; Whereas ASEAN member states surround critical global sea lanes, with $5,300,000,000,000 of global trade and more than 1/2 of the world’s total shipped tonnage transiting through the waters of such member states each year; Whereas the ultimate goal of the ASEAN Economic Community (referred to in this preamble as AEC ) is to create one of the largest single market economies in the world and facilitate the free movement of goods, services, and professionals; Whereas the United States-ASEAN Single Window custom facilitation system expedites intra-ASEAN trade and enhances the ability of United States businesses to operate in the region; Whereas the United States-ASEAN Business Alliance for Competitive Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises has trained more than 20,000 small-to-medium size enterprises, with nearly 1/2 of the participants being women entrepreneurs; Whereas the Mekong-U.S. Partnership, established in 2020 to expand upon the Lower Mekong Initiative, promotes sustainable long-term economic development throughout mainland Southeast Asia and fosters regional cooperation, integration, and capacity building; Whereas the Japan-U.S.-Mekong Power Partnership aims to promote a more sustainable energy sector and quality energy infrastructure development and demonstrates the shared commitment of the United States and other Indo-Pacific nations to strengthen ties with Mekong countries; Whereas, in 2021, the United States announced several additional initiatives to enhance cooperation with ASEAN, including the United States-ASEAN Health Futures, the United States-ASEAN Climate Futures, the United States-ASEAN Economic Futures, and the Billions Futures; Whereas the United States is cooperating with ASEAN member states and providing emergency health assistance to enhance the resilience of such member states in the face of the COVID–19 pandemic, including through the recently announced United States-ASEAN Health Futures program that builds on the more than $3,500,000,000 the United States has invested in global health collaboration with ASEAN member states over the last 20 years; Whereas the United States remains committed to working with ASEAN to improve the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental dignity of the people of ASEAN member states, a key ingredient to maintaining stability, promoting economic growth, and advancing good governance and rule of law; Whereas the Burmese armed forces conducted an illegitimate coup in 2021, usurped the democratic government of Myanmar, killed hundreds of civilians, and displaced more than 300,000 people; Whereas the Burmese junta has failed to make meaningful progress on ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus or receive official recognition from ASEAN; Whereas the United States remains concerned about democratic backsliding and the erosion of protections of fundamental human rights in Southeast Asia; Whereas the United States opposes all actions and claims that infringe upon the freedom and lawful use of the sea and has a national interest in ensuring freedom of navigation and overflight, open access to the maritime commons of the Indo-Pacific region, and respect for international law in the South China Sea; Whereas the United States is deeply concerned about recent assertive and unsafe behavior by the People’s Republic of China in the South China Sea and urges all countries with competing territorial claims to seek peaceful resolution of disputes through collaborative diplomacy and, as necessary, international dispute resolution mechanisms consistent with international law; Whereas the United States supports the decision of the Government of the Philippines to use arbitration under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, done at Montego Bay December 10, 1982, to peacefully and lawfully address competing claims; Whereas the United States supports development of a code of conduct that represents the interests of all parties and promotes peace and stability in the region surrounding the South China Sea, opposes efforts by any nation to use a code of conduct as a vehicle to limit presence in or lawful use of the South China Sea, encourages claimants not to undertake new or unilateral attempts to change the status quo since the signing of the 2002 Declaration of Conduct, including reclamation activities or administrative measures or controls in disputed areas in the South China Sea, and encourages ASEAN countries to adopt a unified position in negotiating the code of conduct; Whereas the 20th Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training naval exercises featured more than 400 sailors from 21 countries, built greater maritime security on the strength of ASEAN, strengthened navy-to-navy bonds, and exemplified the shared belief in a free and open Indo-Pacific region; Whereas the Indo-Pacific Strategy of the United States declares that the United States also welcomes a strong and independent ASEAN that leads in Southeast Asia and endorse[s] ASEAN centrality and support[s] ASEAN in its efforts to deliver sustainable solutions to the region’s most pressing challenges ; Whereas natural disasters in the ASEAN region over the past 4 decades have resulted in major loss and damage, with a disproportionate impact on developing countries; Whereas the United States will pursue initiatives that are consistent with sustainable long-term economic development, including— (1) achievement of food security and poverty alleviation; (2) improvement of conservation and sustainable management of forests, fish stocks, and oceanic resources; (3) resilience to extreme weather events that are increasing in frequency and severity; and (4) provision of sustainable livelihoods for local communities throughout the ASEAN region; and Whereas, in the invitation for the United States-ASEAN Leaders Summit, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., stated that the United States is committed to ASEAN centrality and remains steadfast in its support for an ASEAN-centered regional architecture at the heart of the Indo-Pacific : Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) welcomes official representatives from the Governments of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam to attend the first United States-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington, DC; (2) supports the decision of the Association of South East Asian Nations (referred to in this resolution as ASEAN ) to invite non-political representatives from Myanmar to high-level ASEAN events and, furthermore, welcomes such non-political representatives to vocalize concerns on behalf of the Burmese people at the United States-ASEAN Special Summit, and refutes any political representation for the Burmese junta; (3) supports and affirms the full implementation of the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act of 2018 ( Public Law 115–409 ; 132 Stat. 5387 et seq.) with regard to elevating the relationship between the United States and ASEAN, including more than $2,000,000,000 in annual appropriations for foreign assistance and diplomatic operations in the Indo-Pacific region; (4) urges the United States-ASEAN Special Summit, scheduled for May 12 and 13, 2022, to prioritize— (A) democracy, good governance, rule of law, and human rights and address the trend of democratic backsliding in Southeast Asia, including the 2021 coup in Myanmar; and (B) the pursuit of a robust economic agenda; (5) reaffirms the importance of United States-ASEAN economic engagement, including the elimination of barriers to cross-border commerce, and supports the goals of the ASEAN Economic Community (referred to in this resolution as the AEC ) goals, including strong, inclusive, and sustainable long-term economic growth and cooperation with the United States that focuses on innovation and capacity-building efforts in technology, education, disaster management, food security, human rights, and trade facilitation, particularly for the poorest ASEAN member states; (6) urges ASEAN to continue its efforts to foster greater integration and unity within the ASEAN community, as well as to foster greater integration and unity with non-ASEAN economic, political, and security partners, including Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, the European Union, Taiwan, and India; (7) calls on ASEAN to reaffirm its commitment, consistent with the fundamental principle in the ASEAN Charter and Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, to the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders and call for an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine; (8) recognizes the value of strategic economic initiatives like United States-ASEAN Connect, which demonstrates a commitment to ASEAN and the AEC and builds upon economic relationships in the region; (9) supports ASEAN member states in addressing maritime and territorial disputes in a constructive manner and in pursuing claims through peaceful, diplomatic, and, as necessary, legitimate regional and international dispute resolution mechanisms, consistent with international law, including through the adoption of a code of conduct in the South China Sea that represents the interests of all parties and promotes peace and stability in the region; (10) urges all parties involved in the maritime and territorial disputes in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Government of the People’s Republic of China— (A) to cease any current activities, and avoid undertaking any actions in the future that undermine stability or complicate or escalate disputes through the use of coercion, intimidation, or military force; (B) to demilitarize islands, reefs, shoals, and other features, and refrain from new efforts to militarize, including the construction of new garrisons and facilities and the relocation of additional military personnel, materiel, or equipment; (C) to oppose actions by any country that prevent other countries from exercising their sovereign rights to the resources in their exclusive economic zones and continental shelves by enforcing claims to those areas in the South China Sea that lack support in international law; and (D) to oppose unilateral declarations of administrative and military districts in contested areas in the South China Sea; (11) urges parties to refrain from unilateral actions that cause permanent physical damage to the marine environment, and supports the efforts of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and ASEAN to implement guidelines to address the illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the region; (12) supports efforts by United States partners and allies in ASEAN— (A) to enhance maritime capability and maritime domain awareness; (B) to protect unhindered access to and use of international waterways in the Indo-Pacific region that are critical to ensuring the security and free flow of commerce; (C) to counter piracy; (D) to disrupt illicit maritime trafficking activities, such as the trafficking of persons, goods, and drugs; and (E) to enhance the maritime capabilities of countries or regional organizations to respond to emerging threats to maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region; (13) urges ASEAN member states to develop a common approach to reaffirm the 2016 decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in favor of the Philippines in the case against the People’s Republic of China for excessive maritime claims; (14) reaffirms the commitment of the United States to continue joint efforts with ASEAN to halt human smuggling and trafficking in persons, and urges ASEAN to create and strengthen regional mechanisms to provide assistance and support to refugees and migrants; (15) supports the Mekong-U.S. Partnership, which promotes the stability, peace, prosperity, and sustainable development of the Mekong sub-region through cooperation between countries in the Mekong region and the United States in addressing transboundary challenges; (16) urges ASEAN to build capacity for the promotion and protection of human rights by ASEAN member states and the implementation of related priorities, programs, and activities; (17) urges the governments of such member states to engage directly with leaders of civil society and human rights organizations, including advocates of religious freedom, victims of human rights abuses, and environmental groups, to ensure these stakeholders have a voice in constructing public policy; (18) encourages the President to communicate to ASEAN leaders the importance of promoting the rule of law and open and transparent government, strengthening civil society, and protecting human rights, including releasing political prisoners, ceasing politically motivated prosecutions and arbitrary killings, and safeguarding freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, and freedom of speech and expression; (19) supports efforts by organizations in ASEAN that address corruption in the public and private sectors, enhance anti-bribery compliance, enforce bribery criminalization in the private sector, and build beneficial ownership transparency through the ASEAN–USAID PROSPECT project partnered with the South East Asia Parties Against Corruption; (20) supports the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative as an example of a people-to-people partnership that provides skills, networks, and leadership training to a new generation who will create and fill jobs, foster cross-border cooperation and partnerships, and rise to solve the regional and global challenges of the future; and (21) applauds the governments of ASEAN member states that have fully upheld and implemented all United Nations Security Council resolutions and international agreements with respect to nuclear and ballistic missile programs in North Korea, and encourages all other governments of such member states to do the same. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres616is/xml/BILLS-117sres616is.xml |
117-sres-617 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 617 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 5, 2022 Mr. Brown (for himself, Ms. Collins , Mr. Padilla , Ms. Hassan , Ms. Duckworth , Mr. King , Mr. Murphy , Mr. Whitehouse , Mrs. Feinstein , Mr. Blumenthal , Mr. Merkley , Ms. Baldwin , Ms. Klobuchar , Ms. Hirono , Mr. Kaine , Mr. Van Hollen , Mr. Reed , Ms. Smith , Mr. Durbin , Mr. Booker , Mr. Luján , Mr. Carper , Mr. Peters , Mr. Manchin , Mrs. Shaheen , and Mr. Casey ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Recognizing the roles and contributions of the teachers of the United States in building and enhancing the civic, cultural, and economic well-being of the United States.
Whereas education and knowledge are the foundation of the current and future strength of the United States; Whereas teachers and other education staff have earned and deserve the respect of their students and communities for the selfless dedication of the teachers and staff to community service and the futures of the children of the United States; Whereas school communities, teachers, and other education staff have risen to the occasion to support their students and communities amid the significant challenges posed by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19) pandemic; Whereas teachers and other education staff have taken on the challenges presented by schools reopening, including by— (1) helping to address pandemic learning loss; (2) supporting the mental and behavioral health needs of students; and (3) maintaining health and safety standards to prevent a reoccurrence of the pandemic; Whereas the purposes of National Teacher Appreciation Week, celebrated from May 2, 2022, through May 6, 2022, are— (1) to raise public awareness of the unquantifiable contributions of teachers; and (2) to promote greater respect and understanding for the teaching profession; and Whereas students, schools, communities, and a number of organizations representing educators are recognizing the importance of teachers during National Teacher Appreciation Week: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) thanks the teachers of the United States; and (2) promotes the profession of teaching and the contributions of educators by encouraging students, parents, school administrators, and public officials to recognize National Teacher Appreciation Week. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres617ats/xml/BILLS-117sres617ats.xml |
117-sres-618 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 618 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 5, 2022 Mr. Menendez (for himself and Mr. Crapo ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Recognizing April 30, 2022, as El Día de los Niños–Celebrating Young Americans .
Whereas, each year in the United States, El Día de los Niños–Celebrating Young Americans is recognized as a day to affirm and recognize the importance of young children and adolescents in the United States; Whereas children and adolescents represent the hopes and dreams of the people of the United States, and the well-being of children and adolescents is emphasized as a top priority in the United States; Whereas, according to data of the Bureau of the Census, the Hispanic population in the United States is the youngest major racial or ethnic group in the United States, as— (1) more than 18,600,000 Hispanics in the United States, a group that represents approximately 1⁄3 of the Hispanic population in the United States, are younger than 18 years of age; and (2) in 2019, nearly 16,400,000 Hispanics in the United States, a group that represents more than 1/4 of the Hispanic population in the United States, were individuals between 18 and 34 years of age; Whereas the Hispanic population in the United States continues to grow and is a significant part of the workforce in the United States, and children in that population will be consumers, taxpayers, and voters in the future; Whereas, as the United States becomes more culturally and ethnically diverse, the people of the United States must strive to bring about cultural understanding and celebrate a tradition that honors all children and adolescents on El Día de los Niños–Celebrating Young Americans, a day that acknowledges and shares traditions and customs with all people in the United States; Whereas parents are at the center of teaching children about family values, morality, life preparation, health, survival, and culture; Whereas the designation of a day of special recognition to honor children and adolescents in the United States— (1) will help affirm the significance of family, education, health, and community among the people of the United States; and (2) will provide an opportunity for those children and adolescents to reflect on their futures, to articulate their aspirations, to find comfort and security in the support of their family members, communities, and schools, and to grow to contribute to the United States; Whereas the National Latino Children’s Institute, which served as an advocate and a voice for young Latino children, partnered with States and cities throughout the United States beginning in 1998 to highlight the contributions and challenges of young Latino children by advocating for the success and well-being of such children; and Whereas April 30, 2022, would be an appropriate day to recognize as El Día de los Niños–Celebrating Young Americans : Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) recognizes April 30, 2022, as El Día de los Niños–Celebrating Young Americans ; (2) encourages the people of the United States— (A) to nurture and invest in children and adolescents in order to preserve and enhance economic prosperity, democracy, and the free and open exchange of ideas, which are concepts that are essential to the spirit of the United States; and (B) to celebrate the gifts of children and adolescents and to help them take their rightful place in the future of the United States; and (3) calls on the people of the United States to join with children, families, communities, schools, churches, cities, and States across the United States to observe El Día de los Niños–Celebrating Young Americans with appropriate ceremonies, including activities that— (A) center on children and are free or of minimal cost so as to facilitate full participation by all people; (B) uplift and help children positively envision a path to their futures by allowing children to voice their hopes and dreams; (C) offer opportunities for children of diverse backgrounds to learn about the cultures of one another and to share ideas; (D) include family members, especially extended and elderly family members, so as to— (i) promote understanding and communication among generations within families; and (ii) enable young people to learn from, and respect and benefit from the experiences of, their family elders; (E) enable diverse communities to build relationships of understanding; and (F) provide children with safe schools, homes, and communities that give them the long-term support they need to learn, develop, and become confident young adults who are ready and eager to believe in and contribute to the United States. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres618ats/xml/BILLS-117sres618ats.xml |
117-sres-619 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 619 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 5, 2022 Ms. Sinema (for herself, Mr. Lankford , Mr. Peters , Mr. Portman , Mr. Carper , Mr. Johnson , Ms. Hassan , Mr. Romney , Mr. Padilla , Mr. Burr , Mr. Cardin , Mr. Braun , Mr. Van Hollen , Ms. Rosen , and Mr. Ossoff ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the Senate that public servants should be commended for their dedication and continued service to the United States during Public Service Recognition Week.
Whereas the week of May 1 through May 7, 2022, has been designated as “Public Service Recognition Week” to honor employees of the Federal Government and State and local governments and members of the uniformed services; Whereas Public Service Recognition Week provides an opportunity to recognize and promote the important contributions of public servants and to honor the diverse men and women who meet the needs of the United States through work at all levels of government and as members of the uniformed services; Whereas millions of public servants have worked, and continue to work, to help the United States overcome the challenges from the COVID–19 pandemic, allowing essential services to continue and playing a critical role in protecting public health and safety; Whereas millions of individuals work in government service and as members of the uniformed services in every State, county, and city across the United States and in hundreds of cities abroad; Whereas public service is a noble calling involving a variety of challenging and rewarding professions; Whereas the ability of the Federal Government and State and local governments to be responsive, innovative, and effective depends on the outstanding performance of dedicated public servants; Whereas the United States continues to reaffirm the critical importance of public service employees in responding to public health and economic challenges; Whereas the United States is a great and prosperous country, and public service employees contribute significantly to that greatness and prosperity; Whereas the United States benefits daily from the knowledge and skills of the highly trained individuals who work in public service; Whereas public servants— (1) defend the freedom of the people of the United States and advance the interests of the United States and the ideals of democracy around the world; (2) provide vital strategic support functions to the Armed Forces and serve in the National Guard and Reserves; (3) fight crime and fires; (4) ensure equal access to secure, efficient, and affordable mail service; (5) deliver benefits under the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 301 et seq. ), including benefits under the Medicare program under title XVIII of that Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq. ); (6) fight disease, including COVID–19, and promote better health; (7) protect the environment and the parks of the United States; (8) enforce laws guaranteeing equal employment opportunity and healthy working conditions; (9) defend and secure critical infrastructure; (10) help the people of the United States recover from natural disasters, pandemics, and terrorist attacks; (11) teach and work in schools and libraries; (12) develop new technologies and explore Earth, the moon, and space to improve knowledge on how the world changes; (13) improve and secure transportation systems; (14) promote economic stability and growth; and (15) assist veterans of the Armed Forces; Whereas members of the uniformed services and civilian employees at all levels of government— (1) make significant contributions to the general welfare of the United States; and (2) are on the front lines in the fight to defeat terrorism and maintain homeland security; Whereas public servants work in a professional manner to build relationships with other countries and cultures in order to better represent the interests and promote the ideals of the United States; Whereas public servants alert Congress and the public to government waste, fraud, and abuse, and to dangers to public health; Whereas the individuals serving in the uniformed services, as well as the skilled trade and craft employees of the Federal Government who provide support to their efforts— (1) are committed to doing their jobs regardless of the circumstances; and (2) contribute greatly to the security of the United States and the world; Whereas public servants have bravely fought in armed conflicts in the defense of the United States and its ideals and deserve the care and benefits they have earned through their honorable service; Whereas public servants— (1) have much to offer, as demonstrated by their expertise and innovative ideas; and (2) serve as examples by passing on institutional knowledge to train the next generation of public servants; Whereas the commitment and perseverance of public servants during the COVID–19 pandemic have allowed essential services to continue, mitigating the disruption to the daily lives of the people of the United States and playing a critical role in protecting public health and safety; Whereas legislative branch employees, including members of the United States Capitol Police and officers of the Senate and the House of Representatives, ensure the smooth functioning of Congress and the safety and security of Members of Congress, their staffs, and visitors to the Capitol complex; Whereas legislative branch employees working for Members of Congress, congressional committees, and legislative branch agencies work tirelessly to serve constituents and support Congress in fulfilling its constitutional obligations; Whereas public servants have decisively and resolutely responded to conflicts around the globe, including the evolving crisis in Ukraine, through creative diplomatic approaches; and Whereas the week of May 1 through May 7, 2022, marks the 38th anniversary of Public Service Recognition Week: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) supports the designation of the week of May 1 through May 7, 2022, as Public Service Recognition Week ; (2) commends public servants during Public Service Recognition Week for their outstanding contributions to this great country throughout the year; (3) salutes government employees and members of the uniformed services for their unyielding dedication to, and enthusiasm for, public service; (4) honors government employees and members of the uniformed services who have given their lives in service to their communities and their country; (5) calls upon a new generation to consider a career in public service as an honorable profession; (6) encourages efforts to promote public service careers at every level of government; and (7) expresses gratitude to the Federal workers who have selflessly answered the call to serve their country. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres619ats/xml/BILLS-117sres619ats.xml |
117-sres-620 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 620 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 5, 2022 Mr. Daines (for himself, Mr. Tester , Mr. Hoeven , Mr. Moran , Mr. Schatz , Ms. Smith , Ms. Cortez Masto , Mr. Luján , Ms. Murkowski , Mr. Cramer , Ms. Cantwell , Mr. Wyden , Mr. Rounds , Ms. Hirono , and Mr. Grassley ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating May 5, 2022, 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, 2022, as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls ; and (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. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres620ats/xml/BILLS-117sres620ats.xml |
117-sres-621 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 621 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 5, 2022 Mr. Lee (for himself, Mr. Romney , Mr. Schumer , Mr. McConnell , Ms. Baldwin , Mr. Barrasso , Mr. Bennet , Mrs. Blackburn , Mr. Blumenthal , Mr. Blunt , Mr. Booker , Mr. Boozman , Mr. Braun , Mr. Brown , Mr. Burr , Ms. Cantwell , Mrs. Capito , Mr. Cardin , Mr. Carper , Mr. Casey , Mr. Cassidy , Ms. Collins , Mr. Coons , Mr. Cornyn , Ms. Cortez Masto , Mr. Cotton , Mr. Cramer , Mr. Crapo , Mr. Cruz , Mr. Daines , Ms. Duckworth , Mr. Durbin , Ms. Ernst , Mrs. Feinstein , Mrs. Fischer , Mrs. Gillibrand , Mr. Graham , Mr. Grassley , Mr. Hagerty , Ms. Hassan , Mr. Hawley , Mr. Heinrich , Mr. Hickenlooper , Ms. Hirono , Mr. Hoeven , Mrs. Hyde-Smith , Mr. Inhofe , Mr. Johnson , Mr. Kaine , Mr. Kelly , Mr. Kennedy , Mr. King , Ms. Klobuchar , Mr. Lankford , Mr. Leahy , Mr. Luján , Ms. Lummis , Mr. Manchin , Mr. Markey , Mr. Marshall , Mr. Menendez , Mr. Merkley , Mr. Moran , Ms. Murkowski , Mr. Murphy , Mrs. Murray , Mr. Ossoff , Mr. Padilla , Mr. Paul , Mr. Peters , Mr. Portman , Mr. Reed , Mr. Risch , Ms. Rosen , Mr. Rounds , Mr. Rubio , Mr. Sanders , Mr. Sasse , Mr. Schatz , Mr. Scott of Florida , Mr. Scott of South Carolina , Mrs. Shaheen , Mr. Shelby , Ms. Sinema , Ms. Smith , Ms. Stabenow , Mr. Sullivan , Mr. Tester , Mr. Thune , Mr. Tillis , Mr. Toomey , Mr. Tuberville , Mr. Van Hollen , Mr. Warner , Mr. Warnock , Ms. Warren , Mr. Whitehouse , Mr. Wicker , Mr. Wyden , and Mr. Young ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Honoring the life and legacy of the late Senator Orrin G. Hatch.
Whereas the Honorable Orrin G. Hatch was elected to the Senate in 1976 and served Utah in the Senate with devotion and distinction for 42 years, which is the ninth longest term of service in the history of the Senate; Whereas Orrin G. Hatch served as the Chairman of 3 significant Senate committees, including— (1) the Committee on Labor and Human Resources of the Senate (now called the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate ); (2) the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate ; and (3) the Committee on Finance of the Senate ; Whereas Orrin G. Hatch dedicated his time in the Senate to strengthening the economy of the United States, protecting individual liberty, and safeguarding the system of limited government of the United States; Whereas Orrin G. Hatch served throughout his career with determination, loyalty, diligence, compassion, a pioneering spirit, and an incredible devotion to his faith; Whereas Orrin G. Hatch was regarded by many as an elder statesman who worked across the aisle to pass 750 bills into law, including— (1) the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 ( 42 U.S.C. 2000bb et seq. ); (2) the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984 ( Public Law 98–417 ; 98 Stat. 1585) (commonly referred to as the Hatch-Waxman Act ); (3) the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 ( Public Law 105–33 ; 111 Stat. 215), which established the State Children’s Health Insurance Program under title XXI of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1397aa et seq. ); (4) the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ( 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq. ); and (5) the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act ( 42 U.S.C. 2210 note); Whereas Orrin G. Hatch, in addition to his prolific legislative achievements, assisted tens of thousands of Utahns through individual casework over more than four decades of public service; Whereas Orrin G. Hatch established the Orrin G. Hatch Foundation to encourage commonsense policymaking, to cultivate bipartisan dialogue, and to provide educational opportunities for future generations; and Whereas, on April 23, 2022, at the age of 88, Orrin G. Hatch died, leaving behind his wife Elaine, his 6 loving children, dozens of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and a legacy of steadfast love for and service to the people of the United States, particularly Utahns: Now, therefore, be it
That— (1) the Senate— (A) has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable Orrin G. Hatch, former United States Senator for the State of Utah; (B) honors the life and legacy of the late Senator Orrin G. Hatch for his— (i) unwavering dedication to Utah as a Senator and a public servant; and (ii) accomplishments in legislating with principle and dedication for the good of the people of the United States; and (C) requests that the Secretary of the Senate communicate this resolution to the House of Representatives and transmit an enrolled copy thereof to the family of Orrin G. Hatch; and (2) when the Senate adjourns today, it stands adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Orrin G. Hatch. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres621ats/xml/BILLS-117sres621ats.xml |
117-sres-622 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 622 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 5, 2022 Mr. Menendez (for himself and Mr. Cornyn ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations RESOLUTION Recognizing the cultural and historical significance of the Cinco de Mayo holiday.
Whereas May 5, or Cinco de Mayo in Spanish, is celebrated each year as a date of importance by Mexican and Mexican-American communities; Whereas the Cinco de Mayo holiday commemorates May 5, 1862, the date on which Mexicans defeated the French at the Battle of Puebla, one of the many battles that the Mexican people won in their long and brave fight for independence, freedom, and democracy; Whereas the victory of Mexico over France at Puebla represented a historic triumph for the Mexican government during the Franco-Mexican war fought between 1861 and 1867 and bolstered the resistance movement; Whereas the success of Mexico at the Battle of Puebla reinvigorated the spirits of the Mexican people and provided a renewed sense of unity and strength; Whereas the French army, which had not experienced defeat against any of the finest troops of Europe in more than half a century, sustained a disastrous loss at the hands of an outnumbered and ill-equipped, but highly spirited and courageous, Mexican army; Whereas the courageous spirit that Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza and his men displayed during that historic battle can never be forgotten; Whereas, in a larger sense, Cinco de Mayo symbolizes the right of a free people to self-determination, just as Benito Juarez, the president of Mexico during the Battle of Puebla, once said, El respeto al derecho ajeno es la paz , meaning respect for the rights of others is peace ; Whereas the sacrifice of Mexican fighters was instrumental in keeping Mexico from falling under European domination while, in the United States, the Union Army battled Confederate forces in the Civil War; Whereas Cinco de Mayo serves as a reminder that the foundation of the United States was built by people from many countries and diverse cultures who were willing to fight and die for freedom; Whereas Cinco de Mayo also serves as a reminder of the close ties between the people of Mexico and the people of the United States; Whereas Cinco de Mayo encourages the celebration of a legacy of strong leaders and a sense of vibrancy in communities; and Whereas Cinco de Mayo serves as a reminder to provide more opportunity for future generations: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) recognizes the historic struggle of the people of Mexico for independence and freedom, which Cinco de Mayo commemorates; and (2) encourages the people of the United States to observe Cinco de Mayo with appropriate ceremonies and activities. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres622is/xml/BILLS-117sres622is.xml |
117-sres-623 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 623 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 9, 2022 Mr. Graham (for himself and Mr. Blumenthal ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations RESOLUTION Calling on the Secretary of State to designate the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism.
Whereas, pursuant to section 1754(c) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 ( 50 U.S.C. 4813(c) ), section 40 of the Arms Export Control Act ( 22 U.S.C. 2779A ), and section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 ( 22 U.S.C. 2371 ), the authority to designate a country as a state sponsor of terrorism rests with the Secretary of State; Whereas Cuba, the Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea, Iran, and Syria are designated as state sponsors of terrorism; Whereas, at the direction of President Vladimir Putin, the Government of the Russian Federation has and continues to promote acts of international terrorism against political opponents and nation states; Whereas, under the orders of President Putin, the Government of the Russian Federation engaged in a campaign of terror, utilizing brutal force targeting civilians during the Second Chechen War; Whereas actions by the Government of the Russian Federation against civilian centers, such as Grozny, the capital of Chechnya, left countless innocent men, women, and children dead or wounded; Whereas, since 2014, the Government of the Russian Federation has supported separatists engaging in acts of violence against Ukrainian civilians in the Donbas region; Whereas, since the entry of the Russian Federation into the Syrian Civil War in 2015, the Russian Federation has targeted innocent civilians in Syria with attacks on civilian markets, medical facilities, and schools; Whereas the Government of the Russian Federation provides material support to Syria, a nation currently designated as a state sponsor of terrorism, that has been used to target the Syrian people; Whereas, according to the Congressional Research Service, the Russian Federation spreads terror throughout the world through private military networks of mercenaries, such as the Wagner Group, in an effort to project power cheaply and deniably ; Whereas the Wagner Group collaborates with the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation to support the foreign policy objectives of the Russian Federation; Whereas the Department of the Treasury identifies the Wagner Group as a designated Russian Ministry of Defense proxy force and states that Wagner’s activities in other countries, including Ukraine, Syria, Sudan, and Libya, have generated insecurity and incited violence against innocent civilians ; Whereas it was reported in February 2022 that more than 400 Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group were dispatched to Kyiv with orders from the Kremlin to assassinate President Volodymyr Zelensky and members of the Government of Ukraine; Whereas, on March 14, 2022, Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Zbigniew Rau stated that actions of the Government of the Russian Federation in Ukraine against innocent civilians and civilian infrastructure is state terrorism ; Whereas, on March 17, 2022, President Volodymyr Zelensky called for the world to acknowledge the Russian Federation as a terrorist state; Whereas the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has appealed to Congress to encourage the Department of State to recognize the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism noting that the Russian Federation has for years supported and financed terrorist regimes and terrorist organizations, including being the main supplier of weapons to the Assad regime in Syria and supporting terrorists in the Middle East and Latin America, organizing acts of international terrorism, including the poisoning of the Skripal family in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the downing of a civilian Malaysian airliner and other acts of terrorism ; Whereas, on April 27, 2022, Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated before Congress that there’s no doubt in my mind that the Russians are terrorizing the Ukrainian people ; Whereas, at the direction of President Putin, the Russian Federation has and continues to commit war crimes by directing and authorizing the indiscriminate targeting of civilian centers within Chechnya, Georgia, Syria, and Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of countless innocent men, women, and children; Whereas armed forces of the Russian Federation have committed numerous summary executions against innocent civilians and have attempted to cover their atrocities with mass graves across Ukraine; and Whereas, when responding to questions regarding designating the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism, the spokesperson for the Department of State stated that we are going to look at all potential options—options that are available to us under the law, options that would be effective in holding Russia to account—and if a tool is available and effective, we won’t hesitate to use it : Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) views the actions of the Government of the Russian Federation, at the direction of President Vladimir Putin, as acts of terrorism; and (2) calls on the Secretary of State to designate the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres623is/xml/BILLS-117sres623is.xml |
117-sres-624 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 624 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 9, 2022 Mrs. Feinstein (for herself, Mr. Grassley , Ms. Hassan , Mr. Risch , Mr. Blumenthal , Mr. Crapo , Mrs. Shaheen , Mr. Tillis , Mr. Markey , Mrs. Capito , Ms. Cortez Masto , Mr. Cornyn , Mr. Whitehouse , Mrs. Blackburn , Mr. Manchin , Mr. Cotton , Ms. Baldwin , Ms. Ernst , Mr. Kelly , Ms. Klobuchar , and Mr. Scott of Florida ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Supporting the mission and goals of National Fentanyl Awareness Day in 2022, including increasing individual and public awareness of the impact of fake or counterfeit fentanyl pills on families and young people.
Whereas drug traffickers are mass-producing fake or counterfeit pills and falsely marketing them as legitimate prescription pills to deceive the people of the United States; Whereas many fake or counterfeit pills are made to look like prescription name-brand opioids or stimulants; Whereas drug traffickers are using fake or counterfeit pills to exploit the opioid crisis and prescription drug misuse; Whereas the Drug Enforcement Agency (referred to in this preamble as the DEA ) has observed a dramatic rise in the number of counterfeit pills containing not less than 2 mg of fentanyl, which is considered a deadly dose; Whereas 4 out of every 10 pills with fentanyl tested by the DEA contain a potentially lethal dose; Whereas counterfeit pills may also contain fentanyl-related substances and methamphetamine; Whereas the number of counterfeit pills with fentanyl seized by law enforcement agencies has increased by nearly 502 percent since 2019; Whereas more than 9,500,000 counterfeit pills were seized within the last year, which exceeds the total number of seizures for the previous 2 years combined; Whereas fake or counterfeit pills have been identified in all 50 States and the District of Columbia; Whereas illicit fentanyl has also been detected in street drugs such as heroin and cocaine; Whereas, for the 12-month period ending in October 2021, more than 105,000 individuals in the United States died of drug-induced deaths, and 69,000 of those deaths involved illicit fentanyl; Whereas, over the last 20 years, drug-induced deaths among individuals aged 15 to 35 has increased 6-fold, largely driven by the increase in illicit fentanyl drugs; Whereas, for the 12-month period ending in April 2021, the leading cause of death for individuals in the United States aged 18 to 45 was illicit fentanyl; Whereas fake counterfeit pills are easily accessible and often sold on social media and e-commerce platforms, making them accessible to teens and youth; Whereas illicit fentanyl is involved in more deaths of youths than all other drug types combined; Whereas, in 2020, drug overdose and poisoning deaths for individuals aged 14 to 18 grew by 94 percent, which was more than 3 times as fast as the national rate and faster than any other 5-year age group; Whereas, in 2020, fentanyl involvement in drug overdose and poisoning deaths for individuals aged 14 to 18 grew by 169 percent, which was more than 3 times as fast as the national rate and faster than any other 5-year age group; and Whereas, in 2020, there were 56,516 reported overdose deaths due to synthetic opioids; Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) supports the recognition and goals of National Fentanyl Awareness Day, which include increasing individual and public awareness of the impact of fake or counterfeit fentanyl pills on families and young people; (2) applauds the work of Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies that work to combat the proliferation of counterfeit pills; (3) encourages the use of existing authorities to proactively stop and prevent the spread of illicit counterfeit pills; and (4) designates May 10, 2022 as National Fentanyl Awareness Day . | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres624ats/xml/BILLS-117sres624ats.xml |
117-sres-625 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 625 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 9, 2022 Mr. Scott of South Carolina (for himself, Mr. Bennet , Mr. Cassidy , Mrs. Feinstein , Mr. Hagerty , Mr. Tillis , Mr. Braun , Mr. Burr , Ms. Hassan , Mr. Rubio , Mrs. Blackburn , Mr. Boozman , Mr. Carper , Mr. Wicker , Mr. Booker , Mr. Cramer , Mr. Lankford , Mr. McConnell , Mrs. Hyde-Smith , Mr. Young , Mr. Cruz , Mr. Cornyn , Mr. Tuberville , Mr. Coons , Mr. Johnson , Mr. Scott of Florida , and Mr. Hickenlooper ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Congratulating the students, parents, teachers, and leaders of charter schools across the United States for making ongoing contributions to education, and supporting the ideals and goals of the 23rd annual National Charter Schools Week, to be held May 8 through May 14, 2022.
Whereas charter schools are public schools that do not charge tuition and enroll any student who wants to attend, often through a random lottery when the demand for enrollment is outmatched by the supply of available charter school seats; Whereas high-performing public charter schools deliver a high-quality public education and challenge all students to reach their potential for academic success; Whereas public charter schools promote innovation and excellence in public education; Whereas public charter schools throughout the United States provide millions of families with diverse and innovative educational options for the children of those families; Whereas high-performing public charter schools and charter management organizations are increasing student achievement and attendance rates at institutions of higher education; Whereas public charter schools are authorized by a designated entity and— (1) respond to the needs of communities, families, and students in the United States; and (2) promote the principles of quality, accountability, choice, high-performance, and innovation; Whereas, in exchange for flexibility and autonomy, public charter schools are held accountable by the authorizers of the charter schools for improving student achievement and for sound financial and operational management; Whereas public charter schools are required to meet the student achievement accountability requirements under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq. ) in the same manner as traditional public schools; Whereas public charter schools often set higher expectations for students, beyond the requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq. ), to ensure that the charter schools are of high quality and truly accountable to the public; Whereas 44 States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico have public charter schools; Whereas, as of the 2020–2021 school year, more than 7,700 public charter schools served approximately 3,600,000 children; Whereas enrollment in public charter schools grew from 400,000 students in 2001 to 3,600,000 students in 2021, a more than ninefold increase in 20 years; Whereas in the United States— (1) in 234 school districts, more than 10 percent of public school students are enrolled in public charter schools; and (2) in at least 27 school districts, at least 30 percent of public school students are enrolled in public charter schools; Whereas public charter schools improve the achievement of students enrolled in the charter schools and collaborate with traditional public schools to improve public education for all students; Whereas public charter schools— (1) give parents the freedom to choose public schools; (2) routinely measure parental satisfaction levels; and (3) must prove the ongoing success of the charter schools to parents, policymakers, and the communities served by the charter schools or risk closure; Whereas a 2015 report from the Center for Research on Education Outcomes at Stanford University found significant improvements for students at urban charter schools, and, when compared to peers in traditional public schools, each year those students completed the equivalent of 28 more days of learning in reading and 40 more days of learning in math; Whereas a 2020 study from the Program on Education Policy and Governance at Harvard University found greater academic gains for students in charter schools than for students in traditional public schools who took the reading and math assessments administered by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in fourth and eighth grade between 2005 and 2017, and African American and low-income students attending charter schools were almost 6 months ahead of their peers in reading and math compared with students in traditional public schools over the 12-year span of the study; Whereas parental demand for charter schools is high, and there was a 7 percent growth in charter school enrollment between the 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 school years; and Whereas the 23nd annual National Charter Schools Week is scheduled to be celebrated the week of May 8 through May 14, 2022: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) congratulates the students, families, teachers, leaders, and staff of public charter schools across the United States for— (A) making ongoing contributions to public education; (B) making impressive strides in closing the academic achievement gap in schools in the United States, particularly in schools with some of the most disadvantaged students in both rural and urban communities; and (C) improving and strengthening the public school system throughout the United States; (2) supports the ideals and goals of the 23nd annual National Charter Schools Week, a week-long celebration to be held May 8 through May 14, 2022, in communities throughout the United States; and (3) encourages the people of the United States to hold appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities during National Charter Schools Week to demonstrate support for public charter schools. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres625ats/xml/BILLS-117sres625ats.xml |
117-sres-626 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 626 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 10, 2022 Mr. Merkley (for himself, Mr. Wicker , Ms. Stabenow , Mr. Boozman , Mr. Padilla , Mr. Cassidy , Mr. Luján , Mr. Grassley , Mr. Van Hollen , Mr. Marshall , Ms. Sinema , Mr. Daines , Ms. Smith , Mr. Hoeven , Mr. Blumenthal , Mrs. Capito , Ms. Warren , Mrs. Hyde-Smith , Mr. Manchin , Mr. Tillis , Mr. Hickenlooper , Mr. Cramer , Mr. Booker , Ms. Cortez Masto , Mr. Kelly , Mrs. Feinstein , Mrs. Shaheen , Ms. Duckworth , and Mrs. Blackburn ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions RESOLUTION Supporting the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, to be observed from May 6 through May 12, 2022.
Whereas, beginning in 1991, National Nurses Week has been celebrated annually from May 6, also known as National Recognition Day for Nurses , through May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing; Whereas National Nurses Week is a time of year to reflect on the important contributions that nurses make to provide safe, high-quality health care; Whereas nurses serve on the front lines, risking their lives treating the injured and sick during wartime, natural disasters, and public health emergencies, including the COVID–19 pandemic; 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 4,000,000 registered nurses in the United States; Whereas nurses are leading in the delivery of quality care in a transformed health care system that improves patient outcomes and safety; Whereas the Future of Nursing report of the Institute of Medicine has highlighted the need for the nursing profession to meet the call for leadership in a team-based delivery model; Whereas, when nurse staffing levels increase, the risk of patient complications and lengthy hospital stays decreases, resulting in cost savings; Whereas nurses are experienced researchers, and the work of nurses encompasses a wide scope of scientific inquiry, including clinical research, health systems and outcomes research, and nursing education research; Whereas nurses provide care that is sensitive to the cultures and customs of individuals across the United States; Whereas nurses are well-positioned to provide leadership to eliminate health care disparities that exist in the United States; Whereas nurses are the cornerstone of the public health infrastructure, promoting healthy lifestyles and educating communities on disease prevention and health promotion; Whereas nurses help inform, educate, and work closely with legislators to improve— (1) the education, retention, recruitment, and practice of all nurses; and (2) the health and safety of the patients for whom the nurses care; Whereas there is a need— (1) to strengthen nursing workforce development programs at all levels, including the number of doctorally prepared faculty members; and (2) to provide education to the nurse research scientists who can develop new nursing care models to improve the health status of the diverse population of the United States; Whereas nurses touch the lives of the people of the United States through every stage of life; and Whereas nursing has been voted the most honest and ethical profession in the United States: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) supports the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, as founded by the American Nurses Association; (2) recognizes the significant contributions of nurses to the health care system in the United States; and (3) encourages the people of the United States to observe National Nurses Week with appropriate recognition, ceremonies, activities, and programs to demonstrate the importance of nurses to the everyday lives of patients. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres626is/xml/BILLS-117sres626is.xml |
117-sres-627 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 627 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 10, 2022 Mr. Sullivan (for himself, Mr. Van Hollen , Mr. Durbin , Mrs. Shaheen , Mr. Kaine , and Mr. Merkley ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating May 6, 2022, 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.
Whereas the Foreign Service of the United States (referred to in this preamble as the Foreign Service ) was established through the enactment of the Act entitled An Act for the reorganization and improvement of the Foreign Service of the United States, and for other purposes. , approved May 24, 1924 (43 Stat. 140, chapter 182) (commonly known as the Rogers Act of 1924 ), and is now celebrating its 97th anniversary; Whereas the Rogers Act of 1924 established a career organization based on competitive examination and merit promotion; Whereas, in 2022, just less than 16,000 men and women of the Foreign Service are 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 Department of Commerce, 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, internationally recognized 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, in response to the unprecedented global COVID–19 pandemic, all of the foreign affairs agencies of the United States have worked tirelessly to support the people of the United States, often placing their own safety and well-being at risk; 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 6, 2022, as United States Foreign Service Day to commemorate the 98th anniversary of the Foreign Service of the United States. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres627ats/xml/BILLS-117sres627ats.xml |
117-sres-628 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 628 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 10, 2022 Mr. Wyden (for himself, Mr. Portman , Mr. Booker , Mr. Heinrich , Mrs. Murray , Ms. Collins , Mr. Burr , and Ms. Hirono ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating May 21, 2022, as Kids to Parks Day .
Whereas the 12th annual Kids to Parks Day will be celebrated on May 21, 2022; Whereas the goals of Kids to Parks Day are— (1) to promote healthy outdoor recreation and responsible environmental stewardship; (2) to empower young people; and (3) to encourage families to get outdoors and visit the parks and public land of the United States; Whereas, on Kids to Parks Day, individuals from rural, suburban, and urban areas of the United States can be reintroduced to the splendid national, State, and neighborhood parks located in their communities; Whereas communities across the United States offer a variety of natural resources and public land, often with free access, to individuals seeking outdoor recreation; Whereas the people of the United States, young and old, should be encouraged to lead more healthy and active lifestyles; Whereas Kids to Parks Day is an opportunity for families to take a break from their busy lives and enjoy a day of active, wholesome fun; and Whereas Kids to Parks Day will— (1) broaden an appreciation for nature and the outdoors in young people; (2) foster a safe setting for independent play and healthy adventure in neighborhood parks; and (3) facilitate self-reliance while strengthening communities: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) designates May 21, 2022, as Kids to Parks Day ; (2) recognizes the importance of outdoor recreation and the preservation of open spaces for the health and education of the young people of the United States; and (3) encourages the people of the United States to observe Kids to Parks Day with safe family trips to parks. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres628ats/xml/BILLS-117sres628ats.xml |
117-sres-629 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 629 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 11 (legislative day, May 10), 2022 Mr. Rubio (for himself, Mr. Coons , Mr. Risch , Mr. Scott of Florida , and Mr. Cruz ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations RESOLUTION Celebrating the 200th anniversary of United States diplomatic relations with Colombia.
Whereas, on August 7, 1819, Colombia (formerly known as The Great Colombia ) concluded its campaign for independence from Spain with the Battle of Boyacá; Whereas, on March 18, 1822, the United States House of Representatives approved two resolutions that recognized the independence of Colombia and appropriated funds for the establishment of a diplomatic mission in Colombia; Whereas, on June 19, 1822, the United States and Colombia formally established diplomatic relations, and the accreditation of Colombia’s Manuel Torres made Torres the first chargé d'affaires from a Latin American country to the United States; Whereas, on December 16, 1823, the United States appointed its first chargé d'affaires to Colombia, Richard Clough Anderson, Jr.; Whereas, on October 3, 1824, the United States and Colombia signed the first commercial agreement between the two countries, the Anderson-Gual Treaty, which entered into force in May 1825; Whereas, in 1943, during World War II, Colombia declared war on the Axis Powers, fighting in cooperation with the United States and the Allies; Whereas, in 1945, Colombia was one of 51 nations that participated in the San Francisco Conference and ratified the Charter of the United Nations; Whereas, in 1947, during the Ninth International Conference of American States in Bogotá, Colombia, 21 countries, including the United States and Colombia, adopted the Charter of the Organization of American States, the American Treaty on Pacific Settlement, and the American Declaration on the Rights and Duties of Man; Whereas, from 1950 to 1954, Colombia was the only country in Latin America that sent armed forces to South Korea to join the United Nations’ effort to defend South Korea against North Korea; Whereas the United States enacted the Andean Trade Preference Act ( 19 U.S.C. 3201 et seq. ) on December 4, 1991, and the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (title XXXI of division C of Public Law 107–210 ; 116 Stat. 1023) on August 6, 2002, granting duty-free access to a wide range of exports from Colombia and other Andean countries, with the objective of promoting commercial relations and combating illicit narcotics production and trafficking; Whereas, in 2000, the United States and Colombia launched Plan Colombia, a transformational security and economic development initiative to reduce crime, narcotics trafficking, and violence and strengthen State capacity in Colombia; Whereas, in April 2012, the United States and Colombia launched the United States-Colombia Action Plan on Regional Security Cooperation, using the lessons learned from Plan Colombia to counter the proliferation of transnational criminal organizations throughout the Western Hemisphere; Whereas, on May 15, 2012, the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement entered into force, which expanded commercial ties, economic growth, and employment opportunities in both the United States and Colombia; Whereas the United States is Colombia’s leading trade partner; Whereas, on June 25, 2013, Colombia signed an agreement with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on security cooperation and information sharing and in May 2018, became the first and only global partner country of NATO in Latin America; Whereas, since 2012, the United States and Colombia have cooperated to bring peace and end a half century of armed conflict in Colombia, the longest armed conflict in the Western Hemisphere; Whereas, since 2018, Colombia and the United States have led the Orion international naval campaign to combat maritime narcotics trafficking, and the jointly led campaign has strengthened the narcotics interdiction capabilities of 38 countries and 88 institutions, including in northern Central America; Whereas, on April 28, 2020, Colombia became the 37th member and third country in Latin America to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD); Whereas Colombia is one of the most consistent and reliable allies of the United States because of Colombia's support for shared diplomatic and security objectives; Whereas Colombians and Colombian Americans residing in the United States have greatly contributed to enriching the society, culture, economy of, and science developed by, the United States and have helped further strengthen the ties between the United States and Colombia; Whereas, on February 8, 2021, Colombia granted temporary protected status to more than 1,800,000 Venezuelans for 10 years, a measure that was welcomed by the United States and the international community and will ensure Venezuelan migrants and refugees in Colombia have access to health care, education, housing, and formal employment opportunities; Whereas, following that announcement, Secretary of State Antony Blinken commended Colombia’s humanitarian leadership and innovative response to the worst refugee crisis in Latin America; and Whereas, on March 10, 2022, the United States announced it would designate Colombia as a major non-NATO ally: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) celebrates the 200th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and Colombia; (2) recognizes the critical role that Colombia plays in promoting stability and prosperity in the Western Hemisphere; (3) recognizes the vital strategic alliance between the United States and Colombia, built on a shared commitment to democracy; (4) celebrates the contributions made by Colombians and Colombian Americans to the United States; (5) reaffirms the steadfast support of the people of the United States for the people of Colombia in their pursuit of peace, stability, and prosperity; and (6) encourages strengthening cooperation with Colombia in areas such as technology, education, energy transition, and nearshoring, as well as in joint efforts toward the protection of democracy in the Western Hemisphere. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres629is/xml/BILLS-117sres629is.xml |
117-sres-630 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 630 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 11, 2022 Mr. Cardin (for himself, Mr. Paul , Mr. Carper , Mrs. Feinstein , Mr. Risch , Mrs. Shaheen , Mr. Booker , Ms. Duckworth , Mr. Luján , Mr. King , Mr. Warnock , Mrs. Fischer , Mr. Grassley , Ms. Ernst , Mr. Marshall , Mr. Hoeven , Mr. Cornyn , Mr. Lankford , Mr. Crapo , Mrs. Capito , Mr. Kennedy , Mrs. Blackburn , Mr. Markey , Mr. Wyden , Mr. Hickenlooper , Ms. Smith , Ms. Hirono , Mr. Reed , Ms. Warren , Mr. Padilla , Mr. Van Hollen , Mr. Coons , Mr. Cruz , Mr. Rounds , Mr. Toomey , Mr. Rubio , Mr. Wicker , Mr. Scott of Florida , Mr. Braun , Ms. Cantwell , Mr. Peters , Ms. Collins , Mr. Inhofe , Mr. Scott of South Carolina , Mr. Daines , Mr. Young , Ms. Klobuchar , Ms. Rosen , Mr. Blumenthal , Mr. Sullivan , Mr. Hawley , and Mr. Boozman ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Expressing support for the designation of the week of May 1, 2022, through May 7, 2022, as National Small Business Week to celebrate the contributions of small businesses and entrepreneurs in every community in the United States.
Whereas a National Small Business Week has been declared by every President since 1963; Whereas there are more than 32,000,000 small businesses in the United States that support more than 61,000,000 jobs; Whereas thousands of small business establishments were hard hit by the COVID–19 pandemic and government lockdowns; Whereas small businesses will continue to play an integral role in rebuilding the economy of the United States; and Whereas May 1, 2022, through May 7, 2022, would be an appropriate week to celebrate National Small Business Week : Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) honors and celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit and contributions of small businesses in every community in the United States; (2) applauds the efforts and achievements of the owners of small businesses and their employees in every community of the United States; (3) recognizes that, in the face of significant challenges, the owners of small businesses have demonstrated incredible resilience over the past 2 years; (4) supports the designation of National Small Business Week ; (5) acknowledges the importance of providing access to underserved firms; and (6) supports efforts to— (A) hold Federal agencies accountable for fraud, waste, and abuse of taxpayer dollars; and (B) create an environment that enables small businesses to grow and create jobs. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres630ats/xml/BILLS-117sres630ats.xml |
117-sres-631 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 631 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 12, 2022 Mr. Paul submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration RESOLUTION Prohibiting the imposition of vaccination, testing, and masking requirements relating to COVID–19 for Senate Pages.
1. Prohibition on COVID–19 vaccination, testing, and masking requirements for Senate Pages A Senate Page or applicant to be a Senate Page may not be required to— (1) show proof of COVID–19 vaccination status; (2) receive a vaccination for COVID–19; (3) undergo testing for COVID–19 without cause; or (4) wear a mask. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres631is/xml/BILLS-117sres631is.xml |
117-sres-632 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 632 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 16, 2022 Mr. Rubio (for himself, Mr. Durbin , Mr. Risch , Mr. Menendez , Mr. Wicker , Mr. Cardin , Mr. Johnson , Mrs. Shaheen , Mr. Sullivan , and Mr. Grassley ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations RESOLUTION Calling for the immediate release of Russian opposition leader Vladimir Kara-Murza, who was unjustly detained on April 11, 2022.
Whereas Vladimir Vladimirovich Kara-Murza (referred to in this preamble as Mr. Kara-Murza ) has tirelessly worked for decades to advance the cause of freedom, democracy, and human rights for the people of the Russian Federation; Whereas, in retaliation for his advocacy, two attempts have been made on Mr. Kara-Murza’s life, as— (1) on May 26, 2015, Mr. Kara-Murza fell ill with symptoms indicative of poisoning and was hospitalized; and (2) on February 2, 2017, he fell ill with similar symptoms and was placed in a medically induced coma; Whereas independent investigations conducted by Bellingcat, the Insider, and Der Spiegel found that the same unit of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation responsible for poisoning Mr. Kara-Murza was responsible for poisoning Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny and activists Timur Kuashev, Ruslan Magomedragimov, and Nikita Isayev; Whereas, on February 24, 2022, Vladimir Putin launched another unprovoked, unjustified, and illegal invasion into Ukraine in contravention of the obligations freely undertaken by the Russian Federation to respect the territorial integrity of Ukraine under the Budapest Memorandum of 1994, the Minsk protocols of 2014 and 2015, and international law; Whereas, on March 5, 2022, Vladimir Putin signed a law criminalizing the distribution of truthful statements about the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation and mandating up to 15 years in prison for such offenses; Whereas, since February 24, 2022, Mr. Kara-Murza has used his voice and platform to join more than 15,000 citizens of the Russian Federation in peacefully protesting the war against Ukraine and millions more who silently oppose the war; Whereas, on April 11, 2022, five police officers arrested Mr. Kara-Murza in front of his home and denied his right to an attorney, and the next day Mr. Kara-Murza was sentenced to 15 days in prison for disobeying a police order; Whereas, on April 22, 2022, the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation charged Mr. Kara-Murza with violations under the law signed on March 5, 2022, for his fact-based statements condemning the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation; Whereas Mr. Kara-Murza was then placed into pretrial detention and ordered to be held until at least June 12, 2022; and Whereas, if convicted of those charges, Mr. Kara-Murza faces detention in a penitentiary system that human rights nongovernmental organizations have criticized for widespread torture, ill-treatment, and suspicious deaths of prisoners: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) condemns the unjust detention and indicting of Russian opposition leader Vladimir Vladimirovich Kara-Murza, who has courageously stood up to oppression in the Russian Federation; (2) expresses solidarity with Vladimir Vladimirovich Kara-Murza, his family, and all individuals in the Russian Federation imprisoned for exercising their fundamental freedoms of speech, assembly, and belief; (3) urges the United States Government and other allied governments to work to secure the immediate release of Vladimir Vladimirovich Kara-Murza, Alexei Navalny, and other citizens of the Russian Federation imprisoned for opposing the regime of Vladimir Putin and the war against Ukraine; and (4) calls on the President to increase support provided by the United States Government for those advocating for democracy and independent media in the Russian Federation, which Vladimir Vladimirovich Kara-Murza has worked to advance. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres632is/xml/BILLS-117sres632is.xml |
117-sres-633 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 633 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 16, 2022 Mr. Blunt (for himself and Mr. Hawley ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Expressing support for the designation of May 1, 2022, as Silver Star Service Banner Day .
Whereas the Senate has always honored the sacrifices made by the wounded and ill members of the Armed Forces; Whereas the Silver Star Service Banner has come to represent the members of the Armed Forces and veterans who were wounded or became ill in combat in the wars fought by the United States; Whereas the Silver Star Families of America was formed to help the people of the United States remember the sacrifices made by the wounded and ill members of the Armed Forces by designing and manufacturing Silver Star Service Banners and Silver Star Flags for that purpose; Whereas the sole mission of the Silver Star Families of America is to evoke memories of the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces and veterans on behalf of the United States through the presence of a Silver Star Service Banner in a window or a Silver Star Flag flying; Whereas the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces and veterans on behalf of the United States should never be forgotten; and Whereas May 1, 2022, is an appropriate date to designate as Silver Star Service Banner Day : Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) supports the designation of May 1, 2022, as Silver Star Service Banner Day ; and (2) calls upon the people of the United States to observe Silver Star Service Banner Day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres633ats/xml/BILLS-117sres633ats.xml |
117-sres-634 | III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 634 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 16, 2022 Mr. Grassley (for himself, Ms. Stabenow , Mr. Brown , Ms. Hassan , Mrs. Capito , Mr. Barrasso , Ms. Rosen , Mr. Van Hollen , Mr. Luján , Mr. Manchin , Mr. Wyden , Mr. Kaine , Ms. Klobuchar , Mr. Warnock , Mr. Boozman , Ms. Ernst , Mr. Kelly , Mr. Scott of South Carolina , Mr. Young , Mr. Tillis , Mr. Cornyn , and Mrs. Blackburn ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION 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 407,000 children living in foster care in the United States; Whereas there were approximately 216,000 youths that entered the foster care system in 2020 in the United States, while more than 117,000 youths were awaiting adoption at the end of 2020; Whereas more than 75,000 children entered foster care in 2020 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 the impact of the COVID–19 pandemic created additional challenges for youth and families in the child welfare system, including delays in permanency, economic hardship, and disruptions in education; Whereas more than 20,000 youths aged out of foster care in 2020 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 115–123 ; 132 Stat. 232), which provided new investments in prevention and family reunification services to help more families stay together and ensure more children are in safe, loving, and permanent homes; Whereas Federal legislation during the past 3 decades, including the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980 ( Public Law 96–272 ; 94 Stat. 500), the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 ( Public Law 105–89 ; 111 Stat. 2115), the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008 ( Public Law 110–351 ; 122 Stat. 3949), the Child and Family Services Improvement and Innovation Act ( Public Law 112–34 ; 125 Stat. 369), and the Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act ( Public Law 113–183 ; 128 Stat. 1919) provided new investments and services to improve the outcomes of children in the foster care system; Whereas May 2022 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 2022 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, 2022, 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. ) and other programs designed to— (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 of the foster care system. | https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-117sres634ats/xml/BILLS-117sres634ats.xml |
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