This bill modifies the definition of water heater , otherwise revises energy conservation standards, and sets forth labeling requirements for water heaters. In addition, it directs the Department of Energy to determine whether electric storage water heaters should possess demand response capabilities.
This resolution recognizes that increased tensions between the United States and China and the COVID-19 pandemic have exposed severe vulnerabilities attributable to overreliance by the United States and other countries on supply chains based solely or mainly in China. The resolution emphasizes that nearshoring in Latin America and the Caribbean, relative to relying on supply chains in other geographic regions, has the greatest potential to contribute to the economic prosperity and security of the United States while also advancing the post-pandemic economic recovery of countries in the Western Hemisphere. Nearshoring is the practice of transferring a business operation to a nearby country, especially in preference to a more distant one. The resolution encourages the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to strengthen programmatic support for initiatives likely to facilitate the relocation of global supply chains to the Western Hemisphere. The resolution also calls for governments in Latin America and the Caribbean to increase opportunities for nearshoring in the region. Finally, the resolution urges the Department of State to take a leading role in advancing nearshoring in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Clean Competition Act This bill creates a carbon border adjustment mechanism to lower greenhouse gas emissions in high-polluting sectors. This mechanism imposes charges on imports from carbon-intensive (e.g., fossil fuels, refined petroleum products, petrochemicals) manufacturers, encourages decarbonization efforts, and funds future research, development, and deployment efforts to achieve a net-zero carbon future. The bill requires annual calculations of carbon intensity, imposes a carbon intensity charge on imports into the United States beginning after 2023, and allows for rebates for overpayments of charges. The bill also establishes a grant program in FY2025 and subsequent fiscal years for investments in new technology to reduce carbon intensity in existing facilities and ensure best-in-class carbon intensity for proposed facilities.
Making Advances in Mammography and Medical Options for Veterans Act This bill addresses the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provision of mammograms and breast cancer treatment. Among other requirements, the VA must submit a strategic plan for improving breast imaging services for veterans; implement a three-year pilot program to provide telescreening mammography services for veterans who live in locations where access to breast imaging services at a VA facility is difficult or unfeasible; upgrade all mammography services at its facilities to use three-dimensional breast imaging; study the availability of access to testing for the breast cancer gene for veterans diagnosed with breast cancer, as recommended by the guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network; update guidelines to increase the use of molecular testing and genetic counseling for veterans diagnosed with breast cancer; study the accessibility of breast imaging services at VA facilities for veterans with paralysis, spinal cord injury or disorder, or another disability; and update its policies and directives to ensure that it confirms the accessibility of a breast imaging site when referring a veteran with a spinal cord injury or disorder to a non-VA provider. The Inspector General of the VA must report to the VA and to Congress on mammography services furnished by the VA. In addition, the VA must enter into a partnership with at least one cancer center of the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health in each Veterans Integrated Service Network to expand access to high-quality cancer care for women veterans. In implementing such partnerships, the VA must ensure that veterans with breast cancer who reside in rural areas or states without a partner cancer center are able to receive care through telehealth. Finally, the VA must collaborate with the Department of Defense and report on all current research and health care collaborations between the departments on treating veterans and members of the Armed Forces with breast cancer.
United States Army Rangers Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to the U.S. Army Rangers Veterans of World War II in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II.
Stay Cool Act This bill addresses risks associated with extreme heat, including through grants and activities that support (1) public preparedness and response to heat emergencies, (2) community-based interventions (e.g., cooling centers), (3) air conditioning and other cooling mechanisms in federally assisted housing, and (4) urban green spaces and vegetation.
Keep Infant Formula Safe and On the Shelves Act of 2022 This bill requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to periodically inspect infant formula manufacturing facilities and addresses related issues. The FDA must periodically conduct inspections, including unannounced inspections, of infant formula manufacturer facilities. If the FDA makes a notable regulatory finding at such a facility, the manufacturer must undergo a comprehensive food safety audit that includes a root cause analysis, enhanced testing, and comprehensive environmental samples. A manufacturer of infant formula or essential medical food must notify the FDA no later than five business days after becoming aware of circumstances that could lead to a shortage of the relevant product in the United States. Further, the FDA must create and annually update a list of U.S. manufacturing facilities that could be converted to manufacture infant formula during a shortage. In the event of a shortage, the FDA may require infant formula manufacturers to provide certain information, such as the quantity of formula in a manufacturer's inventory. The bill also establishes under statute that food, including infant formula, is a critical material essential to the national defense and therefore subject to authorities under the Defense Production Act of 1950. (Such authorities authorize the President to take various actions, such as requiring businesses to prioritize certain government contracts and incentivizing the domestic industrial base to expand the production of critical materials.) The Occupational Safety and Health Administration must issue a fact sheet and provide technical assistance to infant formula manufacturers to promote compliance with occupational health and safety standards.
Military Access to Reproductive Care and Health for Military Servicemembers Act or the MARCH for Military Servicemembers Act This bill repeals the restriction on utilizing Department of Defense funds and facilities for performing abortions. The restriction only allows such funds and facilities to be used for abortions in cases of rape, incest, or where the mother's life is endangered.
This resolution supports the goals and ideals of an International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, Biphobia, and Intersexphobia. The resolution encourages (1) health care providers to offer culturally and clinically competent care to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, and agender (LGBTQIA+) community; (2) schools to support the creation of gender and sexuality alliances; (3) individuals to learn about national resources for those who identify as LGBTQIA+; and (4) funding organizations, aid efforts, and governments to prioritize the health and human rights of LGBTQIA+ people.
Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism Pilot Program Act of 2021 or the CTPAT Pilot Program Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to carry out a pilot program that assesses whether allowing certain entities to participate in the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) would enhance port security, combat terrorism, prevent supply chain security breaches, or otherwise meet the goals of CTPAT. Such entities are (1) non-asset-based third-party logistics providers that arrange international freight transportation and are licensed by the Department of Transportation; or (2) asset-based third-party logistics providers that facilitate cross-border activity, are licensed or bonded by specified federal agencies, and execute logistics services using their own warehousing assets and resources. The bill requires the Government Accountability Office to report on the effectiveness of CTPAT.
This resolution expresses support for the rights, freedoms, and equal treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals. The resolution r ecognizes that LGBTQ rights are human rights and protected by the laws of the United States and international treaties. Additionally, the resolution encourages the celebration of LGBTQ Pride Month in June.
This resolution expresses that the Senate condemns the unjust detention and indicting of Russian opposition leader Vladimir Vladimirovich Kara-Murza; urges the U.S. government and other allied governments to work to secure the immediate release of Vladimir Vladimirovich Kara-Murza, Alexei Navalny, and other Russian citizens imprisoned for opposing the regime of Vladimir Putin and the war against Ukraine; and calls on the President to increase support provided by the U.S. government for those advocating for democracy and independent media in Russia.
