HRES 939 is a symbolic House resolution expressing support for designating February 21-25, 2022, as "Public Schools Week." It does not create new policies, allocate funding, or impose requirements on schools or students. The resolution uses supportive language to acknowledge public education's role in democracy but has no legal effect. It was introduced by multiple representatives as a non-binding gesture of appreciation for public schools.
Promoting Rigorous and Innovative Cost Efficiencies for Federal Procurement and Acquisitions Act of 2021 or the PRICE Act of 2021 This bill directs the Management Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to publish an annual report on a DHS website on projects that have used innovative procurement techniques within DHS to accomplish specified goals. Such goals are improving or encouraging better competition, reducing time to award, achieving cost savings, achieving better mission outcomes, or meeting the goals for contracts awarded to small business concerns. The Management Directorate shall (1) develop and disseminate guidance and offer training for specified personnel concerning when and how to use such techniques, and (2) share best practices across DHS and make available to other federal agencies information to improve procurement methods and training. The Office of Federal Procurement Policy shall convene a Chief Acquisition Officers Council to examine best practices for acquisition innovation in contracting in the federal government.
Environmental Justice Air Quality Monitoring Act of 2022 This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency to implement a pilot program to award, on a competitive basis, grants or contracts to state, local, and tribal air agencies to carry out specified projects for hyperlocal air quality monitoring systems in environmental justice communities (i.e., communities with significant representation of communities of color, low income communities, or tribal and indigenous communities that experience, or are at risk of experiencing, higher or more adverse human health or environmental effects). A project carried out using a grant or contract awarded under the pilot program may not exceed five years in duration.
This resolution supports the goals and ideals of National Engineers Week to increase understanding of, and interest in, engineering and technology careers. The resolution recognizes that engineering education is a critical component of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education.
Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act This bill updates policies and procedures related to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits for veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances. Specifically, the bill extends the eligibility period for VA hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for combat veterans who served after September 11, 2001, and were exposed to toxic substances, radiation, or other conditions, including those who did not enroll to receive VA care during the eligibility period. The VA must incorporate into its existing health care screening a screening to help determine potential exposures to toxic substances during military service. Among other requirements, the VA must also provide annual training to health care and benefits personnel with respect to veterans who were exposed to toxic substances; analyze total and respiratory disease mortality in veterans who served in specified locations on specified dates; conduct an epidemiological study on the health trends of veterans who served in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001; conduct a study to determine trends in the rates of the incidence of cancer in veterans; publish a list of VA resources for veterans who were exposed to toxic substances, families and caregivers of such veterans, and survivors of such veterans who are receiving death benefits; and report on the data quality of the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record and its usefulness in supporting veterans in receiving VA health care and benefits.
Harriet Tubman Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue 50,000 $5 gold coins, 400,000 $1 silver coins, and 750,000 half-dollar clad coins emblematic of the legacy of Harriet Tubman as an abolitionist. The Secretary may issue coins under this bill only during the period of January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024. All surcharges received by Treasury from the sale of such coins must be paid equally to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, and The Harriet Tubman Home, Inc. in Auburn, New York, for the purpose of accomplishing and advancing their missions.
This resolution supports the designation of February 19-February 26, 2022, as National FFA Week. It also (1) recognizes the important role of the National FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America) in developing the next generation of leaders who will change the world, and (2) celebrates 70 years of the National FFA Organization's membership magazine.
This Senate resolution (SRES 526) formally condemns the antisemitic terrorist attack at Congregation Beth Israel Synagogue in Colleyville, Texas, on January 15, 2022, where hostages were held at gunpoint. It expresses gratitude that no lives were lost, applauds law enforcement and emergency responders for their actions, and condemns antisemitism in the United States. The resolution does not create new policies or allocate funds; it is a symbolic expression of support for the Jewish community and law enforcement. It directly affects the congregation and local community by affirming their safety and the importance of religious freedom.
This resolution recognizes Black History Month as an opportunity to reflect on U.S. history and to commemorate the contributions of African Americans. It calls for the United States to (1) honor the contribution of pioneers who helped to ensure its legacy; and (2) move forward as a nation "indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
SRES 520 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating the week of February 21-25, 2022, as "Public Schools Week." It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect any individuals or institutions. The resolution uses symbolic language to highlight the importance of public education in the U.S. but contains no policy changes or actionable provisions. As a procedural resolution, it serves only to recognize public schools during that specific week.
This resolution commends the courage, resolve, and restraint shown by the Ukrainian people in their pursuit of sovereignty and democracy and reaffirms unwavering U.S. support for a secure, democratic, and independent Ukraine. It also condemns Russia's attempted annexation of Crimea in 2014 and denounces Russia's military buildup of over 150,000 troops on Ukraine's border.
Affordable Insulin Now Act This bill limits cost-sharing for insulin under private health insurance and the Medicare prescription drug benefit. Specifically, the bill caps cost-sharing under private health insurance for a month's supply of selected insulin products at $35 or 25% of a plan's negotiated price (after any price concessions), whichever is less, beginning in 2023. The bill caps cost-sharing under the Medicare prescription drug benefit for a month's supply of covered insulin products at (1) $35 between October 1, 2022, and January 1, 2024; and (2) $35 or 25% of a plan's negotiated price, whichever is less, beginning in 2024. The bill provides funds for FY2022 for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to implement the bill. Currently, the CMS is testing a voluntary model under the Medicare prescription drug benefit (the Part D Senior Savings Model) in which the copayment for a month's supply of insulin is capped at $35 through participating plans. The model is set to expire on December 31, 2025.
