Crucial Communism Teaching Act This bill directs the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation to develop a civic education curriculum and oral history resources for high school students to promote understanding of certain political ideologies (e.g., communism and totalitarianism) that conflict with principles of U.S. democracy.
IMF Accountability Act of 2022 This bill imposes requirements on U.S. representatives to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) with regard to certain issues involving China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, or Afghanistan while under Taliban control. The President or any U.S. representative to the IMF may not vote to allocate Special Drawing Rights (SDR) to any of these countries unless Congress authorizes such a vote. (The SDR is an international reserve asset maintained by the IMF based on contributions from IMF member countries. SDRs may be exchanged between member countries and may also be exchanged for currencies.) The bill also requires the Department of the Treasury to direct U.S. representatives to the IMF to oppose any proposal that (1) increases the IMF quota of any of these countries, or (2) modifies certain policies if the modification would allow the IMF to provide funding to any of these countries. (A country's quota determines, among other things, that country's voting power in IMF decisions and access to IMF financing.)
Terminating Reckless and Unnecessary Checks Known to Erode Regular Shipping Act or the TRUCKERS Act This bill prohibits the Department of Homeland Security from imposing any COVID-19 vaccination requirement on any commercial truck driver who is a national of Canada or Mexico and seeking to temporarily enter the United States for business through a land port of entry.
Broadband Buildout Accountability Act This bill makes actions or decisions of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration concerning the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program subject to the Freedom of Information Act, which governs the release of federal documents.
Never Yielding Europe's Territory (NYET) Act of 2022 This bill addresses Russia's actions against Ukraine and other countries in the region. The bill authorizes and expedites the provision of security assistance, including by (1) prioritizing delivering excess defense articles to Ukraine, (2) authorizing the Department of State to waive certain costs for defense articles leased to Ukraine, and (3) authorizing additional Foreign Military Financing for programs in Europe. The bill also provides funding for (1) Foreign Military Financing assistance to Ukraine, (2) the Global Engagement Center to counter foreign-sponsored propaganda and disinformation, (3) the Countering Russian Influence Fund to support Ukraine and other countries in response to Russia's aggression, and (4) International Military Education and Training assistance for Ukraine. Furthermore, the bill imposes sanctions, including on (1) senior Russian military officials responsible for planning or executing military operations that violated Ukraine's sovereignty or territorial integrity, and (2) foreign individuals or entities that acted on behalf of Russia's government to destabilize Ukraine or disrupt Ukraine's critical infrastructure. The bill also addresses additional matters, including (1) authorizing Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty to explore opening new bureaus to reach audiences on Russia's periphery; and (2) providing for expedited approval of natural gas exports to qualifying nations, including NATO members, whereas currently expedited approval is only available for exports to countries that are in a free trade agreement relating to natural gas with the United States.
This resolution acknowledges the collapse of the radio telescope at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico and encourages federal agencies to study means of replacing the observatory's lost scientific capabilities.
Providing Reports on Inflation Costs and Economic Impact Act or the PRICE Act This bill establishes a point of order that prohibits the Senate from considering legislation that provides discretionary appropriations unless a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report regarding the impact of the legislation on inflation has been submitted for publication in the Congressional Record. The CBO report must include an analysis of the impact the legislation would have on the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers, the Employment Cost Index for private industry workers, and the purchasing power of consumers. The point of order may be waived or suspended by an affirmative vote of three-fifths of the Senate.
Cutting Rampant Access to Crack Kits Act of 2022 or the CRACK Act of 2022 This bill prohibits community-based overdose prevention programs, syringe services programs, and other harm reduction programs from using funds made available through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to procure or distribute pipes or other paraphernalia that can be used to smoke, inhale, or ingest narcotics.
This resolution honors the memories of the victims killed in the attack on February 14, 2018, at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, and offers condolences to the families, loved ones, and friends of the victims. The resolution (1) honors the survivors and pledges continued support for their recovery, (2) recognizes the strength and resilience of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School community, and (3) expresses gratitude to the emergency medical and health care professionals of the Parkland community for their efforts in responding to the attack and caring for the victims and survivors.
Ban IRS Biometrics Act This bill prohibits the Department of the Treasury from requiring taxpayers to provide biometric information as a condition of filing any tax return, receiving any service, or accessing taxpayer information. The bill defines biometric information as any information regarding any measurable physical characteristic or personal behavioral trait used to recognize the identity, or verify the claimed identity or location, of an individual, including facial images, fingerprints, and iris scans. Treasury must also develop a plan for the safe and secure destruction and disposal of any biometric information collected or used prior to the enactment of this bill.
