Spectrum Innovation Act of 2021 This bill specifies a process for auctioning a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between 3100 megahertz (MHz) and 3540 MHz for nonfederal use, shared federal and nonfederal use, or a combination of those uses. Most wireless technologies (e.g., mobile communication) rely on the electromagnetic spectrum to transmit signals. Specifically, the Office of Management and Budget must transfer funding from the Spectrum Reallocation Fund to federal entities for planning related to the reallocation. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Executive Office of the President must oversee the planning. Informed by the planning, the Department of Commerce must identify at least 200 MHz of spectrum for reallocation. In identifying the spectrum, Commerce must consult with the Department of Defense, the Office of National Science and Technology Policy, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC must (1) adopt rules authorizing the use of the identified spectrum in consultation with the NTIA, and (2) auction licenses for the identified spectrum within seven years of the bill's enactment. Additionally, the President must modify or withdraw (subject to certain limits) current federal assignments of the identified spectrum to increase nonfederal use. The FCC must allow for opportunistic uses (i.e., allow devices to opportunistically identify and transmit on unused spectrum without infringing on the rights of the spectrum license holder) of a withdrawn or modified assignment. An allowed opportunistic use must cease after the auction if the use is inconsistent with the rights of the licensee that obtains its license through the auction.
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This joint resolution nullifies the rule issued by the Department of Health and Human Services on October 7, 2021, that reverts requirements for federally funded providers of family planning services to those in effect before May 3, 2019, and makes other changes to family planning programs. Specific changes in the rule include (1) removing restrictions on pregnancy options counseling and referrals for abortion services, (2) eliminating requirements for physical and financial separation between abortion-related activities and specified family planning activities, and (3) providing a particular focus on health equity.
Maddy summarySRES 588 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating April 2022 as "Financial Literacy Month." It does not create new laws or policies but calls for public awareness about the importance of personal financial education. The resolution urges federal, state, local, school, nonprofit, and business entities to observe the month with activities highlighting financial education's role in helping individuals manage debt, build wealth, and make informed money decisions. It references statistics on financial challenges (like high credit card debt and low high school financial literacy requirements) but does not mandate any specific actions or funding. This is a procedural designation with no direct effect on individuals or new legislative requirements.
Maddy summarySRES 593 is a Senate resolution honoring former U.S. Senator Kaneaster Hodges, Jr. of Arkansas, who served from 1977 to 1978. The resolution expresses the Senate’s "profound sorrow" at his death and directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit an enrolled copy to his family. It also calls for the Senate to adjourn as a mark of respect. This is a ceremonial resolution with no policy provisions or direct impact on legislation or constituents.
Get the Lead Out of Assisted Housing Act of 2022 This bill addresses the removal of lead from drinking water in federally assisted housing. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to require specified testing and remediation with respect to water service lines containing lead; authorizes HUD to inspect all sources of lead contamination in federally assisted housing and to mitigate sources of lead exposure; establishes a grant program for states and local governments to create inventories of water service lines containing lead and to test for lead in the drinking water at child care facilities, schools, and public water fountains; and allows recipients of certain HUD assistance to use such assistance to replace water fixtures and service lines containing lead.
This resolution designates April 16 through April 24, 2022, as National Park Week. The resolution also 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.
This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that 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.
Maddy summarySRES 565 is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring the late Representative Don Young (R-AK), who served 49 years in the U.S. House of Representatives - the longest tenure of any Alaska representative and the 45th Dean of the House. The resolution commemorates his life, service, and legacy, including his work on landmark legislation like the Trans-Alaska Pipeline authorization and the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. It contains no policy changes or new laws; instead, it directs the Senate to mourn his passing, honor his bipartisan service, and transmit a copy to his family. This is a purely symbolic resolution with no direct impact on constituents or legislation.
Victims of Child Abuse Act Reauthorization Act of 2022 This bill reauthorizes for FY2022-FY2028 and otherwise revises grants for local and regional children's advocacy centers (CACs). CACs coordinate a multidisciplinary response to child abuse.
This resolution congratulates the people of Greece as they celebrate the 201st anniversary of Greece's independence. The resolution also expresses support for the principles of democratic governance to which the people of the United States and Greece are committed.