Supporting Medicare Providers Act of 2022 This bill extends a payment increase under Medicare's physician fee schedule through the end of 2023 (currently set to expire at the end of 2022).
Wildfire Recovery Act This bill makes changes with respect to the federal cost share for Fire Management Assistance Grants and provides that the federal share shall be not less than 75% of the eligible cost. Specifically, the bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to conduct and complete a rulemaking to provide criteria for the circumstances under which FEMA may recommend that the President increase the federal cost share. Such criteria shall include a threshold metric that assesses the financial impact to a state or local government from responding to a fire for which fire management assistance is being provided.
Veterans and Consumers Fair Credit Act This bill applies certain military consumer credit protections to all consumers. Specifically, the bill caps the interest rate on extensions of consumer credit at 36%.
This concurrent resolution (1) calls on the Members of Congress and all people of the United States to observe September 11, 2022, as a National Day of Service and Remembrance in honor of those who lost their lives or were injured in the September 11, 2001, attacks and in tribute to those who came to the aid of those in need and to the defense of the United States; and (2) recognizes the heroic actions of first responders and other citizens in New York, New York, the District of Columbia, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Nationwide Right To Unionize Act This bill provides authorization for labor agreements to require membership in a labor organization as a condition of employment regardless of state law (thus preempting state laws that prohibit such agreements).
Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking Act of 2021 or the SAFE Banking Act of 2021 This bill generally prohibits a federal banking regulator from penalizing a depository institution for providing banking services to a legitimate cannabis-related business. Prohibited penalties include terminating or limiting the deposit insurance or share insurance of a depository institution solely because the institution provides financial services to a legitimate cannabis-related business and prohibiting or otherwise discouraging a depository institution from offering financial services to such a business. Additionally, proceeds from a transaction involving activities of a legitimate cannabis-related business are not considered proceeds from unlawful activity. Proceeds from unlawful activity are subject to anti-money laundering laws. Furthermore, a depository institution is not, under federal law, liable or subject to asset forfeiture for providing a loan or other financial services to a legitimate cannabis-related business. The bill also provides that a federal banking agency may not request or order a depository institution to terminate a customer account unless (1) the agency has a valid reason for doing so, and (2) that reason is not based solely on reputation risk. Valid reasons for terminating an account include threats to national security and involvement in terrorist financing, including state sponsorship of terrorism.
Budgetary Accuracy in Scoring Interest Costs Act of 2022 or the BASIC Act This bill requires cost estimates prepared by the Congressional Budget Office or the Joint Committee on Taxation to include the costs of servicing the public debt.
Strengthening Welfare in Marine Settings Act of 2022 or the SWIMS Act of 2022 This bill establishes prohibitions on capturing, importing, exporting, or breeding of orcas, beluga whales, false killer whales, or pilot whales for the purpose of public display. Specifically, the bill prohibits the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration from issuing any permit under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 that authorizes the taking (e.g., capturing) or importation of such orcas or whales for the purpose of public display. The bill further revises the act to make it unlawful to export such orcas or whales, unless they are being transported to marine mammal sanctuaries or for release into the wild. Further, the bill makes it unlawful under the Animal Welfare Act for any person to breed or artificially inseminate such marine mammals for purposes of using their progeny for public display.
This resolution remembers the 80th anniversary of the Solomon Islands campaign, including the battles of Guadalcanal and Ironbottom Sound during World War II. The resolution honors the sailors, soldiers, marines, and airmen that made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States and Allies in the Solomon Islands and the Pacific theater. The resolution also recognizes the results of their sacrifice, including over three generations of a democratic Indo-Pacific. Finally, the resolution affirms the critical importance of the U.S. relationship with the Pacific Islands and of U.S.-Pacific Island partnerships to promote democracy, peace, security, and prosperity.
HR 8683, the Pacific Islands Embassies Act, requires the U.S. Department of State to establish physical embassies in Vanuatu, Kiribati, and Tonga within two years of enactment. The bill authorizes $40.2 million for 2023 to build and maintain these embassies, plus $3 million for 2024 operations, to support U.S. diplomatic engagement in the region. This directly affects U.S. foreign policy operations by creating dedicated diplomatic posts to deepen relations with these Pacific Island nations and advance U.S. national security interests. The legislation aims to strengthen U.S. presence amid growing geopolitical competition, though it does not alter existing diplomatic arrangements.
This resolution expresses that the Senate has heard the announcement of the death of the Honorable Jacqueline R. Walorski, Congresswoman for the Second Congressional District of Indiana. The resolution also honors Representative Walorski for her service to Indiana and the United States. The resolution expresses that when the Senate adjourns today, it stands adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Representative Walorski.
This resolution designates August 16, 2022, as "National Airborne Day" to honor the history of U.S. airborne forces. It recognizes August 16, 1940, as the date of the first official U.S. Army parachute jump, marking the beginning of airborne operations. The resolution calls on the public to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, acknowledging the service of airborne troops from World War II through modern conflicts. It is a ceremonial resolution with no legal effect or direct impact on policy or individuals.
