This joint resolution (SJRES 58) seeks congressional disapproval of a specific proposed foreign military sale to Saudi Arabia. It prohibits the sale of 300 PATRIOT MIM-104E missiles, related tools, training, support services, and other defense articles described in a government transmittal. The bill directly affects Saudi Arabia by blocking this arms transaction, which was submitted to Congress under the Arms Export Control Act. The resolution does not alter the sale's details but aims to prevent its implementation through congressional action.
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.
Ethanol Access for a Sustainable Economy Act of 2022 or the EASE Act of 2022 This bill revises the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) requirements to provide for the year-round sale of ethanol-gasoline fuel blends that contain more than 10% denatured anhydrous ethanol. RVP is a metric of gasoline volatility (i.e., how quickly fuel evaporates into the atmosphere). Current law prohibits the sale of gasoline that exceed certain RVP limits during the high ozone season (i.e., the summer months). However, current law provides waivers from this requirement, including a waiver that gives certain ethanol-gasoline fuel blends containing 10% denatured anhydrous ethanol a higher RVP limit under certain conditions. This bill expands the waiver to include ethanol-gasoline fuel blends containing more than 10% of such ethanol, thus allowing year-round sales of such fuel blends.
Acting on the Annual Duplication Report Act of 2022 This bill requires various activities to implement recommendations identified in a report issued by the Government Accountability Office for reducing fragmentation, overlap, and duplication in federal programs. It specifically addresses recommendations concerning (1) the regulation of radioactive materials and disposal of low-level radioactive waste, and (2) coordination of federal efforts to reduce the risks of chronic health conditions through diet.
Save Our Sequoias Act This bill provides for the conservation of giant sequoia trees ( Sequoiadendron giganteum ) in California, including by providing statutory authority for the Giant Sequoia Lands Coalition; directing the coalition to submit a Giant Sequoia Health and Resiliency Assessment; declaring an emergency on certain public lands and allowing officials to carry out protection plans during the emergency to respond to the threat of wildfires, insects, and drought; directing the Department of the Interior to develop and implement a Giant Sequoia Reforestation and Rehabilitation Strategy; and establishing a variety of programs and funds to support the conservation of giant sequoias.
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.
National World War II Memorial Commemorative Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue up to 50,000 $5 coins, 400,000 $1 silver coins, and 750,000 half-dollar clad coins in commemoration of the National World War II Memorial in the District of Columbia. The design of the coins shall be emblematic of the memorial and the service and sacrifice of American soldiers and civilians during World War II. All surcharges received from the sale of such coins shall be paid to the Friends of the National World War II Memorial to support the National Park Service in maintaining and repairing the memorial, and for educational and commemorative programs.
Safeguarding Treatment for the Restoration of Ecosystems from Abandoned Mines Act or the STREAM Act This bill allows a state to set aside up to 30% of its annual grant for abandoned mine reclamation provided under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for the treatment and abatement of acid mine drainage, which is the release of acidic water from abandoned coal mines.
Assault Weapons Ban of 2022 This bill makes it a crime to knowingly import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon (SAW) or large capacity ammunition feeding device (LCAFD). The prohibition does not apply to a firearm that is (1) manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action, except for certain shotguns; (2) permanently inoperable; (3) an antique; (4) only capable of firing rimfire ammunition; or (5) a rifle or shotgun specifically identified by make and model. The bill also exempts from the prohibition the following, with respect to a SAW or LCAFD: importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession related to certain law enforcement efforts, or authorized tests or experiments; importation, sale, transfer, or possession related to securing nuclear materials; and possession by a retired law enforcement officer. The bill permits continued possession, sale, or transfer of a grandfathered SAW, which must be securely stored. A licensed gun dealer must conduct a background check prior to the sale or transfer of a grandfathered SAW between private parties. The bill permits continued possession of, but prohibits sale or transfer of, a grandfathered LCAFD. Newly manufactured LCAFDs must display serial number identification. Newly manufactured SAWs and LCAFDs must display the date of manufacture. The bill also allows a state or local government to use Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds to compensate individuals who surrender a SAW or LCAFD under a buy-back program.
This resolution condemns the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, extends condolences to the family of former Prime Minister Abe and the people of Japan, honors the life and legacy of former Prime Minister Abe, and calls for a renewed commitment to the U.S.-Japan alliance.
Preserving Access to Home Health Act of 2022 This bill restricts the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) from decreasing payments for Medicare home health services based on certain adjustments until 2026. Current law requires the CMS to make certain permanent and temporary payment adjustments under the Medicare prospective payment system for home health services based on behavioral assumptions for 2020 through 2026. The bill restricts the CMS from making adjustments that decrease payments until 2026; the CMS must also ensure that any such necessary decreases are made before 2032.
The LTCH Access and Stability Act This bill waives the Medicare site-neutral payment rate for inpatient services at long-term care hospitals for an additional 12 months after the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must report on the effects of this waiver on hospital admissions and overall access to services, among other information.
