NTIA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2021 This bill reauthorizes the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) through FY2023 and modifies its duties and responsibilities. Specifically, the NTIA must consult with other federal agencies to ensure that matters presented to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are appropriately coordinated and accurately reflect executive branch views and policies. Additionally, the NTIA and the FCC must update a memorandum of understanding that guides planning, dispute resolution, and other processes related to the allocation and management of the electromagnetic spectrum. Further, the NTIA must recommend candidates to lead the U.S. delegation to a conference held to update the international treaty that governs the use of radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits. The bill also (1) expands the NTIA's policy objectives to encompass fostering the digital economy and achieving universal access to telecommunications and information networks, and (2) requires the NTIA to promote telecommunications industry workforce programs (e.g., apprenticeships and other skills training programs).
Defend the Blend Act This bill prohibits the Environmental Protection Agency from reducing under the renewable fuel program any applicable volume, or any renewable fuel obligation or applicable percentage that has already been finalized for any calendar year.
Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act of 2021 This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to make changes to the financing of the Universal Service Fund. This fund, which is financed by fees contributed by telecommunications carriers, supports programs to expand the availability of and access to telecommunications services. Specifically, the bill directs the FCC to (1) study the need for expanding the fund's contribution base to ensure fairness and equity in applicable contribution requirements, and (2) reform the fund's contribution system through rulemaking. In carrying out the rulemaking, the FCC must consider the findings and recommendations of its study and the impact of changes on consumers, businesses, and seniors.
Jaime Zapata and Victor Avila Federal Officers and Employees Protection Act This bill explicitly grants extraterritorial jurisdiction over the following criminal offenses: killing (or attempting to kill) a federal officer or employee; assaulting, kidnapping, or murdering (or threatening to do so, or attempting to kidnap or murder) a family member of certain federal officials to retaliate against or to impede, intimidate, or interfere with the federal official; threatening to assault, kidnap, or murder certain federal officials to retaliate against or to impede, intimidate, or interfere with the federal official; and assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees. The United States may prosecute such conduct that occurs outside the United States.
This joint resolution nullifies a Department of Labor emergency temporary standard for preventing the transmission of COVID-19 in employment settings. Under the standard issued on November 5, 2021, employers with 100 or more employees must require their onsite employees to either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or undergo weekly COVID-19 testing.
This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a working group to (1) evaluate the food safety threat posed by beef imported from Brazil, and (2) make recommendations regarding whether or not the importation of beef from Brazil should be permitted. The bill also suspends imports of beef from Brazil until the working group submits its recommendations to USDA.
SRES 451 is a commemorative Senate resolution honoring the late Senator Max Cleland (D-GA), who died November 9, 2021. The resolution recognizes his service as a Vietnam War veteran (losing both legs and an arm in combat), his 50+ years of public service including roles as Georgia State Senator, Secretary of State, U.S. Senator, and Administrator of the Veterans Administration, and his advocacy for veterans. It formally expresses the Senate’s "profound sorrow" and "deep regret" over his death, commemorates his legacy of service to Georgia and veterans, and requests the Secretary of the Senate transmit the resolution to his family. This is a ceremonial resolution with no policy changes or legal effect.
USACE Military Personnel Augmentation Act of 2021 This bill expands the types of Army personnel entitled to receive certain pay and allowances while assigned to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on nonmilitary public works projects. Currently, regular Corps officers and reserve Army officers assigned to the Corps are entitled to receive pay and allowances from funds appropriated for the project that they are working on. The bill entitles warrant officers and enlisted members of the Army, whether regular or reserve, to receive such pay and allowances when assigned to the Corps.
This concurrent resolution declares that Congress should not impose any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge relating to the public performance of sound recordings on a local radio station for broadcasting sound recordings over the air, or on any business for such public performance of sound recordings.
Having Employees Return to Duty Act or the HERD Act This bill addresses federal employees who comply with Executive Order 14043 (requiring COVID-19 vaccination for federal employees). Specifically, the bill requires each federal agency to require employees who comply with the order to work from their duty station and to work the hours required as of February 15, 2020. The bill's requirement does not apply to immunocompromised employees. Additionally, the bill does not prohibit an agency from implementing different policies at a particular work site if the agency finds that (1) there is substantial transmission of COVID-19 within a community in which such requirements would otherwise be carried out; and (2) implementing those different policies will not degrade the level of service that the agency provides to the public.
This resolution establishes the McCain-Mansfield Fellowship Program for wounded or disabled veterans. Under the program, qualifying individuals may serve a 24-month fellowship in the office of a Senator. The Senate Committee on Rules and Administration must issue regulations for program administration, including eligibility criteria.
SRES 441 designates November 6, 2021, as National Bison Day to recognize the historical, cultural, and economic significance of bison in the United States. The resolution encourages the American public to observe the day with ceremonies and activities, building on an annual tradition that began in 2012. It highlights bison's role in Native American heritage, conservation efforts, and contributions to rural economies, without creating new legal requirements or funding.
