Senate Resolution 376 clarifies the existing requirement for business attire on the Senate floor, specifying that men must wear a coat, tie, and long pants. The resolution designates the Senate Sergeant at Arms to enforce this dress code and mandates that any future changes to the rule require a two-thirds vote of all senators. This procedural resolution formalizes current standards without altering them, ensuring consistency in Senate decorum.
SRES 166 is a symbolic Senate resolution honoring the U.S. Coast Guard for its maritime border security work. It recognizes the Coast Guard's 2022 achievements, including interdicting over 330,000 pounds of narcotics, intercepting 12,500 illegal immigrants, and patrolling over 95,000 miles of U.S. coastline. The resolution expresses the Senate's gratitude to Coast Guard personnel for their "exemplary service" in safeguarding borders. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws, funding, or policy changes.
This bill streamlines mortgage processes for homes and businesses on tribal trust land. It sets strict deadlines for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to review mortgage applications (10 days for preliminary checks, 20-30 days for final decisions) and requires timely certified title reports to verify land ownership. The bill creates a new "Realty Ombudsman" position within the BIA to monitor deadlines, handle complaints from tribes and lenders, and improve communication with federal agencies. It directly affects Native American individuals, tribes, and lenders seeking mortgages on trust land, aiming to reduce processing delays and increase transparency in the system.
SRES 269 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating July 22, 2023, as "National Day of the American Cowboy." It does not create new laws or affect specific groups, but encourages the general public to observe the day through ceremonies and activities. The resolution highlights the cultural significance of cowboys, citing their embodiment of values like honesty and work ethic, their economic contributions through ranching, and their role in American traditions and media. This is a ceremonial designation with no direct policy impact or funding changes.
HRES 521 is a formal resolution censuring Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA, 30th District) for conduct deemed "unbecoming" of a House member. The resolution alleges Schiff repeatedly made false claims about Trump-Russia collusion, including spreading Steele Dossier information and releasing a flawed FISA memo, and misled the public during impeachment proceedings. If passed, it would require Schiff to appear in the House chamber for a public reading of the censure resolution. The resolution also directs the House Ethics Committee to investigate Schiff's "falsehoods and misrepresentations." This is a symbolic procedural action, not a law changing policy or affecting constituents.
HR 277 would require Congress to approve major federal regulations before they take effect. Major rules are defined as those with significant economic impact ($100 million+ annually), major cost increases for consumers or industries, or significant adverse effects on competition, employment, or innovation. Agencies must submit detailed information about these rules to Congress, including cost-benefit analyses, before they can take effect. Congress would have 70 session days to approve the rule with a joint resolution; if they don't act within that timeframe, the rule would not take effect. This would increase congressional oversight of federal regulations and require more detailed information about proposed rules before they become law.
HR 288, the Separation of Powers Restoration Act of 2023, amends federal law to change how courts review agency actions. It requires federal courts to decide de novo (anew) all legal questions - including interpretations of laws and the Constitution - when reviewing agency decisions, rather than deferring to agency interpretations. This applies to all judicial reviews of agency actions under existing law, unless a specific law explicitly exempts such cases. The bill directly affects federal courts, agencies, and parties involved in litigation over agency rules or enforcement. It aims to shift interpretive authority from agencies to courts in administrative law cases.
This resolution celebrates the 246th anniversary of the creation of the U.S. flag, recognizes that the Pledge of Allegiance has been a valuable part of life for the people of the United States for generations, and defends the constitutionality of the pledge.
This ceremonial Senate resolution designates May 21-27, 2023, as "National Public Works Week" to honor public works professionals. It recognizes their daily work maintaining infrastructure like roads, water systems, and emergency services that support community health, safety, and resilience. The resolution urges communities to celebrate these professionals' contributions to public infrastructure and community well-being through local activities. It has no legal effect or funding provisions - it is purely a symbolic recognition.
This joint resolution (SJRES 18) disapproves a Department of Homeland Security rule that would have expanded the "public charge" standard for immigration. The rule, published in the Federal Register on September 9, 2022, aimed to deny visas or green cards to immigrants who might rely on public benefits like housing or food assistance. By passing this resolution, Congress blocks the rule from taking effect, meaning immigrants applying for visas or permanent residency would not face this specific eligibility barrier. The resolution directly affects non-citizens seeking to enter or remain in the U.S. under immigration processes.
This resolution designates the week of May 14-20, 2023, as "National Police Week" to honor law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. It recognizes 444 officers killed in 2022 (including specific names listed in the resolution) and acknowledges 32 officers killed in 2023, while expressing support for law enforcement personnel. The resolution encourages the public to observe this week by honoring law enforcement officers and promoting awareness of their essential service. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new policy or alter existing laws.
This joint resolution (SJRES 23) seeks congressional disapproval of a specific rule issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service. The rule, published in the Federal Register on June 24, 2022, established regulations for listing endangered/threatened species and designating critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act. If passed, this resolution would nullify that rule, preventing it from having legal effect. The bill directly affects how the National Marine Fisheries Service implements species protection under federal law.
