This bill amends federal funding rules to support stillbirth prevention programs. It allows funds under the Social Security Act to cover evidence-based activities like tracking fetal movements, improving birth timing for high-risk pregnancies, smoking cessation support, and community home visits. The bill directly affects pregnant individuals, particularly those in higher-risk groups identified in the findings (such as Black mothers, those with medical conditions like diabetes, or those aged 35+). Key provisions update funding language to explicitly include stillbirth prevention research and programs, aiming to address disparities where stillbirth rates are significantly higher among certain demographics. The bill focuses on concrete policy changes to expand access to proven prevention strategies.
SRES 426 is a Senate resolution designating November 4, 2023 (the first Saturday of November), as "National Bison Day." It directly recognizes the cultural, historical, and economic significance of bison to Native American tribes, rural communities, and the U.S. ecosystem. The resolution encourages the American public to observe the day with ceremonies and activities, but it does not create new laws, funding, or obligations. This is a symbolic gesture acknowledging bison's role as the national mammal and its importance to tribal heritage and conservation efforts.
S. RES. 420 designates Betty K. Koed as Historian Emerita of the U.S. Senate, effective October 21, 2023, honoring her 25-year career as the Senate's first female Historian (serving from 2015-2023 after roles as Assistant and Associate Historian). The resolution recognizes her work preserving Senate archives, producing historical publications, and supporting educational programs about Senate history. It is a ceremonial honor with no policy changes or direct impact on legislation or constituents.
This resolution states that the Senate stands with Israel as it defends itself, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls on all countries to unequivocally condemn Hamas' war on Israel. The resolution also reaffirms the United States' commitment to Israel's security, supports emergency resupply and certain other types of assistance to Israel, and calls on the United States to lead an international effort to deprive Hamas of Iranian and other sources of funding and lethal assistance. Furthermore, the resolution states that nothing in it may be construed as a declaration of war or an authorization for the use of military force.
S. Res. 406 is a Senate resolution honoring the late Richard Clarence Clark, a former U.S. Senator from Iowa (served 1973-1979), who died in 2023. The resolution expresses the Senate’s sorrow at his passing, requests that the House of Representatives and Clark’s family be informed, and directs the Senate to adjourn for the day as a mark of respect. This is a purely commemorative measure with no policy or legal effect, reflecting the Senate’s collective tribute to a former member.
This is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring the late Senator Dianne Feinstein of California. It expresses the Senate's respect for her legacy through a formal statement and calls for the chamber to adjourn as a mark of tribute following her passing. The resolution details her historic milestones, including being the first woman to represent California in the Senate, chair multiple key committees, and advocate on issues like gun safety and conservation. It has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents, as it is purely commemorative.
This resolution supports the designation of October 1 through October 7, 2023, as National 4–H Week and recognizes the important role of 4–H in youth development and education.
SRES 394 is a Senate resolution introduced on October 3, 2023, honoring the late James L. Buckley, a former U.S. Senator from New York (1971-1977) who died in 2023. The resolution expresses the Senate's sorrow at his passing and directs the Senate to communicate the resolution to the House of Representatives and Buckley's family, while calling for an immediate adjournment in his memory. This ceremonial resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it solely serves to commemorate Buckley's life and legacy.
HRES 757 declares the office of Speaker of the House of Representatives vacant. This procedural resolution formally states that the position currently has no holder, without altering the Speaker's duties or the process for selecting a new Speaker. It does not create new law or affect any policy.
# Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024 - Summary
This comprehensive appropriations bill for fiscal year 2024 allocates funds for U.S. diplomatic, development, and foreign assistance programs with specific funding allocations, restrictions, and policy priorities.
## Key Funding Allocations
- **$1 billion** for Economic Support Fund to counter Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific
- **$94 million** for Global Internet Freedom programs
- **$200 million** for Women's Economic Empowerment
- **$50 million** for Women's Leadership programs
- **$250 million** for Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls
- **$150 million** for Women, Peace, and Security initiatives
- **$970 million** for Basic Education (including $150 million for girls' education in conflict areas)
- **$285 million** for Higher Education
- **$385 million** for Biodiversity Conservation
- **$125 million** for Combating Wildlife Poaching and Trafficking
- **$1.01 billion** for Food Security and Agricultural Development
## Major Restrictions and Prohibitions
- **No funding** for drag queen workshops, performances, or documentaries
- **No funding** for programs teaching concepts related to systemic racism or sexism
- **No funding** for Executive Order 13985 (Advancing Racial Equity) or related executive orders
- **No funding** for organizations that provide or promote gender transition surgeries for minors
- **No funding** for the United Nations Population Fund
- **No funding** for the Wuhan Institute of Virology or similar entities
- **No funding** for gain-of-function research
- **No funding** for programs that would support Russian annexation of Crimea
- **No funding** for the central government of Russia
## Key Policy Priorities
- **Countering Russian Influence**: Prohibitions on funding for countries supporting Russian annexation of Crimea (Section 7047)
- **Countering Chinese Influence**: $1 billion for programs to counter Chinese malign influence (Section VIIIC)
- **Women's Empowerment**: Multiple funding streams for women's economic, political, and security initiatives (Section 7059)
- **Global Health**: $461 million maximum for family planning/reproductive health, with specific restrictions on funding for certain organizations
- **Internet Freedom**: $94 million for programs promoting global internet freedom (Section 7050)
## Administrative Requirements
- **Spend plans** required before funding obligation for numerous programs
- **Reporting requirements** to Congress for monitoring and oversight
- **Rescission** of $1.7 billion in unobligated balances from previous appropriations
- **Restrictions** on reorganization without prior consultation with Congress
- **Prohibition** on using funds for certain types of travel or activities
The bill emphasizes national security priorities, particularly countering Chinese and Russian influence, while implementing significant restrictions on certain types of programming and ensuring accountability through detailed reporting requirements.
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 369 is a Senate resolution designating September 2023 as "Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month" to promote public education about sickle cell disease (SCD) across the United States. It encourages communities to hold events during September focused on raising awareness about SCD, which affects approximately 100,000 people in the U.S. (with higher prevalence in Black and African American communities), and emphasizes the need for research, early detection, effective treatments, and preventative care. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic call to action for public health engagement.
