This resolution recognizes the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Department of Defense State Partnership Program and its outsized influence in developing and supporting enduring relationships around the world. The resolution also expresses deep gratitude for the service of members of the National Guard to the program.
SRES 298 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating July 30, 2023, as "National Whistleblower Appreciation Day." It commemorates the historical date of July 30, 1778, when the Continental Congress passed early whistleblower protections. The resolution asks all federal agencies to recognize the day by informing employees, contractors, and the public about their legal right to report misconduct, fraud, or crimes through proper channels. It does not create new legal protections or funding but encourages agencies to acknowledge whistleblowers' role in saving taxpayer dollars and promoting ethical government. This is a procedural resolution focused on awareness, not policy change.
S 305 authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce and sell commemorative coins (gold, silver, and half-dollar denominations) to mark the U.S. Marine Corps' 250th anniversary in 2025. Each coin sale includes a surcharge ($5 to $35 per coin) that will fund the Marine Corps Heritage Center's educational programs, with proceeds paid directly to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. The coins will be sold from January 1 to December 31, 2025, and the surcharge structure ensures no net cost to taxpayers by covering production expenses through sales. This bill directly affects the U.S. Mint (in coin production), the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation (as recipient of funds), and the public (as potential buyers).
HR 3099 establishes a new Special Envoy for the Abraham Accords within the State Department, directly affecting U.S. diplomatic efforts and coordination. The envoy, appointed by the President with Senate confirmation, will coordinate U.S. government activities to expand diplomatic, economic, and security ties between Israel and Muslim-majority countries, including encouraging nations without formal relations with Israel to establish them. Key duties include strengthening existing Accords partnerships, fostering regional cooperation on issues like trade and water security, and providing diplomatic support for Israel’s regional engagement. The envoy must submit annual reports to Congress detailing specific diplomatic efforts and progress with partner countries.
This Senate resolution (SRES 226) designates May 20, 2023, as "Kids to Parks Day" to promote outdoor recreation for children. It recognizes the annual event's goals of encouraging families to visit public parks, fostering appreciation for nature, and supporting healthy, active lifestyles for young people. The resolution has no binding requirements or new policies - it is a symbolic observance sponsored by Senators Wyden, Hyde-Smith, Daines, Capito, Collins, Hirono, Booker, and Heinrich.
SRES 221 is a Senate resolution supporting National Minority Health Month in April 2023 by raising awareness of health disparities affecting specific minority populations. It highlights documented inequities, such as higher rates of diabetes, cancer, and mortality among American Indians, Alaska Natives, Asian Americans, African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Hawaiians or Pacific Islanders compared to non-Hispanic White populations. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of these disparities through a series of cited statistics from health data. It aims to promote public understanding of these issues during the designated awareness month.
This resolution (SRES 209) is a symbolic Senate measure recognizing May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. It formally celebrates the historical contributions of these communities to the United States, highlighting their diverse cultural impact and achievements. The resolution does not create new laws or policies - it simply encourages the Senate to observe the month with recognition of these communities' roles in U.S. history. It follows longstanding tradition, as May was chosen to honor key milestones including the arrival of Japanese immigrants and Chinese laborers on the transcontinental railroad.
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.
SRES 203 is a symbolic Senate resolution recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month (observed in May) as a time to celebrate Jewish Americans' contributions to U.S. society and culture. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally acknowledges the community's historical impact and calls on leaders to combat antisemitism. The resolution highlights Jewish Americans' roles in government, arts, science, and their 350-year history in the U.S., while referencing rising antisemitic incidents and Holocaust awareness gaps. It aligns with annual bipartisan Senate resolutions since 2006, emphasizing education and inclusion without proposing concrete policy changes.
This concurrent resolution authorizes the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center on June 11, 2023, for an event to celebrate a King Kamehameha Day Lei Draping Ceremony.
HR 676, the Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2023, amends the 2009 Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act to improve collaboration on ocean acidification efforts. It requires the federal Advisory Board to establish ongoing input mechanisms with coastal stakeholders, fishery councils, indigenous knowledge groups, and non-Federal experts, and mandates two Indian Tribe representatives on the Board. The bill also updates definitions to specifically include "Indian Tribe" and strengthens coordination with Tribal organizations for vulnerability assessments and research planning. These changes directly affect coastal communities, fisheries, Tribal nations, and local governments managing ocean acidification impacts. The law focuses on integrating diverse stakeholder input into federal research and monitoring activities.
This Senate resolution (SRES 200) expresses support for designating April 30-May 6, 2023, as "National Small Business Week" to honor small businesses and entrepreneurs across the United States. It recognizes that small businesses (over 33 million nationwide supporting 62 million jobs) are vital to the U.S. economy and highlights their resilience. The resolution specifically calls for celebrating their contributions, acknowledging challenges they face, and supporting efforts to improve access for underserved small businesses. As a symbolic gesture - not a law - it does not create new policies or funding but formally recognizes small business impact.
