Natural Infrastructure Act of 2022 This bill requires the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to coordinate with the Forest Service on a program that supports the development and dissemination of research concerning natural infrastructure (i.e., constructed landscape features and systems that employ nature-based solutions that promote, use, restore, or emulate natural ecological processes). The USGS must also annually assess the costs and effectiveness of natural infrastructure projects.
Small Business Broadband and Emerging Information Technology Enhancement Act of 2022 This bill directs the Small Business Administration (SBA) to designate a senior Office of Investment and Innovation employee as broadband and emerging information technology coordinator, and it establishes measures to aid the competitiveness and productivity of small businesses through broadband access and other emerging information technologies. The coordinator's responsibilities shall include (1) identifying best practices relating to broadband and emerging information technology that may help small businesses; and (2) coordinating SBA programs that assist small businesses in adopting, making innovations in, and using broadband and other emerging information technologies. The coordinator must also provide training to familiarize its employees with broadband and other emerging technologies. Further, the SBA must report on (1) its programs and activities relating to broadband and emerging information technologies, and (2) the impact of broadband and emerging information technology deployment on small businesses. The bill also requires Small Business Development Centers to assist small businesses in accessing broadband and other emerging information technology.
Commission To Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of American LGBTQ+ History and Culture Act This bill establishes the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of American LGBTQ+ History and Culture. The commission shall submit reports that address the feasibility of establishing and maintaining such a museum, the availability and cost of collections to be acquired and housed in the museum, the impact of the museum on existing American LGBTQ+ history-related museums, development of criteria for evaluating possible locations for the museum, and the feasibility of the museum becoming part of the Smithsonian Institution. The commission shall develop a fundraising plan that will address the support of the museum through contributions from the public. No federal funds may be obligated to carry out this bill.
Reduce and Eliminate Mental Health Outpatient Veteran Copays Act or the REMOVE Copays Act This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs from imposing or collecting any co-payment for a veteran's first three mental health outpatient care visits in a calendar year. However, such prohibition must not apply with respect to the imposition or collection of copayments for medications.
National Center for the Advancement of Aviation Act of 202 2 This bill establishes the National Center for the Advancement of Aviation to (1) develop a skilled and robust U.S. aviation and aerospace workforce; (2) serve as a national independent forum to support collaboration and cooperation between aviation and aerospace stakeholders regarding the advancement of the U.S. aviation and aerospace workforce; and (3) serve as a repository for research conducted by institutions of higher education, research institutions, or other stakeholders regarding the aviation and aerospace workforce, or related technical and skill development. The center must perform the following duties improve access to aviation and aerospace education and related skills training to help grow the U.S. aviation and aerospace workforce; support Armed Forces personnel and veterans seeking to transition to a career in civil aviation or an aerospace-related field through outreach, training, apprenticeships, or other means; and amplify and support the research and development efforts conducted as part of the National Aviation Research Plan and work done at the Federal Aviation Administration Technical Centers regarding the aviation and aerospace workforce. Additionally, the center may issue grants to certain entities to create, develop, deliver, or update middle and high school aviation curricula and aviation curricula used at institutions of higher education, secondary educations institutions, or by technical training and vocational schools; support the professional development of educators using the curricula; establish new education programs that teach technical skills used in aviation maintenance; establish scholarships, internships or apprenticeships for individuals pursuing employment in the aviation maintenance industry; support outreach about educational opportunities and careers in the aviation maintenance industry; and support the transition to career in aviation maintenance, including for members of the Armed Forces.
Longshore and Harbor Workers' COVID-19 Compensation Act of 2022 This bill establishes a conclusive presumption that certain workers diagnosed with COVID-19 are entitled to workers' compensation benefits under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act (LHWCA). It also provides funding to reimburse employers for costs associated with LHWCA benefits related to COVID-19. The LHWCA provides for medical, disability, and survivor benefits for specified private-sector maritime workers. The presumption applies to workers who were diagnosed with COVID-19 between January 27, 2020, and January 27, 2024, and who, during the incubation period, faced a risk of COVID-19 exposure while carrying out job duties. In addition, the bill establishes and provides funding for the Longshore COVID-19 Fund to reimburse employers for costs related to such COVID-19 claims. To be reimbursed, employers must comply with applicable safety and health guidance to prevent occupational exposure to COVID-19.
This resolution (SRES 805) is a non-binding Senate measure supporting the designation of September 18-24, 2022, as "Telehealth Awareness Week." It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes telehealth's role in expanding healthcare access - especially during the pandemic - and urges efforts to raise awareness about its benefits. The resolution highlights telehealth’s use by over 28 million Medicare beneficiaries and calls for promoting continued access to telehealth services for all communities, including rural and underserved areas. It directly affects public awareness and advocacy efforts around telehealth, without imposing any legal requirements on government or providers.
Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act This bill requires employers, public entities, and public accommodations that provide goods or services through a website or online application to make those websites and applications accessible to individuals with disabilities. The requirement applies even if the good or service is offered only digitally. The Department of Justice (DOJ) must issue standards of accessibility for applicable entities to meet this requirement. The bill provides for enforcement by DOJ, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and individual civil action. It also establishes various review and reporting requirements.
Sexual Abuse Services in Detention Act This bill authorizes grants and establishes a national resource center to support the provision of emotional support services for incarcerated individuals who have experienced sexual abuse.
Savings for Servicemembers Act This bill modifies the tax deduction for the travel expenses of members of a reserve component of the Armed Forces to decrease the distance from home requirement from 100 miles to 50 miles.
Maximizing Outcomes through Better Investments in Lifesaving Equipment for (MOBILE) Health Care Act This bill allows a health center that currently receives funding through a Health Resources & Services Administration Health Center Program grant to use a New Access Point grant to set up a mobile unit regardless of whether the health center also establishes a permanent health care delivery site. New Access Point grants help health centers establish new delivery sites to provide comprehensive primary care to medically underserved populations. Under current law, health centers may only use the grants to set up a mobile unit if they also establish a permanent site.
Keeping Our Commitment to Overseas Veterans Act of 2022 This bill reauthorizes the operation of the Department of Veterans Affairs regional office in the Philippines through September 30, 2023.
