This resolution supports (1) the goals and ideals of World AIDS Day, including the goal to achieve zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths; (2) efforts to end the HIV epidemic in the United States and around the world by 2030; (3) continued funding for prevention, care and treatment services, and research programs for communities impacted by HIV and people living with HIV in the United States and globally; and (4) continued leadership by the United States in domestic, bilateral, multilateral, and private sector efforts to fight HIV. Finally, the resolution urges other members of the international community to sustain and scale up their support for, and financial contributions to, efforts around the world to combat HIV.
Sponsored bills
Water Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2021 This bill establishes grants for owners and operators of publicly owned wastewater treatments systems and community water systems to support planning and other aspects of implementing smart water network technologies.
Responsible Education Mitigating Options and Technical Extensions Act of 2021 or the REMOTE Act of 2021 This bill addresses the administration of certain Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational assistance benefits, including by authorizing the VA to waive certain enrollment verifications, exempting foreign educational institutions from certain requirements, and extending the time limitations on the use of educational assistance benefits.
Maddy summarySRES 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.
Old Pascua Community Land Acquisition Act This bill directs the Department of the Interior to take tribally owned lands in Pima County, Arizona, into trust for the benefit of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona. Lands taken into trust shall be part of the Pascua Yaqui Reservation. The bill allows gaming on the land taken into trust.
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.
National Commission on the COVID-19 Pandemic Act This bill temporarily establishes the National Commission on the COVID-19 Pandemic in the legislative branch to investigate the facts and circumstances regarding the emergence of, spread of, and response to COVID-19. The commission terminates 90 days after it submits a final report of its findings and recommendations.
John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021 This bill establishes new criteria for determining which states and political subdivisions must obtain preclearance before changes to voting practices may take effect. Preclearance is the process of receiving preapproval from the Department of Justice (DOJ) or the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia before making legal changes that would affect voting rights. The bill also includes provisions related to federally protected activities at polling places and voting access on tribal lands. A state and all of its political subdivisions shall be subject to preclearance of voting practice changes for a 10-year period if 15 or more voting rights violations occurred in the state during the previous 25 years; or 10 or more violations occurred during the previous 25 years, at least 1 of which was committed by the state itself. A political subdivision as a separate unit shall also be subject to preclearance for a 10-year period if three or more voting rights violations occurred there during the previous 25 years. States and political subdivisions that meet certain thresholds regarding minority groups must preclear covered practices before implementation, such as changes to methods of election and redistricting. Further, states and political subdivisions must notify the public of changes to voting practices. Next, the bill authorizes DOJ to require states or political subdivisions to provide certain documents or answers to questions for enforcing voting rights. The bill also outlines factors courts must consider when hearing challenges to voting practices, such as the history of official voting discrimination in the state or political subdivision. In addition, the bill (1) includes certain protections for election workers, polling places, and election infrastructure; and (2) expands voting access on tribal lands.
Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Modernization Act This bill revises the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program. Among other changes, the bill (1) expands program eligibility to undergraduate students who are noncitizens; (2) allows the related foundation to award research internships to outstanding undergraduate students who intend to pursue careers in the natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics; (3) allows students who are awarded such research internships to receive stipends; and (4) authorizes the Department of the Treasury to invest related fund assets in securities other than U.S. public debt securities under certain circumstances.
Vaccine Access Improvement Act of 2021 This bill adds vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for routine administration to children or in pregnant women to the list of taxable vaccines for purposes of the vaccine excise tax. The CDC must notify the Department of the Treasury and specified congressional committees of the designation of such vaccines as taxable vaccines.