Sen. Rick Scott

Planning for Animal Wellness Act or the PAW Act This act directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish a working group relating to best practices and federal guidance for animals in emergencies and disasters. Specifically, the working group shall (1) encourage and foster collaborative efforts among individuals and entities working to address the needs of household pets, service and assistance animals, and captive animals in emergency and disaster preparedness, response, and recovery; and (2) review best practices and federal guidance on sheltering and evacuation planning relating to the needs of such pets and animals.

Supporting Families of the Fallen Act This act increases from $400,000 to $500,000 the maximum coverage amount for members (or former members) of a uniformed service under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance program and the Veterans' Group Life Insurance program. This act takes effect on the later of 60 days after the date of enactment or the date on which the Department of Veterans Affairs determines that (1) the increased coverage amounts and the premiums for the coverage are administratively and actuarially sound for the insurance programs, and (2) will not result in the programs operating at a loss.

Maddy summarySRES 811 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating October 2-8, 2022, as "Religious Education Week" to celebrate the role of religious education in the U.S. It does not create new laws or policies but affirms the importance of religious education for moral and civic development. The resolution references historical figures, Supreme Court cases supporting religious instruction options, and studies linking religious education to youth well-being. It urges states to accommodate religious education programs, such as school release time for religious classes, but this is a non-binding recommendation. As a resolution, it has no legal effect and solely serves to recognize religious education's contributions.

Maddy summarySRES 774 is a non-binding Senate resolution designating September 2022 as "National Democracy Month." It encourages the U.S. government, states, and local communities to observe this month through ceremonies and activities that reflect on the U.S. system of government and its global contributions to democracy. The resolution emphasizes educating citizens about democratic principles and honoring historical sacrifices that preserved U.S. freedoms. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups, as it is a symbolic, ceremonial designation.

This bill authorizes, through the Department of Defense, additional support for Ukraine, acquiring munitions, and expansion of the defense industrial base.

FDA Modernization Act 2.0 This bill authorizes the use of certain alternatives to animal testing, including cell-based assays and computer models, to obtain an exemption from the Food and Drug Administration to investigate the safety and effectiveness of a drug. The bill also removes a requirement to use animal studies as part of the process to obtain a license for a biological product that is biosimilar or interchangeable with another biological product.

DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act This bill restricts funding to an institution of higher education (IHE) that has a relationship with a Chinese entity of concern or Confucius Institute. A Confucius Institute is a cultural institute directly or indirectly funded by the Chinese government. Specifically, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must ensure that an IHE that has awarded a contract to, entered into an agreement with, or received an in-kind donation or gift from a Chinese entity of concern or Confucius Institute is ineligible to receive specified funds from DHS. The IHE may regain eligibility for these funds if it terminates the relationship.

Promoting Readiness for Overseas Contingencies and Unexpected Responses Emergencies Act or the PROCURE Act This bill establishes a Critical Munitions Acquisition Fund to finance the acquisition or ensure the availability of certain munitions during the war in Ukraine and future conflicts. The fund may accept contributions from foreign entities, foreign governments, or international organizations. The authority for the fund expires at the end of 2024.

This resolution supports the designation of November 2022 as National Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Awareness Month. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic disease that increases the risk of harm to the lungs, liver, skin, and blood vessels.

Preventing Underhanded and Nefarious Iranian Supported Homicides Act of 2022 or the PUNISH Act of 2022 This bill extends sanctions and national emergencies related to Iran established by specified executive orders and limits the authority of the President to waive sanctions related to Iran. The bill requires the Department of State to periodically report whether Iran or any foreign person has supported specified activities, including murder or politically motivated detention in Iran of a U.S. citizen.