Sen. Mazie K. Hirono

This bill modifies the definition of water heater , otherwise revises energy conservation standards, and sets forth labeling requirements for water heaters. In addition, it directs the Department of Energy to determine whether electric storage water heaters should possess demand response capabilities.

Abortion is Health Care Everywhere Act of 2022 This bill authorizes the use of certain foreign assistance funds to provide comprehensive reproductive health care services in developing countries, including abortion services, training, and equipment.

Maddy summaryThe Pacific Islands Embassies Act requires the U.S. Department of State to establish new physical embassies in Vanuatu, Kiribati, and Tonga within two years of enactment. It authorizes $40.2 million for embassy construction and maintenance in fiscal year 2023, plus $3 million for ongoing operations in 2024. The bill mandates regular progress reports to Congress on embassy establishment and regional developments, including activities by China in the Pacific Islands region. This legislation directly affects U.S. diplomatic operations and the three Pacific Island nations by creating dedicated diplomatic posts to strengthen engagement in the region.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates July 30, 2022, as "National Whistleblower Appreciation Day" to commemorate the July 30, 1778, passage of the first U.S. whistleblower protection law by the Continental Congress. It directs federal agencies to inform employees and the public about whistleblower rights and acknowledge whistleblowers' contributions to preventing fraud, waste, and abuse of public funds. The resolution does not create new legal protections or penalties but encourages agencies to recognize whistleblowers' role in safeguarding taxpayer resources and ethical governance. As a ceremonial resolution, it focuses on raising awareness rather than implementing new policy.

Right to Contraception Act This bill sets out statutory protections for an individual's right to access and a health care provider's right to provide contraception and related information. Contraception refers to an action taken to prevent pregnancy, including the use of contraceptives (i.e., a device or medication used to prevent pregnancy), fertility-awareness based methods, and sterilization procedures. Generally, the bill prohibits measures that single out and impede access to contraception and related information. However, a party may defend against a claim that a measure violates the bill's prohibitions by demonstrating, through clear and convincing evidence, that the measure significantly advances the safety of contraception and cannot be achieved through less restrictive means. The bill also specifies that the prohibition preempts inconsistent state and local laws and applies in spite of other federal laws, including the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993. The Department of Justice, individuals, or health care providers may bring a lawsuit to enforce this bill, and states are not immune from suits for violations.

This resolution recognizes, honors, and commends the women of Ukraine who have contributed to the fight for freedom and the defense of Ukraine. The resolution acknowledges the women who have risked their lives to travel through territory controlled by Russia, break siege tactics surrounding cities, and ensure the safety of children and the elderly. The resolution acknowledges the important role women must play in resolving the conflict between Ukraine and Russia as outlined in U.N. Security Council Resolution 1325 (2016) and required by the laws of the United States and regulations of Ukraine. The resolution further calls on all countries to promote the meaningful inclusion of women in negotiations and decision-making at all levels, including security decisions. Finally, the resolution commits to supporting the women of Ukraine wherever they are as they fight back against tyranny and work for the free and democratic future of Ukraine.

Benjamin Berell Ferencz Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Benjamin Berell Ferencz in recognition of his service to the United States and the international community during the post-World War II Nuremberg trials and his lifelong advocacy for international criminal justice and the rule of law.

Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act This bill revises methods for calculating various aspects of Social Security benefits, eliminates the cap on compensation subject to Social Security taxes, and extends eligibility for Social Security benefits during the month of a beneficiary's death.

Removing Access Barriers to Running for Elected Office for People with Disabilities Act This bill excludes income earned and work performed as a candidate for an elected office when determining eligibility for, or the amount of, federally financed benefits or assistance if the candidate is entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance benefits or Supplemental Security Income (a federal assistance program that provides monthly cash payments to aged, blind, or disabled individuals with limited income and resources) due to a disability.

This resolution (1) recognizes the importance of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 in advancing independent living for individuals with disabilities; (2) pledges continued efforts to address remaining barriers for individuals with disabilities; and (3) calls on federal agencies to provide additional resources for individuals with disabilities with respect to economic self-sufficiency, community-based services, housing, and transportation.