Sen. Joni Ernst

Maddy summaryThis non-binding Senate resolution (SRES 827) supports National Domestic Violence Awareness Month by recognizing the widespread impact of domestic violence in the U.S. It cites statistics showing over 12 million annual reports of intimate partner violence and highlights the work of victim service providers, including hotlines and shelters that serve over 1 million people yearly. The resolution commends advocates, service providers, and survivors while urging Congress to continue raising awareness and supporting programs that assist survivors, hold perpetrators accountable, and end domestic violence. It does not create new laws or allocate funds.

Service-Disabled Veteran Opportunities in Small Business Act This bill requires the Small Business Administration to provide training to relevant employees at any federal agency that awards in a fiscal year less than 3% of its prime contracts and subcontracts to small businesses owned by service-disabled veterans.

End Human Trafficking in Government Contracts Act of 2022 This bill requires the implementation of certain contracting provisions related to human trafficking. Specifically, the bill requires, upon receipt of an office of inspector general report substantiating an allegation that the recipient of a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement (or any subgrantee, subcontractor, or agent of the recipient) engaged in human trafficking, that the agency refer the matter to the agency suspension and debarment office (current law requires that the agency consider remedial actions that include such referral). The Office of Management and Budget must report to Congress on implementation of provisions to end human trafficking in government contracting.

SBIR and STTR Extension Act of 2022 This bill reauthorizes through FY2025 and modifies the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program, and related pilot programs. The SBIR and STTR programs are administered by various federal agencies and provide competitive awards for domestic small businesses to conduct research and development projects that have the potential for commercialization. The bill requires agencies with an SBIR or STTR program to assess the security risks presented by applicants with financial ties or obligations to certain foreign countries. The programs may not make awards to businesses with certain connections to foreign entities. Additionally, businesses with more than a specified number of prior awards must meet expanded minimum performance standards. The Small Business Administration's Office of Inspector General must audit the small businesses subject to these expanded performance standards. The bill also establishes various reporting requirements, including directing the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Science Foundation to assess the national security and research and integrity risks of the SBIR and STTR programs. The Government Accountability Office must evaluate and report on aspects of the programs such as the subcontracting practices of award recipients.

This resolution supports the designation of October 2-October 8, 2022, as National 4-H Week. It also (1) recognizes the important role of 4-H in youth development and education, and (2) encourages all citizens to recognize 4-H for the significant impact the organization and members have made and continue to make by empowering young people with the skills needed to lead for a lifetime.

Campus Accountability and Safety Act This bill addresses sexual harassment, sexual assault, and other violence and harassment on the campuses of institutions of higher education (IHEs). Among other provisions, the bill (1) requires additional information to be included in the annual campus security report provided to current and prospective students and employees, (2) requires each IHE to establish a campus security policy that meets certain requirements, and (3) authorizes grants to address these issues.

Defund EcoHealth Alliance Act This bill prohibits the award of federal funds to EcoHealth Alliance, Inc (including any subsidiaries or related organizations). This is a nonprofit research organization that studies coronaviruses in bat populations and other environmental health concerns. The Government Accountability Office must also audit federal funds provided to that organization over the past decade. The audit must include the amount of those funds provided by EcoHealth Alliance to China, the Chinese Communist Party, or the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

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.

This resolution condemns the death and detention of Mahsa Amini (an Iranian woman who died in the custody of the Morality Policy of Iran after being detained for purportedly wearing her hijab improperly). It also calls on Iran to end its systemic persecution of women.

DOD Energy Strategy Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of Defense to consider, when developing and implementing the energy performance goals and energy performance master plan, the reliability and security of energy resources in the event of military conflict and the value of resourcing energy from U.S. allies, such as those in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.