Sen. Bill Cassidy

Say No to the Silk Road Act This bill requires various actions pertaining to China's sovereign digital currency. Specifically, the bill requires (1) the Office of Management and Budget to develop guidance for executive agencies pertaining to security requirements for the use of China's sovereign digital currency, (2) countries accepting assistance through the Foreign Military Financing Program to disclose any use of such currency as a settlement or reserve currency, and (3) the Department of State to include on its public website a warning for travelers about the dangers of such currency.

This resolution states that President Vladimir Putin of Russia has committed war crimes, as defined by the United Nations and other international bodies, by initiating an unprovoked war, repeatedly violating the sovereignty of Ukraine, and targeting civilian infrastructure and government facilities unrelated to legitimate military objectives.

Ban Russian Energy Imports Act This bill declares that a national emergency exists with respect to the aggression of Russia against Ukraine. During this emergency, the President must prohibit the importation of crude oil, petroleum, petroleum products, liquefied natural gas, and coal in which Russia or a Russian national has any interest. The bill exempts products that are already loaded or in transit at the time of this bill's enactment.

This resolution condemns violence and threats of violence against historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and reaffirms the federal government's commitment to combating violence against HBCU students, faculty, and staff.

Special Russian Sanctions Authority Act of 2022 This bill imposes sanctions pertaining to Russia and addresses related issues. The President must impose property- and visa-blocking sanctions on (1) members of the United Russia Party in the lower house of Russia's legislature, (2) Russian government officials and officers of Russia's armed forces above certain levels or ranks, and (3) and members of Russia's intelligence apparatus. The President must also impose property-blocking sanctions on (1) specified individuals, including businessperson Roman Abramovich and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin; and (2) the Wagner Group, a Russian private military company. Furthermore, the bill designates (1) the Wagner Group as a specially designated global terrorist organization, (2) Vladimir Putin as a specially designated global terrorist, and (3) any country in the Western Hemisphere with a military cooperation agreement with Russia as having engaged in a grave hostile act of a foreign power. The bill also establishes the Joint Task Force on Russian Sanctions, which must coordinate the imposition of Russia-related sanctions. The President may confiscate and liquidate any Russian government property subject to U.S. jurisdiction and transfer the resulting funds to the government of Ukraine. The President may provide military hardware to Ukraine's government to resist the Russian invasion. The Department of State must close all Russian diplomatic facilities in the United States except for the Russian embassy in Washington, DC. The Department of the Treasury must impose certain reporting requirements related to residential real estate transactions involving Russian politically exposed persons.

No Most Favored Nation Trading with Russia Act This bill withdraws normal trade relations treatment from Russia. Additionally, the bill requires the President to encourage U.S. allies and partners to (1) consider taking similar actions; and (2) condemn, at the World Trade Organization (WTO), Russia's aggression in Ukraine. Further, the President must direct the U.S. Permanent Representative to the WTO to seek suspension of Russia's membership in the WTO.

This concurrent resolution condemns Russia's invasion of Ukraine and its ongoing support of proxy militias in the region. The concurrent resolution also states that these actions pose a direct threat to international peace and security and run contrary to Russia's responsibilities and obligations as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council. The concurrent resolution urges the President to direct the U.S. representative to the United Nations to use the voice, vote, and influence of the United States to take all necessary steps to remove Russia as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council. Finally, the concurrent resolution urges other member states to support such efforts to hold Russia accountable at the United Nations.

Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act This bill updates policies and procedures related to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits for veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances. Specifically, the bill extends the eligibility period for VA hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for combat veterans who served after September 11, 2001, and were exposed to toxic substances, radiation, or other conditions, including those who did not enroll to receive VA care during the eligibility period. The VA must incorporate into its existing health care screening a screening to help determine potential exposures to toxic substances during military service. Among other requirements, the VA must also provide annual training to health care and benefits personnel with respect to veterans who were exposed to toxic substances; analyze total and respiratory disease mortality in veterans who served in specified locations on specified dates; conduct an epidemiological study on the health trends of veterans who served in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001; conduct a study to determine trends in the rates of the incidence of cancer in veterans; publish a list of VA resources for veterans who were exposed to toxic substances, families and caregivers of such veterans, and survivors of such veterans who are receiving death benefits; and report on the data quality of the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record and its usefulness in supporting veterans in receiving VA health care and benefits.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 526) formally condemns the antisemitic terrorist attack at Congregation Beth Israel Synagogue in Colleyville, Texas, on January 15, 2022, where hostages were held at gunpoint. It expresses gratitude that no lives were lost, applauds law enforcement and emergency responders for their actions, and condemns antisemitism in the United States. The resolution does not create new policies or allocate funds; it is a symbolic expression of support for the Jewish community and law enforcement. It directly affects the congregation and local community by affirming their safety and the importance of religious freedom.

This resolution commends the courage, resolve, and restraint shown by the Ukrainian people in their pursuit of sovereignty and democracy and reaffirms unwavering U.S. support for a secure, democratic, and independent Ukraine. It also condemns Russia's attempted annexation of Crimea in 2014 and denounces Russia's military buildup of over 150,000 troops on Ukraine's border.