Sen. Roger F. Wicker

This resolution congratulates Bosnia and Herzegovina on the 30th anniversary of its declaration of independence. The resolution also encourages Bosnia and Herzegovina to continue pursuing membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union and urges the European Union to increase its efforts, cooperation, and assistance to swiftly advance the accession process.

TSA Security Threat Assessment Application Modernization Act This bill requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to standardize the enrollment and renewal system for individuals applying for or renewing multiple TSA Security Threat Assessment programs, including the Transportation Worker Identification Credential, Hazardous Materials Endorsement, and TSA PreCheck programs. The standardization shall permit an individual to (1) enroll at a TSA-designated universal enrollment center once and use the application for one of such programs to enroll in two or more of such programs,with specified exceptions for those applying for or renewing enrollment in more than one program at different times; (2) apply successful, valid clearance results from a TSA Security Threat Assessment to satisfy vetting requirements for participation in any related program without additional cost; and (3) undergo a streamlined and expeditious renewal process. Additionally, the TSA must publish on its website information relating to the standardization of the enrollment system.

Upholding the Inter-American Democratic Charter Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of State to develop and implement a strategy to uphold and strengthen the Inter-American Democratic Charter, which states that the peoples of the Americas have a right to democracy and their governments have an obligation to promote and defend it. The charter was adopted in 2001 by the member states of the Organization of American States (OAS), which includes all 35 independent countries of the Western Hemisphere. The strategy must include plans to (1) strengthen the integrity of electoral processes in the Americas; (2) counter the spread and amplification of disinformation and misinformation in the Americas; and (3) address threats to democratic governance posed by corruption, criminality, and the malign activities of nondemocratic and non-OAS countries such as China and Russia.

Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to take a series of actions relating to palliative-care training. Specifically, HHS must provide support for Palliative Care and Hospice Education Centers. The centers must improve the training of health professionals in palliative care and establish traineeships for individuals preparing for advanced-education nursing degrees, social-work degrees, or advanced degrees in physician-assistant studies in palliative care. HHS may provide support to medical schools, teaching hospitals, and graduate medical-education programs for training physicians who plan to teach palliative medicine. HHS must (1) provide Palliative Medicine and Hospice Academic Career Awards to individuals to promote their career development, (2) support entities that operate a Palliative Care and Hospice Education Center, (3) support individuals in specified fields who are pursuing an advanced degree in palliative care or related fields, and (4) award grants to nursing programs to train individuals in providing palliative care. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality must provide for a national education and awareness campaign to inform patients, families, and health professionals about the benefits of palliative care. The National Institutes of Health must expand national research programs in palliative care.

Small Business COVID Relief Act of 2022 This bill provides support for restaurants and other businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the bill provides additional funding for the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide grants to support the ongoing operations of eligible restaurants and similar establishments. The SBA must report weekly and biweekly information about grant applications, awards, and denials. Additionally, the bill funds grants to support other eligible businesses impacted by the pandemic, including gyms and fitness centers, minor league sports teams, businesses located near land ports of entry, businesses that provide and support live events, and businesses located in certain U.S. exclaves with limited accessibility. A business may receive a grant under only one program. The bill also establishes procedures for the SBA to implement and provide administrative support for these grant programs. The SBA must institute an oversight and audit plan to review the use of grants under these programs. Further, the bill provides additional funding for grants to support eligible transportation service providers. Finally, the bill designates the funding as emergency spending, which is exempt from discretionary spending limits.

Maddy summarySRES 643 is a Senate resolution designating the week of May 15-21, 2022, as "National Police Week" to honor law enforcement officers who serve and sacrifice in their communities. The resolution recognizes the service of law enforcement officers, particularly those killed or injured in the line of duty, and acknowledges their sacrifices during the COVID-19 pandemic. It expresses support for officers' needs for proper equipment, training, and resources, and encourages the public to observe the week by honoring law enforcement personnel. This designation serves as a formal recognition of law enforcement service without creating new legal requirements or policy changes.

COVID-19 Home Safety Act of 2021 This bill requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission to report, and make available to the public, information about injuries and deaths from consumer products during the COVID-19 public health emergency. The report must be submitted every three months for the duration of the emergency.

This resolution designates the week of May 15-May 21, 2022, as National Public Works Week and recognizes the contributions of public works professionals.

Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Act This bill directs the Department of the Treasury to mint and issue up to 50,000 $5 coins, 400,000 $1 silver coins, and 750,000 half-dollar clad coins in commemoration of the National World War II Memorial in the District of Columbia. The design of the coins shall be emblematic of the memorial and the service and sacrifice of American soldiers and civilians during World War II. All surcharges received from the sale of such coins shall be paid to the Friends of the National World War II Memorial to support the National Park Service in maintaining and repairing the memorial, and for educational and commemorative programs.

This bill directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to conduct multiple pilot programs within the NSF to expand the number of institutions of higher education (including community colleges), and other eligible entities that the NSF determines appropriate, that are able to successfully compete for NSF grants. The NSF shall review the results of the pilot programs and develop best practices for implementation across the NSF.