Sen. Kevin Cramer

Defending Freedom of Conscience for Cadets and Midshipmen Act of 2022 This bill provides that a cadet or midshipman at a federal service academy (e.g., the U.S. Naval Academy) may not be required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 as a condition for graduation and may not be dismissed from the academy as a result of refusing to be vaccinated. Cadets and midshipmen who are prohibited from fulfilling their service agreement due to their refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccination may not be subjected to repayment provisions (e.g., bonus repayment) or specified debt repayment collections.

Native American Rural Homeownership Improvement Act of 2021 This bill provides statutory authority for a Department of Agriculture pilot program that provides direct loans to Native community development financial institutions to increase homeownership opportunities for tribal communities in rural areas.

This bill makes certain irrigation districts in North Dakota eligible to receive pumping power (i.e., hydropower) from the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program, subject to the terms and rates established by the Bureau of Reclamation. Under this bill, an irrigation district must enter into a contract with Reclamation to receive such pumping power.

Iran China Accountability Act This bill prohibits the use of funds to enter into any negotiation with Iran regarding an Iran nuclear agreement until the President makes specified certifications concerning the actions of China and Iran. Specifically, the President must certify that China has ceased incarcerating Uyghur individuals in the Xinjiang region. Additionally, the President must certify that, among other actions, Iran has terminated all agreements involving the receipt of funds from China and all ties and transfer of cash to Iranian proxy forces, including Hamas. Further, any Iran nuclear agreement that the United States enters into must certify the destruction of any and all Iranian nuclear and missile capabilities, weapons, infrastructure, chemical weapons, and offensive cyber activity. Such agreement shall be deemed a treaty requiring advice and consent of the Senate.

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.

Protecting Tourism in the United States Act This bill requires the Department of Commerce to study and report on the effects of the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic on the travel and tourism industry, including considerations of changes in industry employment rates and business revenues during the pandemic. In conducting this study, Commerce must consult with industry representatives and provide an opportunity for public comment and advice, and its report must include policy recommendations for promoting and assisting the travel and tourism industry.

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 resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should work with Congress to develop and execute a strategy to counter the rise in violent crime across the country by reinforcing strong criminal justice policies, by laying blame on the perpetrators of violent acts, and by securing the southern border.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate resolution (SRES 626), not a policy bill. It supports observing National Nurses Week from May 6-12, 2022, to honor nurses' contributions to healthcare. The resolution recognizes nurses as the largest healthcare profession (over 4 million registered nurses), highlights their roles during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, and encourages public recognition of their work in patient care, research, and health equity. It does not create new laws, allocate funds, or directly affect policies or individuals.