Sen. Marsha Blackburn

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.

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 summarySRES 634 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating May 2022 as National Foster Care Month. It recognizes the challenges faced by the approximately 407,000 children in foster care in the U.S., highlights issues like prolonged stays and educational instability, and acknowledges foster parents and youth resilience. The resolution encourages Congress to implement policies improving foster care outcomes but does not create new laws or funding. It specifically supports May 31, 2022, as National Foster Parent Appreciation Day and reaffirms existing federal efforts like the Family First Prevention Services Act. This resolution serves solely to raise awareness, not to enact policy changes.

WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to World War II Army and Navy Nurse Corps members in recognition of their critical military service and devotion to duty.

Maddy summarySRES 630 is a Senate resolution expressing support for designating the week of May 1-7, 2022, as "National Small Business Week" to honor small businesses and entrepreneurs nationwide. It highlights that small businesses support over 61 million jobs and demonstrate resilience amid pandemic challenges, though the resolution does not create new legal requirements or funding. The resolution symbolically recognizes their economic contributions and role in community rebuilding without imposing binding obligations. As a commemorative measure, it aligns with longstanding presidential designations dating to 1963.

Women Who Worked on the Home Front World War II Memorial Act This bill authorizes the Women Who Worked on the Home Front Foundation to establish a commemorative work on federal land in the District of Columbia in commemoration of the commitment and service represented by women who worked on the home front during World War II. The foundation shall be solely responsible for the acceptance of contributions for, and payment of the expenses of, establishing the commemorative work. The establishment of the commemorative work shall be in accordance with the Commemorative Works Act. The bill prohibits federal funds from being used to pay any expense for the establishment of the commemorative work.

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.

Maddy summaryS 4179, the Space National Guard Establishment Act, creates a new Space National Guard as a reserve component of the U.S. Space Force, directly affecting state National Guard units operating in areas where the Space Force is active. The bill formally establishes this force within the organized militia of states, territories, Puerto Rico, and D.C., defining it as federally recognized units trained under constitutional authority. Key mechanisms include amending Title 10 and Title 32 U.S. Code to define the Space National Guard and its reserve status, requiring implementation within 18 months, and mandating annual congressional briefings on its progress. This bill establishes a concrete policy structure for space-focused National Guard operations without altering existing military installations.

This resolution designates May 10, 2022, as National Fentanyl Awareness Day to bring attention to the impact of fake or counterfeit fentanyl pills. (Fentanyl is a potent prescription opioid for treating severe pain that is also made and used illegally.)

This resolution congratulates the students, families, teachers, administrators, and staff of public charter schools across the United States for (1) making ongoing contributions to public education, (2) making impressive strides in closing the academic achievement gap in U.S. schools, and (3) improving and strengthening the public school system. The resolution supports the ideals and goals of the 23rd annual National Charter Schools Week.