Senate Resolution 376 clarifies the existing requirement for business attire on the Senate floor, specifying that men must wear a coat, tie, and long pants. The resolution designates the Senate Sergeant at Arms to enforce this dress code and mandates that any future changes to the rule require a two-thirds vote of all senators. This procedural resolution formalizes current standards without altering them, ensuring consistency in Senate decorum.
SRES 374 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating September 2023 as "National Student Parent Month." It recognizes approximately 4 million student parents enrolled in postsecondary education - over 70% women, including many single mothers and students of color - who face significant challenges like food/housing insecurity, balancing work and childcare, and lower degree completion rates. The resolution expresses the Senate’s support for their contributions but has no legal effect or new policy provisions. It highlights their unique circumstances without proposing concrete solutions. This is a commemorative gesture, not a legislative measure with binding requirements.
SRES 365 is a ceremonial Senate resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the National Cemetery Administration (NCA), established by the 1973 National Cemeteries Act. It honors the NCA's work managing 155 national cemeteries and 34 memorial sites that provide free burial benefits - including gravesites, headstones, and memorial certificates - to over 4 million veterans and their families. The resolution recognizes the NCA's role in operating the Veterans Cemetery Grants Program (distributing over $1 billion to support state/tribal cemeteries) and its Veterans Legacy Program, which educates the public about veterans' service. This resolution does not create new policy or affect any specific group; it is a formal acknowledgment of the NCA's 50 years of service.
SRES 238 is a symbolic Senate resolution (introduced June 6, 2023) expressing support for designating September 20 as National Service Dog Day. It recognizes service dogs that assist individuals with disabilities - including veterans with PTSD, mobility impairments, and other conditions - by highlighting their role in providing independence and health benefits. The resolution encourages public awareness of service dogs' history and impact, and requests the President issue a proclamation urging nationwide recognition of organizations that train and pair service dogs with disabled individuals. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or alter existing policies.
HR 1435, the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act, amends the Clean Air Act to restrict states from implementing vehicle emissions rules that limit the sale or use of new gasoline-powered cars. It directly affects states with stricter emissions standards (like California) by adding a new definition that blocks state rules "directly or indirectly" limiting internal combustion engine vehicles as defined in federal regulations as of January 1, 2023. The bill requires the EPA to revoke existing state emissions waivers granted between January 2022 and the bill’s enactment if they don’t comply with this new definition. This creates a concrete federal standard preventing states from advancing policies that could reduce demand for conventional vehicles.
HR 3152, the "Fight CRIME Act," aims to maintain international restrictions on Iran's missile-related activities by requiring diplomatic efforts to extend these restrictions before they expire in October 2023. The bill mandates annual reports detailing U.S. diplomatic strategies, potential impacts of expiration, and measures to deter missile technology transfers to Iran. It establishes sanctions against foreign individuals or entities that knowingly support Iran's missile or drone programs, including asset freezes and visa restrictions. These sanctions apply regardless of whether UN restrictions remain in effect after their expiration, directly affecting foreign entities involved in these activities.
HCONRES 57 is a non-binding concurrent resolution expressing Congress's support for Israel. It states three key points: (1) that Israel is not a racist or apartheid state, (2) that Congress rejects antisemitism and xenophobia, and (3) that the U.S. will remain a steadfast supporter of Israel. This resolution does not create new laws or alter policies - it simply records the expressed sentiment of Congress. It directly affects the U.S. government's public stance on Israel, with no legal effect on citizens or other entities.
This resolution recognizes the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Department of Defense State Partnership Program and its outsized influence in developing and supporting enduring relationships around the world. The resolution also expresses deep gratitude for the service of members of the National Guard to the program.
SRES 246 is a ceremonial Senate resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), established in 1973. It honors DEA employees - including agents, forensic specialists, and task force officers - for their work combating drug trafficking, particularly efforts targeting fentanyl and other opioids linked to over 107,000 overdose deaths in 2021. The resolution specifically recognizes those who died or were injured in service and expresses the Senate’s gratitude for the agency’s role in protecting public health and safety through domestic and international enforcement.
SRES 298 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating July 30, 2023, as "National Whistleblower Appreciation Day." It commemorates the historical date of July 30, 1778, when the Continental Congress passed early whistleblower protections. The resolution asks all federal agencies to recognize the day by informing employees, contractors, and the public about their legal right to report misconduct, fraud, or crimes through proper channels. It does not create new legal protections or funding but encourages agencies to acknowledge whistleblowers' role in saving taxpayer dollars and promoting ethical government. This is a procedural resolution focused on awareness, not policy change.
SRES 284 is a Senate resolution expressing support for designating June 2023 as "National Dairy Month." It recognizes the dairy industry's role in providing essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D for a healthy diet, its economic impact (supporting $793 billion in U.S. economic activity and 3.2 million jobs), and dairy producers' environmental stewardship. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the industry's contributions. It was introduced by multiple senators and refers to nutritional guidelines emphasizing dairy's health benefits.
This bill creates the "Boots to Business Program" to provide entrepreneurship training to military members, veterans (including those discharged under non-dishonorable conditions), and their spouses. It offers online courses, in-person classes, and business planning support to help these individuals start small businesses, with training covering topics like business plans, funding, and local resources. The program, running through 2028, requires collaboration with Veteran Business Outreach Centers and mandates sharing materials with the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. Annual reports will track participation, demographics, business startup rates, and program effectiveness.
