HRES 1529 is a procedural resolution that sets rules for the House to consider two separate bills. It waives objections to debating and voting on H.R. 9640 (which would require presidential tax return disclosure) and S. 1942 (which would standardize National Heritage Area designations). The resolution limits debate to one hour equally divided between committee leaders and allows one motion to recommit. It does not change tax law or heritage area designations itself, but enables the House to proceed with those specific bills. This resolution was adopted on December 21, 2022, to facilitate their consideration.
This resolution affirms that there is well-established authority for the Food and Drug Administration to approve, license, and otherwise regulate reproductive health products under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Public Health Service Act. The resolution also affirms that (1) such federal laws preempt (i.e., supersede conflicting state or local laws) any state or local laws that prohibit or limit access to or use of any reproductive health product, and (2) the Department of Justice has authority to enforce the preemptive effect of such federal laws by suing any state or political subdivision of a state that prohibits or limits access to or use of any reproductive health product.
This resolution recognizes the importance of Radio Free Asia on its 25th anniversary as an independent news organization chartered and funded by Congress with a mission to bring uncensored, accurate news to people living in closed societies in Asia. The resolution also honors the dedication and courage of the former and current journalists of Radio Free Asia in the face of threats and adversity from foreign governments and rising risks for press freedom in Asia and across the globe.
HRES 1519 is a procedural resolution (not a policy bill) that sets rules for the House of Representatives to debate and vote on H.R. 8393. It waives objections to considering H.R. 8393, which would allow Puerto Rico's residents to choose a permanent non-territorial political status (like statehood or independence) and establish a transition process. The resolution specifies one hour of debate equally divided between committee leaders and requires the bill to be considered as amended without further changes. It directly affects the legislative process for Puerto Rico's status bill but does not alter Puerto Rico's current status or the substance of H.R. 8393.
Puerto Rico Status Act This bill provides for a plebiscite to be held on November 5, 2023, to resolve Puerto Rico's political status. Specifically, such plebiscite shall offer eligible voters a choice of independence, sovereignty in free association with the United States, or statehood. The Puerto Rico State Elections Commission shall carry out a nonpartisan voter education campaign through traditional paid media and make available at all voting locations voter education materials related to the plebiscites, and invite national and international election observers to ensure transparency and confidence in the electoral process. All voter educational materials and ballots used to carry out this bill shall be made available in English and Spanish. The bill sets forth transition and implementation provisions for each choice offered in the plebiscite.
This bill authorizes the government of France to establish a commemorative work on federal land in the District of Columbia to honor the contributions of Jean Monnet in restoring peace between European nations and establishing the European Union. Such government shall be responsible for the acceptance of contributions for, and the payment of the expenses of, the establishment and maintenance of the commemorative work. Federal funds may not be used to pay any expense for the establishment of the commemorative work. The commemorative work shall be established in accordance with the Commemorative Works Act, with exceptions.
VA Employee Fairness Act of 2021 This bill repeals provisions excluding any matter or question concerning professional conduct or competence; peer review; or the establishment, determination, or adjustment of employee compensation from the applicability of collective bargaining rights for Veterans Health Administration employees.
SRES 870 is a symbolic Senate resolution honoring former Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter, who died on October 24, 2022. The resolution expresses the Senate's sympathy to his family, commends his public service career, and recognizes his work as Defense Secretary (2015-2017), including advancing gender equity in the military, supporting defense innovation, and leading efforts against the Islamic State. It does not create new laws or policies - it is purely a commemorative gesture. The Senate also adjourned in his memory as a mark of respect.
This resolution expresses that the House of Representatives is committed to building upon the 20 years of success of the George McGovern-Robert Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program, complementing humanitarian assistance efforts and development programs through the continued implementation of the McGovern-Dole Program to address global food insecurity and create conditions for peace and stability, and supporting U.S. farmers, millers, shippers, and commodity groups that provide agricultural commodities for use in the McGovern-Dole Program to help combat global malnutrition and food insecurity and advance global education.
This resolution expresses support for the goals and ideals of Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month. Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder than can lead to pain, anemia, infections, and stroke.
Anti-Money Laundering Whistleblower Improvement Act This bill revises the management of whistleblower incentive awards for individuals providing original information relating to illegal monetary transactions, money laundering, or other financial crimes. Specifically, the bill establishes a minimum award for whistleblowers of not less than 10 percent of the collected monetary sanctions. Further, the bill establishes the Financial Integrity Fund for the payment of such awards. The fund is comprised of collected monetary sanctions and investments of the fund.
This resolution designates November 13, 2022, as National Warrior Call Day to encourage individuals to talk with members of the Armed Forces and veterans to connect them with support.
