S. Res. 406 is a Senate resolution honoring the late Richard Clarence Clark, a former U.S. Senator from Iowa (served 1973-1979), who died in 2023. The resolution expresses the Senate’s sorrow at his passing, requests that the House of Representatives and Clark’s family be informed, and directs the Senate to adjourn for the day as a mark of respect. This is a purely commemorative measure with no policy or legal effect, reflecting the Senate’s collective tribute to a former member.
This is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring the late Senator Dianne Feinstein of California. It expresses the Senate's respect for her legacy through a formal statement and calls for the chamber to adjourn as a mark of tribute following her passing. The resolution details her historic milestones, including being the first woman to represent California in the Senate, chair multiple key committees, and advocate on issues like gun safety and conservation. It has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents, as it is purely commemorative.
This resolution supports the designation of October 1 through October 7, 2023, as National 4–H Week and recognizes the important role of 4–H in youth development and education.
SRES 394 is a Senate resolution introduced on October 3, 2023, honoring the late James L. Buckley, a former U.S. Senator from New York (1971-1977) who died in 2023. The resolution expresses the Senate's sorrow at his passing and directs the Senate to communicate the resolution to the House of Representatives and Buckley's family, while calling for an immediate adjournment in his memory. This ceremonial resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it solely serves to commemorate Buckley's life and legacy.
This Senate resolution (SRES 156) urges the Russian government to immediately release U.S. citizen Paul Whelan, a Michigan Marine Corps veteran imprisoned since 2018 on unproven espionage charges. It specifically calls for Russia to grant Whelan consular access, ensure due process, and uphold human rights while he remains detained. The resolution references Whelan’s wrongful conviction after a trial described as a "mockery of justice" and Russia’s refusal to provide evidence or medical care during his imprisonment. It expresses the Senate’s support for Whelan’s family and thanks other nations for efforts to secure his release.
SRES 391 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating the week beginning October 15, 2023, as "National Character Counts Week." It does not create new laws or obligations but encourages schools, families, youth organizations, and communities to focus on character education during that week. The resolution calls on these groups to embrace core values like trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, and caring through events and activities. It is a non-binding recognition effort aimed at promoting character development among young people, not a policy change affecting specific individuals or programs.
This Senate resolution (SRES 390) designates October 1-7, 2023, as "National Community Policing Week." It recognizes community policing as a strategy to build trust between law enforcement and communities, reduce crime, and improve public safety through collaborative problem-solving. The resolution encourages the public, law enforcement agencies, and elected officials to support community policing efforts but does not create new legal requirements or funding. As a non-binding resolution, it symbolically promotes existing community policing practices without altering policy.
SRES 310 is a symbolic Senate resolution recognizing the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) for 50 years of providing motorcycle safety education. It honors the MSF's work in developing rider training programs used by 46 states and the military, which have trained 10 million motorcyclists through its Basic Rider Course. The resolution does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect any individuals or policies - it solely acknowledges the organization's contributions to rider safety education. This is a ceremonial gesture with no legislative impact beyond recognition.
This resolution supports the designation of September 21, 2023, as National Teach Ag Day and recognizes the important role of agricultural education and the National FFA Organization in developing the next generation of agricultural leaders.
SRES 366 designates September 2023 as "School Bus Safety Month" through a symbolic Senate resolution. It does not create new laws or programs but encourages media and organizations to share public service announcements focused on school bus safety, recognizing school bus operators, and promoting safer driving near buses. The resolution highlights that school buses transport over 26 million students annually and cites the Child Safety Network's work in training operators and providing safety resources. It directly affects the school bus industry and the public by raising awareness during this designated month.
SRES 369 is a Senate resolution designating September 2023 as "Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month" to promote public education about sickle cell disease (SCD) across the United States. It encourages communities to hold events during September focused on raising awareness about SCD, which affects approximately 100,000 people in the U.S. (with higher prevalence in Black and African American communities), and emphasizes the need for research, early detection, effective treatments, and preventative care. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic call to action for public health engagement.
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.
