Homeland Procurement Reform Act or the HOPR Act This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to ensure that procurement of certain items, such as body armor and other protective gear, meets specified requirements, including that a fraction of procurement funds be used for items manufactured by U.S. small businesses. The bill sets forth requirements for waivers based on a national emergency. DHS shall (1) ensure that covered items are purchased at a fair and reasonable price, and (2) study the adequacy of uniform allowances provided to employees of frontline operational components (i.e., Customs and Border Protection and other listed agencies and entities). DHS must report to Congress with recommendations on how it could procure additional items from domestic sources and bolster the domestic supply chain for specified national security-related items, including personal protective equipment and other items necessary to respond to a pandemic such as that caused by COVID-19.
Delivering Optimally Urgent Labor Access for Veterans Affairs Act of 2022 or the DOULA for VA Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to study the feasibility and advisability of furnishing doula services to pregnant or formerly pregnant veterans (with respect to postpartum care) who are enrolled in the VA health care system.
This resolution condemns the use of starvation of civilians as a weapon of warfare. It also calls on the U.S. government to prioritize diplomatic efforts to call out and address instances where hunger and intentional deprivation of food is being utilized as a weapon of war, including efforts to ensure that security operations do not undermine livelihoods of local populations to minimize civilian harm.
This resolution condemns Iran's state-sponsored persecution of its Baha'i minority and its continued violation of the international covenants on human rights. Further, it calls on Iran to immediately release all imprisoned or detained Baha'is, and it urges the President and the Department of State to impose sanctions on Iranian officials and others who are responsible for serious human rights abuses, including abuses against Iran's Baha'i community.
This Senate resolution (SRES 853) recognizes November 2022 as "National Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month." It does not create new laws or allocate funding but formally acknowledges the issue of homelessness affecting children and youth in the U.S. The resolution encourages businesses, state/local governments, organizations, educators, and volunteers to intensify efforts during November 2022 to raise awareness about child and youth homelessness and support prevention programs. It highlights statistics on homelessness impacts but focuses solely on symbolic recognition and awareness-raising, not policy changes.
This resolution expresses support for the designation of September 25, 2022, as National Ataxia Awareness Day to bring attention to this condition. Ataxia is a clinical manifestation that indicates degeneration or dysfunction of the brain that negatively affects coordination, precision, and accurate timing of physical movements.
SRES 810 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating October 2-8, 2022, as "National Community Policing Week." It does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally recognizes community policing efforts. The resolution highlights how community policing builds trust between law enforcement and residents, reduces crime, and addresses public safety concerns through collaboration. It encourages all Americans, law enforcement agencies, and officials to support community policing initiatives during this designated week. The resolution was introduced by Senators Shaheen, Cornyn, Hassan, and Peters and referred to the Judiciary Committee.
DHS Illicit Cross-Border Tunnel Defense Act This bill authorizes for FY2023 and FY2024 U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) activities to identify and remediate illicit cross-border tunnels. CBP shall also develop and report to Congress a strategic plan to guide and improve such operations.
This resolution designates the week beginning October 16, 2022, as "National Character Counts Week" in the U.S. Senate. It encourages schools, families, youth organizations, and community groups to observe the week by focusing on character education and core values like trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. The resolution is symbolic and non-binding, calling for voluntary activities but not creating new laws or requirements. It directly addresses educational institutions and community organizations that promote character development among youth.
Manufacturing.gov Act This bill requires the Department of Commerce to establish a section of the manufacturing.gov website to serve as the primary hub for information relating to federal manufacturing programs. In addition to serving as the primary hub for this information, the hub must also (1) provide the contact information for relevant program offices carrying out federal manufacturing programs; (2) provide an avenue for public input and feedback relating to these programs; and (3) host web pages that focus on topics such as trade, workforce development, and small and medium manufacturers.
Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces for Consumers Act or the INFORM Consumers Act This bill requires online marketplaces (e.g., Amazon) to collect and verify certain contact and financial information from third-party sellers whose transactions and related revenues exceed specified thresholds. Subject to certain exceptions, online marketplaces must clearly and conspicuously disclose the contact information of certain high-volume third-party sellers to consumers and must also provide consumers with methods to report suspicious activity on the marketplace. The bill provides the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general with the authority to enforce these requirements.
Lymphedema Treatment Act This bill provides for Medicare coverage of lymphedema compression treatment items. Specifically, the bill provides for coverage of standard and custom fitted gradient compression garments and other approved items that are prescribed by a physician or other specified health care professional to treat lymphedema.
