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.
SRES 398 is a Senate resolution designating September 25-29, 2023, as "National Clean Energy Week." It symbolically recognizes the growth of clean energy jobs (citing a 2022 report showing ~8.1 million U.S. energy sector workers) and encourages public and private support for affordable, low-emission energy solutions. The resolution has no legal force and does not create new policies or directly affect specific groups - it serves as a formal acknowledgment of clean energy’s economic and environmental role.
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.
SRES 393 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the U.S. Senate to honor the late Duncan McLauchlin "Lauch" Faircloth, a former North Carolina U.S. Senator (1993-1999) and longtime public servant. The resolution expresses the Senate's "profound sorrow" over his death, requests the Secretary of the Senate notify the House of Representatives and deliver a copy to his family, and directs the Senate to adjourn in his memory. It commemorates Faircloth's career, including his service as North Carolina's Secretary of Commerce, his advocacy for free enterprise, and his role in preventing Washington D.C. bankruptcy. As a purely commemorative measure with no policy changes, it does not affect any laws or constituents.
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 designates September 25-29, 2023, as "National Hazing Awareness Week" to highlight hazing prevention efforts. It does not create new laws or policies but formally recognizes the issue and encourages public awareness. The Senate emphasizes that hazing prevention requires ongoing commitment beyond a single week, urging communities to promote safety and well-being. It directly affects the general public, educational institutions, and campus communities by raising visibility for a longstanding concern.
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.
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.
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.
SRES 331 designates August 2023 as "National Catfish Month" to recognize the economic and cultural significance of the U.S. catfish industry. The resolution highlights that the industry supports over 9,000 jobs and contributes nearly $2 billion annually to the U.S. economy, while emphasizing catfish as a sustainable, year-round seafood source. It also acknowledges the industry’s role in regional cuisines and its status as the largest farm-raised seafood product in the United States. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise awareness of the industry’s contributions.
