HRES 1498 is a symbolic resolution recognizing November 2022 as National Native American Heritage Month. It affirms the U.S. commitment to celebrating Native American cultures, heritages, and contributions to American history, including their roles in governance concepts, military service, and cultural fields. The resolution urges all Americans to observe the month through appropriate programs and activities, supporting the recognition of Native American Heritage Day as established by prior law. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups through legislative action.
LNG For Allies Act This bill revises the approval process for applications to export natural gas. Specifically, the bill expedites the approval process for certain U.S. allies, such as Taiwan and Ukraine. However, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission may not grant expedited approval for applications to export natural gas to any nation that is (1) designated as a state sponsor of terrorism, or (2) designated by acts of Congress from such expedited approval for reasons of national security.
HRES 1483 is a symbolic House resolution supporting National Rural Health Day, introduced in November 2022. It recognizes the challenges rural health care faces - including hospital closures, workforce shortages, and barriers to services - impacting approximately 60 million rural residents. The resolution expresses support for the day's goals, celebrates rural health care providers, and affirms a commitment to improving rural health care accessibility and affordability. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new policies or funding but serves as a formal acknowledgment of rural health care needs.
This concurrent resolution affirms the commitments in the Geneva Consensus Declaration on Promoting Women's Health and Strengthening the Family and applauds the signatory countries for their dedication to advancing women's health, protecting life at every stage while affirming that there is no international right to abortion, and upholding the importance of the family as foundational to society. The resolution calls on President Biden to once again add the United States as a signatory to the Geneva Consensus Declaration.
HRES 1484 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the U.S. House of Representatives to honor the 2022 World Series Champion Houston Astros baseball team, their manager Dusty Baker, and standout player Jeremy Peña. It formally recognizes their championship victory, Baker’s historic achievements as a manager, and Peña’s breakthrough season as a rookie World Series MVP. The resolution highlights the team’s resilience, community contributions (including post-Hurricane Harvey efforts), and embodies values like perseverance and teamwork. It does not create new laws or affect any policies - it is a symbolic expression of praise from Congress. The resolution was introduced by multiple Texas representatives and passed unanimously on November 17, 2022.
Restoring Military Focus Act This bill eliminates the position of Chief Diversity Officer within the Department of Defense (DOD), as well as the position of Senior Advisor for Diversity and Inclusion within the military departments. Additionally, the bill prohibits the use of federal funds to establish similar positions to that of Chief Diversity Officer or Senior Advisor for Diversity and Inclusion within DOD.
Chance to Compete Act of 2022 This bill modifies examination requirements and other components of the federal hiring process for positions in the competitive service, including prohibiting examinations from consisting solely of a self-assessment from an automated examination, allowing for the use of subject matter experts to develop position-specific assessments, and requiring the creation of an online platform through which agencies may share developed assessments.
Hazard Eligibility and Local Projects Act This bill makes an entity seeking assistance under a hazard mitigation assistance program eligible to receive such assistance for certain projects already in progress. A covered project means a project that is an acquisition and demolition project for which an entity began implementation, including planning or construction, before or after requesting assistance for the project under a hazard mitigation assistance program; and qualifies for a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. The authority provided under this bill terminates three years after its enactment.
Facilitating Federal Employee Reskilling Act This bill establishes certain standards for federal reskilling programs. The bill defines federal reskilling program as a program established by an executive agency, or the Office of Personnel Management, to provide employees with technical skills or expertise that would qualify them to serve in different positions. The bill requires such programs to use merit-based principles with respect to employees' participation. Participating employees must also be given the option to return to their original positions, particularly if they are unsuccessful in their new positions. Additionally, employees are entitled to the same grades in their new positions as in their original positions; new positions must also utilize employees' newly acquired skills or expertise.
Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act This bill establishes programs for research on and deployment of advanced materials and technologies applicable to pipelines and associated infrastructure (e.g., liquified natural gas facilities and liquid fuel storage facilities).
HR 9334, the Quantum in Practice Act, amends the National Quantum Initiative Act to explicitly include "quantum molecular modeling or simulation" as a priority research area. This change directs federal funding under the National Quantum Initiative to support research in quantum molecular simulations, which scientists could use to model complex chemical processes. The bill directly affects federally funded quantum research programs and aims to advance applications like more efficient fertilizers, improved medicines, and better battery technologies through this specific research focus.
Continuity for Operators with Necessary Training Required for ATC Contract Towers Act of 2021 or the CONTRACT Act of 2021 This bill exempts certain air traffic controllers from a required reduction in their retirement annuity payment on account of earnings from certain work performed while entitled to such annuity. Under current law, retired Federal Aviation Administration air traffic controllers receive an annuity payment during the period between the mandatory retirement age of 56 and the Social Security minimum age of 62. Such annuity payment is required to be reduced by a certain percentage of any excess earnings during this period. The bill exempts from such reduction in annuity payments an air traffic controller who participates in the Air Traffic Control Contract Program (a public-private partnership for air traffic control services) following mandatory retirement.
