PFAS Firefighter Protection Act This bill prohibits, under the Toxic Substances Control Act, the manufacture, import, processing, or distribution in commerce of any aqueous film forming foam for use in training and firefighting that contains a perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance, commonly referred to as PFAS. These substances are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. No later than October 5, 2024, the bill also requires the prohibition of the use of fluorinated chemicals in firefighting foam at airports.
Securing Protections Against Carbon Emissions Tax Act or the SPACE Tax Act This bill imposes excise taxes on (1) the taxable space transportation of a passenger other than crew or a government astronaut, and (2) each taxable space launch of a space vehicle (i.e., any launch vehicle and any reentry vehicle).
Help for Healing Communities Act This bill establishes a program through which the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration may award grants to support mental and behavioral health services for survivors of active shooter events and incidents of targeted violence. Eligible grant recipients include state, tribal, territorial, and local governments and nonprofits located in or serving a community that experienced an active shooter event or incident of targeted violence in the preceding fiscal year.
This resolution recognizes that Black women are experiencing high, disproportionate rates of maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States and that Black Maternal Health Week is an opportunity to deepen the national conversation about Black maternal health.
Excess Urban Heat Mitigation Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish a grant program for state, tribal and local governments; metropolitan planning organizations; and certain nonprofits (or consortia of nonprofits) to carry out activities to mitigate heat in urban areas. HUD must coordinate with the Environmental Protection Agency on the program.
Safe Workplaces Act This bill requires the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to promulgate an occupational safety and health standard on reducing the threat of workplace violence, including firearm violence. Additionally, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health must study and make recommendations about ways to reduce workplace violence. OSHA must consider those recommendations when promulgating the workplace safety and health standard.
Feed Hungry Veterans Act of 2022 This bill expands eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for certain disabled veterans, including those determined to be catastrophically disabled.
New Era of Preventing End-Stage Kidney Disease Act This bill addresses rare kidney diseases through research, training for health professionals, and other means. It also modifies requirements for Medicare drug plan formularies that include drugs for rare diseases or conditions. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must convene a conference focused on diagnosis and treatment of rare kidney diseases; study risk factors, access to care (including to genetic and genomic testing), and other matters related to rare kidney diseases; and establish grants for supporting kidney disease education and referrals in communities of color. HHS may award grants to educate and train health professionals about kidney disease and nephrology. Additionally, health professional schools that receive certain HHS funding for educating underrepresented minority individuals must support postgraduate nephrology training. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) must report on diversity in its kidney disease research. The NIH may also (1) support research on rare kidney diseases that, among other requirements, includes persons of color in study populations; and (2) establish regional centers of excellence for rare kidney diseases. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must evaluate methods for (1) treating rare kidney diseases, with a focus on delaying dialysis and transplant; and (2) raising awareness about rare kidney diseases, including in communities of color. Furthermore, if a Medicare drug plan formulary includes a drug to treat a rare disease or condition, at least two members of the committee that develops or reviews the formulary must have expertise in the field of medicine related to that drug.
This resolution condemns the rape and assault of women by Russian forces in the occupied area of Bucha, Ukraine. The resolution condemns the deliberate disruption of the free flow of humanitarian aid that is harming innocent civilians, particularly women. The resolution also highlights the critical importance of ensuring women meaningfully participate in the planning and execution of humanitarian actions and the negotiation of peace agreements to meet their unique needs and to protect their human rights. Finally, the resolution calls on Vladimir Putin to condemn sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls in this conflict; hold all perpetrators who commit acts of sexual and gender-based violence accountable; cease all hostilities, protect human rights, and allow unencumbered humanitarian access; and remove all Russian Armed Forces, and other armed groups, from Ukraine.
This bill requires the Joint Committee on the Library to obtain, and the Architect of the Capitol to permanently install in the U.S. Capitol or on the U.S. Capitol Grounds, statues honoring Associate Justices of the Supreme Court Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Time Off to Vote Act This bill requires an employer, upon the request of an employee, to provide the employee with a minimum of two consecutive hours of paid leave in order to vote in a federal election. The employer may determine the two-hour period, excluding any lunch break or other break. Taking such leave shall not result in the employee losing accrued employment benefits. The bill makes it unlawful for an employer to interfere with the right to take such leave or for an employer to discriminate against an employee for taking such leave. Further, the bill makes it unlawful for any employer to retaliate against an employee for (1) opposing any practice made unlawful by this bill; (2) filing a charge, or instituting or causing to be instituted any proceeding, under or related to this bill; or (3) testifying or preparing to testify in an inquiry or proceeding relating to such leave. The bill specifies penalties for employers who violate these provisions.
SRES 593 is a Senate resolution honoring former U.S. Senator Kaneaster Hodges, Jr. of Arkansas, who served from 1977 to 1978. The resolution expresses the Senate’s "profound sorrow" at his death and directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit an enrolled copy to his family. It also calls for the Senate to adjourn as a mark of respect. This is a ceremonial resolution with no policy provisions or direct impact on legislation or constituents.
