Government Surveillance Transparency Act of 2022 This bill requires that law enforcement authorities notify subjects of criminal surveillance orders that cover emails, texts, and similar electronic data and limits the ability of authorities to delay or preclude the required notice. In addition, the bill (1) prohibits, subject to exceptions, courts from sealing criminal surveillance orders; (2) generally requires that public docket records related to criminal surveillance orders be made publicly available; and (3) permits any person to request that a court unseal a surveillance order.
Improving Intergovernmental Cooperation and Reducing Duplication Act of 2022 This bill addresses intergovernmental cooperation and duplicative spending in federal programs. Specifically, the bill authorizes the President to prescribe information technology products and platforms and other similar or supporting services that an executive agency is especially competent and authorized by law to provide. Further, it requires an executive agency, when providing services prescribed by the President to a state, local, territorial, or tribal government, to take all available necessary and appropriate steps to increase cooperation and reduce administrative burden between the state, local, territorial, or tribal government requesting the service and the agency. Additionally, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), in coordination with the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, must publish a strategic plan to improve cooperation between and support greater harmonization, effectiveness, and the reduction of burdens and costs between the federal government and state, local, territorial, and tribal governments. The OMB must (1) issue guidance implementing these provisions, and (2) report on actions and activities taken by executive agencies in this regard. The General Services Administration may provide specified specialized or technical services to a state, local, territorial, or tribal government.
Postal Banking Act This bill grants the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) the power to provide basic financial services, including low-cost, small-dollar loans, in specified amounts; small dollar lending servicing, which shall ensure that the customer's access to the products and the public interest is given significant consideration; small checking accounts and interest-bearing savings accounts in specified amounts; transactional and remittance services; and other basic financial services in the public interest. It grants the USPS the power to set interest rates and fees for the financial instruments and products provided by the USPS that meet specified requirements. The USPS (1) shall not be granted a bank charter or become an insured depository institution for the purpose of capital requirements, and (2) shall be subject to the provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code regarding bank deposits and collections. The Federal Reserve Board of Governors shall transfer to the USPS such sums as necessary to carry out the services described in this bill, which shall (1) be sufficient to ensure that the products substantially decrease the number of people who do not have a bank account or use alternative financial products such as payday lending, check cashing, prepaid debt cards, and overdraft fees; and (2) be provided to the USPS through a separate account. The Government Accountability Office shall submit to Congress an annual report that includes the demographics, number of participants, and average balances and uses for such products.
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Sector Development Act of 2022 or the WASH Sector Development Act of 2022 This bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish the Water and Sanitation Needs Working Group to measure and report on the number and approximate geographic distribution of households that do not have access to drinking water infrastructure or a means for the safe collection and disposal of wastewater. The EPA must also establish a program under which it awards grants to nonprofit organizations for assisting such households.
Future of Water Act of 2022 This bill prohibits the trading of futures contracts in water or water rights. A futures contract is an agreement to buy or sell a commodity or financial instrument at a set price at a specific time.
Homes for All Act of 2021 This bill provides funding for the construction of new public housing units, authorizes additional assistance for the construction of new affordable housing units, and otherwise addresses housing affordability. Specifically, the bill provides permanent, mandatory funding for the capital and operating funds available to public housing agencies (PHAs) and allows PHAs to use such funds to construct new public housing units. Under current law, a PHA generally may not use such funds to construct public housing units if doing so would result in a net increase of the number of public housing units owned, assisted, or operated by the PHA. The bill also (1) provides annual funding through FY2032 for the construction of new public housing units; and (2) authorizes additional assistance through FY2032 from the Housing Trust Fund for the construction of new, private-market, affordable housing units. A PHA may not discriminate, with respect to the rental of a unit developed with assistance under the bill, based on an individual's criminal record or immigration status. Additionally, a PHA receiving such assistance must meet specified requirements with respect to the new units regarding other forms of discrimination, supportive services, environmental standards, and accessibility. Finally, the bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development to establish a Community Control and Anti-Displacement Fund to award grants to local governments for the purpose of combatting gentrification and neighborhood destabilization.
Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act of 2022 or the CROWN Act of 2022 This bill prohibits discrimination based on a person's hair texture or hairstyle if that style or texture is commonly associated with a particular race or national origin. Specifically, the bill prohibits this type of discrimination against those participating in federally assisted programs, housing programs, public accommodations, and employment. Persons shall not be deprived of equal rights under the law and shall not be subjected to prohibited practices based on their hair texture or style. The bill provides for enforcement procedures under the applicable laws.
Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal Act of 2022 or the FAIR Act of 2022 This bill prohibits a predispute arbitration agreement from being valid or enforceable if it requires arbitration of an employment, consumer, antitrust, or civil rights dispute.
This resolution recognizes the important role of local nutrition programs supported through the Older Americans Act of 1965 in addressing senior hunger, malnutrition, and isolation.
Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act This bill establishes grants and requires other activities to improve mental and behavioral health among health care providers. Specifically, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must award grants to hospitals, medical professional associations, and other health care entities for programs to promote mental health and resiliency among health care providers. In addition, HHS may award grants for relevant mental and behavioral health training for health care students, residents, or professionals. Additionally, HHS must conduct a campaign to (1) encourage health care providers to seek support and treatment for mental and behavioral health concerns, and (2) disseminate best practices to prevent suicide and improve mental health and resiliency among health care providers. HHS must also study and develop policy recommendations on improving mental and behavioral health among health care providers, removing barriers to accessing care and treatment, and identifying strategies to promote resiliency. Furthermore, the Government Accountability Office must report on the extent to which relevant federal grant programs address the prevalence and severity of mental health conditions and substance use disorders among health care providers.
This joint resolution nullifies the rule issued by the Department of Health and Human Services on October 7, 2021, that reverts requirements for federally funded providers of family planning services to those in effect before May 3, 2019, and makes other changes to family planning programs. Specific changes in the rule include (1) removing restrictions on pregnancy options counseling and referrals for abortion services, (2) eliminating requirements for physical and financial separation between abortion-related activities and specified family planning activities, and (3) providing a particular focus on health equity.
This resolution (SRES 551) is a symbolic recognition, not a policy change. It honors AmeriCorps members, alumni, and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers for their service across the U.S., including helping vulnerable communities, supporting education, and responding to emergencies. The Senate encourages the public to salute these volunteers during AmeriCorps Week and promotes national service as a way to strengthen communities. It does not create new programs, funding, or legal requirements.
