Nurse Corps Tax Parity Act of 2022 This bill excludes from gross income, for income tax purposes, amounts received by members of the Nurse Corps as scholarships or loan forgiveness.
Congressional Tribute to Constance Baker Motley Act of 2022 This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal posthumously to Constance Baker Motley in recognition of her contributions and service to the United States in advancing civil rights as an attorney, elected official, and judge.
Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act or the FAIR Act This bill modifies pay rates for federal employees in 2023. Specifically, the bill increases rates under the statutory pay systems and for prevailing rate employees by 4.1% and increases locality pay by 1%.
Comprehensive Resources for Entrepreneurs in the Arts to Transform the Economy Act of 2022 or the CREATE Act of 2022 This bill expands financial assistance for, and establishes measures to support, the creative economy and art entrepreneurs. Specifically, the bill requires (1) the Small Business Administration to develop loan criteria, evaluation procedures, and technical assistance programs for small business concerns that are owned by artists and support the creative economy; and (2) the Department of Commerce to ensure that traditional economic development tools, such as business incubators and grant programs, support the arts industry and creative economy.
Free At-Home Tests for All Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide free antigen diagnostic tests for COVID-19 (i.e., rapid tests) to U.S. residents. The bill also automatically grants emergency use authorization for rapid tests approved by certain foreign regulators. Specifically, HHS must purchase a sufficient quantity of rapid tests to provide two tests per week at no cost to each resident for the 12 months following the bill's enactment. The President may use authorities available under the Defense Production Act of 1950 to obtain the tests. That act confers upon the President a broad set of authorities to influence domestic industry in order to provide essential materials and goods needed for the national defense. In addition, HHS must conduct outreach about the availability of free rapid tests to Medicare and Medicaid participants and make the tests available through those programs. The bill also automatically grants emergency use authorization during the public health emergency for rapid tests that are listed for emergency use by (1) the World Health Organization (WHO), or (2) a foreign regulator that is a stringent regulatory authority as defined by the WHO for purposes of medicine procurement. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may rescind authority for, or otherwise regulate, a rapid test that was automatically authorized. Additionally, the FDA must establish a permanent advisory committee focused on diagnostic and serological testing for public health needs.
Masks for All Act of 2022 This bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to manufacture and distribute N-95 respirator masks to every individual in the United States and to provide N-95 masks to all individuals working in health care settings in the United States that are experiencing a shortage of such masks. FEMA must provide the masks at no cost to individuals and deliver them, to the greatest extent possible, using the U.S. Postal Service. Additionally, FEMA shall designate mask pickup sites in each community and shall provide masks to each site, allocated according to population; consider new designs for masks to improve comfort, fit, and size options; and submit to Congress a strategic plan that includes monthly, measurable targets to eliminate shortages and increase domestic production of N-95 masks and to fulfill all other requirements of this bill. The President shall make use of any and all available authorities (including emergency authorities) at the disposal of the federal government to procure and domestically manufacture N-95 masks and support the domestic manufacturing of N-95 masks.
This bill (H.J.Res. 68) is a symbolic, procedural measure that would require the President to issue an annual proclamation designating a day as "Democracy Day." It directs the President to call on state/local governments and citizens to observe the day through programs and activities, with January 6 referenced as a potential date. The bill does not create new government programs or change existing laws - it only establishes a recurring presidential proclamation. It directly affects federal, state, and local governments by encouraging them to participate in annual observances. The bill has no budgetary impact and remains focused on promoting civic engagement through a designated day.
Safe Equitable Campus Resources and Education Act of 2022 This bill requires the annual campus security report provided by institutions of higher education to current and prospective students and employees to address the needs of individuals with disabilities. Among other requirements, the report and its related materials must (1) be made available free of charge, in a timely manner, and in accessible formats to individuals with disabilities; (2) include current campus policies that ensure that their needs are included in emergency response and evacuation procedures; and (3) include an assurance that campus security personnel and others receive training about working with these individuals.
Freedom Riders Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to the Freedom Riders, in recognition of their contribution to civil rights by fighting for equality in interstate travel.
SRES 485 is a Senate resolution honoring the late Senator Harry Mason Reid, Jr., of Nevada, who died in 2021. The resolution expresses the Senate's sorrow at his passing, extends condolences to his family, and directs the Secretary of the Senate to communicate the resolution to the House of Representatives and provide a copy to Reid's family. The Senate also adjourned in his memory as a mark of respect. This is a ceremonial tribute with no policy changes or legal effect.
SRES 484 is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring the late Senator John "Johnny" Isakson of Georgia. It formally recognizes his 40+ years of public service, including his roles in the Georgia legislature, U.S. House, and U.S. Senate, and his reputation for bipartisan cooperation. The resolution requests the Senate Secretary communicate it to the House and send a copy to Isakson's family. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or programs.
Abuse of the Pardon Prevention Act of 2022 This bill restricts the authority of the President with respect to presidential pardons, including by prohibiting the President from pardoning himself or herself and requiring the Department of Justice to conduct oversight and submit materials to Congress regarding certain pardons, such as those arising from an investigation in which the President is a target, subject, or witness.
