Protecting Access to Credit for Small Businesses Act This bill prohibits the Small Business Administration from directly making a loan under the 7(a) Program, which authorizes loans and loan guaranties to small businesses that meet certain requirements.
Kenneth P. Thompson Begin Again Act This bill expands eligibility for the expungement of records related to a first-time drug possession offense. Current law permits expungement for offenders who commit the offense before age 21. This bill permits expungement for offenders who commit the offense at any age.
This joint resolution nullifies a Department of Labor emergency temporary standard for preventing the transmission of COVID-19 in employment settings. Under the standard issued on November 5, 2021, employers with 100 or more employees must require their onsite employees to either be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or undergo weekly COVID-19 testing.
This resolution expresses support for the people of South Sudan in their efforts to establish an independent, stable, democratic, and prosperous country.
VITAL Assessment Act of 2021 This bill implements changes related to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL) program, which focuses on enhancing student veterans' academic success and retention by assisting with things like mental and physical health. The VA must report on the program and establish best practices, goals, and measures for the program that are uniform among the VA's medical centers. The bill also requires the VA to conduct outreach among the Armed Forces, veterans service organizations, institutions of higher learning, and noncollege degree programs regarding the VITAL program. Additionally, the VA must assess the feasibility and advisability of including the suicide rate for student veterans in the National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SRES 470) commemorating the death of former U.S. Senator Bob Dole of Kansas. It formally expresses the Senate's sorrow, requests the Secretary of the Senate transmit a copy to Dole's family, and directs the Senate to adjourn as a mark of respect. The resolution has no policy or legal effect - it solely serves as a symbolic tribute to Dole's public service career. It does not affect any individuals or enact new laws.
CBP Donations Acceptance Program Reauthorization Act This bill extends through December 31, 2026, the authority of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to enter into an agreement with any entity to accept donations of real and personal property for certain activities at ports of entry. Further, the bill (1) allows CBP to accept donations at leased land ports of entry, and (2) increases the maximum fair market value of a donation that CBP may accept under an agreement. Prior to accepting a donation, CBP must certify to specified congressional committees that the donor will be notified about the donor's financial responsibility for all costs and operating expenses related to the operation, maintenance, and repair of the donated real property. This financial responsibility shall continue until CBP provides the donor with written notice that the donor has been relieved of such responsibility.
MUSIC Act This bill expands eligibility for the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, which provides emergency assistance for eligible venues affected by COVID-19, to include service and support companies. These companies (1) provide stages, lighting, sound, casts, or other support for live performing arts events; or (2) showcase performers or prepackaged productions to potential buyers.
Taiwan Preclearance Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to report to Congress on various issues, including (1) a plan for establishing a U.S. Customs and Border Protection preclearance facility in the Indo-Pacific region, (2) an analysis of the feasibility and advisability of establishing a preclearance facility in Taiwan, and (3) an assessment of the impact that a preclearance facility will have on trade and tourism between Taiwan and the United States. (Preclearance facilities are stations in designated foreign airports that inspect travelers prior to boarding U.S.-bound flights.)
Protect American Taxpayer Dollars from Illegal Immigration Act This bill prohibits expending federal funds for legal settlements to individuals who violated certain laws relating to the proper time and place to enter the United States, if the settlement pertains to claims based on the lawful detention of such an individual as part of a family unit after the individual's entry into the United States at the southern border after January 20, 2017.
