This resolution designates the week beginning on October 15, 2023, as National Chemistry Week. The resolution also recognizes the need to promote the fields of science, including chemistry, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and to encourage youth, including from underrepresented groups, to pursue careers in these fields.
S. RES. 420 designates Betty K. Koed as Historian Emerita of the U.S. Senate, effective October 21, 2023, honoring her 25-year career as the Senate's first female Historian (serving from 2015-2023 after roles as Assistant and Associate Historian). The resolution recognizes her work preserving Senate archives, producing historical publications, and supporting educational programs about Senate history. It is a ceremonial honor with no policy changes or direct impact on legislation or constituents.
This resolution states that the Senate stands with Israel as it defends itself, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, and calls on all countries to unequivocally condemn Hamas' war on Israel. The resolution also reaffirms the United States' commitment to Israel's security, supports emergency resupply and certain other types of assistance to Israel, and calls on the United States to lead an international effort to deprive Hamas of Iranian and other sources of funding and lethal assistance. Furthermore, the resolution states that nothing in it may be construed as a declaration of war or an authorization for the use of military force.
This resolution designates August 1, 2023, as Gold Star Children's Day to honor the sacrifices and hardships of the children of fallen service members.
This resolution designates October 8, 2023, as "National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day" in the U.S. Senate. It is a symbolic recognition, not a law with policy changes or direct effects on any individuals or entities. The resolution cites hydrogen's abundance, historical role in space exploration, and potential for clean energy applications like transportation and grid support. It does not create new regulations, funding, or obligations. As a ceremonial resolution, it serves solely to highlight the importance of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.
SRES 416 authorizes former Senate employee Daniel Schwager to provide testimony in the criminal case *United States v. Sullivan* (Cr. No. 21-078), excluding matters protected by Senate privileges. It directs Senate Legal Counsel to represent Schwager and other Senate staff regarding this testimony. This procedural resolution facilitates cooperation with the court while preserving Senate privilege protections.
This resolution authorizes former Senate employee Daniel Schwager to provide testimony in the federal criminal case *United States v. Samsel* (Cr. No. 21-537), excluding matters protected by Senate privileges. It also directs the Senate Legal Counsel to represent Schwager and other Senate employees regarding evidence production related to their official duties. The resolution is procedural, citing the Ethics in Government Act and Senate rules to permit testimony without violating Senate privilege. It does not alter laws or create new policy but facilitates cooperation with the court.
S. Res. 406 is a Senate resolution honoring the late Richard Clarence Clark, a former U.S. Senator from Iowa (served 1973-1979), who died in 2023. The resolution expresses the Senate’s sorrow at his passing, requests that the House of Representatives and Clark’s family be informed, and directs the Senate to adjourn for the day as a mark of respect. This is a purely commemorative measure with no policy or legal effect, reflecting the Senate’s collective tribute to a former member.
SRES 409 is a procedural resolution authorizing the use of the Philip A. Hart Senate Office Building atrium on October 31, 2023, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. for a "Bipawtisan Howl-o-ween Dog Pawrade" event. It does not affect any policy or legislation, but formally permits this specific Halloween-themed gathering of dogs and their owners in a Senate building space. The resolution includes preamble statements highlighting the role of dogs in American households, military service, and law enforcement. This is a ceremonial authorization with no substantive policy changes, intended solely for event scheduling.
This resolution formally assigns the majority party's membership on specific Senate committees for the 118th Congress, based on the party holding the majority in the Senate. It lists the designated members for committees like Appropriations, Banking, and Intelligence, including committee chairs and ranking members. The assignment remains in effect until successors are chosen, making it a procedural step to establish committee leadership without creating new policy or affecting legislation.
This resolution designates October 12, 2023, as "National Loggers Day" to recognize the logging industry's contributions. It highlights the industry's role in creating rural jobs, supporting forest management, and providing renewable materials for products. The resolution emphasizes logging's environmental benefits, including maintaining habitats, protecting watersheds, sequestering carbon, and reducing wildfire risks through sustainable practices. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or funding.
This is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring the late Senator Dianne Feinstein of California. It expresses the Senate's respect for her legacy through a formal statement and calls for the chamber to adjourn as a mark of tribute following her passing. The resolution details her historic milestones, including being the first woman to represent California in the Senate, chair multiple key committees, and advocate on issues like gun safety and conservation. It has no policy impact or direct effect on constituents, as it is purely commemorative.
