HRES 723 is a procedural resolution that establishes the rules for considering four separate appropriations bills in the House of Representatives. It sets time limits for debate (one hour), specifies which amendments may be offered, waives points of order against the bills, and provides procedures for how the House will move to consider the Department of Defense, Homeland Security, State Department, and Agriculture appropriations bills for fiscal year 2024. This resolution does not make policy changes itself but sets the process for debating and voting on the underlying appropriations bills.
SRES 359 is a Senate resolution recognizing the week of September 17-23, 2023, as National Forensic Science Week. It supports the goals of this week and encourages forensic science service providers, local policymakers, the public, and media to participate in activities like community events, laboratory tours, and discussions about forensic science's role in criminal investigations. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight how forensic science contributes to justice system accuracy and public safety.
This Senate resolution supports designating September 17-23, 2023, as National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week. It expresses the Senate’s backing for raising public awareness about adult education, workforce skills, and family literacy programs. The resolution encourages broader support for these initiatives but does not create new laws, funding, or direct obligations. It serves as a symbolic gesture highlighting the importance of literacy for individuals and communities.
SRES 208 is a Senate resolution designating November 12, 2023, as "National Warrior Call Day." It encourages U.S. citizens, particularly those connected to military service, to reach out to veterans through peer-to-peer conversations to support their mental health and transition from military life. The resolution highlights veteran suicide statistics (6,146 deaths in 2020) and emphasizes that isolation - exacerbated by the pandemic - increases risks for conditions like PTSD. It does not create new programs but urges public engagement to connect veterans with support systems. This is a symbolic, awareness-raising measure with no binding policy changes.
This bill designates approximately 40 acres at the Wounded Knee Massacre site in South Dakota as a memorial and sacred site, held by the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe in "restricted fee status." Within 365 days of enactment, the Secretary of the Interior must finalize legal documentation to ensure the land remains tribal-owned, part of the Pine Ridge Reservation, and protected from state taxation or sale without tribal and congressional consent. The land must be used per a 2022 tribal covenant, cannot be used for gaming under federal law, and retains existing utility agreements. It directly affects the two tribes managing this historically significant site.
The Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023 makes administrative changes to improve veterans' experience with disability benefit exams. It requires the VA to publish most disability forms online (with limited exceptions for forms not meeting clinical standards), mandates contractors to notify veterans' power-of-attorney representatives about exam scheduling, and creates outreach about contractor contact information. The bill also requires two reports: one on reimbursing veterans' travel for overseas exams, and another on supporting governmental veterans service officers. These changes directly affect veterans, VA contractors, and veterans service organizations.
SRES 353 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating the week of September 16-23, 2023, as "National Estuaries Week." It expresses the Senate’s support for raising public awareness about the ecological and economic importance of estuaries. The resolution highlights estuaries’ role in supporting jobs, economic output, and critical habitats, while acknowledging threats like pollution and habitat loss. This procedural resolution has no direct regulatory or funding impact - it serves solely as a formal acknowledgment of estuaries’ value.
SRES 354 is a Senate resolution formally congratulating the Louisiana State University (LSU) baseball team for winning the 2023 NCAA Division I College World Series. The resolution recognizes the team's championship victory, their season record (54 wins, 17 losses), and key individual achievements, such as record-breaking performances by players like Paul Skenes. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit a copy to LSU head coach Jay Johnson, university president William F. Tate IV, and athletic director Scott Woodward. This is a symbolic, non-binding resolution with no policy changes or direct legal effects.
HRES 705 is a resolution that elects William McFarland of Maryland as the Sergeant-at-Arms of the U.S. House of Representatives. This appointment directly assigns McFarland to the position responsible for maintaining security, order, and managing House facilities within the legislative chamber. The resolution serves as a formal procedural step to fill this leadership role, with no additional policy provisions or changes to existing responsibilities.
This resolution elects Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib to serve on the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. It was passed by the House on September 20, 2023, as a routine committee appointment. The bill does not create new policy or affect any specific group - it solely formalizes her membership on an existing committee. This is a standard procedural step for assigning members to House committees.
HR 1418 reauthorizes user fees for animal drug and generic animal drug applications to the FDA, requiring manufacturers to pay fees for reviewing new animal drug applications, supplemental applications, and generic animal drug applications. The bill sets annual fee revenue targets of $33.5 million for animal drugs and $25 million for generic animal drugs for fiscal years 2024-2028, with mechanisms for adjusting fees based on inflation and workload. It requires the FDA to maintain operating reserves of 16-22 weeks of funding to ensure consistent review capacity. The fees will directly affect animal drug manufacturers and generic drug sponsors who submit applications to the FDA, with the program set to expire in 2028.
SRES 351 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating September 25, 2023, as "National Lobster Day." It formally recognizes the cultural, economic, and culinary significance of lobster in the United States, highlighting its role in coastal communities, sustainability efforts, and traditions. The resolution encourages the public to observe the day through activities but does not create new laws, funding, or obligations. It directly affects no specific group or industry, serving only as a symbolic acknowledgment. This procedural resolution was introduced by Senators King, Collins, Shaheen, and others and adopted by the Senate on September 19, 2023.
