Rep. Paul Tonko

Maddy summaryHRES 1363 designates September 19, 2022, as "National Stillbirth Prevention Day" to recognize the approximately 23,000 stillbirths occurring annually in the U.S. and support efforts to reduce them. The resolution specifically acknowledges racial disparities in stillbirth rates, highlighting that Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous families face the highest risks. It requests the President issue a proclamation encouraging nationwide awareness, evidence-based prevention efforts, improved data collection, and education to help reduce stillbirths by 33% over time. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws but aims to raise public awareness and promote existing prevention strategies. It directly affects families impacted by stillbirth and advocates for greater attention to this public health issue.

Maddy summaryHR 7618 designates the Kol Israel Foundation Holocaust Memorial in Bedford Heights, Ohio, as a national memorial. The bill formally recognizes the memorial's role in preserving the memory of Holocaust victims and honoring survivors who built it. Crucially, the designation does not make the site part of the National Park System and explicitly states no federal funds will be used for the memorial. This is a commemorative measure affecting the memorial's official status, not a policy change with operational requirements.

Peace Corps Reauthorization Act of 2022 This bill reauthorizes through FY2024 and modifies operations of the Peace Corps. Changes include increasing the readjustment allowance paid to volunteers when their service terminates and providing statutory authority for an executive order that grants returned volunteers noncompetitive eligibility for federal civil-service positions. Additionally, the bill entitles returned volunteers to sixty days of health care benefits. The Peace Corps must also provide volunteers with information about enrolling in U.S. health plans before service termination and mental health care during and after service. The bill also includes provisions to address involuntary termination of Peace Corps service in emergencies, including by expediting re-enrollment of involuntarily terminated volunteers. The Peace Corps must also adequately insure volunteers' safety and must coordinate with the Department of State to periodically update agreements concerning the security of Peace Corps volunteers and staff abroad. The bill also authorizes Peace Corps to recruit domestically based volunteers to serve in the United States at the request of another agency or to provide services in a host country virtually, modifies the Peace Corps National Advisory Council's membership and functions, expands whistleblower protections for volunteers, increases the rate of pay that applies to a volunteer's workers compensation claim, requires Peace Corps to implement a zero tolerance drug use policy regarding volunteer involvement with illegal drugs, and emphasizes the use of the internet in Peace Corps programs. Furthermore, the bill requires reporting, including on the provision of mental health services to volunteers.

Maddy summaryHRES 1366 is a non-binding resolution expressing congressional support for designating October 8, 2022, as "National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day." It commemorates hydrogen and fuel cell technologies without creating new laws or affecting any group directly. The resolution highlights hydrogen's role in clean energy, transportation (including vehicles and buses), power generation, and U.S. leadership in these technologies. It serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize the industry's contributions to energy, environmental, and economic goals.

Menstrual Products Right To Know Act of 2022 This bill establishes ingredient labeling requirements for menstrual products, including with respect to any fragrance allergens or other fragrance ingredients that may pose a safety concern.

Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act of 2022 This bill establishes several requirements and standards relating to prior authorization processes under Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. Specifically, MA plans must (1) establish an electronic prior authorization program that meets specified standards, including the ability to provide real-time decisions in response to requests for items and services that are routinely approved; (2) annually publish specified prior authorization information, including the percentage of requests approved and the average response time; and (3) meet other standards, as set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, relating to the quality and timeliness of prior authorization determinations.

This resolution condemns Azerbaijan's September 2022 military attack on Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh and calls for an end to all U.S. assistance to Azerbaijan.

Supporting Medicare Providers Act of 2022 This bill extends a payment increase under Medicare's physician fee schedule through the end of 2023 (currently set to expire at the end of 2022).

Great Bend of the Gila Conservation Act This bill establishes the Great Bend of the Gila National Conservation Area and the Palo Verde National Conservation Area in Arizona. The bill designates in Maricopa County in Arizona approximately 9,809 acres as the Gila Bend Wilderness, approximately 23,464 acres as the Red Rock Canyon Wilderness, and approximately 23,712 acres as the Ringtail Wilderness.

Tribal Cultural Areas Protection Act This bill provides for the preservation of tribal cultural sites on public land, including by establishing the Tribal Cultural Areas System, setting forth requirements related to land management, and authorizing certain actions by tribes.