Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón

Cacao Tree Health Initiative Act of 2022 This bill establishes a research and extension grant program for a cacao tree health initiative. Specifically, the bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture to provide competitive grants for developing and disseminating science-based tools and treatments to combat plant pests that affect cacao trees; establishing an integrated pest management programs for cacao trees in areas affected by or at risk of being affected by such pests; surveying and collecting data on cacao tree production, health, and markets; investigating cacao tree biology, ecology, genomics, and production systems; conducting research on factors that may contribute to, or be associated with, resilient cacao production systems; and conducting research on factors that may contribute to, or be associated with, serious threats to cacao trees, including the sublethal effects of insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides on beneficial insects and cacao tree growth.

Endometriosis Coverage, Awareness, Research, and Education Act of 2022 or the Endometriosis CARE Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to address endometriosis through increasing awareness, research, and other means. Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, which may result in pain, infertility, and other symptoms. Specifically, HHS must report on barriers (e.g., issues related to health insurance coverage and costs) to accessing endometriosis care and treatments; disseminate information about endometriosis, such as its symptoms and treatments, to both the public and health care providers; and seek to contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to study racial, ethnic, and other disparities in endometriosis prevalence, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. The National Institutes of Health must also conduct or support data collection, surveillance, and research related to endometriosis.

Relief for Restaurants and other Hard Hit Small Businesses Act of 2022 This bill addresses support for restaurants, arts and entertainment venues, and small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill provides an additional $42 billion in FY2021 for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund and gives priority to previous applicants who have not received a grant. The Small Business Administration (SBA) must provide to applicants an explanation for denied applications, establish a reconsideration process for denied applications, and institute an audit and oversight plan with respect to grant recipients. Additionally, the bill establishes the Hard Hit Industries Award Program for small businesses that suffered a pandemic-related revenue loss of 40% or more. Aggregate grant amounts are capped at $1 million. Funds may be used for expenses including mortgage, rent, and utility payments and payroll. SBA must prioritize entities that have experienced significant pandemic-related revenue loss, with first priority going to those that experienced a loss of at least 80%, and second priority going to those that experienced a loss of at least 60%. Finally, the bill extends to March 11, 2023 (or a later date as determined by the SBA), the time frame during which Shuttered Venue Operators Grant recipients may use grant funds to cover their expenses.

Fraud and Scam Reduction Act This bill expands activities to address mail, telephone, and internet fraud, particularly such scams targeting older adults. The bill establishes a Senior Scams Prevention Advisory Group, which must create model educational materials to educate employees of retailers, financial-services companies, and wire-transfer companies on how to identify and prevent scams that affect older adults. Further, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) must establish an advisory office in the Bureau of Consumer Protection to assist the FTC in monitoring scams targeting older adults, educating consumers, and receiving complaints.

Stiltsville Restoration Act This bill directs the Department of the Interior to approve, in writing, the repair of the Stiltsville structure in Biscayne National Park in Florida known as the LeShaw House, which was damaged by a fire on January 11, 2021.

Urgently Feeding America's Babies Act of 2022 This bill addresses a shortage in the domestic supply of infant formula. Specifically, the bill directs the President to immediately use existing authorities under the Defense Production Act of 1950 to ensure the supply of infant formula. 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, the Food and Drug Administration must (1) establish, within 15 days, a process to allow importation of infant formula from the European Union; and (2) publish safety guidelines for imported infant formula.

Don Young Veterans Advancing Conservation Act This bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish the Veterans Advancing Conservation Grant Program to award grants, on a competitive basis, to facilitate the training and employment of veterans for marine and coastal conservation activities (e.g., coral restoration and rehabilitation). NOAA must coordinate with the Department of the Interior and the Department of Veterans Affairs to implement the program.

No Timber From Tyrants Act This bill prohibits the importation of wood and related articles from Russia and Belarus. It also directs the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to replace these prohibited imports with timber production on certain lands. Specifically, the bill directs the President to prohibit the importation of all wood and related articles from Russia and Belarus. The President may terminate this prohibition upon certification to Congress that certain conditions have been met, including that Russia or Belarus (or both, as applicable) reached an agreement to withdraw forces in Ukraine. Additionally, the bill directs Interior and USDA to authorize timber harvest in an amount sufficient to equal the volume, with respect to calendar year 2021, of imports of wood and related articles from Russia and Belarus. Interior may authorize timber harvest only on public lands and USDA may authorize timber harvest only on National Forest System lands. The bill generally prohibits Interior and USDA from approving a plan that reduces the allowable sale quantity of timber.

Preventing Disaster Revictimization Act This bill requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to waive certain debts owed to the United States related to disaster assistance provided to an individual or household. Specifically, FEMA must waive a debt owed to the United States related to disaster assistance provided to an individual or household if such assistance (1) was distributed based on an error by FEMA and such debt is construed as a hardship, and (2) is subject to a claim or legal action. FEMA must report to Congress on (1) actions that it will take to reduce the assistance payment error rate, and (2) the internal processes used to make decisions regarding the distribution of federal disaster assistance to individuals and households and any changes made to such processes.

This resolution celebrates the contributions of small businesses in every U.S. community and supports the designation of National Small Business Week. Further, it supports efforts to provide small businesses with aid and assistance through certain programs and initiatives.