Unmasking of Americans Act of 2022 This bill prohibits the Transportation Security Administration from enforcing or implementing any federal government directive, regulation, or requirement relating to the wearing of a mask in public transportation systems.
Federal Student Loan Integrity Act This bill limits the authority of the Department of Education (ED) to waive or modify statutes and regulations in response to military contingencies or national emergencies, including by prohibiting ED from further using this authority in connection with the COVID-19 national emergency. Under the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students (HEROES) Act of 2003, ED may waive or modify any statutory or regulatory provision applicable to federal student-aid programs as ED deems necessary in connection with a war or other military operation or national emergency. This bill prohibits ED from issuing a waiver or modification that (1) provides for a period that exceeds 30 days during which payments of principal or interest due on federal student loans are suspended or interest does not accrue on such loans, or (2) results in the discharge or cancellation of federal student loans. Further, the bill prohibits ED from using this authority to waive or modify any statutory or regulatory provision applicable to federal student-aid programs in connection with the national emergency declared by the President on March 13, 2020, to respond to COVID-19.
This concurrent resolution condemns violence and threats of violence against historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and reaffirms the federal government's commitment to combating violence against HBCU students, faculty, and staff.
Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act This bill suspends normal trade relations with Russia and Belarus. It also prohibits the importation of energy products from Russia. Specifically, the bill authorizes the President to proclaim increases in the rates of duty applicable to products of Russia or Belarus. This authority terminates on January 1, 2024. The President may restore normal trade relations with Russia and Belarus, subject to congressional disapproval. Additionally, the bill prohibits the importation of Russian products that are classified under chapter 27 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (which includes mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation, bituminous substances, and mineral waxes). The bill directs the U.S. Trade Representative to take certain actions, including to consider steps to suspend Russia's participation in the World Trade Organization and seek to halt the accession process of Belarus.
Prohibiting Oil Trade with Venezuela's Tyrant Act This bill requires the President to prohibit the importation of petroleum products from Venezuela. Petroleum product means crude oil, residual fuel oil, or any refined petroleum product, including natural gas liquid product. Further, the bill authorizes the President to use appropriate authorities to impose civil or criminal penalties as necessary to enforce the prohibition. The prohibition shall terminate after the Department of State certifies that Venezuela has held free and fair elections and all political prisoners have been released.
American Energy Security and Transparency Act This bill requires the Department of the Interior to immediately resume sales of oil and gas leases in accordance with applicable onshore mineral leasing laws. The bill further specifies that Interior must conduct a minimum number of sales and offer all parcels eligible for oil and gas development in each state where there is land available for oil and gas leasing. Additionally, Interior must report to Congress, and publish certain information on its website, concerning sales of oil and gas leases and related drilling permits.
This resolution condemns the terrorist attack on Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, on January 15, 2022. It also expresses support for the affected community, commends the actions of law enforcement and emergency responders, and reaffirms a commitment to combat hate, bigotry, anti-Semitism, and violence against Jewish Americans.
Firearm Industry Non-Discrimination Act or the FIND Act This bill prohibits the federal government from entering into contracts with an entity that discriminates against firearm trade associations or businesses that deal in firearms, ammunition, or related products. Specifically, the bill requires a federal agency to include in each contract for the procurement of goods or services awarded by the agency a clause requiring the prime contractor to certify that it (1) has no policy, practice, guidance, or directive that discriminates against a firearm entity or firearm trade association; and (2) will not adopt a policy, practice, guidance, or directive that discriminates against a firearm entity or firearm trade association during the term of the contract. The bill establishes (1) a similar requirement with respect to subcontracts, and (2) penalties for violations. The bill makes such prohibition inapplicable to a contract for the procurement of goods or services that is a sole-source contract.
Powering America through Domestic Energy Act or the PADE Act This bill requires the President to prohibit the importation of crude oil and petroleum products from Russia. In addition, the bill requires the President to obtain congressional approval before (1) declaring a moratorium on the use of hydraulic fracturing, or (2) withdrawing federal land from oil and gas leasing under mineral leasing laws.
This resolution strongly condemns the ongoing violence, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and systematic human rights abuses being carried out by Russia's military and its proxies at the direction of Russian President Vladimir Putin. It also encourages the U.S. government and partner nations to use their influence and vote in international organizations to hold those responsible for such crimes and abuses accountable.
