Sen. Richard Blumenthal

Preventing Illegal Weapons Trafficking Act of 2022 This bill requires federal agencies to develop a strategy to address the trafficking of firearm modification devices that are used to convert weapons into machine guns. It also requires specific reporting on these devices, and it provides for the seizure and forfeiture of proceeds relating to machinegun trafficking.

This resolution calls on the Russian government to immediately release Brittney Griner. The resolution urges the United States, in all interactions with the Russian government, to raise the case of Brittney Griner and to press for her release. The resolution further urges the Russian government to provide consular access to Brittney Griner while she remains in detention and to respect her human rights. Finally, the resolution expresses support to the family of Brittney Griner and a commitment to bringing her home.

This resolution recognizes, honors, and commends the women of Ukraine who have contributed to the fight for freedom and the defense of Ukraine. The resolution acknowledges the women who have risked their lives to travel through territory controlled by Russia, break siege tactics surrounding cities, and ensure the safety of children and the elderly. The resolution acknowledges the important role women must play in resolving the conflict between Ukraine and Russia as outlined in U.N. Security Council Resolution 1325 (2016) and required by the laws of the United States and regulations of Ukraine. The resolution further calls on all countries to promote the meaningful inclusion of women in negotiations and decision-making at all levels, including security decisions. Finally, the resolution commits to supporting the women of Ukraine wherever they are as they fight back against tyranny and work for the free and democratic future of Ukraine.

This resolution recognizes the Senate's observation of Countering International Parental Child Abduction Month in April 2022. It also urges the United States to lead in raising awareness about the devastating impact of international parental child abduction.

Benjamin Berell Ferencz Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Benjamin Berell Ferencz in recognition of his service to the United States and the international community during the post-World War II Nuremberg trials and his lifelong advocacy for international criminal justice and the rule of law.

Summer Meals and Learning Act of 20 22 This bill directs the Department of Education to award grants to state library administrative agencies to enable them to award subgrants to eligible local educational agencies for summer early reading programs held at schools with a summer lunch site.

Accessibility and Inclusion to Diversify Local Government Leadership Act or the AID Local Government Leadership Act This bill establishes a community grant program for local elected or appointed officials who have disabilities. Specifically, the Department of Labor must award grants to eligible entities in a state or associated with an Indian tribe to provide to local elected or appointed officials with disabilities reasonable accommodations needed to enable them to carry out their official work duties. To be eligible to receive a grant an entity shall be a local government that has a local elected or appointed official with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation to carry out official work duties for a jurisdiction that (1) is in a rural area; (2) has a population of less than 10,000; or (3) has a population of 10,000 to less than 200,000 and a poverty rate of 18% or greater. The reasonable accommodations may include physical adaptations, specialized software, communication supports, certain devices, and transportation services. Labor must annually report on the program's impact.

Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that each of its medical centers contains a hygienic lactation space that is not a bathroom and meets other specifications (e.g., must be easy to locate).

Removing Access Barriers to Running for Elected Office for People with Disabilities Act This bill excludes income earned and work performed as a candidate for an elected office when determining eligibility for, or the amount of, federally financed benefits or assistance if the candidate is entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance benefits or Supplemental Security Income (a federal assistance program that provides monthly cash payments to aged, blind, or disabled individuals with limited income and resources) due to a disability.

This resolution (1) recognizes the importance of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 in advancing independent living for individuals with disabilities; (2) pledges continued efforts to address remaining barriers for individuals with disabilities; and (3) calls on federal agencies to provide additional resources for individuals with disabilities with respect to economic self-sufficiency, community-based services, housing, and transportation.