Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas Supporting Expanded Review for Veterans In Combat Environments Act or the Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas SERVICE Act This bill expands eligibility for Veterans Health Administration mammography screenings to veterans who served in certain locations during specified periods, including those who were exposed to toxic substances at such locations. The specified locations and corresponding time periods include Iraq between August 2, 1990, and February 28, 1991, and from March 19, 2003, until burn pits (areas used for burning solid waste in open air without equipment) are no longer used in Iraq; the Southwest Asia theater of operations, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar, from August 2, 1990, until burn pits are no longer used in such locations; Afghanistan, Djibouti, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, and Yemen from September 11, 2001, until burn pits are no longer used in such locations; and other locations and time periods as determined by the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry. The bill specifies that the listed locations do not include bodies of water around or airspace above such locations.
Sponsored bills
United States Army Rangers Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to the U.S. Army Rangers Veterans of World War II in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II.
This resolution expresses support for the rights, freedoms, and equal treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals. The resolution r ecognizes that LGBTQ rights are human rights and protected by the laws of the United States and international treaties. Additionally, the resolution encourages the celebration of LGBTQ Pride Month in June.
Maddy summarySRES 657 is a Senate resolution designating May 16, 2022, as "Older Americans Mental Health Awareness Day" to highlight mental health challenges faced by older adults. The resolution recognizes that 20% of older adults experience mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, with higher suicide rates among those aged 75+ and 85+, and notes underutilization of services due to stigma and limited access. It emphasizes the need for increased public awareness and a specialized mental health workforce trained to address the unique needs of older adults. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic call to action for bipartisan efforts to improve mental health support for this population.
This resolution expresses support for the designation of June 2022 as National Gun Violence Awareness Month and the designation of June 3, 2022, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day.
Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 656) designates May 2022 as "Older Americans Month" to honor and recognize older adults across the United States. It does not create new laws or programs but encourages the public to acknowledge the contributions of seniors, including their leadership, experience, and ongoing roles in communities through volunteer work, mentorship, and civic engagement. The resolution highlights demographic trends, such as over 55 million Americans aged 65+ in 2021, and references existing support systems like Medicare and the Older Americans Act. It directly affects all older Americans by promoting public recognition of their societal value.
Register America to Vote Act of 2022 This bill provides for the automatic registration of eligible voters. Specifically, the bill directs each state that has a voter registration requirement for federal elections to automatically register eligible individuals when they turn 18 years of age. The bill also provides for the automatic registration of individuals through state motor vehicle authorities. Individuals must be provided with an opportunity to opt out of automatic voter registration. The Election Assistance Commission must make grants to states to implement these automatic voter registration programs.
Strengthen Taiwan's Security Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to develop, with close consultation with Taiwan's Ministry of Defense, a plan for the United States to use existing authorities to expedite military assistance to Taiwan as necessary for Taiwan to defend itself against certain military actions, such as an amphibious assault, a missile attack, or a blockade. The bill also requires DOD to report annually on the ability of the United States to support Taiwan's defense capabilities.
Affordability is Access Act This bill establishes several requirements relating to health insurance coverage of, and access to, over-the-counter contraceptives. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Labor, and the Department of the Treasury to specify that private health insurance plans must cover over-the-counter contraceptives that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), even without a prescription. Under current law, private health insurance plans (with some exceptions) must cover FDA-approved prescription contraceptives, without cost-sharing requirements. The bill also prohibits retailers from interfering with an individual's access to oral contraceptives that are meant for routine, daily use and are FDA-approved for use without a prescription.
Ensuring Safe and Toxic-Free Foods Act of 2022 This bill requires the Food and Drug Administration to incorporate certain requirements into its regulations about Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) food substances, including specific restrictions on substances that cause cancer or human reproductive or developmental toxicity. The bill also establishes an Office of Food Chemical Safety Reassessment to reassess the safety of GRAS and other specified substances.