Sen. Thomas R. Carper

This bill prohibits the supervision requirements for physical therapy assistants and occupational therapy assistants for covered outpatient services under Medicare from being different from supervision requirements under state law.

Advancing Government Innovation with Leading-Edge Procurement Act of 2022 or the AGILE Procurement Act of 2022 This bill addresses federal procurement policy and barriers to entry in federal contracting. Specifically, the bill requires the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) to pilot a program for entry of junior and mid-career professionals to the General Schedule Contracting series workforce, including by (1) considering the inclusion of program participants from other job series and fields, and (2) providing alternatives to education and training requirements for entry into the General Schedule Contracting series workforce. The Federal Acquisition Institute must (1) incorporate experiential learning into the training framework for the General Schedule Contracting series, and (2) provide a cross-functional information and communications technology acquisition training program to acquisition workforce members involved in acquiring information and communications technology. The OFPP shall issue guidance (1) to inform executive agencies on the availability of streamlined and alternative procurement methods for procurement of information and communications technology; and (2) on when a wider range of projects, as well as government projects, should be accepted as relevant past performance. The OFPP must (1) convene a working group or an appropriate existing body to make recommendations to reduce barriers to entry for entities seeking to do business with the federal government, and (2) expand a pilot program to use noncompetitive procedures for certain follow-on contracts to qualified businesses wholly owned through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

Chance to Compete Act of 2022 This bill modifies examination requirements and other components of the federal hiring process for positions in the competitive service, including prohibiting examinations from consisting solely of a self-assessment from an automated examination, allowing for the use of subject matter experts to develop position-specific assessments, and requiring the creation of an online platform through which agencies may share developed assessments.

PACE Part D Choice Act of 2022 This bill allows Medicare-only beneficiaries who are enrolled in Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) to choose prescription drug plans that are not operated by PACE. (PACE is a program under Medicare and Medicaid that provides in-home and community services for certain individuals as an alternative to nursing home care.) Specifically, the bill allows PACE enrollees who are Medicare (but not Medicaid) beneficiaries to choose a prescription drug plan that is not a Medicare Advantage plan or operated by PACE and for which annual out-of-pocket costs and federal subsidies are equal to or less than that under the applicable PACE prescription drug plan. The bill also allows for disenrollment from a chosen plan upon a change in medication or demonstration of an unexpected increase in out-of-pocket costs. PACE programs must conduct outreach, monitor data, and coordinate benefits with respect to such options.

This resolution designates the week beginning on October 9, 2022, as National Wildlife Refuge Week. The resolution acknowledges the importance of national wildlife refuges for their recreational opportunities and contribution to local economies. Finally, the resolution reaffirms the support of the Senate for wildlife conservation and the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act of 2022 This bill revises the process of casting and counting electoral votes for presidential elections. The bill also revises provisions related to the presidential transition process. The bill specifies that the choice of electors must occur in accordance with the laws of the state enacted prior to election day. Additionally, the bill identifies each state's governor (unless otherwise identified in the laws or constitution of a state in effect on election day) as responsible for submitting the certificate of ascertainment identifying the state's electors. Further, the bill provides for expedited judicial review for any action brought by an aggrieved presidential or vice-presidential candidate arising under the U.S. Constitution or U.S. laws with respect to the issuance or transmission of such a certificate. The bill revises the framework for the joint session of Congress to count electoral votes and make a formal declaration of which candidates have been elected President and Vice President. Among other changes, the bill (1) specifies that the role of the Vice President during the joint session shall be ministerial in nature, and (2) raises the objection threshold in Congress to at least one-fifth of the duly chosen and sworn members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The bill also revises the presidential transition process, including to (1) allow more than one candidate to receive federal transition resources under certain circumstances, and (2) require additional reporting by the General Services Administration.

This resolution supports the designation of October 2-October 8, 2022, as National 4-H Week. It also (1) recognizes the important role of 4-H in youth development and education, and (2) encourages all citizens to recognize 4-H for the significant impact the organization and members have made and continue to make by empowering young people with the skills needed to lead for a lifetime.

Kickstarting Innovative Demonstrations Supporting Kids Health Act of 2022 or the KIDS Health Act of 2022 This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to implement a demonstration program that supports a whole child health model for children under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Specifically, the CMS must award grants to up to 15 states to plan and implement a health care model that supports the physical, behavioral, social, and other needs of children who qualify for Medicaid or CHIP through care coordination and integrated supportive services. States must implement models for 4-6 years. The CMS must provide technical assistance and guidance to states for the demonstration program. The bill also provides for an 80% federal matching rate for program costs. The Government Accountability Office must report on program outcomes.

This bill establishes the China Grand Strategy Commission to develop a consensus on a strategy and whole-of-government approach regarding U.S. relations with China.

This resolution condemns the death and detention of Mahsa Amini (an Iranian woman who died in the custody of the Morality Policy of Iran after being detained for purportedly wearing her hijab improperly). It also calls on Iran to end its systemic persecution of women.