Sen. Marco Rubio

Deterring Enemy Forces and Enabling National Defenses Act of 2022 or the DEFEND Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of Defense to seek to cooperate with Middle East allies and partners (i.e., countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and other countries in the region as appropriate) to identify and develop an approach for such allies and partners to implement an integrated air and missile defense capability to protect against attacks from Iran and groups linked to Iran.

Protecting our Servicemembers through Proven Methods Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to include in its annual primary prevention research agenda additional elements related to sexual assault, sexual harassment, and domestic violence. The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office to (1) compare DOD's sexual harassment and prevention training with similar programs at other federal departments and agencies, and (2) prepare a report on the findings.

Keep Our Communities Safe Act of 2022 This bill revises provisions related to the authority of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain aliens. DHS may detain an alien pending a removal decision for any length of time until the alien is subject to a final removal order. DHS must detain certain aliens, such as those convicted of an aggravated felony, beyond certain time limits for detaining an alien. The authority of the Department of Justice to review DHS custody decisions concerning an alien awaiting a removal decision shall be limited to whether the alien may be detained, released on bond, or released with no bond. DHS may release such an alien on bond only if the alien is not a flight risk or risk to the community. For an alien subject to a removal order, DHS may extend the 90-day removal period (generally the window in which DHS has to remove an alien after a final order of removal) in certain instances, such as when the alien's removal is stayed during an appeal. DHS may continue to detain an alien beyond the removal period and any removal period extensions. DHS shall periodically certify a justification for detaining an alien beyond the removal period. DHS shall establish a detention review process for aliens who (1) have made all reasonable efforts to comply with a removal order, and (2) are not subject to mandatory detention. DHS shall use the review process to determine whether an alien should be detained or released with conditions.

This resolution commemorates the 49 innocent victims killed in the attack at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, on June 12, 2016. It also offers heartfelt condolences to the families, loved ones, and friends of the victims.

Military Housing Affordability Act of 2022 This bill extends certain authorities of the Department of Defense (DOD) to adjust basic housing allowances for military housing in certain areas. Specifically, the bill extends to December 31, 2024, DOD's authority to increase the rates of basic housing allowance in areas of a declared major disaster or areas containing one or more military installations that are experiencing a sudden increase in the number of members assigned to the installation. The bill also extends to September 30, 2024, DOD's authority to prescribe a temporary adjustment to basic housing allowance rates if DOD determines the costs of adequate housing for civilians in that military housing area differs from the current allowance rates by more than 20%.

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 joint resolution nullifies the interim final rule submitted by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security and published on March 29, 2022, concerning procedures for the consideration of asylum claims and other related issues. (Among other changes, the interim final rule requires an asylum seeker subject to expedited removal to be screened by an asylum officer for a credible fear of persecution or torture, rather than a credible fear of persecution, reasonable possibility of persecution, or reasonable possibility of torture.)

Maddy summarySRES 659 is a Senate resolution honoring Aden Spencer Perry, a Florida high school student who died heroically while attempting to save a stranger in a car accident. The resolution, passed on May 26, 2022, expresses the Senate's condolences to Perry's family and recognizes his selfless act, which had previously been honored with a Broward County Medal of Valor. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic tribute to Perry's life and values. The resolution directly acknowledges Perry's academic achievements, his aspiration to become a neurosurgeon, and his community impact.

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.

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.