Sen. Mike Braun

Health Care for Burn Pit Veterans Act This bill updates policies and procedures related to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits for veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances. Specifically, the bill extends the eligibility period for VA hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for combat veterans who served after September 11, 2001, and were exposed to toxic substances, radiation, or other conditions, including those who did not enroll to receive VA care during the eligibility period. The VA must incorporate into its existing health care screening a screening to help determine potential exposures to toxic substances during military service. Among other requirements, the VA must also provide annual training to health care and benefits personnel with respect to veterans who were exposed to toxic substances; analyze total and respiratory disease mortality in veterans who served in specified locations on specified dates; conduct an epidemiological study on the health trends of veterans who served in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001; conduct a study to determine trends in the rates of the incidence of cancer in veterans; publish a list of VA resources for veterans who were exposed to toxic substances, families and caregivers of such veterans, and survivors of such veterans who are receiving death benefits; and report on the data quality of the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record and its usefulness in supporting veterans in receiving VA health care and benefits.

This resolution supports the designation of February 19-February 26, 2022, as National FFA Week. It also (1) recognizes the important role of the National FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America) in developing the next generation of leaders who will change the world, and (2) celebrates 70 years of the National FFA Organization's membership magazine.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 526) formally condemns the antisemitic terrorist attack at Congregation Beth Israel Synagogue in Colleyville, Texas, on January 15, 2022, where hostages were held at gunpoint. It expresses gratitude that no lives were lost, applauds law enforcement and emergency responders for their actions, and condemns antisemitism in the United States. The resolution does not create new policies or allocate funds; it is a symbolic expression of support for the Jewish community and law enforcement. It directly affects the congregation and local community by affirming their safety and the importance of religious freedom.

Maddy summarySRES 520 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating the week of February 21-25, 2022, as "Public Schools Week." It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect any individuals or institutions. The resolution uses symbolic language to highlight the importance of public education in the U.S. but contains no policy changes or actionable provisions. As a procedural resolution, it serves only to recognize public schools during that specific week.

This resolution congratulates Yellowstone National Park, spanning Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, on its sesquicentennial anniversary. The resolution also celebrates 150 years of the unique cultural heritage and natural beauty of Yellowstone National Park.

Presidential Allowance Modernization Act of 2022 This bill replaces provisions governing the compensation provided to a former President. Each former President shall receive from the United States (1) an annuity of $200,000 per year for the remainder of his or her life, and (2) a monetary allowance of $200,000 per year. Such allowance shall be reduced by the amount the former President's earned income exceeds $400,000. These monetary amounts are subject to a cost-of-living increase. The bill increases and provides for cost-of-living adjustments to the monetary allowance for surviving spouses of former Presidents.

This bill requires the Department of State to (1) submit to Congress any classified State Department cables or memos that express a dissenting opinion relating to the withdrawal of the U.S. Armed Forces from Afghanistan, and (2) make publicly available unclassified versions of such cables and memos.

Terminating Reckless and Unnecessary Checks Known to Erode Regular Shipping Act or the TRUCKERS Act This bill prohibits the Department of Homeland Security from imposing any COVID-19 vaccination requirement on any commercial truck driver who is a national of Canada or Mexico and seeking to temporarily enter the United States for business through a land port of entry.

This bill requires the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to report to Congress if an intelligence community element determines that U.S. military equipment left unsecured in Afghanistan, Iraq, or Syria has been used in a terrorist attack against the United States, U.S. allies or partners, or local populations. The report must be submitted no later than 30 days after the intelligence community determination.

1031 Exchange Improvement Act This bill revises the tax rule allowing deferral of gain for like kind exchanges of commercial property. (That rule provides that no gain or loss shall be recognized on the exchange of real property held for productive use in a trade or business or for investment if such real property is exchanged solely for real property of like kind.) Specifically, the bill eliminates the requirement that a substitute property be identified within 45 days of the sale of the original property.