Sen. Edward J. Markey

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates April 2022 as "Preserving and Protecting Local News Month." It affirms that local news serves an essential function in U.S. democracy, recognizes local journalism as a public good, and acknowledges journalists' contributions to community well-being. The resolution does not create new laws, funding, or requirements - it is a symbolic recognition of local news' role in informing citizens and supporting democratic engagement. It follows extensive context about declining local news outlets and workforce challenges, but the resolution itself only makes these affirmations.

This resolution honors the life, achievements, and legacy of the Honorable Madeleine K. Albright, who was the first woman to serve as Secretary of State of the United States. The resolution also commends to future generations Albright's example as a patriot and public servant in the pursuit of a more peaceful, prosperous, and cooperative world order. Finally, the resolution extends its condolences and sympathy to the family and friends of Madeleine Albright.

Clean Energy Minerals Reform Act of 2022 This bill modifies requirements related to the mining of hardrock minerals on federal land. For example, the bill prohibits the United States from issuing a patent for any mining claim, millsite, or tunnel site unless a patent application was filed with the Department of the Interior by September 30, 1994; subjects production of all locatable minerals from any mining claim to a reasonable royalty established by Interior; requires an exploration permit and mining operations permit for non-casual mining operations; establishes the Hardrock Minerals Reclamation Fund for responding to hazardous substance releases on abandoned hardrock mine land; requires consultation with Indian tribes prior to the undertaking or issuing of a permit for mineral activity that has tribal implications; and establishes civil penalties for violation of surface management or operation requirements and related regulations.

Pre-Registration Of Voters Everywhere Act or the PROVE Act This bill requires each state to implement a preregistration process under which individuals age 16 or older may apply to register to vote in federal elections. Further, states must ensure that eligible preregistered individuals are registered to vote in federal elections held on or after the date the individual turns age 18. The Election Assistance Commission must make grants to states to increase the involvement of individuals under age 18 in public election activities.

Maddy summarySRES 593 is a Senate resolution honoring former U.S. Senator Kaneaster Hodges, Jr. of Arkansas, who served from 1977 to 1978. The resolution expresses the Senate’s "profound sorrow" at his death and directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit an enrolled copy to his family. It also calls for the Senate to adjourn as a mark of respect. This is a ceremonial resolution with no policy provisions or direct impact on legislation or constituents.

This resolution recognizes that Black women are experiencing high, disproportionate rates of maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States and that Black Maternal Health Week is an opportunity to deepen the national conversation about Black maternal health.

This resolution designates April 16 through April 24, 2022, as National Park Week. The resolution also encourages the people of the United States and the world to responsibly visit, experience, recreate in, and support the treasured national parks of the United States.

Energy Security and Independence Act of 2022 This bill addresses domestic industrial base and manufacturing capabilities for specified energy-efficiency and renewable energy systems and technologies (e.g., electric transportation systems), including by establishing a program to provide financial assistance for the construction of new facilities that manufacture components of specified energy-efficiency and renewable energy systems and technologies (or to retool, retrofit, or expand such facilities).

Targeting Resources for Equitable Access to Treatment for Long COVID Act or the TREAT Long COVID Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to award competitive grants to create or expand the capacity of clinics that treat patients with persistent, long-term symptoms following recovery from acute COVID-19 (i.e., Long COVID). Eligible recipients include federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, urban Indian health centers, and state and local health departments.

Ethiopia Peace and Stabilization Act of 2022 This bill addresses U.S. efforts to support a peaceful, democratic Ethiopia and bring an end to the country's civil conflict. The President may provide support for efforts (1) by the African Union or other credible entities to bring about a peaceful resolution to the conflict across Ethiopia; (2) to engage in peace building, mediation, and community reconciliation; and (3) to pursue accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ethiopia. The Department of State must develop and implement strategies to support democracy, rule of law, and human rights in Ethiopia. The State Department must also ensure the implementation of a strategy, to be developed by the U.S. Agency for International Development, to support conflict mitigation and management, reconciliation, and trauma healing for Ethiopians affected by the conflict. The President must impose property- and visa-blocking sanctions on foreign individuals and entities that have engaged in certain actions related to the conflict in Ethiopia, such as taking significant actions to undermine efforts to end the conflict or deriving significant benefit from efforts to impede the transition to democracy. The bill also (1) prohibits the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation from providing support for economic development projects in Ethiopia, (2) suspends any U.S. security assistance to the government of Ethiopia, and (3) requires U.S. representatives at international financial institutions to oppose any loan or extension of assistance to the governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea. These restrictions shall continue until there is a resolution of the civil conflict.