Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin

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.

Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act of 2022 This bill requires the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to conduct a public education campaign to increase oral health literacy and awareness. HRSA must design the campaign to focus on children, pregnant women, parents, older adults, people with disabilities, and racial and ethnic minorities.

SBIR and STTR Extension Act of 2022 This bill reauthorizes through FY2025 and modifies the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program, and related pilot programs. The SBIR and STTR programs are administered by various federal agencies and provide competitive awards for domestic small businesses to conduct research and development projects that have the potential for commercialization. The bill requires agencies with an SBIR or STTR program to assess the security risks presented by applicants with financial ties or obligations to certain foreign countries. The programs may not make awards to businesses with certain connections to foreign entities. Additionally, businesses with more than a specified number of prior awards must meet expanded minimum performance standards. The Small Business Administration's Office of Inspector General must audit the small businesses subject to these expanded performance standards. The bill also establishes various reporting requirements, including directing the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Science Foundation to assess the national security and research and integrity risks of the SBIR and STTR programs. The Government Accountability Office must evaluate and report on aspects of the programs such as the subcontracting practices of award recipients.

Stop Tip-overs of Unstable, Risky Dressers on Youth Act or the STURDY Act This bill requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission to revise the safety standards for freestanding clothing storage units such as dressers, bureaus, or chests of drawers. Such standards must include specified testing related to tip-overs and new warning requirements for all such products entering the U.S. market.

This resolution designates September 4, 2022, as National Polycystic Kidney Disease Awareness Day and recognizes the need for additional research to find a cure.

This resolution recognizes the long history and positive economic effects of the Social Security programs. It also expresses the belief that the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income programs should continue to be funded through mandatory spending.

Maddy summarySRES 774 is a non-binding Senate resolution designating September 2022 as "National Democracy Month." It encourages the U.S. government, states, and local communities to observe this month through ceremonies and activities that reflect on the U.S. system of government and its global contributions to democracy. The resolution emphasizes educating citizens about democratic principles and honoring historical sacrifices that preserved U.S. freedoms. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups, as it is a symbolic, ceremonial designation.

Seafood Marketing Act of 2022 This bill provides for the reestablishment of the National Fish and Seafood Promotional Council until December 31, 2027. It also modifies qualifications for voting members of the council. Additionally, the bill also provides statutory authority for a definition of seafood to include finfish, mollusks, crustaceans, seaweed, and all other forms of aquatic life used for human consumption.

Federal Contracting Fairness Act of 2022 This bill makes various revisions to the Small Business Administration 8(a) Business Development program, which assists small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals participate in federal contracting. For example, the bill (1) allows participants to opt in to a ramp-up period if they meet certain requirements, and (2) increases the threshold for certain sole-source loans.

SBIC Advisory Committee Act of 202 2 This bill requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish an advisory committee to develop recommendations for expanding SBA assistance provided through Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs). SBICs are privately owned companies, licensed and regulated by the SBA, which invest in small businesses through debt and equity. Composed in part of representatives of and partners with small businesses in low-income communities and rural areas, the advisory committee must make recommendations for SBICs to invest in (1) underlicensed and underfinanced states; and (2) small businesses owned by socially or economically disadvantaged individuals, veterans, and women.