Sen. Debbie Stabenow

Combating Obstructive National Security Underreporting of Legitimate Threats (CONSULT) Act of 2022 This bill directs the Office of Federal Procurement Policy to develop governmentwide procurement policy and guidance to mitigate and eliminate organizational conflicts of interest relating to contracts involving national security or foreign policy. Specifically, contracts with China and Russia, and for consulting services relating to crimes against humanity, are highlighted as being of particular concern.

BuyAmerican.gov Act of 2021 This bill establishes requirements related to federal agencies granting waivers to Buy American laws (generally, laws that require or encourage the purchase of domestic goods in federal contracts and other activities) and addresses related issues. For example, before granting such a waiver, the agency must, with some exceptions, submit a request with certain information about the waiver to the General Services Administration, which shall make the request available for public comment for at least 15 days.

This act designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 404 U.S. Highway 41 North in Baraga, Michigan, as the Cora Reynolds Anderson Post Office.

Great Lakes Authority Act of 2022 This bill establishes a Great Lakes Authority to support economic growth and workforce development, water infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, broadband access, lead abatement, and other initiatives in the Great Lakes region (i.e., Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, and parts of Ohio and Illinois). The authority must be composed of a cochairperson appointed by the President, a state cochairperson, and the governor of each Great Lakes region state that elects to participate in the authority.

Driver Reimbursement Increase for Veteran Equity Act or the DRIVE Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to adjust the mileage rate for beneficiary travel to or from a VA facility in relation to vocational rehabilitation, required counseling, or for the purpose of examination, treatment, or care. Such rate must be adjusted to be at least equal to the mileage reimbursement rate for vehicles that are privately owned by government employees on official business.

Veterans Patient Advocacy Act This bill requires the Office of Patient Advocacy within the Veterans Health Administration to ensure (1) there is not fewer than one patient advocate for every 13,500 veterans enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system, and (2) highly rural veterans may access the services of patient advocates. The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office to report on the implementation of such policies.

This resolution expresses support for the designation of September 25, 2022, as National Ataxia Awareness Day to bring attention to this condition. Ataxia is a clinical manifestation that indicates degeneration or dysfunction of the brain that negatively affects coordination, precision, and accurate timing of physical movements.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the week beginning October 16, 2022, as "National Character Counts Week" in the U.S. Senate. It encourages schools, families, youth organizations, and community groups to observe the week by focusing on character education and core values like trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. The resolution is symbolic and non-binding, calling for voluntary activities but not creating new laws or requirements. It directly addresses educational institutions and community organizations that promote character development among youth.

DHS Trade and Economic Security Council Act of 2022 This bill establishes an advisory council within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and sets out other efforts to address economic security and trade, as such matters relate to DHS's mission. Specifically, DHS must establish the DHS Trade and Economic Security Council, comprised of component heads or their designees, to advise on economic security concerns, such as identification of concentrated risks and priorities for protecting the nation's economic security. Additionally, the bill provides statutory authority for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Trade and Economic Security and specifies its functions and duties. These include, among other responsibilities, coordination of supply chain policy.

Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act This bill requires registered lobbyists to disclose any foreign countries or political parties that are involved in the direction, planning, supervision, or control of the lobbyist's activities.