Sen. Gary C. Peters

Strengthening Support for American Manufacturing Act This bill requires the Department of Commerce to contract the National Academy of Public Administration to study and report on Commerce's manufacturing programs. The study must (1) include the statutory authority for the programs, and (2) assess proposals to consolidate the programs.

Facilitating Relief for Efficient Intermodal Gateways to Handle Transportation Act or the FREIGHT Act This bill makes multiple changes to address the efficiency of ports and the intermodal shipping of cargo. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics of the Department of Transportation must publish data about the dwell time of marine shipping containers and chassis (i.e., the quantity of time such equipment is subject to maintenance versus in use). The bill also requires a study on best practices for operating a chassis pool to optimize supply chains. In addition, the bill modifies duties and authorities of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), including by providing statutory authority for an office that offers mediation and related services to resolve issues under the FMC's jurisdiction; and authorizing the FMC to expand data-sharing between port operators, shippers, and other stakeholders to facilitate efficient freight operations if the FMC determines port congestion constitutes an emergency.

Clear and Concise Content Act of 2022 This bill requires the use of plain writing when the federal government provides information about benefits and services. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) must rescind outdated guidance and issue new guidance for the creation, maintenance, and use of covered content at agencies. Covered content means any content that is necessary for obtaining a federal benefit or service or for filing taxes or that provides information about such benefit or service; federal agency operations, policies, or guidance of material importance to, and posted publicly by, the agency; how to interact with or provide feedback to an agency regarding its operations, policies, or guidance; or how to navigate or interact with an agency website, digital service, or office. The OMB must report annually to Congress on this bill's implementation and may make such reports available on a public website. Each agency must ensure compliance. The bill incorporates plain writing requirements into statutory provisions pertaining to new websites and digital services.

This concurrent resolution commends the bravery, courage, and resolve of the women and men of Iran who are (1) participating in the current protests to defend their fundamental human rights, and (2) risking their safety to speak out against the human rights abuses committed by the Iranian regime. The resolution condemns (1) the brutal beating and death of Mahsa Amini; and (2) the violent suppression by the Iranian regime of women and men participating in the current demonstrations, including children. The resolution calls for transparent accountability for all killings of protesters by Iranian security forces. Finally, the resolution encourages continued efforts by the Biden Administration to respond to the protests, including the recent sanctioning of the Iranian morality police.

This resolution designates November 13, 2022, as National Warrior Call Day to encourage individuals to talk with members of the Armed Forces and veterans to connect them with support.

IMPACTT Human Trafficking Act This bill establishes a program within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to provide outreach and training to HSI employees and partners who have been exposed to various forms of trauma in working with victims of human trafficking. The bill also provides statutory authority for the HSI Victim Assistance Program.

This bill directs U.S. Customs Border and Protection (CBP) to establish procedures for performing repairs and maintenance projects below a certain cost threshold at federally owned ports of entry where certain activities are conducted, such as entry inspections and activities to prevent the entry of illicit drugs, agricultural pests, and contraband. CBP may perform such repair and maintenance projects in accordance with the procedures established under this bill.

Improving Protections for Midshipmen Act This bill addresses sexual harassment, sexual assault, and other policies, procedures, and training for midshipmen at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. For example, the Department of Transportation (DOT) shall establish a Sexual Assault Advisory Council to review the academy's policy on sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking and other relevant matters related to sexual assault and sexual harassment. The DOT's Maritime Administration shall (1) establish an information management system to track and maintain information regarding claims and incidents of sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking involving cadets at the academy; (2) implement comprehensive in-person sexual assault risk-reduction and response training for all midshipmen at the academy; and (3) require a biannual survey of midshipmen, faculty, and staff of the academy assessing the inclusiveness of the environment at the academy and an annual survey assessing the inclusiveness of the environment of the Sea Year program. Additionally, the bill designates a Special Victims' Advisor to provide legal assistance to any cadet of the academy who is the victim of a sex-related offense. Further, the Coast Guard shall assess the feasibility of implementing a program modeled on the Catch a Serial Offender program of the Department of Defense. The bill also expands the authority of the Coast Guard to suspend or revoke a mariner's license on grounds related to sexual harassment or assault.

Funding Affordable Internet with Reliable Contributions Act or the FAIR Contributions Act This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission to study and report on the feasibility of funding the Universal Service Fund through contributions from edge providers (i.e., providers of online content or services, such as search engines).

Maddy summaryThis bill standardizes whisky tariff classifications under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. It replaces the current subheading with a uniform 8-digit code (2208.30.00) and creates specific sub-subheadings for different whisky types (Irish/Scotch, Bourbon, Rye, and "Other") based on container size (under or over 4 liters). The tariff rate remains $2.04 per liter for all categories. This directly affects whisky importers and U.S. Customs officials who classify and tax whisky shipments. The change ensures consistent tariff treatment for all whisky types without altering the duty rate.