Sen. Amy Klobuchar

This resolution expresses that the Senate has heard of the death of the Honorable Orrin G. Hatch, former U.S. Senator for the state of Utah. The resolution also expresses that the Senate honors the life and legacy of the late Senator Hatch for his unwavering dedication to Utah as a Senator and a public servant and accomplishments in legislating with principle and dedication for the good of the people of the United States. The resolution states when the Senate adjourns today, it stands adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of Senator Hatch.

This resolution thanks the teachers of the United States and promotes the teaching profession by encouraging students, parents, school administrators, and public officials to recognize National Teacher Appreciation Week.

Access to Congressionally Mandated Reports Act This bill requires the Government Publishing Office (GPO) to establish and maintain a publicly available online portal containing copies of all congressionally mandated reports other than those required to be submitted to the House or Senate Committees on Intelligence, Armed Services, Appropriations, or Foreign Relations. A federal agency must submit a congressionally mandated report and specified information about the report to the GPO between 30 and 45 days after submission of the report to either chamber or to any congressional committee or subcommittee. Upon the written request of the chair of a congressional committee or subcommittee to the GPO, a report submitted to that committee or subcommittee shall not be submitted or published on the portal. Federally chartered corporations, the Government Accountability Office, and any elements of the intelligence community are excluded from the requirements of this bill. The Office of Management and Budget must issue guidance to federal agencies on the bill's requirement for agencies to submit copies of congressionally mandated reports and related information to the GPO.

Heating Efficiency and Affordability through Tax Relief Act or the HEATR Act This bill allows a new tax credit through 2031 for energy efficient consumer and commercial heat pumps and heat pump water heaters.

Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2022 This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a process to vet applicants for certain funding that supports affordable broadband deployment in high-cost areas, including rural communities. Specifically, the process applies to applicants seeking funding under the high-cost universal service programs that provide competitive awards for broadband deployment. As part of the process, the FCC must require applicants to provide a proposal for deploying the broadband network. The proposal must contain enough detail and documentation for the FCC to ascertain whether the applicant has the technical capabilities to deploy the proposed network and deliver services. The FCC must evaluate proposals against reasonable and well-established technical standards.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SRES 603) recognizes April 2022 as National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. It expresses the Senate's support for efforts to educate the public about sexual violence, improve treatment for survivors, and prosecute perpetrators. The resolution acknowledges the work of organizations like RAINN and the Department of Defense's Safe Helpline, but does not create new laws or funding. As a symbolic gesture, it has no direct policy impact on affected individuals or services.

Chronic Wasting Disease Research and Management Act of 2022 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to address chronic wasting disease afflicting deer, elk, and moose populations. Specifically, the bill directs USDA to establish a program to research and manage the disease. Under the program, USDA must offer to enter into agreements with state or tribal wildlife agencies and departments of agriculture, institutions of higher education, and research centers to support research on the transmission of, resistance to, and diagnosis of the disease. In addition, USDA must offer to enter into agreements with such agencies and departments to support state and tribal efforts to develop and implement management strategies that address the disease. USDA must also develop and maintain materials to inform the public on chronic wasting disease and techniques to help prevent the spread of the disease. In addition, USDA must solicit public feedback on potential updates and improvements to standards of the chronic wasting disease herd certification program.

Spectrum Innovation Act of 2021 This bill specifies a process for auctioning a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between 3100 megahertz (MHz) and 3540 MHz for nonfederal use, shared federal and nonfederal use, or a combination of those uses. Most wireless technologies (e.g., mobile communication) rely on the electromagnetic spectrum to transmit signals. Specifically, the Office of Management and Budget must transfer funding from the Spectrum Reallocation Fund to federal entities for planning related to the reallocation. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Executive Office of the President must oversee the planning. Informed by the planning, the Department of Commerce must identify at least 200 MHz of spectrum for reallocation. In identifying the spectrum, Commerce must consult with the Department of Defense, the Office of National Science and Technology Policy, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC must (1) adopt rules authorizing the use of the identified spectrum in consultation with the NTIA, and (2) auction licenses for the identified spectrum within seven years of the bill's enactment. Additionally, the President must modify or withdraw (subject to certain limits) current federal assignments of the identified spectrum to increase nonfederal use. The FCC must allow for opportunistic uses (i.e., allow devices to opportunistically identify and transmit on unused spectrum without infringing on the rights of the spectrum license holder) of a withdrawn or modified assignment. An allowed opportunistic use must cease after the auction if the use is inconsistent with the rights of the licensee that obtains its license through the auction.

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.

Maddy summarySRES 599 is a Senate resolution (not a law) introduced in April 2022 that honors military children during the National Month of the Military Child (observed each April). It recognizes the sacrifices of approximately 2 million military children who have experienced parental deployment since 9/11, live with disabled veterans, or have lost a military parent. The resolution urges all Americans to support military children through ceremonies and activities during April, aligning with existing Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs programs. It does not create new policies or funding but symbolically acknowledges military children's contributions and challenges.