Sen. Josh Hawley

Allowing Military Exemptions, Recognizing Individual Concerns About New Shots Act of 2022 or the AMERICANS Act This bill modifies the classification of discharge and remedies available to specified individuals who were discharged for failing to obey an order to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Such individuals include members of the Armed Forces, individuals enrolled at a military service academy, or individuals enrolled in the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) or Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (SROTC) program.

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.

Dissolving the Disinformation Governance Board Act This bill dissolves the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Disinformation Governance Board and directs DHS to immediately remove its Executive Director. The bill also prohibits the use of federal funds for the board's operation. Further, DHS (1) may not establish any entity equivalent to the board or authorize activities at DHS that are substantially similar to the board's activities, and (2) must submit to Congress a report describing the board's formation and all of the records in DHS's possession related to the board.

This joint resolution nullifies a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives rule published on April 26, 2022, concerning regulatory definitions and identification of firearms.

This joint resolution nullifies the rule issued by the Department of Health and Human Services on October 7, 2021, that reverts requirements for federally funded providers of family planning services to those in effect before May 3, 2019, and makes other changes to family planning programs. Specific changes in the rule include (1) removing restrictions on pregnancy options counseling and referrals for abortion services, (2) eliminating requirements for physical and financial separation between abortion-related activities and specified family planning activities, and (3) providing a particular focus on health equity.

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.

Taiwan Weapons Exports Act of 2022 This bill directs the Department of Commerce to move Taiwan from Country Group A:6 to Country Group A:5 for the purposes of the Export Administration Regulations. (Generally, this reclassification allows Taiwan to acquire certain items and weapons systems subject to export controls on an expedited basis.)

Rural Hospital Support Act This bill modifies and extends certain payment adjustments for rural hospitals under Medicare's inpatient prospective payment system. Specifically, the bill indexes payment adjustments for sole community hospitals and Medicare-dependent hospitals to FY2016 operating costs, if it results in higher payments for such hospitals. The bill also makes payment adjustments for Medicare-dependent hospitals and low-volume hospitals permanent (the adjustments currently expire at the end of FY2022).

Maddy summarySRES 565 is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring the late Representative Don Young (R-AK), who served 49 years in the U.S. House of Representatives - the longest tenure of any Alaska representative and the 45th Dean of the House. The resolution commemorates his life, service, and legacy, including his work on landmark legislation like the Trans-Alaska Pipeline authorization and the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. It contains no policy changes or new laws; instead, it directs the Senate to mourn his passing, honor his bipartisan service, and transmit a copy to his family. This is a purely symbolic resolution with no direct impact on constituents or legislation.

Prosecutorial Remedies and Other Tools to end the Exploitation of Children Today Act or the PROTECT Act of 2022 This bill alters federal sentencing for individuals who commit certain child pornography offenses. It generally requires judges to impose a sentence that is not less than the minimum period specified in the sentencing guideline range. The bill also increases certain criminal penalties for possession of child pornography.