Sen. Jon Tester

This resolution supports the designation of October 2-October 8, 2022, as National 4-H Week. It also (1) recognizes the important role of 4-H in youth development and education, and (2) encourages all citizens to recognize 4-H for the significant impact the organization and members have made and continue to make by empowering young people with the skills needed to lead for a lifetime.

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.

Securing America's Borders Against Fentanyl Act This bill requires research and reports on technology to address illicit drug trafficking. For example, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must develop a program to measure the effectiveness of technologies and strategies used by federal agencies to address the illicit trafficking of fentanyl and its precursors into the United States. Under the program, DHS must periodically report to Congress an analysis of technologies used in drug interdiction. The Government Accountability Office must periodically report to Congress on recommendations for improving the data collected and metrics used under the program.

Alleviating Stress Test Burdens To Help Investors Act This bill exempts certain financial companies not primarily regulated by either a federal banking agency or the Federal Housing Finance Agency from requirements to conduct stress tests. These stress tests evaluate the ability of companies to absorb losses as a result of adverse economic conditions. However, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission may require exempted financial companies under their regulatory authority to conduct stress tests.

Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2022 This bill promotes the remediation of abandoned hardrock mine sites by Good Samaritans. A Good Samaritan means a person that is (1) not a past or current owner or operator of the abandoned site; (2) had no role in the creation of the historic mine residue; and (3) is not potentially liable under any law for the remediation, treatment, or control of the historic mine residue. The bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a Good Samaritan pilot program. Under the program, the EPA may issue permits to allow Good Samaritans to remediate historic mine residue at abandoned hardrock mine sites without assuming liability under specified environmental laws for past, present, or future releases, threats of releases, or discharges of hazardous substances or other contaminants at or from the abandoned mine site. In addition, the bill establishes a Good Samaritan Mine Remediation Fund for land management agencies that authorize Good Samaritans to conduct remediation projects on federal land.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates November 5, 2022, as National Bison Day to honor the historical, cultural, and economic significance of bison in the United States. It specifically recognizes bison as the national mammal (adopted in 2016), their vital role in Native American tribal heritage and conservation, and their contributions to rural economies. The resolution encourages the public to observe the day with ceremonies and activities, building on an annual tradition celebrated since 2012. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or regulations.

Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2022 or the DISCLOSE Act of 2022 This bill addresses campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosures of campaign expenditures, and requiring additional disclosures regarding certain political advertisements. Specifically, the bill expands existing foreign money prohibitions to include disbursements for paid web-based or digital communications and federal judicial nomination communications. It also prohibits foreign nationals from contributing to campaigns related to ballot initiatives and referenda. The Government Accountability Office must, for each four-year election cycle, study and report on the incidence of illicit foreign money in federal elections. Next, the bill makes it unlawful to establish or use a corporation, company, or other entity with the intent to conceal an election contribution or donation by a foreign national. A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a fine, a prison term of up to five years, or both. Covered organizations (e.g., corporations, labor organizations, and political organizations) must, within 24 hours, file reports with the Federal Election Commission to disclose campaign expenditures of more than $10,000 during an election cycle. The bill also requires organizations to provide additional disclosures regarding political advertisements, including the donors who contributed the most money to that organization in the last year.

This resolution commemorates the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Department of the Air Force and honors the achievements of the Air Force and Space Force in serving and defending the country.

Biochar Research Network Act of 2022 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture to establish a biochar research network of not more than 20 research stations or facilities to test the impact of biochar across various soil types, application methods, and climates to learn more about its potential to benefit farmers and the environment.

Same Day Registration Act This bill requires states with a voter registration requirement to make same-day voter registration available at the polling place on any day voting is permitted.