Sen. Robert Menendez

Maddy summarySRES 492 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating January 23, 2022, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day." It does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally recognizes the ongoing challenges in maternal health in the U.S., including high pregnancy-related mortality rates (approximately 700 deaths annually), significant racial disparities (Black individuals are over 3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White individuals), and barriers to care in rural areas. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about these issues and encourage federal, state, and community efforts to address maternal health disparities and improve care. It is a procedural gesture focused on recognition, not policy change.

Defending Ukraine Sovereignty Act of 2022 This bill authorizes security assistance for Ukraine, requires sanctions against Russia if it escalates hostilities in or against Ukraine, and addresses related issues. The bill (1) authorizes the Department of Defense to use various authorities to provide and expedite the delivery of defense articles to support Ukraine's armed forces, (2) allows the President to exercise drawdown authority to provide defense articles to Ukraine, and (3) authorizes the Department of State to provide International Military Education and Training assistance to Ukraine. The President must periodically determine whether Russia's government is significantly escalating hostilities in or against Ukraine and whether such an escalation has the aim or effect of undermining Ukraine's government or interfering with Ukraine's sovereignty or territorial integrity. If the President determines that Russia's government has engaged in such escalation, the President must impose sanctions on (1) certain government officials, including Russia's president and prime minister; (2) certain Russian financial institutions; (3) entities involved in certain transactions involving Russian debt; (4) entities (and corporate officers of such entities) involved in constructing or operating Russia's Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline; and (5) certain entities involved in Russian resource extraction industries. The President may terminate such sanctions after certifying to Congress that Russia's government has taken certain actions, such as entering into an agreed settlement with Ukraine's legitimate democratic government. The bill also authorizes Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty to explore opening new bureaus to reach new audiences on Russia's periphery. The State Department must establish an initiative to deepen and foster ties with the Baltic states.

This resolution expresses gratitude for the personnel of the U.S. Capitol and the U.S. Capitol Police for their bravery and service to the United States and reaffirms the dedication of the Senate to strengthening the rights of and support to those personnel.

Congressional Tribute to Constance Baker Motley Act of 2022 This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal posthumously to Constance Baker Motley in recognition of her contributions and service to the United States in advancing civil rights as an attorney, elected official, and judge.

New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act This bill requires the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to establish the New York-New Jersey Watershed Restoration Program, a nonregulatory program, to coordinate restoration and protection activities among government entities and conservation partners throughout the watershed. The bill also establishes the New York-New Jersey Watershed Restoration Grant Program, a voluntary grant and technical assistance program, to provide competitive matching grants to certain entities to implement restoration and protection activities for the watershed.

Freedom Riders Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to the Freedom Riders, in recognition of their contribution to civil rights by fighting for equality in interstate travel.

Maddy summarySRES 485 is a Senate resolution honoring the late Senator Harry Mason Reid, Jr., of Nevada, who died in 2021. The resolution expresses the Senate's sorrow at his passing, extends condolences to his family, and directs the Secretary of the Senate to communicate the resolution to the House of Representatives and provide a copy to Reid's family. The Senate also adjourned in his memory as a mark of respect. This is a ceremonial tribute with no policy changes or legal effect.

Maddy summarySRES 484 is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring the late Senator John "Johnny" Isakson of Georgia. It formally recognizes his 40+ years of public service, including his roles in the Georgia legislature, U.S. House, and U.S. Senate, and his reputation for bipartisan cooperation. The resolution requests the Senate Secretary communicate it to the House and send a copy to Isakson's family. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact or direct effect on any individuals or programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill corrects tax refund issues for Coast Guard veterans with combat-related injuries by clarifying which federal agencies handle tax refunds when the Coast Guard operates outside the Navy (e.g., under Homeland Security or Transportation). It amends the 2016 Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act to explicitly include the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Transportation in agency responsibilities for identifying and refunding improperly withheld taxes. The bill requires these agencies to identify past improperly withheld amounts and report findings within one year of enactment, while also preventing future withholding starting immediately. It directly affects Coast Guard veterans who received severance payments but had taxes incorrectly withheld due to the Coast Guard’s operational structure.

This resolution requests that the Department of the Interior recognize the crash site of Roberto Clemente's airplane near Piñones in Loíza, Puerto Rico, and the adjacent land by adding the site to the National Register of Historic Places. Roberto Clemente was a renowned baseball player who played for the Pittsburg Pirates baseball team.