Sen. James Lankford

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates July 30, 2022, as "National Whistleblower Appreciation Day" to commemorate the July 30, 1778, passage of the first U.S. whistleblower protection law by the Continental Congress. It directs federal agencies to inform employees and the public about whistleblower rights and acknowledge whistleblowers' contributions to preventing fraud, waste, and abuse of public funds. The resolution does not create new legal protections or penalties but encourages agencies to recognize whistleblowers' role in safeguarding taxpayer resources and ethical governance. As a ceremonial resolution, it focuses on raising awareness rather than implementing new policy.

Protect Our Children's Schools Act This bill requires certain unobligated federal COVID-19 relief funds to be made available to local educational agencies for keeping elementary and secondary schools physically secure.

Benjamin Berell Ferencz Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Benjamin Berell Ferencz in recognition of his service to the United States and the international community during the post-World War II Nuremberg trials and his lifelong advocacy for international criminal justice and the rule of law.

Transparency and Honesty in Energy Regulations Act of 2022 This bill prohibits specified federal entities (e.g., the Department of Energy) from considering the social cost of carbon, methane, nitrous oxide, or greenhouse gas as part of any cost-benefit analysis required under any law or specified Executive Orders. In addition, such social costs must not be considered by such entities (1) in rulemaking, (2) in the issuance of guidance, (3) in taking other agency action, (4) or as a justification for any rulemaking, guidance document, or agency action.

Transnational Criminal Organization Illicit Spotter Prevention and Elimination Act This bill provides for criminal penalties for certain conduct that interferes with U.S. border control measures. Specifically, a person who knowingly transmits the location or activities of law enforcement with the intent to further a crime related to immigration, customs, or controlled substances may be imprisoned for a maximum of 10 years. A person who knowingly damages or destroys a device deployed to control the border or port of entry may be imprisoned for a maximum of 10 years. Additionally, the bill provides for enhanced punishment for carrying or using a firearm in connection with certain criminal immigration violations such as assisting a non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) who is inadmissible due to a felony conviction.

Month of Life Celebration Act This bill adds the Month of Life to the statutory list of patriotic and national observances. It also requires the President to annually issue a proclamation that (1) reaffirms the dignity of human life, (2) supports life inside and outside the womb and the life of the pregnant individual, and (3) commits to assist parents and children.

Unborn Child Support Act This bill requires states to apply child support obligations to the time period during pregnancy. This requirement is applicable retroactively based on a court order at the request of the pregnant parent and a determination by a physician of the month during which the child was conceived. Existing state requirements are applicable to these obligations, such as proof of parenthood.

Chase COVID Unemployment Fraud Act of 2022 This bill addresses fraud and overpayments of pandemic unemployment assistance, including by allowing states to retain a specified percentage of recovered funds and prohibiting the Department of Labor from allowing blanket waivers of overpayments.

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.

Maddy summarySRES 700 is a symbolic Senate resolution congratulating the University of Oklahoma Sooners softball team for winning the 2022 NCAA Women's College World Series championship. It recognizes the team's 59-3 season record, 38-game winning streak, and historic sixth national title, while highlighting individual player and coach achievements. The resolution formally honors the team, coaches, and support staff, and directs the Senate to send a copy to the University of Oklahoma president, athletic director, and head coach. It has no legal effect or policy changes, serving solely as a ceremonial tribute.