Sen. Robert P. Casey, Jr.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SRES 679) formally commemorates June 19, 2022, as "Juneteenth National Independence Day" to honor the historical event of June 19, 1865, when Union troops announced the end of slavery in Texas. It references the significance of this date in U.S. history, specifically the moment news of emancipation reached enslaved people in the Southwestern States. The resolution does not create new legal obligations or affect any specific group; it is a symbolic recognition of this historical milestone. It aligns with Juneteenth’s established status as a federal holiday, which was officially designated in 2021.

Delaware River Basin Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2022 This bill reauthorizes the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program and increases the federal cost share for certain grant projects. Specifically, the bill extends the program through FY2030 and increases the federal cost share of a grant project that serves a small, rural, or disadvantaged community to 90% of the total cost of the project. However, the federal share may be increased to 100% of the project's total cost if the grant recipient is unable to pay, or would experience significant financial hardship if required to pay, the nonfederal share. The bill also repeals the prohibition on the use of program funds for the acquisition by the federal government of any interest in land.

Air America Act of 2022 This bill establishes the service of Air America employees as qualifying service for purposes of the Civil Service Retirement System. (Air America was a government-owned airline that provided air transport for certain covert operations in Southeast Asia, including Laos and Vietnam, between 1950 and 1976.) The bill applies to U.S. citizens who were employees of Air America or another affiliated company, as specified, between January 1, 1950, and December 31, 1976. Benefit applications must be filed within two years of the date of enactment of this bill.

This resolution recognizes the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). The resolution applauds UNICEF for the critical role it plays in protecting the rights and lives of vulnerable children around the world, including in the context of the global fight against COVID-19.

College Savings Recovery Act This bill sets forth a special tax rule allowing a rollover to a Roth Individual Retirement Account (Roth IRA) from a long-term qualified tuition program (i.e., a 529 qualified tuition program) without penalty.

Reducing Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Juvenile Justice System Act of 2022 This bill modifies provisions under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Program in order to more specifically address racial and ethnic disparities with respect to arrests, secure detentions, and other decision points.

Prohibiting Detention of Youth Status Offenders Act of 2022 This bill prohibits states, as a condition of receiving funds under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Program, from placing juveniles who commit status offenses in secure detention or correctional facilities for violations of valid court orders.

United States Army Rangers Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to the U.S. Army Rangers Veterans of World War II in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II.

This resolution expresses support for the rights, freedoms, and equal treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals. The resolution r ecognizes that LGBTQ rights are human rights and protected by the laws of the United States and international treaties. Additionally, the resolution encourages the celebration of LGBTQ Pride Month in June.

Maddy summarySRES 657 is a Senate resolution designating May 16, 2022, as "Older Americans Mental Health Awareness Day" to highlight mental health challenges faced by older adults. The resolution recognizes that 20% of older adults experience mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, with higher suicide rates among those aged 75+ and 85+, and notes underutilization of services due to stigma and limited access. It emphasizes the need for increased public awareness and a specialized mental health workforce trained to address the unique needs of older adults. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic call to action for bipartisan efforts to improve mental health support for this population.