SRES 729 is a Senate resolution designating the week beginning November 7, 2022, as "National Pregnancy Center Week." It recognizes community-supported pregnancy centers across the United States for providing services like counseling, pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and material resources to individuals facing pregnancy decisions. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally acknowledges these centers' work through symbolic recognition. It highlights their role in serving over 2 million people annually, though the resolution itself has no binding policy effect.
This resolution urges the International Olympic Committee to recognize with a minute of silence at every future Olympics Opening Ceremony those who lost their lives at the 1972 Munich Olympics.
National Plan to End Parkinson's Act This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to carry out a project to prevent and cure Parkinson's disease (a progressive brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements) and related conditions. Among other components of the project, HHS must (1) implement and periodically update a national plan to coordinate and guide efforts to prevent and cure the disease; (2) improve diagnosis, treatment, and care of those with the disease; and (3) address health and other disparities related to the disease. HHS must also conduct annual assessments on the preparation for and response to the increased burden of Parkinson's disease. In addition, the bill establishes a council, comprised of federal and nonfederal stakeholders, to advise HHS on and make recommendations concerning the prevention and cure of Parkinson's disease. The bill's provisions terminate at the end of calendar year 2035.
Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0 This bill reauthorizes through FY2027 a pediatric disease research initiative within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and requires the NIH to coordinate pediatric research activities to avoid duplicative efforts. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services must report, within five years, to Congress about research funded through the initiative.
Combating Violent and Dangerous Crime Act This bill revises various statutes with respect to violent crimes and establishes new criminal offenses. For example, the bill (1) increases the statutory maximum penalty for carjacking, and (2) establishes enhanced criminal penalties for certain federal drug offenses involving the manufacture or distribution of candy-flavored controlled substances or similar products for minors.
HR 8497 removes a requirement that Medicare patients must have an initial in-person visit before receiving mental health services via telehealth. This change directly affects Medicare beneficiaries seeking mental health care, particularly those in rural areas or with mobility challenges, by allowing them to access these services remotely from their first appointment. Key provisions eliminate geographic restrictions for telehealth mental health visits starting July 1, 2019 (for substance use disorder treatment) and after the end of the pandemic emergency period (for general mental health care). The bill applies to services provided through standard telehealth platforms and does not alter Medicare coverage amounts or funding.
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.
This bill requires the Department of Justice to specify that the definition of the term injury in a regulation for the Public Safety Officers' Benefits program specifically includes radiation exposure at a clandestine laboratory.
Access to Safe Contraception Act of 2022 This bill prohibits states from banning any form of contraception that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The bill does not preempt state laws that protect the right of any entity to opt out of providing contraception due to the entity's religious or moral beliefs.
Formula Act This bill provides through December 31, 2022, duty-free treatment to infant formula. During this time period, articles of infant formula shall not be subject to (1) any additional safeguard duties that may be imposed under subchapter IV of chapter 99 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule; or (2) any other import quotas, tariff-rate quotas, additional duties, or any other duties, fees, exactions, or charges that otherwise would apply to such articles. Importers shall provide the applicable and anticipated tariff classifications for articles of infant formula on applicable customs entry documents.
This resolution remembers former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe and his work to strengthen the alliance between the United States and Japan. It also extends condolences to his family and the people of Japan.
SRES 686 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating July 23, 2022, as "National Day of the American Cowboy." It recognizes the cultural significance of cowboys and cowgirls in American history, highlighting their contributions to Western heritage, ranching economies, and community values. The resolution encourages all U.S. citizens to observe the day with appropriate activities but does not create new laws, funding, or obligations. This is a symbolic gesture with no direct impact on specific individuals or policies.
