H-2B Returning Worker Exception Act of 2021 This bill modifies the H-2B (temporary nonagricultural workers) nonimmigrant visa program, including by exempting certain workers from an annual numerical limit on such visas and requiring civil penalties for program violations. Under this bill, if a worker seeking a H-2B visa has been counted toward the 66,000 annual cap on such visas in one of the three preceding fiscal years, that worker shall not be counted against the cap again. Furthermore, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must impose a civil monetary penalty on an employer for (1) failing to meet requirements related to an H-2B visa petition, or (2) making a willful misrepresentation of material fact in such a petition. DHS must also ensure the establishment of an electronic platform (1) for employers to submit and request approval of an H-2B petition, and (2) to act as a single point of access for applicants and the relevant government agencies. The Department of Labor must maintain a publicly available online database of all job orders by H-2B employers. Furthermore, Labor may take certain actions to enforce program requirements, such as imposing penalties and seeking injunctions. The bill provides statutory authority for the current practice of limiting the program to workers who are nationals of countries approved by DHS. DHS may make exceptions to this limitation in individual cases if it is in the U.S. interest to do so. DHS shall select approved countries based on various factors, such as the rate of overstay by H-2B visa holders from each country.
Undoing NEPA’s Substantial Harm by Advancing Concepts that Kickstart the Liberation of the Economy Act or the UNSHACKLE Act This bill revises the environmental review process required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), including by establishing deadlines for federal agencies to complete reviews of the environmental effects of proposed major federal actions; establishing penalties for agencies that do not comply with these deadlines; limiting the number of assessment documents required for proposed major federal actions, requiring agencies to reuse certain research or documents, and allowing agencies to adopt environmental documents prepared by states or third parties; requiring agencies to only consider alternatives to proposed actions that are technically and economically feasible; prohibiting agencies from considering whether proposed actions or alternatives to those actions will have an effect on climate change; and establishing requirements concerning the judicial review of NEPA cases.
NEPA Legal Reform Act This bill establishes requirements concerning the judicial review of cases about the environmental review process required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Specifically, the bill establishes standing requirements for NEPA claims, including a requirement that a plaintiff must personally suffer, or will likely personally suffer, a direct, tangible harm. In addition, the bill sets a statute of limitations for all claims related to NEPA. The bill also provides statutory authority for certain evidentiary standards concerning motions for temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions, and permanent injunctions. In addition, the bill limits fees that may be awarded to environmental attorneys.
Firearm Due Process Protection Act This bill expands the grounds for pursuing judicial remedies related to certain firearm transfers. Additionally, the bill establishes procedural rules applicable to actions for judicial remedies. Current law authorizes judicial remedies for an individual who is erroneously denied a firearm (e.g., an individual is denied a firearm but the individual is eligible to receive or possess a firearm). This bill authorizes remedies for an individual who experiences an extended delay (i.e., a delay of more than 60 days) on a firearm transfer. Additionally, the bill requires an expedited hearing on an action for judicial remedies and places the burden of proof on the respondent to show by clear and convincing evidence that the individual was ineligible to receive or possess a firearm.
Major Richard Star Act This bill provides that combat-disabled uniformed services retirees with fewer than 20 years of creditable service may concurrently receive, without reduction, veterans' disability compensation and retired pay or combat-related special compensation.
Supporting Families of the Fallen Act This act increases from $400,000 to $500,000 the maximum coverage amount for members (or former members) of a uniformed service under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance program and the Veterans' Group Life Insurance program. This act takes effect on the later of 60 days after the date of enactment or the date on which the Department of Veterans Affairs determines that (1) the increased coverage amounts and the premiums for the coverage are administratively and actuarially sound for the insurance programs, and (2) will not result in the programs operating at a loss.
This bill designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 3900 Crown Road Southwest in Atlanta, Georgia, as the John R. Lewis Post Office Building.
This bill designates the Department of Veterans Affairs clinic in Mishawaka, Indiana, as the "Jackie Walorski VA Clinic" to honor former U.S. Representative Jackie Walorski, who served on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs and advocated for veterans. The law requires all federal references - including laws, documents, and maps - to use the new name for the clinic, effective upon enactment. It does not change the clinic’s services, funding, or operations, as it is a purely commemorative naming resolution.
SRES 811 is a ceremonial Senate resolution designating October 2-8, 2022, as "Religious Education Week" to celebrate the role of religious education in the U.S. It does not create new laws or policies but affirms the importance of religious education for moral and civic development. The resolution references historical figures, Supreme Court cases supporting religious instruction options, and studies linking religious education to youth well-being. It urges states to accommodate religious education programs, such as school release time for religious classes, but this is a non-binding recommendation. As a resolution, it has no legal effect and solely serves to recognize religious education's contributions.
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.
This resolution designates September 15, 2022, as International Myotonic Dystrophy Awareness Day. Myotonic dystrophy is an inherited disorder characterized by progressive muscle loss and weakness.
SRES 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.
