This non-binding Senate resolution states that military action taken under NATO's mutual defense clause (Article 5) does not override Congress's constitutional duty to declare war before U.S. forces engage in hostilities. It clarifies that the President cannot use NATO obligations as justification for military action without prior Congressional authorization. The resolution directly addresses how NATO commitments interact with the Constitution's war powers requirement. As a formal Senate expression of opinion, it has no legal effect but aims to reinforce Congress's role in military decisions.
This resolution (SRES 272) commemorates the one-year anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's June 24, 2022, *Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization* decision, which overturned *Roe v. Wade*. It expresses the Senate's support for the Court's ruling that the Constitution does not guarantee a right to abortion and affirms the return of abortion regulation authority to state legislatures. The resolution celebrates the decision as a step toward protecting "unborn life" and commits to supporting families and "proclaiming the humanity of the unborn." As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any individuals directly.
This resolution (HRES 544) states that the House believes the U.S. President cannot bypass Congress's constitutional authority to declare war or authorize military force when acting under the North Atlantic Treaty (specifically Article 5, which triggers collective defense). It clarifies that even if military action is taken to protect NATO allies, Congress must still formally approve such hostilities through a declaration of war or specific authorization. The resolution does not change existing law but expresses the House's position on the separation of powers regarding military engagements. It directly addresses the relationship between treaty obligations and Congress's constitutional role in authorizing war.
S 2210, the Iran Sanctions Relief Review Act, requires the President to submit a detailed report to Congress before terminating, waiving, or significantly altering U.S. sanctions on Iran. Congress then has 30 days (or 60 days during summer months) to review the proposal through committee hearings and decide whether to approve or disapprove it via joint resolution. During this review period, the President cannot implement the sanction change without Congressional approval. The bill directly affects the executive branch's ability to modify Iran sanctions policy and gives Congress formal oversight authority over major foreign policy shifts related to Iran.
S 2118, the "Real Emergencies Act," prohibits the President from declaring national emergencies, major disasters, or public health emergencies based on climate change. It specifically blocks the use of climate change as a justification under three key laws: the National Emergencies Act, the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief Act, and the Public Health Service Act. The bill does not affect past emergency declarations but restricts future declarations where climate change is cited as the primary reason. This directly impacts the executive branch's authority to invoke emergency powers for climate-related events.
Taxpayer Notification and Privacy Act of 2023 This bill modifies requirements for notifying a taxpayer of information that the Internal Revenue Service is seeking from third parties for tax administration purposes. Specifically it requires the notice to identify each specific item of information sought, extends the period during which the taxpayer must be notified, and gives the taxpayer a 45-days period during which the taxpayer may respond to the notice.
Improving Access to Transfusion Care for Hospice Patients Act of 2023 This bill requires the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) to test a model under which blood transfusions furnished to an individual receiving hospice care are paid separately from the hospice all-inclusive per diem payment under Medicare. The CMMI must evaluate the model by comparing patients participating in the model with those outside of the model in relation to specified metrics, such as hospital utilization and days of hospice care before the end of life.
S 2125 amends the Clean Air Act to change how the EPA establishes and reviews national air quality standards. It extends the review cycle for these standards from 5 to 10 years, sets specific deadlines (December 2030) for reviewing ozone and particulate matter standards, and requires the EPA to consider technological feasibility and economic impacts when setting standards. The bill also creates "Extreme Areas" for ozone nonattainment zones, exempting them from certain cleanup requirements, and mandates that EPA publish implementation guidance alongside new standards to help states and industries obtain permits for new facilities. Additionally, it requires the EPA to report on how foreign pollution affects U.S. air quality designations and the handling of interstate pollution petitions.
S 2090, the *Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act of 2023*, modifies federal clean air rules to restrict state vehicle emission standards. It adds a new requirement that state rules cannot "directly or indirectly limit the sale or use of new gas-powered cars," effectively blocking states from enforcing policies that would phase out internal combustion engine vehicles. The bill also mandates the EPA to cancel existing state emission waivers (like California’s) if those waivers don’t meet this new standard. This directly affects states with their own vehicle emission rules and the EPA’s authority to approve them under the Clean Air Act.
This bill adds multi-cancer early detection screening tests to Medicare Part B coverage, directly affecting Medicare beneficiaries. It creates a new coverage category for FDA-approved blood tests (like those analyzing cell-free DNA) that screen for multiple cancer types simultaneously, as defined in the bill. Medicare would cover these tests once every 12 months, and the bill clarifies that this change does not impact existing coverage for standard cancer screenings like mammograms or colonoscopies. The policy change ensures beneficiaries can access these new screening options without unnecessary delays after FDA approval.
S 886 (Women's Suffrage National Monument Location Act) specifies the location for the Women's Suffrage National Monument. It directs the monument to be placed within the "Reserve" area, overriding a previous location provision under 40 U.S.C. § 8908(c). This procedural bill does not change monument policies or affect people; it only sets the physical site for a monument already authorized by Public Law 116-217. The Commemorative Works Act generally applies, except for the specified location.
HJRES 69 is a resolution seeking to disapprove an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule published on June 5, 2023, which established a "Federal Good Neighbor Plan" for the 2015 ozone air quality standards. The rule aimed to address ozone pollution crossing state lines, particularly affecting southeastern states and industries subject to the 2015 ozone standards. This resolution would block the rule from taking effect by invoking the Congressional Review Act, preventing it from being enforced. If enacted, it would directly stop the EPA from implementing this specific plan, impacting states and businesses that would have had to comply with the rule.
