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118-sres-688-is-dtd-0 | 118-sres-688-is-dtd | 118-sres-688 | III 118th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 688 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 15, 2024 Mr. Cardin (for himself, Mr. Kaine , Mr. Merkley , Mr. Schatz , and Mr. Van Hollen ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations RESOLUTION Recognizing widening threats to freedom of the press and free expression around the world, reaffirming the vital role that a free and independent press plays in combating the growing threats of authoritarianism, misinformation, and disinformation, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2024. | {
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118-sres-688-is-dtd-1 | 118-sres-688-is-dtd | 118-sres-688 | Whereas the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and various State constitutions protect freedom of the press in the United States; Whereas Thomas Jefferson, who championed the necessity of a free press for a thriving democratic society, wisely declared, Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost. ; Whereas Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in Paris on December 10, 1948, states, Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. ; Whereas, in 1993, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the third day of May of each year to be World Press Freedom Day — (1) to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom; (2) to evaluate press freedom around the world; (3) to defend the media against attacks on its independence; and (4) to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives while working in their profession; Whereas the Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act of 2009 ( Public Law 111–166 ) expanded the examination of the freedom of the press around the world in the annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices published by the Department of State; Whereas, on December 18, 2013, and December 18, 2019, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 68/163 and Resolution 74/157, respectively, on the safety of journalists and the problem of impunity by unequivocally condemning all attacks on, and violence against, journalists and media workers, including torture, extrajudicial killing, enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention, and intimidation and harassment in conflict and non-conflict situations; Whereas the United States Government has used the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (subtitle F of title XII of Public Law 114–328 ) to place targeted visa and economic sanctions on individuals, including for their roles in the targeted killings of journalists; Whereas, in an effort to combat attacks against journalists, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken in February 2021, announced the Khashoggi Ban, a policy allowing the Department of State to impose visa restrictions on individuals who, acting on behalf of a foreign government, are believed to have been directly engaged in serious, extraterritorial counter-dissident activities, including activities that suppress, harass, surveil, threaten, or harm journalists, activists, or other persons perceived to be dissidents for their work; Whereas compiled data from Reporters Without Borders provides alarming indications about growing divisions resulting from the spread of disinformation with the potential to weaken democratic societies; Whereas, as of December 14, 2023, according to Reporters Without Borders, a total of 521 journalists were in prison and 84 journalists were missing; Whereas Reporters Without Borders notes that punishments against women journalists are increasing disproportionately, with the number of women journalists in prison rising by 30 percent in 2022 and with most of the longest prison sentences handed down against journalists in 2023 given to women; Whereas Freedom House’s Freedom in the World 2024 report marked the 18th consecutive year of decline in global freedom, with an estimated 38 percent of the global population living in countries deemed Not Free ; Whereas Freedom House's Freedom on the Net 2023 report marked the 13th consecutive year of decline in global internet freedom, with people in 55 of the 70 countries covered facing legal repercussions for expressing themselves online and people in 41 countries facing physical assaults or death for their online commentary; Whereas infringement on freedom of expression, including media freedom, has been one of the key drivers of declines in global freedom over the last 50 years, according to Freedom House, including attacks and prosecutions against journalists, pressure on media outlets, repressive regulatory and legal frameworks, internet shutdowns, efforts to undermine strong encryption, and blocks on online sources of information; Whereas journalists and media workers are being murdered, imprisoned, attacked, and harassed around the world and the Committee to Protect Journalists has reported that— (1) at least 99 journalists and media workers were killed around the world during 2023, and at least 27 journalists have been killed in 2024, as of May 15th; (2) approximately 320 journalists were imprisoned during 2023; (3) between September 1, 2013 and August 31, 2023, the vast majority of murders of journalists occurred with impunity, with nearly 80 percent of the perpetrators of 261 murders of journalists facing no punishment; and (4) journalists and media outlets around the world have been targeted by government actors with sophisticated spyware products that pose a severe risk to their privacy and security and the security of their sources and families; Whereas, according to PEN America, more than 339 writers and public intellectuals, including columnists and editorial journalists, were imprisoned across 33 different countries during 2023; Whereas the censorship, victimization, and killing of journalists around the world, particularly in conflict zones, has obvious and profound implications for the ability of the public, including the American public, to be informed, including about conflicts with local, regional, and global ramifications; Whereas, since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Reporters Without Borders has documented attacks directly targeting journalists, including— (1) the killing of 11 Ukrainian and accredited international journalists and media workers by Russian armed forces; (2) the torture by electric shock, beatings, and mock executions of journalists working for the international press; (3) the targeted kidnappings of journalists and their families in occupied regions of Ukraine to put pressure on their reporting; (4) the deliberate attacks targeting media facilities; and (5) the near universal censorship, imprisonment, or exile of Russia’s independent news media; Whereas, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders, in the Ukrainian territory of Crimea, Ukrainian journalists and bloggers have repeatedly been threatened, arbitrarily arrested, and tortured for resisting Russian occupation, such as the detentions and imprisonments of Vladyslav Yesypenko Iryna Danylovych, Amet Suleimanov, Asan Akhmetov, Marlen Asanov, Nariman Celal, Oleksiy Bessarabov, Osman Arifmemetov, Remzi Bekirov, Ruslan Suleimanov, Rustem Sheikhaliev, Server Mustafayev, Seyran Saliev, Timur Ibragimov, Vilen Temeryanov, and Lutfiye Zudiyeva; Whereas, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, Ukrainian journalists Viktoria Roshchina, Iryna Levchenko, and Dmytro Khilyuk remain in the custody of Russian forces after their full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022; Whereas journalists and media workers face heightened dangers in Russia, such as harassment, repression, censorship, and imprisonment, with 30 journalists and 4 media workers imprisoned as of March 27, 2024, according to Reporters Without Borders, including— (1) Evan Gershkovich, a United States citizen and reporter with the Wall Street Journal, who has been wrongfully detained on baseless espionage charges since March 29, 2023, and faces up to 20 years in jail; (2) Alsu Kurmasheva, a Russian-American journalist for congressionally-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, who was arrested for violating Russia's Foreign Agents law and has since been charged for violating Article 207.3 of Russia’s Criminal Code, which effectively criminalizes reporting about Russia’s war in Ukraine; (3) Ivan Safronov, a correspondent with Russian business dailies Kommersant and Vedomosti, who was sentenced to 22 years in jail on treason charges in September 2022 | {
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118-sres-688-is-dtd-2 | 118-sres-688-is-dtd | 118-sres-688 | ; (2) Alsu Kurmasheva, a Russian-American journalist for congressionally-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, who was arrested for violating Russia's Foreign Agents law and has since been charged for violating Article 207.3 of Russia’s Criminal Code, which effectively criminalizes reporting about Russia’s war in Ukraine; (3) Ivan Safronov, a correspondent with Russian business dailies Kommersant and Vedomosti, who was sentenced to 22 years in jail on treason charges in September 2022; (4) Sergey Mikhaylov, publisher of independent newspaper Listok, who was arrested for allegedly spreading false information about the Russian military in April 2022; (5) Mikhail Afanasyev, editor-in-chief of the online magazine Novy Fokus, who was arrested and charged with allegedly spreading false information about the Russian military in April 2022; (6) Novaya Gazeta, a landmark independent newspaper founded in 1993, which— (A) suspended operations in Russia in March 2022 after receiving warnings from the authorities citing Russia's Foreign Agents law; and (B) was stripped of its print and online media licenses in September 2022; (7) Meduza, a leading independent bilingual news website based outside of Russia, which— (A) was designated by Russian authorities in January 2023 as an undesirable organization under the 2015 Undesirable Organization Law; and (B) was banned from operating in the Russian Federation; (8) Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, an independent nonprofit media outlet, which was designated by Russian authorities in February 2024 as an undesirable organization under the 2015 Undesirable Organization Law; (9) RusNews, an independent news website with few remaining correspondents in Russia, whose journalists— (A) Maria Ponomarenko was sentenced to 6 years in prison for allegedly spreading false information about the Russian military on February 15, 2023, and is facing a second criminal charge for alleged violation of prison rules; (B) Roman Ivanov was sentenced on March 6, 2024, to 7 years in prison for allegedly disseminating false news on the war in Ukraine; (C) Igor Kuznetsov, who has been in detention since September 2021, was given a 3-year suspended sentence on alleged extremism charges on March 20, 2024, and was given a 6-year prison term on April 5, 2024, for allegedly inciting mass disturbances in group chats on Telegram; Whereas, Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Washington Post contributing columnist and the winner of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for commentary— (1) has been imprisoned in Russia since April 2022 for his criticism of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine; and (2) received an unjust 25-year prison sentence in April 2023; Whereas Russian authorities continue harassing and prosecuting journalists in exile, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, including— (1) exiled Russian journalists Ruslan Leviev and Michael Nacke, who were each sentenced in absentia to 11 years in prison in August 2023 for allegedly distributing fake information about the Russian military; (2) exiled Russian journalist Denis Kamalyagin, editor-in-chief of the exiled Russian newspaper Pskovskaya Guberniya, who was charged in late 2023 with failing to comply with the foreign agent law and with discrediting the Russian army; (3) United States-based Russian-American journalist and writer Masha Gessen, against whom Russia issued an arrest warrant in 2023 for allegedly spreading fake information about the Russian army; Whereas other Russian journalists living in exile have also been targets of harassment, surveillance, and suspected poisoning, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, including— (1) exiled Russian journalists Elena Kostyuchenko and Irina Babloyan, who reported in August 2023 that they may have been poisoned in Germany and Georgia, respectively; (2) Prague-based IStories' reporters Alesya Marokhovskaya and Irina Dolinina, who received threats and fear they have been under surveillance; (3) Galina Timchenko, the Latvia-based head of Meduza, whose phone was infected by Pegasus, a form of zero-click spyware produced by the Israeli company NSO Group, while she was in Germany in February 2023; Whereas, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, as of December 1, 2023, the Government of the People’s Republic of China had detained at least 44 journalists, and has unleashed an onslaught of attacks on press freedom in the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong, including through— (1) state-sponsored censorship and disinformation campaigns limiting access to any information that runs contrary to Chinese Communist Party propaganda narratives, and censoring politically-sensitive keywords on social media platforms; (2) the passage and implementation of legislation that severely curtails press freedom in Hong Kong, including the National Security Law of June 2020, and Article 23 of the Basic Law of March 2024, both of which pose an existential threat to the city’s tradition of press freedom; (3) harassment, intimidation, arrest, and imprisonment of journalists in Hong Kong, including the arrest and subsequent conviction of journalist and outspoken democracy advocate Jimmy Lai, and the closure of his once widely popular Chinese-language newspaper, Apple Daily; (4) arrests or other repressive actions against independent journalists and others in mainland China who are attempting to share uncensored news or opinion about current affairs, including— (A) Sophia Huang Xueqin, who has written about women’s rights and the protests in Hong Kong, who was detained arbitrarily beginning in September 2021, who went on trial in September 2023 on charges of inciting subversion of state power , and whose current status remains unknown; and (B) citizen journalist Zhang Zhan, who provided uncensored news regarding the COVID–19 outbreak in Wuhan and who has been imprisoned since May 2020 on politically-motivated charges of picking quarrels and provoking trouble ; (5) the detention of journalists critical of the Government of the People's Republic of China, including Ruan Xiaohuan, who, after blogging about programming and politics, was sentenced to a 7-year term of imprisonment in early 2023, following 21 months of detention; and (6) the continued detention of Uyghur journalists, who account for nearly 50 percent of imprisoned journalists in the People's Republic of China, including Ilham Tohti, founder of the news website Uighurbiz, who was detained in 2014 and is serving a life sentence; Whereas Belarus has witnessed sweeping attacks against the press since Alexander Lukashenka’s fraudulent election in August 2020, with journalists and media workers harassed, assaulted, and imprisoned, with 28 journalists imprisoned as of December 1, 2023, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, including— (1) Katsiaryna Andreyeva, a correspondent with Poland-based independent broadcaster Belsat TV, who, while serving a 2-year prison term for filming a live broadcast of the violent dispersal of a protest against Alexander Lukashenka in November 2020, was sentenced to 8 additional years in prison on treason charges in July 2022; (2) Ksenia Lutskina, a former correspondent for the state broadcaster Belteleradio, who was sentenced to 8 years in prison on charges of conspiring to seize state power in September 2022, and who is not receiving appropriate medical care despite having a preexisting brain tumor that has grown during her detention; (3) Maryna Zolatava, chief editor of independent news website Tut.By, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison on charges of incitement to hatred and distributing materials calling for actions aimed at harming national security in March 2023; (4) Andrey Kuznechyk, a journalist who, while working for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, was detained in November 2021, and sentenced in June 2022 to 6 years in prison on charges of forming an extremist group | {
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118-sres-688-is-dtd-3 | 118-sres-688-is-dtd | 118-sres-688 | ; (3) Maryna Zolatava, chief editor of independent news website Tut.By, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison on charges of incitement to hatred and distributing materials calling for actions aimed at harming national security in March 2023; (4) Andrey Kuznechyk, a journalist who, while working for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, was detained in November 2021, and sentenced in June 2022 to 6 years in prison on charges of forming an extremist group; (5) Ihar Losik, another Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist who was arrested in June 2020, and sentenced in December 2021 to 15 years in jail on bogus charges of preparation of actions that violate public order, who attempted suicide in March 2023, and whose wife Darya was sentenced in January 2023 to 2 years in prison on a charge of facilitating extremist activity; (6) Alyaksandr Mantsevich, who was detained in March 2023, and is serving a 4-year prison sentence after being convicted in November 2023 on charges of discrediting Belarus; (7) Dzianis Ivashyn, a freelance journalist who has been serving a sentence of 13 years and 1 month since being convicted in September 2022, on charges of treason and illegal collection and dissemination of information about private life ; and (8) Ihar Karnei, a former freelancer with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, who was sentenced on March 22, 2024 to 3 years in jail for participating in an extremist group; Whereas Belarus has weaponized extremism laws against independent media outlets, with around 25 media outlets labeled as extremist groups or organizations as of March 2024, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, and has jailed journalists on allegations of creating or participating in extremist groups or facilitating extremist activities; Whereas Belarusian authorities continue to prosecute journalists in exile, including exiled journalists Stsypan Putsila and Yan Rudzik, who had covered protests during the 2020 presidential election and were sentenced in absentia to 20 years and 19 years in jail, respectively, in May 2023, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists; Whereas, in 2022, the Islamic Republic of Iran was the world's leading jailer of journalists, including female journalists, and the Government of Iran subjected these journalists to arbitrary summonses, arrests, travel bans, torture, inhumane treatment, and unsubstantiated and unjust sentences, and where, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, at least 17 journalists and media workers remained behind bars as of December 1, 2023, including— (1) Niloofar Hamedi, a correspondent of the daily newspaper Shargh, who was imprisoned in 2022 for trying to document the death of Mahsa Amini on charges that could result in the death penalty; (2) Elahe Mohammadi, a journalist for the daily Ham Mihan, who was also imprisoned in 2022 for the same action and on the same charges; (3) Iranian journalist Navid Seyed-Mohammadi, a Kurdish reporter for the state-run Islamic Republic Radio and Television broadcaster, who was arrested in May 2020 and is serving a 7-year prison sentence for espionage for hostile states ; (4) Kayvan Samimi, a 76-year-old veteran journalist, who was initially imprisoned in May 2019 and is serving a 6-year prison sentence on anti-state charges of spreading propaganda against the system and colluding against national security ; (5) sisters Hoda and Zahra Tohidi, who are freelance journalists, and were imprisoned in 2022 alongside Zahra’s husband, Alireza Khoshbakht, a fellow journalist, for documenting the nationwide protests after the death of Mahsa Jina Amini; and (6) Mohammad-Bagher Moradi, an exiled freelance journalist, who was extradited to Iran from Turkey, was immediately imprisoned in 2022 for his work, and is serving a 5-year prison sentence; Whereas, since the beginning of the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, at least 105 journalists and media workers have been killed during the ongoing war in Gaza, Lebanon, and Israel, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, and other significant attacks on the press have been documented, including according to Reporters Without Borders, the killing of at least 22 journalists in direct connection to their work; Whereas the Government of Egypt’s repression of the media has expanded under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi since 2013, and, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders, has included— (1) attacks on independent media outlet Mada Masr, which the Egyptian Government has targeted with specious charges brought against editor-in-chief Lina Attalah and journalist Rana Mamdouh; and (2) the imprisonment of at least 13 journalists, as of December 1, 2023, including— (A) Alaa Abd El Fattah, a blogger who was sentenced to 5 years in prison for broadcasting false news and who embarked on a hunger strike on April 2, 2022, to protest his mistreatment, which he escalated to a near-fatal water strike that prompted a forced medical intervention by prison officials upon the start of the United Nations COP 27 climate summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt on November 6, 2022; and (B) Mohamed Ibrahim, a blogger who is also known as Mohamed Oxygen , who has spent more than 4 years in pretrial detention, which is 2 years beyond the legal limit for a pre-trial detention; Whereas, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, Lokman Slim, a Lebanese political commentator and columnist, was murdered in southern Lebanon on August 4, 2023, after warning that he had been threatened and accused of treason by supporters of Hezbollah and, as of the date of the enactment of this resolution, no arrests or charges have been made in the investigation into his murder; Whereas the Office of the Director of National Intelligence concluded that the 2018 murder of Washington Post journalist and United States legal permanent resident Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul was approved by Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman and impunity continues for the Saudi officials involved in this crime; Whereas the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia maintains a hostile environment towards journalists through transnational repression, systematic and arbitrary arrests, torture and inhumane or degrading treatment, lengthy pre-trial detentions, and conditional release restrictions, which inhibit reporters and columnists from traveling or returning to their professional work post-detention, including— (1) Abdulrahman Farhana, a columnist who was detained in February 2019, and charged with membership in a terrorist organization, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists; (2) Zuhair Kutbi, a journalist who was jailed in January 2019, and reportedly suffers from torture, malnourishment, and denial of cancer treatment in prison, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists; and (3) blogger Raif Badawi, who, according to Reporters Without Borders, recently completed a 10-year prison sentence on blasphemy and apostasy charges, and who remains subjected to a further 10-year travel ban, which prevents him from reuniting with his family who received asylum in Canada; Whereas Reporters Without Borders has asserted that due to oppression by the military junta, press freedom in [Burma] has been set back ten years in ten days after the February 1, 2021 military coup, including through— (1) media workers forced into hiding and confronting censorship, harassment, internet blockages, beatings, interrogations, threats, and torture at the hands of the military; (2) multiple independent media outlets forced to cease operations or close altogether or having their licenses revoked by the military; and (3) journalists being detained at alarming rates, with 75 journalists in prison as of April 17, 2023, including photojournalist Sai Zaw Thaike, who was sentenced to a 20-year prison term in May 2023 while covering the aftermath of a deadly cyclone | {
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118-sres-688-is-dtd-4 | 118-sres-688-is-dtd | 118-sres-688 | ; (2) multiple independent media outlets forced to cease operations or close altogether or having their licenses revoked by the military; and (3) journalists being detained at alarming rates, with 75 journalists in prison as of April 17, 2023, including photojournalist Sai Zaw Thaike, who was sentenced to a 20-year prison term in May 2023 while covering the aftermath of a deadly cyclone; Whereas, in India, government authorities have taken a series of actions limiting the space for free and independent media, including— (1) frequently imposing internet and communication blackouts in Indian-administered Kashmir and in the Indian state of Manipur, among certain areas; (2) calling for the temporary blockage of journalists and media accounts on X (formerly known as Twitter ) and other online platforms; (3) increasing restrictions on foreign journalists, and subjecting journalists to searches and arrests, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, including— (A) revoking the journalism permit of French reporter Vanessa Dougnac, who, as the spouse of an Indian citizen, holds permanent residency status, known as an Overseas Citizens of India, forcing her to leave the country in February 2024; (B) the continued detention of Kashmiri journalist Aasif Sultan since April 2018, including his re-arrest for the third time by Indian authorities in February 2024, days after his release from five and one-half years of preventative detention; (C) the June 2022 arrest of Teesta Setalvad, a journalist and civil rights activist, by the Anti-Terrorism Squad of the Gujarat Police, for allegedly conspiring to implicate the Gujarat government in the 2002 Gujarat riots, and who has since faced legal harassment and arbitrary detention over the last year for her work; and (D) the Government of India’s efforts to censor the British Broadcasting Corporation's documentary critical of prominent Indian political figures; Whereas Pakistan maintains high levels of media censorship, and impunity persists in cases of killings and physical attacks on journalists who criticize the military and state institutions, including— (1) the repeated arrest of journalist Imran Riaz Khan, including his arbitrary detention in solitary confinement without due process for 142 days in 2023, according to Reporters Without Borders; (2) the July 1, 2022 assault of Ayaz Amir, an employee of Dunya News, which occurred days after he had made comments criticizing former Prime Minister Imran Khan and the military, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists; and (3) the February 2024 arrest of Pakistani journalist and video blogger Asad Ali Toor on charges of orchestrating a campaign against the state and its officials against them through his social media platforms, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists; Whereas Afghanistan, under the control of the Taliban, remains one of the most repressive countries for journalists, who are subjected to arrest, beatings, and arbitrary restrictions on their work, including journalist Sultan Ali Jawadi, who was sentenced to 1 year in prison by a Taliban court in December 2023, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists; Whereas violations of press freedom are persistent in South Asia and Southeast Asia, where, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists— (1) in Vietnam, journalist and writer Pham Doan Trang, in December 2021, following a year in pretrial detention, was sentenced to 9 years in prison for anti-state propaganda in a judicial proceeding, which imprisonment has been declared arbitrary by the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention; (2) in Bangladesh, journalists are subjected to arbitrary arrests and suffer killings and physical attacks with near total impunity; (3) in Sri Lanka, the enactment of the recent draconian Online Safety Act, which undermines freedom of speech, incentivizes self-censorship, and could be misused to suppress dissent; Whereas Cuba remains a highly restricted environment for independent media, marked by internet restrictions and constant state-directed harassment of journalists and news outlets, and the preponderance of arbitrary arrests, threats, police summonses, and forced exile, which remain among the repressive suite of measures applied by the government against activists and journalists, with victims including Lázaro Yuri Valle Roca, a journalist who was sentenced to 5 years in prison for enemy propaganda and resistance in July 2022, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, evidence the Government of Cuba continues to employ retaliatory tactics to silence and jail journalists or force them into exile to maintain its censorship regime; Whereas assaults on press freedom in El Salvador, including verbal attacks on journalists by political leaders and the use of state power to intimidate and pressure independent media, imperil its fragile democracy, and, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists and the Knight First Amendment Institute, include— (1) spyware attacks by the Government of El Salvador against journalists of the media outlet El Faro, who were subject to 226 infections between June 2020 and November 2021, many of which attacks occurred when the journalists were communicating with confidential sources and reporting on abuses by the Salvadoran Government, and which intensified around El Faro’s publication of major stories; (2) the ongoing criminal investigation against El Faro, which was launched after El Faro reported damaging information about the Salvadoran Government, and the relentless harassment by Salvadoran law enforcement officials toward El Faro journalists, which led the media outlet to relocate most of its operations to Costa Rica following harassment by Salvadoran police; (3) the online attacks and threats to journalists from the outlet Revista Factum, which has been banned from press conferences at the presidential residence; and (4) the adoption of a new law that imposes prison sentences ranging from 10 to 15 years for certain reporting on criminal groups, such as gangs; Whereas in Mexico, which continues to be one of the world’s deadliest countries for journalists, 25 journalists are counted as missing, according to Mexico’s National Human Rights Commission, and where the Committee to Protect Journalists has recorded 88 killings of journalists and media workers since 2012, of which 37 were murdered in response to their reportage, and where reporters covering stories concerning political corruption and organized crime are frequently assaulted and murdered; Whereas Haiti is the second deadliest country in the Western Hemisphere for journalists, with 9 journalists killed since 2022, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, following a steady uptick of violence in the country, including violence against the press, as the country’s security situation continues to deteriorate following the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, with violence claiming the lives of— (1) Garry Tesse, a Haitian radio reporter who reported on political and government corruption and was believed to be tortured and killed in retaliation for his reporting; and (2) Dumesky Kersaint, a journalist for an online news outlet who was killed while attempting to cover another killing in his community; Whereas in Nicaragua, the persecution of journalists by the Ortega regime continues unabated, including through forced closures of independent media outlets, and journalists in the country are continually threatened, harassed, sued, surveilled, jailed, and forced into exile, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, includes— (1) Miguel Mendoza, who, along with 6 other journalists and media workers, was among the group of 222 political prisoners released by Nicaraguan authorities in February 2023, sent to the United States, and subsequently stripped of their Nicaraguan citizenship; and (2) journalist Victor Ticay, who was arrested in April 2023, in connection to his April 5, 2023 reporting about a Catholic Easter celebration | {
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118-sres-688-is-dtd-5 | 118-sres-688-is-dtd | 118-sres-688 | ; and (2) journalist Victor Ticay, who was arrested in April 2023, in connection to his April 5, 2023 reporting about a Catholic Easter celebration; Whereas Honduras remains one of the Western Hemisphere’s most dangerous countries for journalists, where those working for opposition media or who are outspoken critics of the government are subjected to harassment, intimidation, and death threats by the country’s security forces and its affiliates; Whereas in Peru, criminal defamation lawsuits, legislation, and restrictive accreditation schemes for journalists that undermine freedom of expression have been used to harass and silence investigative journalists who write about prominent political figures, and the unlawful state repression of protestors has also increased the risk to journalists covering ongoing social unrest in Peru, as corroborated by the wounding of several journalists by rubber pellets and tear gas canisters in police and military operations throughout 2022 and 2023, which have been condemned by international organizations as violating international standards on the use of force, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists and Amnesty International; Whereas in Ecuador, a group of presumed gang members stormed a local news station in Guayaquil on January 9, 2024, during a live broadcast, which evinces the country's worsening security condition amid organized crime activity that, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, forced at least 5 journalists to leave Ecuador between April and October 2023; Whereas in Venezuela, the Maduro regime continues to target independent media outlets, to restrict the exercise of freedom of expression, and to severely limit access to accurate information, with local civil society organization Public Space (Espacio Público) registering 349 attacks on journalists and media workers between January and November 2023, including censorship, verbal attacks, and intimidation; Whereas in Sudan, the United Nations Panel of Experts reported that at least 15,000 people died as a result of the Rapid Support Forces offensive in West Darfur in 2023, tens of thousands more people are believed to have been killed, and more than 8,000,000 people have been displaced, and where freedom of the press and the safety of journalists has severely deteriorated, as evidenced by attacks on independent media and the killings, arrests, detentions, harassment, and beatings of journalists, which, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, includes— (1) the killing of Halima Idris Salim, a 29-year-old reporter for local independent online news outlet Sudan Bukra, on October 10, 2023, when Rapid Support Forces soldiers ran her over with their car while she was covering health conditions of a hospital’s emergency wing in Omdurman; (2) reports that the Rapid Support Forces has cut access to telecommunications and internet services since early February 2024, leaving civilians in a communications blackout and making reporting on the war nearly impossible; and (3) the forced closure of all print media in the country, the banning of foreign news channels, and forcing journalists into exile; Whereas press freedom continues to face challenges in sub-Saharan Africa, including— (1) in Ethiopia, which, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, is the second-worst jailer of journalists in sub-Saharan Africa, and where a crackdown on the press has included— (A) an entrenched pattern of arbitrarily detaining journalists, with at least 8 journalists behind bars as of December 2023; (B) significant due process and fair trial concerns in the cases of detained journalists, such as the May 2023 arrest of online journalist Gobeze Sisay in neighboring Djibouti and subsequent transfer to Ethiopia under unclear circumstances; (C) the detention of journalists arrested under state of emergency provisions at a military camp in eastern Ethiopia without judicial oversight or access to family or legal counsel; (D) the use of Internet disruptions during times of political tension or in restive parts of the country, including the Oromia and Amhara regions, making it difficult for journalists to report safely and freely; (E) the failure to provide a credible accounting for the 2021 killings of journalists Dawit Kebede Araya and Sisay Fida; (F) the consistent persecution of media trying to cover the conflict and violence in the Oromia and Amhara regions, including the detention of at least 6 journalists, as of March 27, 2024, who were reporting on events in Amhara, according to Reporters Without Borders; and (G) the forced exile and deportation of independent journalists; (2) in Nigeria, where journalists have been repeatedly detained and charged for their work, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists and PEN America, including— (A) Luke Binniyat, who was arrested in November 2021, released on bail in February 2022, and is facing 3 years in prison if convicted of sending false information under the Cybercrimes Act; (B) Agba Jalingo, publisher of the CrossRiverWatch news site, who was arrested on March 27, 2023, charged under the Cybercrimes Act for allegedly publishing false news, and released on bail on April 3, 2023; (C) Haruna Mohammed Salisu, publisher of the WikkiTimes, who was arrested while covering the February 25, 2023 Federal elections, charged under the penal code with inciting the public to disturb the Bauchi state governor, released on bail on March 1, 2023, and faces ongoing prosecution in that case and in several others; and (D) Saint Mienpamo Onitsha, founder of the online broadcaster NAIJA Live TV, who was arrested on October 10, 2023, at gunpoint at the home of a friend, charged under the Cybercrimes Act over a report about tensions in the southern Niger Delta region, and released on bail after nearly 4 months in jail; (3) in Eritrea, which is one of the world’s most censored nations, and where, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, at least 16 journalists, including editors Dawit Isaak and Amanuel Asrat, are detained, with most of these detentions commencing during a 2001 crackdown on the independent press, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists; (4) in Cameroon, where— (A) 6 journalists were imprisoned as of December 2023; (B) at least 2 journalists have died in government custody under suspicious circumstances since 2010; (C) journalist Martinez Zogo was abducted, tortured, and killed in January 2023; and (D) journalist Jean-Jacques Ola Bebe was killed in February 2023, with no police investigation into his murder; (5) in Rwanda, where the media landscape is heavily restricted by censorship and authoritarianism, and where, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists— (A) at least 4 journalists were imprisoned as of December 1, 2023, 2 of whom, YouTubers Aimbale Karasira Uzaramba and Dieudonné Niyonsenga, have alleged torture while in state custody; and (B) journalist John Williams Ntwali, who, after reporting on cases of torture, disappearances, and forced government evictions, was killed in January 2023 under suspicious circumstances, and whose death has never been credibly investigated; (6) in Burundi, where journalist Floriane Irangabiye is serving a 10-year prison sentence, following a January 2023 conviction in connection to her critical commentary on governance issues in the country, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists; (7) in Mali and in Burkina Faso, where foreign journalists have been expelled in the aftermath of the coup d'etat in each country, French-language media outlets have been banned, and local journalists work under threat of reprisal for reporting on security issues, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists and PEN America; (8) in Niger, where journalist Samira Sabou was detained for 11 days in October 2023, and charged with cybercrime and treason in connection with her reporting, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists; (9) in Senegal, where journalists have been repeatedly arrested and prosecuted for their work, attacked by security forces, and struggled amid Internet shutdowns | {
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118-sres-688-is-dtd-6 | 118-sres-688-is-dtd | 118-sres-688 | ; (8) in Niger, where journalist Samira Sabou was detained for 11 days in October 2023, and charged with cybercrime and treason in connection with her reporting, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists; (9) in Senegal, where journalists have been repeatedly arrested and prosecuted for their work, attacked by security forces, and struggled amid Internet shutdowns; (10) in Togo, where journalists have faced arrests and prosecutions for their work and other forms of intimidation, including spyware surveillance, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists; and (11) in Zimbabwe, where journalists have been banned from covering government meetings, and the legal framework for journalists remains harsh, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists; Whereas, in December 2023, the Parliament of Hungary passed a Russian-inspired national sovereignty law that created the Sovereignty Protection Authority (the Authority ), an institution with the publicly declared objectives of targeting journalists and identifying individuals and organizations that receive foreign funding and which the Authority suspects undermine the country’s national sovereignty, objectives that local media outlets have warned will empower the Authority with the ability to stifle independent journalism supported by overseas donors; Whereas in Serbia, journalists suffer regular online harassment, smear campaigns, and physical attacks, and the 1999 killing of journalist Slavko Ćuruvija remains unpunished after those formerly convicted for his murder were acquitted, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists; Whereas in Slovakia, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, more than 6 years after the brutal killing of investigative reporter Ján Kuciak and his fiancée, Martina Kušnírová, and despite the hitmen and intermediaries receiving lengthy prison sentences, authorities have been unable to convict the alleged mastermind; Whereas in Turkey, the Government of Recep Tayyip Erdogan maintains one of the world’s most repressive environments for journalists and continues its revolving door policy on detaining journalists, with at least 13 journalists in jail in retaliation for their professional work at the time of the Committee to Protect Journalists' most recent prison census, which was published on December 1, 2023; Whereas Hatice Duman, the longest imprisoned journalist in Turkey, who has been serving a life sentence on terrorism charges since April 9, 2003, told the Committee to Protect Journalists in November 2022 that she had little hope for freedom in her retrial, while her continuing retrial has not instigated any changes on the part of government authorities; Whereas in Azerbaijan, the Government of Ilham Aliyev, who secured a fifth term in an uncompetitive early presidential election in February 2024, mounted a renewed assault on independent media in recent months by detaining 10 journalists, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, from outlets Abzas Media, Kanal 13, and Toplum TV; namely Ulvi Hasanli, Sevinj Vagifgizi, Mahammad Kekalov, Hafiz Babali, Elnara Gasimova, Nargiz Absalamova, Aziz Orujov, Shamo Eminov, Alasgar Mammadli, and Mushfig Jabbar, constituting a crackdown on journalists that was in part retaliation for their reporting on official corruption; Whereas, the Government of Tajikistan continued its systematic repression of the free press in 2022 and 23 by sentencing 7 journalists to lengthy prison terms on spurious charges in secretive, closed-door trials held in detention centers amid allegations of torture and forced confessions, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, including— (1) Ulfatkhonim Mamadshoeva, a 67-year-old ethnic Pamiri journalist and human rights defender, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison; and (2) journalists Daler Imomali, Abdullo Ghurbati, Zavqibek Saidamini, and Abdusattor Pirmuhammadzoda, who were sentenced to terms of imprisonment ranging from 7 to 10 years on spurious charges of extremism; Whereas the Government of Kyrgyzstan, since the beginning of 2022, has taken worrying steps to dismantle the country’s previously vibrant press environment, including by— (1) detaining 11 current and former staff of the investigative reporting outlet Temirov Live, who have reported on corruption allegations among high-level government officials, since January 2024, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists; (2) imposing spurious charges of illegal drug manufacture on Krygyzstan-born investigative journalist Bolot Temirov and deporting him to the Russian Federation in retaliation for his reporting on corruption in the government’s procurement processes, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists; (3) shuttering and blocking investigative outlet Kloop, which is known for its reporting on high-level government corruption, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists; (4) enacting the so-called Foreign Representatives legislation, which will establish extensive state control over externally-funded press freedom groups and nongovernmental organizations that run prominent news sites; and (5) raiding independent news agency 24.kg on fabricated charges, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists; Whereas in Algeria, press freedom continued to deteriorate at an alarming pace in 2023, with 3 journalists in jail as of December 2023, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, 2 of whom are the country's most prominent journalists, including— (1) Mustapha Bendjama, the editor-in-chief and director of local independent news website Le Provincial, who was arrested on February 8, 2023, on foreign funding charges and is currently serving a 6-month prison sentence for committing an illegal immigration crime ; and (2) Ihsane El Kadi, editor-in-chief of local independent news website Maghreb Emergent and Radio M, who was arrested in December 2022, and is serving a 7-year prison sentence on charges of receiving foreign funding for the news outlet he manages; Whereas in Tunisia, press freedom has gravely deteriorated following President Kais Saied’s dismissal of the prime minister on July 25, 2021, and his concomitant suspension of the Parliament of Tunisia, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, in addition to the Tunisian Government’s imprisonment of journalists in 2023, which evince a national context in which the government has broadly suppressed press freedom in the country, including by— (1) raiding multiple local and foreign media outlets and news organizations, and security officers, in several cases, confiscating the organizations’ broadcasting equipment and ordering their offices to close, notably the office of Al Jazeera; and (2) approving a new constitution that is devoid of necessary protections for journalists to pursue their work without fear of censorship and repression; Whereas United States journalists have been victimized while reporting abroad, including— (1) Christopher Allen, who was killed while covering the conflict in South Sudan on August 26, 2017, and for whom there has been no credible investigation to pursue justice after nearly 7 years; (2) Austin Tice, who was kidnapped in Syria and has been held in captivity since August 13, 2012; (3) Brent Renaud, who was killed by Russian forces while covering the war in Ukraine on March 13, 2022; (4) Evan Gershkovich, who was arrested in Russia on charges of espionage on March 29, 2023; and (5) Alsu Kurmasheva, who holds dual United States-Russian citizenship, and who was arrested in Russia on October 18, 2023, on charges of failure to register as a foreign agent; Whereas, under the auspices of the United States Agency for Global Media, the United States Government provides financial assistance to several editorially independent media outlets, including Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks— (1) which report and broadcast news, information, and analysis in critical regions around the world; and (2) whose journalists regularly face harassment, fines, and imprisonment for their work | {
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118-sres-688-is-dtd-7 | 118-sres-688-is-dtd | 118-sres-688 | ; and (2) whose journalists regularly face harassment, fines, and imprisonment for their work; and Whereas press freedom— (1) is a key component of democratic governance, activism in civil society, and socioeconomic development; and (2) enhances public accountability, transparency, and participation in civil society and democratic governance: Now, therefore, be it | {
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118-sres-688-is-dtd-8 | 118-sres-688-is-dtd | 118-sres-688 | That the Senate— (1) declares that a free press— (A) is a central component of free societies and democratic governance; (B) contributes to an informed civil society and government accountability; (C) helps to expose corruption; (D) enhances public accountability and transparency of governments at all levels; and (E) disseminates information that is essential to improving public health and safety; (2) expresses concerns about threats to the exercise of freedom of expression, including by the press, around the world; (3) recognizes and commends journalism’s role in providing trusted, accurate, and timely information and in holding governments and leaders accountable to citizens; (4) recognizes the indispensable role of journalists and media outlets in informing voters and the international community about elections in multiple countries worldwide in 2024; (5) pays tribute to journalists who made tremendous sacrifices, including the loss of their lives, in the pursuit of truth and justice; (6) condemns all actions around the world that suppress press freedom and endanger the safety of journalists; (7) calls for the unconditional and immediate release of all wrongfully detained journalists; (8) reaffirms the centrality of press freedom to efforts of the United States Government to support democracy, mitigate conflict, and promote good governance domestically and around the world; and (9) calls upon the President and the Secretary of State— (A) to preserve and build upon the leadership of the United States on issues relating to press freedom, on the basis of the protections for freedom of the press afforded the American people under the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States; (B) to transparently investigate and bring to justice the perpetrators of attacks against American journalists; (C) to support transparent investigations and efforts to ensure accountability for attacks against journalists of other nationalities; and (D) to promote the respect and protection of press freedom around the world. | {
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118-sres-689-ats-dtd-0 | 118-sres-689-ats-dtd | 118-sres-689 | III 118th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 689 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 15, 2024 Mr. Barrasso (for himself, Mr. Whitehouse , Mrs. Blackburn , and Mrs. Capito ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Supporting the goals and ideals of National Hospital Week, to be observed from May 12 through May 18, 2024.
Whereas, beginning in 1921, National Hospital Day was established by former President Warren G. Harding to be celebrated annually on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, as a way to honor her role in revolutionizing hospital care; Whereas National Hospital Day was established following the Spanish Flu Outbreak of 1918 as a way to build community trust in hospitals; Whereas, beginning in 1953, National Hospital Week was established and continues to coincide with the birthday of Florence Nightingale; Whereas National Hospital Week is a time of year to reflect on the important contributions that hospitals make to provide safe, high-quality health care; Whereas, in 2024, approximately 6,120 hospitals in the United States provide essential and life-saving health care every day in a variety of hospitals settings, including— (1) 1,368 critical access hospitals, which serve as important health care hubs by bringing essential medical services closer to individuals who would otherwise have to travel long distances for health care, provide health care to 1/5 of the United States population residing in rural areas; (2) nearly 1,700 teaching hospitals, of which roughly 300 are major teaching hospitals, such as university hospitals or academic medical centers, that provide essential training to future medical providers; (3) 659 non-Federal psychiatric hospitals that are essential partners in addressing mental health and substance abuse disorders across the United States; and (4) 172 Veterans Affairs medical centers that are uniquely responsible for providing health care to more than 9,000,000 veterans; Whereas, in 2023, hospitals in the United States provided health care to more than 33,000,000 admitted patients, provided emergency care to nearly 137,000,000 patients, and delivered more than 3,500,000 babies; Whereas, in 2024, hospitals employed more than 5,486,000 individuals, including physicians, registered nurses, and allied health professionals; Whereas 45 percent of individuals employed by hospitals are non-clinical staff, including sanitation workers, food service workers, and many others, who work to keep hospitals open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in order to ensure hospitals are always available to individuals that need health care; Whereas hospitals, through direct care and community outreach, can provide the expertise and resources needed to address the unique health care needs that exist in rural and urban areas of the United States; and Whereas hospitals work collaboratively to uphold the health care system of the United States: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) supports the goals and ideals of National Hospital Week, to be observed from May 12 through May 18, 2024; (2) recognizes the significant role that hospitals play in the delivery of health care in the United States; and (3) encourages the people of the United States to observe National Hospital Week with appropriate recognition, ceremonies, activities, and programs to demonstrate the importance of hospitals to the everyday lives of patients and communities. | {
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118-sres-693-ats-dtd-0 | 118-sres-693-ats-dtd | 118-sres-693 | III 118th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 693 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 15, 2024 Ms. Hirono (for herself, Ms. Duckworth , Ms. Collins , Ms. Baldwin , Mr. Blumenthal , Mr. Booker , Ms. Cantwell , Mr. Carper , Mr. Casey , Mr. Coons , Ms. Cortez Masto , Mr. Fetterman , Mrs. Gillibrand , Mr. Kaine , Ms. Klobuchar , Mr. Markey , Mr. Merkley , Mrs. Murray , Mr. Padilla , Ms. Rosen , Mr. Schatz , Ms. Warren , Mr. Wyden , Mr. Reed , Mr. Warnock , Ms. Butler , Ms. Stabenow , Ms. Hassan , Ms. Smith , Mr. Van Hollen , Mr. Durbin , Mr. Cardin , and Mr. Menendez ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Recognizing the significance of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month as an important time to celebrate the significant contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to the history of the United States. | {
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118-sres-693-ats-dtd-1 | 118-sres-693-ats-dtd | 118-sres-693 | Whereas the people of the United States join together each May to pay tribute to the contributions of generations of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders who have enriched the history of the United States; Whereas the history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the United States is inextricably tied to the story of the United States; Whereas the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community is an inherently diverse population, composed of more than 70 distinct ethnicities and speaking more than 100 language dialects; Whereas, according to the Bureau of the Census, the Asian American population grew faster than any other racial or ethnic group over the last decade, growing by nearly 55.5 percent between 2010 and 2020, and during that same time period, the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander population grew by 30.8 percent; Whereas there are more than 24,000,000 residents of the United States who identify as Asian and approximately 1,600,000 residents of the United States who identify as Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, making up more than 7 percent of the total population of the United States; Whereas the month of May was selected for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month because the first Japanese immigrants arrived in the United States on May 7, 1843, and the first transcontinental railroad was completed on May 10, 1869, with substantial contributions from Chinese immigrants; Whereas section 102 of title 36, United States Code, officially designates May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month and requests the President to issue an annual proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe the month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities; Whereas 2024 marks several anniversaries, including— (1) the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, a bicameral caucus of Members of Congress advocating on behalf of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders; (2) the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies, which was founded alongside the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus by former Secretary of Commerce and Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta and former Delegate to the United States House of Representatives from Guam Robert Underwood; (3) the 45th anniversary of the first Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week, designated in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter through Presidential Proclamation 4650 (93 Stat. 1504; relating to Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week); (4) the 50th anniversary of Lau v. Nichols , 414 U.S. 563 (1974), in which the Supreme Court of the United States determined that inadequate supplemental language instruction for students of Chinese ancestry with limited English proficiency violated the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ( 42 U.S.C. 2000a et seq. ), expanding equal educational opportunities and paving the way for bilingual programs and additional English language instruction in public schools; (5) the 100th anniversary of the enactment of the Immigration Act of 1924 (commonly known as the Johnson-Reed Act ) (43 Stat. 153, chapter 190), which imposed national origin quotas that limited the number of immigrants allowed entry into the United States and prohibited the entry of Asian immigrants; and (6) the 155th anniversary of the completion of the first transcontinental railroad, which— (A) in 1869, connected the Central Pacific Railroad and the Union Pacific Railroad at Promontory Summit, Utah; and (B) involved more than 12,000 Chinese laborers who faced racial and wage discrimination despite being entrusted with the most laborious tasks; Whereas Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have made significant contributions to the United States at all levels of the Federal Government and in the Armed Forces, including— (1) Dalip Singh Saund, the first Asian American elected to Congress; (2) Daniel K. Inouye, a Medal of Honor and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient who, as President pro tempore of the Senate, was the then-highest-ranking Asian American government official in the history of the United States; (3) Hiram L. Fong, the first Asian American Senator; (4) Patsy T. Mink, the first woman of color and Asian American woman elected to Congress; (5) Herbert Y.C. Choy, the first Asian American to serve as a Federal judge; (6) Daniel K. Akaka, the first Senator of Native Hawaiian ancestry; (7) Norman Y. Mineta, the first Asian American member of a Presidential cabinet; (8) Elaine L. Chao, the first Asian American woman member of a Presidential cabinet; and (9) Kamala D. Harris, the first woman and the first Asian American to hold the Office of the Vice President; Whereas the 118th Congress includes 21 Members of Asian and Pacific Islander descent; Whereas, in 2024, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus is composed of 76 Members, and other congressional caucuses work on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander issues also; Whereas, in 2024, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders are serving in State and Territorial legislatures across the United States in record numbers, including in— (1) the States of Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming; and (2) the Territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; Whereas Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders represent more than 7 percent of Federal judges and nearly 7 percent of Federal employees, including hundreds of staffers of Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander descent who serve as staff in the Senate and the House of Representatives; Whereas, since March 2020, there has been a dramatic increase in reports of anti-Asian hate crimes and incidents, including those related to the COVID–19 pandemic, including— (1) a 339-percent increase in anti-Asian hate crimes in 2021, and a 124-percent increase in 2020; (2) according to Stop AAPI Hate, over 11,500 hate incidents reported since the start of the COVID–19 pandemic through March 2022, and countless others that have not been reported; (3) on March 16, 2021, the murder of 8 people, including 6 Asian women, at 3 separate Asian-owned businesses in the Atlanta, Georgia, region; and (4) on May 15, 2022, the shooting of 5 people in Laguna Hills, California, in which the Taiwanese congregation at Geneva Presbyterian Church was targeted; Whereas the incidence of hate crimes against Asian Americans continues to be above levels observed before the COVID–19 pandemic; Whereas discrimination against Asian Americans, especially in moments of crisis, is not a new phenomenon, and violence against Asian Americans has occurred throughout United States history, including— (1) the enactment of the Act entitled An Act supplementary to the Acts in relation to Immigration , approved March 3, 1875 (commonly referred to as the Page Act of 1875 ) (18 Stat. 477, chapter 141), which restricted entry of Chinese, Japanese, and other Asian women to the United States and effectively prohibited the immigration of Chinese women, preventing the formation of Chinese families in the United States and limiting the number of native-born Chinese citizens; (2) the enactment of the Act entitled An Act to execute certain treaty stipulations relating to Chinese , approved May 6, 1882 (commonly known as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 ) (22 Stat. 58, chapter 126), which was the first law to explicitly exclude an entire ethnic group from immigrating to the United States; (3) the issuance of Executive Order 9066 in 1942 (7 Fed. 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118-sres-693-ats-dtd-2 | 118-sres-693-ats-dtd | 118-sres-693 | ; (2) the enactment of the Act entitled An Act to execute certain treaty stipulations relating to Chinese , approved May 6, 1882 (commonly known as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 ) (22 Stat. 58, chapter 126), which was the first law to explicitly exclude an entire ethnic group from immigrating to the United States; (3) the issuance of Executive Order 9066 in 1942 (7 Fed. Reg. 1407; relating to authorizing the Secretary of War to prescribe military areas), which authorized the forced relocation and incarceration of approximately 120,000 individuals of Japanese ancestry during World War II, the majority of whom were citizens of the United States; (4) on June 23, 1982, the murder of Vincent Chin; (5) on January 17, 1989, the Cleveland Elementary School shooting in which a gunman used an AK–47 to kill 5 children, 4 of whom were of Southeast Asian descent; (6) the rise in discrimination and violence against Muslim, Sikh, Arab, Middle Eastern, and South Asian Americans following the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001; and (7) on August 5, 2012, the mass shooting at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, in which a white supremacist fatally shot 6 people and wounded 4 others; Whereas, in response to the uptick in anti-Asian hate crimes throughout the COVID–19 pandemic, Congress passed the COVID–19 Hate Crimes Act ( Public Law 117–13 ; 135 Stat. 265), which was signed into law by President Joseph R. Biden on May 20, 2021; Whereas, in celebration of the contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the United States, Congress passed the Commission To Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act ( Public Law 117–140 ; 136 Stat. 1259) to establish a commission to study the creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture, which was signed into law by President Biden on June 13, 2022; Whereas, as part of the American Women Quarters Program, the United States Mint has issued, or will issue, commemorative quarters honoring the contributions of— (1) Chinese American film star Anna May Wong; (2) Native Hawaiian composer and cultural advocate Edith Kanaka’ole; (3) Japanese American Congresswoman Patsy Mink; and (4) Korean American disability justice advocate Stacey Park Milbern; Whereas there remains much to be done to ensure that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders have access to resources and a voice in the Federal Government and continue to advance in the political landscape of the United States; and Whereas celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month provides the people of the United States with an opportunity to recognize the achievements, contributions, and history of, and to understand the challenges faced by, Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders: Now, therefore, be it | {
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118-sres-693-ats-dtd-3 | 118-sres-693-ats-dtd | 118-sres-693 | That the Senate— (1) recognizes the significance of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month as an important time to celebrate the significant contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to the history of the United States; and (2) recognizes that Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities enhance the rich diversity of and strengthen the United States. | {
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118-sres-694-is-dtd-0 | 118-sres-694-is-dtd | 118-sres-694 | III 118th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 694 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 16, 2024 Mr. Ricketts (for himself, Mr. Brown , Ms. Duckworth , Mr. Marshall , Mr. Thune , Ms. Ernst , Ms. Klobuchar , Mr. Moran , Ms. Smith , Mr. Grassley , Mrs. Fischer , and Mr. Rounds ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources RESOLUTION Expressing support for the designation of May 2024 as Renewable Fuels Month to recognize the important role that renewable fuels play in reducing carbon impacts, lowering fuel prices for consumers, supporting rural communities, and lessening reliance on foreign adversaries.
Whereas the United States is the largest producer of biofuels in the world, which contributes to the domestic economy, creates jobs, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions; Whereas ethanol is a renewable fuel made of biomass from plant materials; Whereas, in 2023, more than 72,463 jobs in the United States were directly associated with the ethanol industry, with an additional 322,000 indirect and induced jobs supported across all sectors of the economy; Whereas the ethanol industry created $32,500,000,000 in household income and contributed more than $54,200,000,000 to the gross domestic product of the United States; Whereas ethanol and feed co-product production provide a valuable market for United States corn, as a typical dry mill ethanol plant adds nearly $2 of additional value to every bushel of corn processed; Whereas ethanol use reduces greenhouse gas emissions by between 44 and 52 percent compared to gasoline, and, by displacing hydrocarbon substances like aromatics in gasoline, ethanol also helps reduce emissions of air toxins, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides, and exhaust hydrocarbons; Whereas, in 2023, ethanol played a vital role in bolstering the energy independence of the United States by supplementing nearly 525,000,000 barrels of crude oil; Whereas 1⁄3 of every bushel processed by an ethanol plant is used to make distillers grains, one of the most efficient animal feeds available; Whereas biodiesel is a drop-in replacement for petroleum-based diesel fuel that is produced from renewable resources such as recycled cooking oil, soybean oil, distillers corn oil, canola oil, and animal fats; Whereas renewable diesel is an advanced biofuel, made from the same feedstocks as biodiesel, that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, while meeting the same standard specification for diesel fuels as petroleum-based diesel; Whereas producing a total of 6,000,000,000 gallons of biodiesel and renewable diesel would support 187,000 full-time equivalent jobs, with more than $8,800,000,000 in wages and $61,600,000,000 in total economic impact; Whereas biodiesel and renewable diesel can be used in existing diesel engines without modification and are available throughout the United States; Whereas advanced biofuels like biodiesel and renewable diesel reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 percent compared to petroleum-based diesel; Whereas biodiesel emits up to 80 percent less particulate matter than petroleum-based diesel, improving air quality and health outcomes; Whereas the production of biodiesel and renewable diesel adds to the total domestic fuel supply, reducing the price of all diesel fuel at the pump; Whereas, without the renewable fuel standard helping to drive production of biodiesel and renewable diesel, the value of soybeans grown by farmers in the United States would decrease by 8 percent; Whereas sustainable aviation fuel is made from renewable biomass and waste resources and can deliver the performance of petroleum-based jet fuel; and Whereas sustainable aviation fuel can be blended with conventional jet fuel and the use of sustainable or blended aviation fuel requires no infrastructure or equipment changes: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) supports the designation of May 2024 as Renewable Fuels Month ; and (2) recognizes— (A) the important role renewable fuels play in reducing the carbon impact of the United States; (B) the ability of renewable fuels to lower fuel prices for consumers; (C) the support to rural communities that renewable fuel industries provide; and (D) the opportunity that the production of renewable fuels provides to lessen the reliance of the United States on foreign adversaries. | {
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118-sres-700-is-dtd-0 | 118-sres-700-is-dtd | 118-sres-700 | III 118th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 700 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 21, 2024 Mr. Murphy (for himself, Mr. Cassidy , and Mr. Kaine ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations RESOLUTION Supporting the efforts of the United States and international partners to facilitate a security environment that is conducive to holding free and fair elections in Haiti and promoting a durable return to democratic governance. | {
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118-sres-700-is-dtd-1 | 118-sres-700-is-dtd | 118-sres-700 | Whereas, on July 7, 2021, Jovenel Moïse, the former President of Haiti, was assassinated in his home, aggravating a complex and dynamic political crisis which has debilitated the capacity of the country; Whereas, in the absence of a functioning and democratically elected central government in Haiti, criminal gangs have flourished, often with the backing of the country’s political and economic elites, creating a security vacuum and humanitarian crisis that has exposed Haitians to the overwhelming threat of indiscriminate violence, including rampant gender-based violence; Whereas widespread gang violence in Haiti has culminated in killings and kidnappings of civilians, including at least 1 United States citizen; Whereas criminal gangs have seized control of up to 80 percent of Port-au-Prince and critical infrastructure, including health care providers, schools, and transit facilities; Whereas, according to the International Organization for Migration, more than 350,000 Haitians are internally displaced, with gang violence accounting for 93 percent of such displacement; Whereas, according to the United Nations, 3,334 Haitians were victims of intentional homicide between January 1 and September 30, 2023, while the projected homicide rate per 100,000 people doubled compared to the 2022 homicide rate; Whereas gangs in Haiti have routinely engaged in kidnaping for ransom, abducting 1,787 people between January 1 and September 30, 2023; Whereas, as of March 2024, there were 79,411 suspected cases of cholera in Haiti and the risk of a cholera outbreak has been exacerbated by the gangs’ control of critical infrastructure, including hospitals and health clinics; Whereas endemic corruption in Haiti, which ranked 171 out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index, which is worse than the 2017 ranking of 157 out of 180, has entrenched criminal gangs, deprived Haitians of economic prosperity, and presents significant obstacles to lasting government reform; Whereas the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs issued an appeal for $674,000,000 in February 2024 to meet the needs of an estimated 3,600,000 Haitians who require humanitarian assistance (12 percent more Haitians than were supported in 2023) and are highly vulnerable as a result of the worsening security situation and near-collapse of basic services in Haiti; Whereas, according to the World Food Programme, 4,950,000 Haitians were food insecure as of September 2023, and 68 percent of the country’s population had insufficient food consumption as of March 2024; Whereas the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has documented that illicit firearms and drug trafficking from the United States to Haiti have, in part, fueled the cycle of violence across Haiti; Whereas, on June 25, 2022, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act ( Public Law 117–159 ) made gun trafficking a Federal offense and granted the government new authorities to hold firearms smugglers accountable and to prosecute perpetrators; Whereas Homeland Security Investigations, in coordination with the Department of State, has utilized these new authorities to set up a Transnational Criminal Intelligence Unit in Haiti to work with the Haitian National Police to investigate and prosecute transnational crimes, including firearms and ammunition smuggling, human trafficking, and transnational gang activity; Whereas, in July 2023, the Department of Justice appointed the first United States Coordinator for Caribbean Firearms Prosecutions to ensure collaboration with the Department of State and investigate gun-related crimes in the region; Whereas, on November 16, 2023, Haiti and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives signed a memorandum of understanding to facilitate cooperation through the eTrace system, an investigative tool used by the bureau to track firearms used in criminal activity, including their purchase history and manufacturer or importer; Whereas the interim government of Prime Minister Ariel Henry was not duly elected to office and lacked the constitutional or public legitimacy to unilaterally organize free and fair elections; Whereas the expiration of the terms of the majority of the members of the Parliament of Haiti on January 10, 2023, without elected officials to succeed them, led to the suspension of the legislature’s activities and have left the Haitian people without a functioning government; Whereas, in February 2023, the interim government appointed members to the High Transition Council, which is charged with facilitating a roadmap for eventual democratic elections, but progress was hampered by gang violence and a failure by Prime Minister Henry to reach political consensus with major opposition parties; Whereas, on October 6, 2022, Prime Minister Henry and 18 members of the Council of Ministers issued an appeal to the international community for security assistance and technical support to assist the Haitian National Police’s efforts to combat gang violence; Whereas, on October 2, 2023, the United Nations Security Council overwhelmingly voted to adopt Resolution 2699/2023, which authorizes the formation and deployment of a Multinational Security Support (referred to in this preamble as the MSS ) mission to re-establish security and the Government of Kenya has subsequently agreed to lead the MSS mission in close coordination with the Government of Haiti; Whereas United Nations Security Council Resolution 2699/2023 authorizes the MSS mission to provide operational support to the Haitian National Police— (1) to support the provision of security for critical infrastructure and transit locations; (2) to help to ensure unhindered and safe access to humanitarian aid; and (3) to build security conditions that are conducive to holding free and fair elections in Haiti; Whereas the Government of Kenya has volunteered to send 1,000 police officers to support the MSS mission and the Kenyan parliament has subsequently voted to approve this action; Whereas, on April 25, 2024, Ariel Henry resigned as prime minister and a 9-member transitional presidential council, composed of representatives from political parties and civil society, was sworn in and charged with— (1) selecting a new prime minister; (2) appointing members to an electoral commission to facilitate the election; and (3) swearing in a new president by February 7, 2026; Whereas Caribbean Community (commonly known as CARICOM ) member states are vital partners in supporting the MSS mission and Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Chad, Guyana, and Jamaica have each publicly committed to contributing personnel or resources to the MSS mission; Whereas the MSS mission is not a substitute for a sustainable, professional, and well-equipped Haitian National Police that protects and serves the entirety of the Haitian people; Whereas Congress, through the passage of the Haiti Development, Accountability, and Institutional Transparency Initiative Act (division V of Public Law 117–103 ), has previously directed the Secretary of State to prioritize the protection of human rights and anti-corruption efforts in Haiti and urges the Department of State to integrate these priorities into oversight and accountability mechanisms for the MSS mission; Whereas a Haitian-led, inclusive, and sustainable political solution is the only path forward for the country to restore security, the rule of law, democratic institutions, and economic stability; and Whereas the international community and those contributing to the MSS mission must ensure that— (1) the MSS mission does not inadvertently support nondemocratic actors who would attempt to seize on improved security conditions to entrench their own power or perpetuate instability; and (2) lessons learned from previous international missions in Haiti, including the need to promote respect for human rights and promote accountability, are applied: Now, therefore, be it | {
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118-sres-700-is-dtd-2 | 118-sres-700-is-dtd | 118-sres-700 | That the Senate— (1) recognizes the urgent need to restore peace and security and alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Haiti as part of an overarching strategy— (A) to promote a return to democratic governance in the country; and (B) to ensure that Haitians enjoy their right to liberty and security of person; (2) supports a MSS mission, as authorized by the United Nations Security Council on October 2, 2023, which adequately— (A) complies with international law, including international human rights law, as applicable; (B) takes all necessary steps to protect civilians and respect the rule of law; (C) maintains the popular support of the Haitian people; (D) consults with and incorporates feedback from impacted populations, with attention to vulnerable communities, including women, children, and the economically disadvantaged; and (E) is bound by strict time constraints and is subject to oversight and renewal by the United Nations Security Council in specified increments; (3) applauds the assistance and other support the Department of State and the Department of Defense have provided to secure intelligence, airlift, communications, and medical support for the MSS mission; (4) commends the support offered to-date by CARICOM and international partners, including Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Benin, Chad, Guyana, and Jamaica, which is necessary to operationalize the MSS mission; (5) calls on other members of the international community to pledge financial assistance, logistical and operational support, and personnel to the MSS mission to the greatest extent possible; (6) endorses international election monitoring in Haiti in support of free and fair elections; and (7) encourages additional assistance from the United States and the international community to address Haiti’s humanitarian needs, including through additional contributions to the United Nations Humanitarian Appeal for fiscal year 2024 and for subsequent fiscal years. | {
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118-sres-701-ats-dtd-0 | 118-sres-701-ats-dtd | 118-sres-701 | III 118th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 701 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 22, 2024 Mr. Carper (for himself, Mrs. Capito , Mr. Boozman , Mr. Cardin , Mr. Cramer , Mr. Kelly , Mr. Wicker , Mr. Whitehouse , and Ms. Lummis ) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating the week of May 19 through May 25, 2024, as “National Public Works Week”.
Whereas public works professionals work around the clock to ensure the vital infrastructure, facilities, and services of communities to deliver dependable, sustainable, and resilient human needs that include the health, safety, and well-being of the people of the United States, while advancing the quality of life for all; Whereas public works infrastructure, facilities, and services could not be provided without the dedicated efforts of public works professionals who represent Federal, State, and local governments, and private sector organizations throughout the United States; Whereas public works professionals design, build, operate, and maintain the transportation systems, water infrastructure, sewage and refuse disposal systems, public buildings, sanitation and waste management systems, and other structures and facilities that are vital to the people and communities of the United States; Whereas many public works professionals are first responders and are the first to arrive and last to leave a natural disaster area or incident scene; and Whereas understanding the role that public infrastructure plays in protecting the environment, improving public health and safety, contributing to economic vitality, and enhancing the quality of life of every community of the United States is in the interest of the people of the United States: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) designates the week of May 19 through May 25, 2024, as National Public Works Week ; (2) recognizes and celebrates the important contributions that public works professionals make every day to improve— (A) the public infrastructure of the United States; and (B) the health, safety, and well-being of our communities that public works professionals serve; and (3) urges individuals and communities throughout the United States to join with representatives of the Federal Government and the American Public Works Association in activities and ceremonies that are designed— (A) to pay tribute to the public works professionals of the United States; and (B) to recognize the substantial contributions that public works professionals make to the United States. | {
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118-sres-702-is-dtd-0 | 118-sres-702-is-dtd | 118-sres-702 | III 118th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 702 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 23, 2024 Mr. Luján (for himself and Mr. Rubio ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Recognizing the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the musical heritage of the United States and designating May 2024 as Latin Music Appreciation Month . | {
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118-sres-702-is-dtd-1 | 118-sres-702-is-dtd | 118-sres-702 | Whereas Latin music styles such as rancheras, corridos, mariachi, salsa, merengue, bachata, cumbia, reggaeton, urban, cumbia, tango, and a multitude of others, and their fusion with other genres, such as jazz, rock, hip hop, and pop, have played a pivotal role in enriching the cultural fabric of the United States, influencing everything from music and dance to fashion and entertainment; Whereas Latin music, characterized by its vibrant rhythms, rich melodies, and diverse instrumentation, encompasses a wide array of musical styles and genres originating from Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as their respective diasporas around the world; Whereas the rich musical traditions of Latin America and the Caribbean were deeply influenced by indigenous cultures, European colonization, particularly Spanish and Portuguese, the legacy of African slavery, and the vibrant cultural heritage of each region and country, all of which contributed to the development of diverse genres in the United States; Whereas the roots of Mexican music in the United States can be traced back to rich musical traditions that existed in Mexico before the annexation of Mexican territories, including present-day New Mexico, Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming, by the United States following the Mexican-American War; Whereas, throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, various waves of Mexican immigrants came to the United States for work, particularly in agriculture, mining, and railroad construction, settling in regions such as Texas, California, Arizona, and New Mexico, and bringing their music with them; Whereas Mexican music in the United States encompasses various regional styles, including ranchera, norteño, tejano, conjunto, mariachi, and corridos, originating from different parts of Mexico but popularized and adapted within Mexican-American communities in the United States; Whereas the lifestyle and the social issues that Mexicans faced are reflected in corridos, a music genre that originated during the Mexican War of Independence and the Mexican Revolution, spreading to the southwestern frontier of the United States and contributing to the development of Tejano and New Mexican music, Whereas mariachi music stems from the traditional ‘son jaliscience’, and was initially played by field hands working at haciendas and humble street performers, and was subsequently promoted by the Government of Mexico in the early 1920s; Whereas mariachi ensembles, which can include violins, accordions, trumpets, guitars, and singers, have since been prominently featured in a myriad of cultural celebrations, including birthday festivities, quinceañeras, and weddings, and in prestigious concert halls; Whereas banda, a style of Mexican music characterized by wind instruments including primarily brass and percussion, has its roots dating back to the mid-19th century, with the introduction of piston brass instruments, as community musicians sought to emulate military bands, and encompasses a fusion of traditional dance rhythms such as polka, cumbia, son, and waltz, and notable performers in the genre include Jenny Rivera, Chalino, Banda MS, and Banda El Recodo; Whereas Caribbean Latin music has had influences in the United States since the mid to late 1800s, with notable contributions from composers like Ignacio Piñeiro, Louis Moreau Gottschalk, and Ignacio Cervantes, whose works helped introduce Latin rhythms and melodies to audiences in the United States; Whereas the Cuban version of the habanera, exposed to New Orleans in the 19th century, laid the foundation for the appreciation of Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Dominican musical styles in the United States; Whereas Cuban immigration to the United States, spurred by communism as a result of the Cuban Revolution and the Castro dictatorship, has fostered cultural exchanges that contributed to the development of new musical genres, most prominently in Florida; Whereas, in the aftermath of the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico became a United States territory, granting its people citizenship and fostering a unique cultural exchange between Puerto Ricans and individuals in the mainland United States, which culminated in a significant migration wave of Puerto Ricans to cities like New York in the mid-20th century; Whereas the establishment of Spanish-language newspapers, such as La Prensa in New York City in 1913, contributed to the dissemination of Latin music and culture among tens of thousands of Puerto Ricans and immigrants from Latin America and the Caribbean who migrated to New York City; Whereas a convergence of Puerto Rican, Cuban, and other Caribbean immigrants, particularly in New York City, infused music in the United States with Afro-Cuban rhythms and jazz improvisation and gave rise to the vibrant musical genre of salsa in the United States, which left a lasting mark on the cultural landscape of the United States; Whereas the introduction of Afro-Cuban music, including the rumba by Don Azpiazu’s Havana Casino Orchestra in the 1930s, sparked a Latin music craze in the United States with hits like “Peanut Vendor” by Moises Simons becoming national sensations; Whereas, by the close of the 1940s, Latin music had firmly established its presence in the United States, influencing various genres and becoming an integral part of the musical heritage of the United States; Whereas Tito Puente, a Puerto Rican musical luminary known as both the King of Mambo and the King of Latin Music , left an indelible mark on the world of Latin music through his groundbreaking compositions, including the iconic Oye Como Va , famously popularized by Carlos Santana; Whereas Puente’s innovative blend of Cuban and Caribbean sounds such as mambo, son, and cha-cha-chá resonated with mainstream audiences, solidifying his status as a cultural icon both in the United States and internationally; Whereas, in 1959, Ritchie Valens became a trailblazer in the music industry with his iconic rendition of the song La Bamba becoming the first Latin song to enter the Hot 100 Billboard chart, marking a significant milestone for Chicano Rock; Whereas Celia Cruz, the incomparable Queen of Salsa and a pioneer of Afro-Cuban music, infused traditional guarachas with modern flair, elevated the genre to global acclaim with timeless classics like La Vida Es un Carnaval , and left an enduring legacy in the realm of Latin music; Whereas Celia Cruz served as a musical ambassador with her dynamic performances and impassioned vocals that transcended cultural boundaries, solidifying her status as a global icon; Whereas Johnny Pacheco, revered as the Grandfather of Salsa , emerged as a leading figure in the vibrant New York salsa scene during the 1960s and 1970s, contributing significantly to the genre’s development, and served as the musical director of Fania Records; Whereas Los Tigres del Norte, a Mexican band renowned for their poignant portrayal of social issues and immigrant experiences in the United States through songs like La jaula de oro and América , have been honored with multiple Grammy awards, contributing significantly to the popularization of the corridos genre within the United States starting in 1968 and continuing to the present day; Whereas Vicente Fernandez, a singer, actor, film producer, and the King of Ranchera Music , made significant contributions to ranchera music, earning him Grammy and Latin Grammy awards, selling over 50,000,000 records, and receiving the title of the greatest Mexican singer of all time by Rolling Stone; Whereas Alejandro Fernandez, El Potrillo , continues the legacy of ranchera music, having sold over 20,000,000 albums across the world; Whereas Gloria Estefan, a Cuban-American singer, songwriter, actress, Grammy award winner, and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, emerged as a pioneering figure in Latin pop music during the 1980s and 1990s, achieving international acclaim with hits such as Conga , which fused Latin rhythms with contemporary pop sensibilities, and her contributions to the genre helped propel Latin music into the mainstream | {
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118-sres-702-is-dtd-2 | 118-sres-702-is-dtd | 118-sres-702 | ; Whereas Gloria Estefan, a Cuban-American singer, songwriter, actress, Grammy award winner, and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, emerged as a pioneering figure in Latin pop music during the 1980s and 1990s, achieving international acclaim with hits such as Conga , which fused Latin rhythms with contemporary pop sensibilities, and her contributions to the genre helped propel Latin music into the mainstream; Whereas Emilio Estefan, a prominent and visionary figure in the Latin music industry, has made significant contributions to the genre as an award-winning songwriter, producer, musician, mentor, and entrepreneur, and was the first artist to receive the grand distinction of Person of the Year during the Latin Grammy Awards in 2000; Whereas, from establishing the Miami Sound Machine to working with renowned artists such as Gloria Estefan, Marc Anthony, Alejandro Fernandez, Jon Secada, Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, and Shakira, Emilio Estefan’s influence has been instrumental in defining Latin crossover and introducing Latin rhythms and culture to mainstream audiences worldwide; Whereas Selena Quintanilla, known as the “Queen of Tejano Music”, left a profound and enduring impact on the United States through her distinctive fusion of Tejano music with contemporary pop and R&B, captivating audiences across the United States and beyond as a Mexican-American artist, and her legacy continues beyond the 1980s and 1990s, resonating with fans to this day; Whereas bachata, with its blend of European, indigenous Taino, and African elements, reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Dominican Republic; Whereas the pioneering work of the band Aventura, originating in New York, played a significant role in popularizing the genre of bachata in the United States, garnering widespread popularity and acclaim; Whereas Cuban reggaeton and tropical duo Gente de Zona, which emerged from the streets of the island and is now a world-renowned group, transcended barriers to ignite hope for the people of Cuba with their historic Spanish hip-hop song Patria y Vida, authored by Yotuel and Beatriz Luengo; Whereas Maná is considered the most influential Latino rock band and is one of the best-selling Latin music artists in the world, with over 25,000,000 records sold worldwide, and was the first band ever to be recognized as Person of the Year during the Latin Grammy Awards; Whereas Juan Luis Guerra was the first artist ever to receive a Latin Grammy Award during the first televised Latin Grammy Award ceremony for Ni Es Lo Mismo Ni Es Igual ; Whereas Latin music has continued to evolve and incorporate diverse styles and influences from various countries and regions, and has been popularized by artists like Shakira, Maná, Vicente Fernandez, Alejandro Fernandez, Juan Gabriel, J Balvin, Ozuna, Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull, Karol G, Peso Pluma, Pepe Aguilar, and Bad Bunny, among many others; Whereas Daddy Yankee, a Puerto Rican artist, emerged as a pioneer of reggaeton, a genre blending Caribbean rhythms with hip-hop and reggae influences, and played a pivotal role in elevating reggaeton to a global phenomenon in the early 2000s, with his groundbreaking hits, including Gasolina and Despacito , the largest globally streamed Spanish song to date; Whereas the Latin Grammy Award ceremony was the first bilingual primetime program to be aired on an English-language television network in the United States, and it celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2024; Whereas the Latin Grammy Foundation is a global champion for music education and empowers communities through Latin music and culture, successfully cultivating the next generation of Latin music creators through various scholarships, educational programs and grants, and educational opportunities that advance Latin music and its heritage; Whereas People en Español is one of the most trusted voices in Hispanic culture that, for almost 30 years, has celebrated Latin music and culture, covering in its pages and digital space the evolution of Latin music, singers, and musicians who have captivated a worldwide audience; Whereas Leila Cobo is considered one of the world’s leading authorities in Latin music, as the first journalist based in the United States to prominently cover Latin music daily, and has been instrumental in transforming its coverage and perception in the United States; Whereas, according to the Recording Industry Association of America, Latin music earned a record-breaking $1,400,000,000 in 2023, following all-time high revenues in 2022; Whereas Latin music artists have significantly contributed to cross-cultural exchanges, civic participation, political movements, and philanthropy, utilizing their influential platforms to advocate for social causes and engage with diverse communities; Whereas the Hispanic population in the United States has grown significantly, accounting for approximately 19 percent of the total population as of the 2020 Census, and continues to contribute to the rich cultural tapestry of the United States; Whereas continued influence and cultural exchange between the United States and the Spanish-speaking world, including Mexico, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Guatemala, Venezuela, Honduras, Argentina, Peru, Brazil, and Spain, continues to elevate the cultural importance of Latin music in the United States; and Whereas Latino culture, including its vibrant music traditions, is celebrated and honored at events such as Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, Latin music festivals, and other cultural gatherings throughout the United States, showcasing the enduring influence and significance of Latin music and heritage in the society of the United States: Now, therefore, be it | {
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118-sres-702-is-dtd-3 | 118-sres-702-is-dtd | 118-sres-702 | That the Senate— (1) designates May 2024 as Latin Music Appreciation Month ; and (2) recognizes— (A) the importance of music produced, written, and performed by Hispanic and Latino Americans to the musical heritage of the United States; (B) the Hispanic and Latino musical artists, composers, songwriters, and musicians whose contributions to music are underrecognized; (C) the achievements, talent, and hard work of Hispanic and Latino pioneer artists, and the obstacles that those artists overcame to gain recognition; (D) the importance of celebrating and uplifting music made by Hispanic and Latino artists to understand the contributions that Hispanic and Latino artists have made to the fabric of history and art in the United States; and (E) National Hispanic Heritage Month and Latin Music Appreciation Month as an important time to— (i) celebrate the impact of Latin music on the musical heritage of the United States; and (ii) encourage greater awareness of the cultural importance and history of Latin music so that Latino and Hispanic history and culture can be preserved. | {
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118-sres-703-is-dtd-0 | 118-sres-703-is-dtd | 118-sres-703 | III 118th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 703 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 23, 2024 Ms. Duckworth (for herself, Mrs. Murray , Mr. Heinrich , Mr. Welch , Mr. Markey , Ms. Smith , Mr. Merkley , Mr. Padilla , Ms. Hirono , Ms. Stabenow , Mr. Casey , and Mr. Booker ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Designating a day in May 2024, as “Disability Reproductive Equity Day”.
Whereas, in the United States, there are approximately 1 in 4 adults with disabilities, 1 in 10 people with disabilities who are able to become pregnant, and approximately 4,100,000 parents with disabilities; Whereas this country has witnessed a long history of reproductive coercion impacting people with disabilities, including through the discriminatory Supreme Court decision Buck v. Bell, 274 U.S. 200 (1927), which upheld State laws authorizing involuntary sterilization of people with disabilities and which has never been overturned; Whereas 31 States and Washington, DC currently have laws explicitly allowing the forced sterilization of people with disabilities; Whereas people with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in congregate care facilities are at an increased risk of physical and sexual abuse, and the majority of these abuses go unreported; Whereas women with disabilities are almost twice as likely as women without disabilities to experience sexual violence in their lifetime; Whereas people with disabilities face unique barriers when accessing reproductive health care and exercising their reproductive and sexual health, autonomy, and freedom, including— (1) harmful stereotypes about, and attitudes towards, people with disabilities; (2) legal barriers and lack of consent due to guardianship; (3) financial barriers; (4) language and communication barriers; (5) delays in receiving preventative services; (6) a lack of accessible health care facilities, medical diagnostic equipment, and travel; and (7) a lack of health care providers with training on, and knowledge of, the needs of people with disabilities receiving reproductive health care; Whereas people with and without disabilities want children at the same frequency, but people with disabilities are less likely to receive contraception counseling and timely prenatal care, experience a higher rate of sterilization, and are at a greater risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes; Whereas an ongoing legacy of reproductive oppression of people with disabilities, especially women with disabilities, people of color with disabilities, people with disabilities with low incomes, and LGBTQI+ people with disabilities, has deprived many of their reproductive autonomy; Whereas nearly 2 years after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113 (1973) in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, 142 S. Ct. 2228 (2022), nearly 3,000,000 reproductive-aged women with disabilities live in States that have, or are likely to have, abortion bans; Whereas State laws and court decisions in at least 21 States have restricted access to reproductive health care, including abortion care, disproportionally harming people who already face barriers to reproductive health care, including people with disabilities; Whereas section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ( 29 U.S.C. 794 ), titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ( 42 U.S.C. 12131 et seq. ; 42 U.S.C. 12181 et seq. ), and section 1557 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ( 42 U.S.C. 18116 ) prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities and provide them with the right to equitably access and receive health care; and Whereas all people, including people with disabilities, have the right to decide if, when, and how to start and raise a family: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) designates a day in May 2024, as Disability Reproductive Equity Day to support and bring awareness to the right of people with disabilities to reproductive and sexual health, autonomy, and freedom; (2) pledges to advance the right of people with disabilities to reproductive and sexual health, autonomy, and freedom; and (3) calls on the President to continue to fulfill the promise of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to support, bolster, and protect the right of people with disabilities to reproductive and sexual health, autonomy, and freedom. | {
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118-sres-704-is-dtd-0 | 118-sres-704-is-dtd | 118-sres-704 | 118th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 704 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 23, 2024 Mr. Booker (for himself, Mr. Scott of South Carolina , Mr. Coons , and Mr. Young ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations RESOLUTION Recognizing the strategic importance of Kenya to the United States and celebrating the 60-year anniversary of United States-Kenya relations.
Whereas the United States and Kenya established diplomatic relations on May 23, 1964, after Kenya gained independence in 1963, and have since developed a strong and enduring bilateral partnership; Whereas bilateral engagement between the United States and Kenya expanded after Kenya’s historic 2002 general elections, when a coalition of opposition parties won a majority in both the presidential and parliamentary elections, ending decades of dominance by the Kenyan African National Union; Whereas Kenya took steps to bolster its democratic institutions in 2010, in the wake of the devastating post-election violence following the presidential election held on December 27, 2007, by adopting a transformative new constitution with a bill of rights and new checks and balances, including a more deliberate separation of government powers and the devolution of certain authorities to new county governments; Whereas Kenya has become one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest economies, a regional hub for transportation and finance, and a cornerstone of stability and prosperity in East Africa; Whereas, in August 2018, the United States and Kenya formally elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership and established a corresponding bilateral strategic dialogue, prioritizing 5 pillars of engagement, including— (1) economic prosperity, trade, and investment; (2) defense cooperation; (3) democracy, governance, and civilian security; (4) multilateral and regional issues; and (5) public health cooperation; Whereas the United States is a major trading partner with Kenya, which is a leading beneficiary of preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunities Act ( 19 U.S.C. 3701 et seq. ) and a participant in the Prosper Africa initiative; Whereas the United States and Kenya entered bilateral negotiations on a future free trade agreement on July 8, 2020; Whereas, on July 14, 2022, the United States and Kenya launched Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership negotiations to increase bilateral trade and investment cooperation; Whereas Kenya’s dynamic and growing market-based economy offers increased economic opportunities for public and private partnerships that advance United States strategic and economic interests; Whereas Kenya is at the forefront of improving environmental resilience and is a top tourism destination known for its biodiversity and conservation efforts; Whereas, on September 25, 2023, the United States and Kenya signed a 5-year framework for defense cooperation to guide mutual defense cooperation, enhance interoperability, and advance shared security interests; Whereas military-to-military ties between the United States and Kenya have deepened through coordinating and participating in bilateral and multilateral military exercises and Kenya hosting United States forces at Manda Bay; Whereas the United States and Kenya have worked together to address shared security and counterterrorism concerns in Kenya and the broader region, including in Somalia, where Kenya has contributed forces for over a decade— (1) to counter Al-Shabaab; and (2) to support Somalia through the African Union mission; Whereas Kenya is a key strategic partner in responding to Iranian-backed Houthi attacks against vessels in the Red Sea through its participation in Operation Prosperity Guardian; Whereas in 2011, Kenya re-established the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights as an autonomous institution to monitor government compliance with internationally recognized human rights and investigate alleged human rights violations; Whereas Kenya has a flourishing civil society that is supported through constitutional guarantees and a new, more predictable regulatory environment under the Public Benefits Organization Act 2013, which came into effect on May 14, 2024; Whereas Kenya plays a critical role in supporting regional cooperation and integration as a key member of the East African Community; Whereas Kenya has volunteered to mediate multiple regional conflicts; Whereas Kenya has been a leading African voice in multilateral forums, including during its 2021–2022 term on the United Nations Security Council, against Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, reaffirming its respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and standing in defense of multilateralism; Whereas the United States and Kenya have a long history of partnering to address critical public health crises, including through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (commonly known as PEPFAR ); Whereas the United States and Kenya have developed strong people-to-people ties as the foundation for deeper cooperation, as evidenced by— (1) more than 200 Kenyans participating in United States Government-sponsored exchange programs each year; and (2) an average of more than 250,000 Americans visiting Kenya annually; and Whereas the diverse Kenyan American community has made critical contributions to the culture and economy of the United States and forms one of the strongest bonds linking our countries together: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) celebrates 60 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and Kenya; (2) reaffirms the strong partnership between the United States and Kenya, which is rooted in a shared commitment to upholding peace, security, and prosperity; (3) recognizes Kenya’s role in regional security, including maritime security, and its efforts to foster stability in the Horn and East Africa; (4) calls for continued cooperation between the United States and Kenya in promoting, strengthening, and defending shared democratic values and respect for human rights; (5) encourages the United States and Kenya to continue to expand trade and economic cooperation; (6) encourages Kenya’s efforts to improve its business environment, domestic economic reforms, anti-corruption measures, and counter-money laundering efforts; (7) commits to strengthening and deepening diplomatic, economic, commercial, security, and people-to-people ties between the United States and Kenya; (8) encourages the Department of State to look at all available tools to help address Kenya’s debt crisis and counter economic coercion by the People's Republic of China; (9) appreciates the contributions of the Kenyan diaspora community to the United States; and (10) acknowledges the potential of the bilateral relationship— (A) to bring significant benefit to the citizens of both nations; and (B) to address security, economic, and environmental challenges across the region and worldwide. | {
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118-sres-705-is-dtd-0 | 118-sres-705-is-dtd | 118-sres-705 | III 118th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 705 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 23, 2024 Mr. Cornyn (for himself, Mr. Cruz , Ms. Sinema , Mr. Tester , Mr. Tillis , Mr. Risch , Mr. Crapo , Mr. Cramer , Mr. Lankford , Mr. Manchin , Mr. Daines , Ms. Collins , Mr. Kelly , Mr. Kennedy , Mr. King , Ms. Cortez Masto , Mr. Graham , Mr. Scott of Florida , Mr. Hoeven , Mr. Budd , and Mr. Peters ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs RESOLUTION Recognizing May 28, 2024, as the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Border Patrol and commending the service of the U.S. Border Patrol to the United States people.
Whereas the Mounted Guard was assigned to the Immigration Service under the Department of Commerce and Labor from 1904 to 1924; Whereas the founding members of this Mounted Guard included Texas Rangers, sheriffs, and deputized cowboys who patrolled the Texas frontier looking for smugglers, rustlers, and people illegally entering the United States; Whereas, following the Department of Labor Appropriation Act of May 28, 1924, the Border Patrol was established within the Bureau of Immigration, with an initial force of 450 patrol inspectors, an annual budget of $1,000,000, and $1,300 in annual pay for each patrol inspector, with each patrolman furnishing his own horse; Whereas changes regarding illegal immigration and increases of contraband alcohol traffic brought about the need for this young patrol force to have formal training in border enforcement; Whereas, during the U.S. Border Patrol’s 100-year history, Border Patrol agents have been deputized as United States Marshals on numerous occasions; Whereas the U.S. Border Patrol’s highly trained and motivated personnel have also assisted in controlling civil disturbances, performing national security details, aided in foreign training and assessments, and responded with security and humanitarian assistance in the aftermath of numerous natural disasters; Whereas the present force of over 19,000 agents and 3,000 professional staff, located in 129 stations and 35 permanent checkpoints under 22 sectors, is responsible for protecting more than 8,000 miles of international land and water boundaries; Whereas the U.S. Border Patrol has also been assigned additional interdiction duties, and is the primary agency responsible for drug interdiction between ports of entry; Whereas Border Patrol agents have a dual role of protecting the borders and enforcing immigration laws in a fair and humane manner; and Whereas the U.S. Border Patrol has a historic mission of firm commitment to the enforcement of immigration laws, but also one fraught with danger, as illustrated by the fact that 155 Border Patrol agents and pilots have lost their lives in the line of duty: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) recognizes the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Border Patrol on May 28, 2024; (2) applauds the significant achievements of the U.S. Border Patrol; (3) commends the tens of thousands of men and women who have served in the ranks of the U.S. Border Patrol; (4) remembers the 155 agents and pilots who have lost their lives in the performance of their duties; and (5) offers its support for policies to improve the working conditions, hiring processes, and retention of Border Patrol agents. | {
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118-sres-709-is-dtd-0 | 118-sres-709-is-dtd | 118-sres-709 | III 118th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 709 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 23, 2024 Mr. Luján submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions RESOLUTION Expressing support for the designation of May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month .
Whereas millions of people in the United States face mental health challenges and have unmet mental health needs; Whereas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mental health disorders are chronic conditions, and, without proper diagnosis and treatment, children can face problems at home and in school, which can interfere with the future development of those children; Whereas more resources should be dedicated in schools to the prevention, early detection, and treatment of mental health disorders in children; Whereas childhood depression is more likely to persist into adulthood if it is left untreated; Whereas it is important that the United States provides the necessary funding and resources to reach children and youth early on in life; Whereas the COVID–19 pandemic accelerated the use of digital technologies, such as social media; Whereas there has been a great concern about the impact of social media on the mental health of children and youth; Whereas social media exposes children to bullying, depression, anxiety, and self-harm; Whereas there is a strong need to further understand and deter any negative impact of social media on children and youth; Whereas disparities remain in access to mental health treatment for communities of color, with Asian, Native American, Hispanic, and Black individuals less likely to receive mental health care than their counterparts; Whereas suicide is a significant public health issue that can have an enduring impact on individuals and their communities; Whereas additional resources should be dedicated to the prevention of suicide in the United States; Whereas veterans are more likely to experience mental health challenges than civilians; Whereas it is important that the United States provides additional funding and resources to support veterans with mental health needs; and Whereas it would be appropriate to observe May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month : Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) supports the designation of May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month to remove the stigma associated with mental illness and place emphasis on scientific findings regarding mental health recovery; (2) declares mental health a national priority; (3) supports increasing access to mental health services; (4) recognizes that mental well-being is equally as important as physical well-being for the citizens, communities, schools, businesses, and economy of the United States; (5) applauds the coalescing of national, State, local, medical, and faith-based organizations in— (A) working to promote public awareness of mental health; and (B) providing critical information and support to individuals and families affected by mental illness; and (6) encourages all individuals to draw on Mental Health Awareness Month as an opportunity to promote mental well-being and awareness, ensure access to appropriate coverage and services, and support overall quality of life for those living with mental illness. | {
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118-sres-710-is-dtd-0 | 118-sres-710-is-dtd | 118-sres-710 | III 118th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 710 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 23, 2024 Mrs. Fischer (for herself and Mr. Bennet ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Supporting the designation of May 29, 2024, as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day to raise awareness around mental health in the agricultural industry and workforce and to continue to reduce stigma associated with mental illness.
Whereas, according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture of the Department of Agriculture, 3,370,000 producers, less than 2 percent of the population of the United States, provide high-quality food, fuel, and fiber to the United States and abroad; Whereas, according to the Economic Policy Institute, there are approximately 1,600,000 farmworkers in the United States; Whereas, according to the National Rural Health Association, the rate of suicide among farmers is 3.5 times greater than among the general population; Whereas, according to the Mortality-Linked National Health Interview Survey, suicide rates among farmworkers are 1.4 times higher than rates across all other occupations; Whereas May is National Mental Health Awareness Month ; and Whereas the stigma surrounding mental and behavioral health persists and acknowledging this public health crisis and creating awareness is as important as ever: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) designates May 29, 2024, as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day to raise awareness around mental health in the agricultural industry and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness; (2) recognizes the important role of individuals in agriculture as providers of high-quality products to the United States and the world; (3) seeks to create awareness for the unique challenges agricultural producers and workers face, such as weather unpredictability, labor intensity and shortages, farm succession, and fluctuating commodity and market prices; (4) highlights the resources available through the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) of the Department of Agriculture in connecting agricultural producers and workers to stress assistance programs; and (5) encourages all to observe Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day as an opportunity to promote mental well-being and awareness for current and future agricultural producers and workers. | {
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118-sres-711-is-dtd-0 | 118-sres-711-is-dtd | 118-sres-711 | III 118th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 711 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 23, 2024 Mr. Luján (for himself, Mr. Braun , Mr. Van Hollen , and Mr. Rubio ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Designating May 2024 as American Stroke Month .
Whereas quick identification and treatment for stroke results in a higher chance of survival and reduces recovery time for individuals experiencing a stroke; Whereas treatment depends on the type of stroke someone is having, which must be diagnosed by a healthcare professional; Whereas, when dealing with a time-sensitive medical emergency like a stroke, the right care, at the right time, at the right facility, is of the utmost importance; Whereas a system of care allows for scientifically proven measures to be applied to every patient, every time; Whereas, every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke; Whereas stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability and the fifth-leading cause of death in the United States, causing more than 160,000 deaths each year; Whereas nearly 1/2 of adults in the United States have high blood pressure, which is a leading cause and controllable risk factor for stroke; Whereas the F.A.S.T. warning signs and symptoms of stroke include face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, and time to call 911; Whereas, during American Stroke Month in May, and year-round, the Together to End Stroke initiative of the American Stroke Association strives to teach people everywhere that stroke is largely preventable, treatable, and beatable; and Whereas more research and education is needed to help prevent and treat stroke: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) designates May 2024 as American Stroke Month ; (2) recognizes and reaffirms the commitment of the Government and people of the United States to fighting stroke— (A) by promoting awareness about the causes, risks, and prevention of stroke; (B) by supporting research on stroke; and (C) by improving access to affordable, quality care to reduce long-term disability and mortality; (3) commends the efforts of States, territories, and possessions of the United States, localities, nonprofit organizations, businesses and other entities, and the people of the United States who support American Stroke Month; and (4) encourages all individuals in the United States to familiarize themselves with the risk factors associated with stroke, recognize the warning signs and symptoms, and on first sign of a stroke, dial 911 immediately in order to begin to reduce the devastating effects of stroke on the population of the United States. | {
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118-sres-713-is-dtd-0 | 118-sres-713-is-dtd | 118-sres-713 | III 118th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 713 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 23, 2024 Mr. Coons (for himself, Mr. Braun , Mr. Durbin , Ms. Klobuchar , Mr. Merkley , Mr. Whitehouse , Ms. Murkowski , and Mr. Cotton ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Designating May 2024 as ALS Awareness Month .
Whereas amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (referred to in this preamble as ALS ) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord; Whereas the life expectancy for an individual with ALS is between 2 and 5 years after the date on which the individual receives an ALS diagnosis; Whereas ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic, gender, or socioeconomic boundaries; Whereas ALS may affect any individual in any location; Whereas the cause of ALS is unknown in up to 90 percent of cases; Whereas approximately 10 percent of ALS cases have a strong known genetic driver; Whereas, on average, the period between the date on which an individual first experiences symptoms of ALS and the date on which the individual is diagnosed with ALS is more than 1 year; Whereas the onset of ALS often involves muscle weakness or stiffness, and the progression of ALS results in the further weakening, wasting, and paralysis of— (1) the muscles of the limbs and trunk; and (2) the muscles that control vital functions, such as speech, swallowing, and breathing; Whereas ALS can strike individuals of any age, but it predominantly strikes adults; Whereas it is estimated that tens of thousands of individuals in the United States have ALS at any given time; Whereas, based on studies of the population of the United States, more than 5,000 individuals in the United States are diagnosed with ALS each year, and approximately 15 individuals in the United States are diagnosed with ALS each day; Whereas every 90 minutes someone dies from ALS in the United States; Whereas the majority of individuals with ALS die of respiratory failure; Whereas, in the United States, military veterans are more likely to be diagnosed with ALS than individuals with no history of military service; Whereas, as of the date of introduction of this resolution, there is no cure for ALS; Whereas the spouses, children, and family members of individuals living with ALS provide support to those individuals with love, day-to-day care, and more; and Whereas an individual with ALS, and the caregivers of such individual, can be required to bear significant costs for medical care, equipment, and home care services for the individual as the disease progresses: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) designates May 2024 as ALS Awareness Month ; (2) affirms the dedication of the Senate to— (A) ensuring individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (referred to in this resolution as ALS ) have access to effective treatments as soon as possible; (B) identifying risk factors and causes of ALS to prevent new cases; (C) empowering individuals with ALS to engage with the world in the way they want; (D) acknowledging the physical, emotional, and financial burdens of living with ALS; and (E) ensuring all individuals with ALS and their caregivers receive high-quality services and supports that benefit them; and (3) commends the dedication of the family members, friends, organizations, volunteers, researchers, and caregivers across the United States who are working to improve the quality and length of life of ALS patients and develop treatments and cures that reach patients as soon as possible. | {
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118-sres-714-is-dtd-0 | 118-sres-714-is-dtd | 118-sres-714 | III 118th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 714 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 23, 2024 Mr. Kennedy submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions RESOLUTION Recognizing and supporting individuals born with congenital disabilities or malformations due to thalidomide exposure.
Whereas July 14th, 2024, is National Thalidomide Survivor Awareness Day ; Whereas thalidomide is a sedative drug that was widely used in the late 1950s to treat nausea in pregnant women; Whereas thalidomide treatment resulted in irreversible side effects among babies, including stillbirths and congenital disabilities or malformations; Whereas such congenital disabilities or malformations include the shortening or absence of limbs, the malformation of hands and feet, sensory impairment, facial disfigurement, and damage to the brain, internal organs, and skeletal structure, among other disabilities; Whereas an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 children worldwide died at birth or were born with congenital disabilities or malformations attributable to thalidomide exposure; Whereas it is estimated that there are at least 20 survivors of thalidomide exposure in the State of Louisiana alone; Whereas thalidomide survivors face unique hardships requiring many to rely on adapted vehicles, electronic wheelchairs, and prosthetic limbs; Whereas the reliance on adaptive technologies imposes great financial burden on thalidomide survivors; Whereas thalidomide survivors are often unable to maintain full-time employment due to their impairments; Whereas the experience of thalidomide victims has greatly influenced the passage of modern drug safety laws; and Whereas thalidomide survivors have not received recognition or support from the Federal Government: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate— (1) recognizes and supports individuals born with congenital disabilities or malformations due to thalidomide exposure; and (2) urges the recognition of such exposure in United States history and the long-term hardships affecting survivors of thalidomide exposure to this day. | {
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