The publication is reproduced in full below:
PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS
The following petitions and memorials were laid before the Senate and were referred or ordered to lie on the table as indicated:
POM-175. A resolution from the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico expressing its firm support to congressional bill H.R. 7409, known as the ``Territorial Relief Under Sustainable Transitions for Puerto Rico Act of 2022'' (Trust for Puerto Rico Act of 2022), introduced by Congressman Ritchie Torres, that would amend the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA) in order to facilitate the termination of the Financial Oversight Board after certification of a balanced budget for two consecutive fiscal years; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
House Resolution No. 764
Ove the past decades, Puerto Rico's economic growth has experienced a deceleration that has resulted in the loss of competition in the private sector and a severe financial crisis in the governmental sector.
The Island's economic recession began in 2006. However, it should be noted that the financial crisis precedes it, because previous government administrations issued debt amounting to billions of dollars to finance budget deficits, thus presenting to the Island the illusion of a balanced budget, as provided by our Constitution. It is worth noting that a $45 billion debt was issued between 2000 and 2012. Approximately half of the money was used to finance budget deficits and to defray the government's payroll expense and spending.
We must remember that the financial crisis broke that started during the first decade of the 21st century led to the subsequent enactment of the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA) and the creation of the Financial Oversight Board, hereinafter the
``Board,'' for the purpose of managing Puerto Rico's finances.
Ever since PROMESA and the Board became effective in 2016, the government of Puerto Rico has maneuvered to meet the financial requirements imposed within this new reality. Under PROMESA, the territorial government must approve a balanced budget for four (4) consecutive fiscal years in order to require the termination of the Board. Given this scenario, it must be noted that, since the Board began operations, the first balanced budget was approved by the current Legislative Assembly for fiscal year 2021-2022.
In view of this context, and given the imposition of an antidemocratic body such as the Financial Oversight Board, Congressman Ritchie Torres started this initiative to amend PROMESA in order to reduce the required number of balanced budgets from four (4) to just two (2). Furthermore, this measure establishes that the Board shall be terminated 90 days after the certification of the second balanced budget. Thus, any ambiguity within the statute in effect regarding the Board's termination is eliminated.
This House of Representatives believes that the bill introduced by Congressman Ritchie Torres (H.R. 7409, better known as ``Trust for Puerto Rico Act of 2022'') provides a mechanism to restore power to the people of Puerto Rico, and consequently, to its democratically elected officials. Liberty and democracy are two pillars of our government and our goal must be to strengthen them; therefore, we are duty- bound to promote and support policies aimed at its attainment. It is time to raise our voices and join in any effort that seeks to restore the people of Puerto Rico's control and power over its finances as soon as possible.
For all of the foregoing, this House of Representatives expresses its firm support to congressional bill H.R. 7409, known as the ``Territorial Relief Under Sustainable Transitions for Puerto Rico Act of 2022'' (Trust for Puerto Rico Act of 2022), introduced by Congressman Ritchie Torres. This bill would amend the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act
(PROMESA) in order to facilitate the termination of the Financial Oversight Board after the certification of a balanced budget for two consecutive fiscal years.
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico:
Section 1.--The House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico hereby expresses its firm support to congressional bill H.R. 7409, known as the ``Territorial Relief Under Sustainable Transitions for Puerto Rico Act of 2022'' (Trust for Puerto Rico Act of 2022), introduced by Congressman Ritchie Torres, that would amend the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA) in order to facilitate the termination of the Financial Oversight Board after the certification of a balanced budget for two consecutive fiscal years.
Section 2.--A copy of this Resolution shall be translated into the English language and delivered to the President of the United States of America, Joseph R. Biden and the leadership of the United States Congress.
Section 3.--This Resolution shall take effect upon its approval.
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POM-176. A resolution adopted by the Senate of the State of Michigan urging the adoption of policies that will help lead to energy independence and lower energy costs in the United States, including ending the state's efforts to shut down Line 5; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Senate Resolution No. 114
Whereas, Plentiful affordable energy is essential for the well-being of the American people. The lack of an adequate energy supply leads to higher prices, fewer jobs, and threats to public health and safety. It should be the policy of the government at every level to ensure that energy is available, accessible, reliable and as affordable as possible; and
Whereas, For decades, the United States has too greatly relied on sources of energy produced on the other side of the world. While the United States has enjoyed a higher degree of energy independence in the last decade due to an increase in domestic oil production, we still import tens of millions of barrels of foreign crude oil from overseas each month; and
Whereas, As a direct result of both federal and state policies and foreseeable world events, gas prices in the United States are rising at the fastest pace recorded since 2000. Not only are rising gas prices eating away at recent wage growth and increasing the risk of a recession, they also could have sweeping impacts for U.S. consumers as higher diesel prices raise the cost of shipping goods through already stressed supply chains, disproportionately affecting low-income families and citizens; and
Whereas, Enacting policies that will lead to energy independence is necessary for the safety and prosperity of the American people. Reliance on overseas oil has the potential to maximize the leverage of foreign producers. While the Biden Administration's efforts to isolate and weaken Vladimir Putin have been welcome and necessary, our reliance on sources of energy originating on other continents creates a potential risk that those sources could be jeopardized by United States' actions abroad, which limit our ability to preserve and protect American values. Ensuring that the United States' economy can support itself without relying on supply chains that span the globe and without risk of foreign political disruptions is critical to job growth and competition in the United States; and
Whereas, President Biden, United States Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, Governor Whitmer, Michigan Attorney General Nessel, and other elected officials have pursued policies that have harmed our ability to achieve energy independence, including the President's decision to halt the Keystone XL pipeline and the Governor's and Michigan Attorney General's attempts to shut down the Line 5 pipeline, a crucial source of energy for millions of Michiganders; and
Whereas, Protecting our environment is better accomplished with domestically produced fossil fuels, which are believed to be significantly cleaner than those found in other parts of the world; and
Whereas, The United States must focus on policies that increase the production of energy here at home, such as ensuring the continued safe operation of the Line 5 pipeline in Michigan, increasing domestic oil and gas drilling, increasing investments in renewable energy, and abandoning policies that limit domestic energy production and raise the capital costs associated with fossil fuel development; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we urge the adoption of policies that will help lead to energy independence and lower energy costs in the United States; and be it further
Resolved, That we urge Governor Whitmer and Michigan Attorney General Nessel to immediately cease their efforts to shut down the Line 5 pipeline and instead work proactively to lower energy costs for the residents of this state; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor, the Michigan Attorney General, the commissioners of the Michigan Public Service Commission, the commissioners of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Secretary of the United States Department of Energy, the Secretary of the United States Department of the Interior, the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the entire Michigan congressional delegation.
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POM-177. A resolution adopted by the House of Representatives of the State of Michigan urging the adoption of policies that will help lead to energy independence and lower energy costs in the United States, including ending the state's efforts to shut down Line 5; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
House Resolution No. 250
Whereas, Plentiful affordable energy is essential for the well-being of the American people. The lack of an adequate energy supply leads to higher prices, fewer jobs, and threats to public health and safety. It should be the policy of the government at every level to ensure that energy is available, accessible, reliable and as affordable as possible; and
Whereas, For decades, the United States has too greatly relied on sources of energy produced on the other side of the world. While the United States has enjoyed a higher degree of energy independence in the last decade due to an increase in domestic oil production, we still import tens of millions of barrels of foreign crude oil from overseas each month; and
Whereas, As a direct result of both federal and state policies and foreseeable world events, gas prices in the United States are rising at the fastest pace recorded since 2000. Not only are rising gas prices eating away at recent wage growth and increasing the risk of a recession, they also could have sweeping impacts for U.S. consumers as higher diesel prices raise the cost of shipping goods through already stressed supply chains, disproportionately affecting low-income families and citizens; and
Whereas, Enacting policies that will lead to energy independence is necessary for the safety and prosperity of the American people. Reliance on overseas oil has the potential to maximize the leverage of foreign producers. While the Biden Administration's efforts to isolate and weaken Vladimir Putin have been welcome and necessary, our reliance on sources of energy originating on other continents creates a potential risk that those sources could be jeopardized by United States' actions abroad, which limit our ability to preserve and protect American values. Ensuring that the United States' economy can support itself without relying on supply chains that span the globe and without risk of foreign political disruptions is critical to job growth and competition in the United States; and
Whereas. President Biden, United States Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, Governor Whitmer, Michigan Attorney General Nessel, and other elected officials have pursued policies that have harmed our ability to achieve energy independence, including the President's decision to halt the Keystone XL pipeline and the Governor's and Michigan Attorney General's attempts to shut down the Line 5 pipeline, a crucial source of energy for millions of Michiganders; and
Whereas, Protecting our environment is better accomplished with domestically produced fossil fuels, which are believed to be significantly cleaner than those found in other parts of the world; and
Whereas, The United States must focus on policies that increase the production of energy here at home, such as ensuring the continued safe operation of the Line 5 pipeline in Michigan, increasing domestic oil and gas drilling, increasing investments in renewable energy, and abandoning policies that limit domestic energy production and raise the capital costs associated with fossil fuel development; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the adoption of policies that will help lead to energy independence and lower energy costs in the United States; and be it further
Resolved, That we urge Governor Whitmer and Michigan Attorney General Nessel to immediately cease their efforts to shut down the Line 5 pipeline and instead work proactively to lower energy costs for the residents of this state; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor, the Michigan Attorney General, the commissioners of the Michigan Public Service Commission, the commissioners of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Secretary of the United States Department of Energy, the Secretary of the United States Department of the Interior, the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the entire Michigan congressional delegation.
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POM-178. A concurrent resolution adopted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona urging the United States Congress to pass the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act to allow Good Samaritan groups to clean up abandoned mines in this country; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
House Concurrent Resolution No. 2008
Whereas, the United States has more than 140,000 abandoned hardrock mines, and more than 22,000 of these pose environmental hazards that threaten our land, water, fish and wildlife and the communities that depend on them; and
Whereas, the mining industry and the conservation community are highly motivated to remedy the environmental challenges created by abandoned mines but are hindered by burdensome red tape and potential and significant liability risks; and
Whereas, numerous organizations have expressed a willingness to remediate the damage caused by these long- abandoned mines, but doing so would expose a ``Good Samaritan'' volunteer to legal liability for all the preexisting pollution from a mine despite having no previous involvement with it; and
Whereas, the bipartisan ``Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act'' has been introduced in Congress that would allow state agencies, local governments, nonprofit groups and corporations to clean up these abandoned mines, thereby helping to reduce pollution and improve water quality in and around the mining areas; and
Whereas, this important legislation creates a path forward for Good Samaritans to work unimpeded and increase the pace and scale of reclamation and, in so doing, create jobs and enhance our nation's environment. Therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona, the Senate concurring:
1. That the Members of the Legislature express their support for the United States Congress to pass the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act to allow Good Samaritan groups to clean up abandoned mines in this country.
2. That the Secretary of State of the State of Arizona transmit copies of this Resolution to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and each Member of Congress from the State of Arizona.
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POM-179. A resolution adopted by the House of Representatives of the State of Michigan urging the United States Congress to expand the federal Family First Prevention Services Act by allowing flexibility in the use of Title IV-E funds to help children remain safely in their homes; to the Committee on Finance.
House Resolution No. 262
Whereas, In the United States, nearly half a million children are in foster care. Michigan ranks 18th in the country for the number of children, per capita, placed in out-of-home care, with approximately 13,000 children in foster care or a residential placement on any given day; and
Whereas, Research shows that children in the foster system have the best outcomes when they are placed in a safe and stable environment that supports their long-term well-being. Instead of subjecting children to the trauma of being separated from their family and placed out of their home, more efforts are being made to provide struggling and overburdened families with the resources they need to create a stable and loving environment; and
Whereas, The Family First Prevention Services Act. signed into law in 2018, was enacted to help increase the number of children who can remain safely at home with their families. The law allows states to use federal funding available under Title IV-E of the Social Security Act to address some of the issues that contribute to family separation. Currently, the Family First Prevention Services Act allows funding for a narrow range of services, including substance use prevention and treatment, in-home parenting skills classes, and kinship navigator services. While these services are essential, there are many other areas in which families require assistance; and
Whereas, Poverty and homelessness, for example, have been shown to be associated with the separation of families, and many studies have documented that children in families who experience homelessness frequently become separated from their parents. Poverty leads to housing instability and parents often struggle to provide for their children's basic needs. Helping parents out of poverty and providing stable environments for children would allow more families to stay together, which would reduce the number of children that have to endure the foster care system; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the United States Congress to expand the federal Family First Prevention Services Act by allowing flexibility in the use of Title IV-E funds to help children remain safely in their homes; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the President of the United States Senate, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
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POM-180. A resolution adopted by the Senate of the State of Michigan urging the United States Congress to enact legislation to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Senate Resolution No. 129
Whereas, Children with disabilities deserve quality education to develop skills so they can fully participate in social, economic, and political life. Many of these children face significant barriers to education and are more likely to be out of school. Ensuring access to education is the best way to help children with disabilities realize their full potential; and
Whereas, Congress has established that equal access to education for students with disabilities is an essential element of our national policy by passing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). In the Act, Congress states that disability is a natural part of the human experience, and the IDEA is meant to ensure equality of opportunity and economic self-sufficiency for all individuals with disabilities; and
Whereas, While the IDEA has resulted in increased access to education for millions of students, the Act remains dangerously underfunded. In the original 1975 legislation, Congress promised to cover 40 percent of the extra cost of special education services required by the Act. However, as of 2020, the federal government was covering only 14.6 percent of the cost, despite a 25 percent increase in the number of students served; and
Whereas, The IDEA Full Funding Act (S. 866) was introduced in 2019 to require that Congress fund the IDEA at the 40 percent level that was originally promised. Similar legislation needs to be introduced this session in order to ensure that the federal government is paying its fair share of the cost of special education services and to alleviate the financial burden on individual school districts; and
Whereas, Students and teachers suffer when Congress fails to live up to its funding commitment. School districts are forced to cover the costs with a scarcity of resources and must sometimes divert funds away from other programs that serve all students. In addition, schools have less funding for teacher salaries and classroom resources, making it more difficult to recruit and retain high-quality teachers; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to enact legislation to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act so children with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunity; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
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POM-181. A concurrent resolution adopted by the Legislature of the State of Missouri urging the President of the United States to designate a state funeral for the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient form World War II; to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 28
Whereas, World War II, the most widespread war in history, lasted from 1939 until 1945; and
Whereas, the United States entered the war in 1941, following an attack on Pearl Harbor by Japanese fighter planes; and
Whereas, over sixteen million Americans served their country and the Allied powers over the course of the war; and
Whereas, the generation of men and women who served our country in World War II has been called the ``greatest generation'' for their selfless sacrifice; and
Whereas, the Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration that is awarded by the United States government; and
Whereas, the Medal of Honor is presented by the President of the United States, in the name of Congress; and
Whereas, the Medal of Honor is only conferred upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in action against an enemy of the United States, while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force, or while serving with friendly forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party; and
Whereas, more than 3,400 Medals of Honor have been awarded to our nation's bravest soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coast guardsmen since the creation of the award in 1861; and
Whereas, the Medal of Honor was awarded to 353 Americans during World War II; and
Whereas, only one of those 353 Americans is alive today; and
Whereas, Hershel Woodrow Williams of West Virginia served his country with conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life and therefore deserves the gratitude of the American people; and
Whereas, the President of the United States has the sole authority to designate a state funeral; and
Whereas, historically, the President of the United States has designated state funerals for former presidents, generals, and other extraordinary Americans; and
Whereas, our nation is currently divided and yearns for a unifying national event; and
Whereas, designating a state funeral when the last surviving World War II Medal of Honor recipient dies would be a wonderful way for the American people to unite and honor all sixteen million soldiers, sailors, and airmen who served in our Armed Forces from 1941 to 1945: Now therefore be it
Resolved, The members of the Missouri Senate, One Hundred First General Assembly, Second Regular Session, the House of Representatives concurring therein, hereby urge the President of the United States to designate a state funeral for the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate be instructed to prepare a properly inscribed copy of this resolution for the President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the President Pro Tempore of the United States Senate, and all members of the Missouri congressional delegation.
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POM-182. A concurrent memorial adopted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona urging the United States Congress to implement steps to forward fund the Higher Education Grant Program of the Bureau of Indian Education; to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
Senate Concurrent Memorial No. 1002
Whereas, the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) operates the Higher Education Grant Program (``Grant'') as authorized by the Snyder Act (25 United States Code part 13); and
Whereas, numerous Indian tribal governments provide college financial assistance and scholarships from the Grant directly to Indian college students through Public Law 93-638 self- determination contracts (Indian Self Determination Act and Education Assistance Act) or through Public Law 103-413 self- governance compacts (Tribal Self Governance Act of 1994); and
Whereas, the federal government routinely operates under continuing resolutions and, as such, Grant funding is delayed. Consequently, college scholarship and financial assistance payments and institutional disbursements are delayed, which is problematic for many Indian college students who depend on these monies to pay for tuition, books and room and board: and
Whereas, there is precedent for forward funding federal Indian education programs, as BIE-funded schools, including Public Law 93-638 and Public Law 100-297 schools (25 United States Code section 2010) and tribally controlled colleges and universities (25 United States Code section 1810), are forward funded; and
Whereas, forward funding the BIE would make Grant monies available for obligation on July 1 of the fiscal year and would provide that Grant monies remain available until September 30 of the succeeding fiscal year. Wherefore your memorialist, the Senate of the State of Arizona, the House of Representatives concurring, prays:
1. That the Members of the United States Congress take affirmative steps to forward fund the Higher Education Grant Program of the Bureau of Indian Education.
2. That the Secretary of State of the State of Arizona transmit copies of this Memorial to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and each Member of Congress from the State of Arizona.
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POM-183. A resolution adopted by the Senate of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico expressing the support of the Senate of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to S. 405, better known as the ``Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act,'' introduced by the 117th Congress; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Senate Resolution No. 591
Vieques is an island muniicipality Puerto Rico, measuring approximately twenty-one (21) miles long by four ( 4) miles wide, and located approximately eight (8) miles east of the main island of Puerto Rico
When discussing the history of Vieques and its difficulties, it is important to remember that the United States Navy maintained a constant presence in the eastern and western portions of Vieques for close to sixty (60) years. The United States Navy used large parts of the island and its beaches as a training range and for military exercises. Many of these exercises were carried out using live ammunition. It is estimated that over eighty (80) million tons of ordnance and other weaponry available to the United States Armed Forces since World War II were dropped during that sixty
(60)-year period.
The unintended, unknown, and unavoidable consequence of decades of military exercises was that generations of Vieques' residents, who are U.S. citizens, were exposed to the residue left and the waste produced by such weaponry and munitions, which includes heavy metals and other chemicals now known to harm human health and life.
As a result of the aforementioned and according to Government and independent documentation, the lands and waters of the island of Vieques contain high levels of heavy metals and have been exposed to chemical weapons and other toxic chemicals. Ever since the military exercises began in Vieques sixty-two (62) years ago, the island residents have suffered the effects of the long-term exposure to the contamination created by such exercises. In comparison to other Puerto Ricans, the residents of Vieques have experienced higher rates of certain diseases including cancer, cirrhosis, hypertension, diabetes, heavy metal diseases, as well as many unnamed and uncategorized illnesses. The continuous exposure to these toxic residues has resulted in the development of these particular illnesses in the U.S. citizens who reside in Vieques.
Prior to the passage of hurricane Maria in 2017, the Susana Centeno Family Health Center managed the health emergencies of the residents of Vieques. However, those residing or visiting Vieques would have to travel outside of the Island Municipality for most cases that required urgent medical care. This is due to the fact that the facility in Vieques lacked, among others, X-ray, CT scan, EKG, ultrasound, and PT scan equipment.
Maritime transport has been and remains the predominant means of transporting passengers between Vieques and the island of Puerto Rico. However, this service has been plagued by problems and interruptions which makes it unreliable for visitors and residents, and, for example, those who are cancer patients that require continuous treatment outside of Vieques, also known as the Isla Nena. It is worth noting that cancer patients who travel from Vieques to the Municipality of Ceiba have to pay between one hundred twenty dollars
($120.00) and two hundred dollars ($200.00) per trip.
Vieques, like all of Puerto Rico, suffered the onslaught of hurricane Maria in 2017. This was a particularly destructive hurricane that devastated Puerto Rico and Vieques and intensified the humanitarian crisis by destroying many of the existing medical-hospital facilities. In the case of Vieques, the previous medical system was already unable to properly handle the crisis that existed due to the toxic residue left on the island's soil and waters as a result of the military's activities. The Susana Centeno Family Health Center was closed after the passage of hurricane Maria due to the damage it suffered and was thus unable to render the few services it previously provided.
Consistent with the foregoing, it is worth stressing Vieques' need to have a medical facility with the capability of providing the critical and urgent care to its residents. It is a matter of quality of life and basic human rights. Due to legal restrictions, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is unable to provide a hospital where its capabilities exceed those of the previous facility, to wit, the facility that existed prior to the passage of hurricane Maria. Therefore, Vieques needs additional assistance and support to properly address and manage the vast health needs of its residents.
In 2012, the residents of Vieques were denied the ability to address their needs before the United States Courts due to the sovereign immunity of the Government of the United States. Sanchez v. United States, No. 3:09-cv-01260-DRD
(D.P.R.). However, the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit referred the issue to the United States Congress and urged it to address this humanitarian crisis. U.S. senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Roger Wicker (R- Mississippi) have introduced S.405, popularly known as the
``Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act.'' This Bill creates a compensation fund for the residents of Vieques or their heirs to claim compensation for the damages caused or resulting from the use of the island of Vieques for military training or exercises and for other related purposes. The compensation for individuals or their heirs shall fluctuate between fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) and one hundred ten thousand dollars ($110,000) with the possibility for additional awards for special circumstances. The awards shall be determined by a Special Master to be appointed by the United States Attorney General pursuant to the qualifications and requirements established in the Act. Likewise, the Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act would authorize the municipal government of Vieques to file certain claims with the Special Master for the establishment or improvement of the health infrastructure or facilities on the island.
The Senate of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico hereby requests to the Senate and the House Representatives of the United States the prompt approval of S.B. 405, the Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act. We appeal to the sense of responsibility of the Congresspersons and members of the United States Senate in order to do justice to the residents of Vieques and their heirs by providing a mechanism to help relieve a burden on their lives and compensate them for the damages caused by six (6) decades of military exercises in Vieques. Likewise, this legislation shall help future generations of Vieques' residents by streamlining the process so that the municipal government can procure enough resources for appropriate medical facilities and infrastructure.
The Senate of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, on behalf of the residents of Vieques and the People of Puerto Rico appeals to the leadership of the United States Senate and the United States House Representatives and both parties to work together to ensure the approval of the Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act before the end of the 117th Congress.
Be it resolved by the Senate of Puerto Rico:
Section 1.--We hereby express the support of the Senate of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to S.B. 405, better known as the ``Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act,'' introduced by the 117th Congress, to the Senate and the House Representatives of the United States.
Section 2.--We hereby urge the Senate and the House Representatives of the United States to promptly approve S.B. 405, better known as the ``Vieques Recovery and Redevelopment Act,'' introduced by the 117th Congress.
Section 3.--A certified copy of this Resolution, translated into the English language, shall be delivered by the Secretary of the Senate of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to the President of the United States of America, to all members of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States, to the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico in Washington, as well as to communications media for its effective dissemination.
Section 4.--This Resolution shall take effect upon its approval
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POM-184. A concurrent resolution adopted by the Legislature of the State of West Virginia applying to the United States Congress, under the provisions of Article V of the Constitution of the United States, for the calling of a convention of the states limited to proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of Congress; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
House Concurrent Resolution No. 31
Whereas, Executive orders by the President of the United States have become a vehicle through which the President may overstep the limits of his or her constitutional authority; and
Whereas, The concentration of power at the federal level has had the effect of making federal officials less responsive to the will of the people and more readily influenced by lobbyists, wealthy corporations and special interests in Washington, D.C.; and
Whereas, Much of federal law is now enacted by federal bureaucrats who were never chosen by the people and have no accountability to the people whatsoever; and
Whereas, Policy decisions made at the state level tend to be more responsive to the needs and desires of the people; and
Whereas, The federal government has created a crushing national debt through improper and imprudent spending; and
Whereas, The federal government has invaded the legitimate roles of the states through the manipulative process of federal mandates, many of which are unfunded to a great extent; and
Whereas, The states have the ability to restore the responsiveness of government to the people and to restrain abuses of federal power by proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States through a limited convention of the states under Article V; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia, That the Legislature hereby applies to Congress, under the provisions of Article V of the Constitution of the United States, for the calling of a convention of the states limited to proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of Congress; and, be it further
Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates forward a copy of this resolution, legislative call and application to the President and Secretary of the United States Senate and to the Speaker and Clerk of the United States House of Representatives, and copies to the members of the said Senate and House of Delegates from this state; also to transmit copies hereof to the presiding officers of each of the legislative houses in the several states, requesting their cooperation; and, be it further
Resolved, That this application constitutes a continuing application in accordance with Article V of the Constitution of the United States until the legislature, of at least two thirds of the several states have made applications on the same subject; and, be it further
Resolved, The West Virginia Legislature adopts this application expressly subject to the following reservations, understandings, and declarations:
(1) An application to the Congress of the United States to call an amendment convention of the states pursuant to Article V of the United States Constitution confers no power to Congress other than the power to call such a convention. The power of Congress to exercise this ministerial duty consists solely of the authority to name a reasonable time and place for the initial meeting of a convention;
(2) Congress shall perform its ministerial duty of calling an amendment convention of the states only upon the receipt of applications for an amendment convention for the substantially same purpose as this application from two thirds of the legislatures of the several states;
(3) Congress does not have the power or authority to determine any rules for the governing of an amendment convention of the states called pursuant to Article V of the United States Constitution. Congress does not have the power to set the number of delegates to be sent by any state to such a convention, nor does it have the power to name delegates to such a convention. The power to name delegates remains exclusively within the authority of the legislatures of the several states;
(4) By definition, an amendment convention of the states means that states shall vote on the basis of one state, one vote;
(5) A convention of the states convened pursuant to this application shall in limited to consideration of the topics specified herein and no other. This application is made with the express understanding that an amendment that in any way seeks to amend modify, or repeal any provision of the Bill of Rights shall not be authorized for consideration at any stage. This application shall be void ab initio if ever used at any stage to consider any change to any provision of the Bill of Rights;
(6) Pursuant to Article V of the United States Constitution, Congress may determine whether proposed amendments shall be ratified by the legislatures of the several states or by special state ratification conventions. The West Virginia Legislature recommends that Congress select ratification by the legislatures of the several states; and
(7) The West Virginia Legislature may provide further instructions to its delegates and may recall its delegates at any time for a breach of a duty or a violation of the instructions provided; and, be it further
Resolved, That the Clerk of the House forward a copy of this resolution to the representatives and senators elected by the citizens of West Virginia serving the citizens of West Virginia in the Congress of the United States in Washington D.C.
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POM-185. A concurrent resolution adopted by the Legislature of the State of Missouri applying to the United States Congress, as provided by Article V of the Constitution of the United States of America, to call a convention limited to proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America to set a limit on the number of terms that a person may be elected as a member of the United States House of Representatives and to set a limit on the number of terms that a person may be elected as a member of the United States Senate; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 25
Whereas, Article V of the Constitution of the United States requires a convention to be called by the Congress of the United States for the purpose of proposing an amendment to the Constitution upon application of two-thirds of the Legislatures of the several states; and
Whereas, the Legislature of the State of Missouri favors a proposal and ratification of an amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which shall set a limit on the number of terms that a person may be elected as a member of the United States House of Representatives and as a member of the United States Senate; and
Whereas, the Ninety-ninth General Assembly of Missouri, Second Regular Session, adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 40, which contained an application for an Article V Convention to propose an amendment identical to that proposed in this resolution, but provided that the application would expire five years after the passage of Senate Concurrent Resolution 40: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, by the members of the Missouri Senate, One Hundred First General Assembly, Second Regular Session, the House of Representatives concurring therein, hereby make an application to Congress, as provided by Article V of the Constitution of the United States of America, to call a convention limited to proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America to set a limit on the number of terms that a person may be elected as a member of the United States House of Representatives and to set a limit on the number of terms that a person may be elected as a member of the United States Senate; and be it further
Resolved, That this application shall be considered as covering the same subject matter as the applications from other states to Congress to call a convention to set a limit on the number of terms that a person may be elected to the House of Representatives of the Congress of the United States and the Senate of the United States; and this application shall be aggregated with same for the purpose of attaining the two-thirds of states necessary to require Congress to call a limited convention on this subject, but shall not be aggregated with any other applications on any other subject; and be it further
Resolved, That this application hereby repeals, rescinds, cancels, renders null and void, and supercedes the application to the Congress of the United States for a convention under Article V of the Constitution of the United States by this state in Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 40 as adopted by the Ninety-ninth General Assembly, Second Regular Session; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate be instructed to prepare a properly inscribed copy of this resolution for the President and Secretary of the Senate of the United States and to the Speaker, Clerk, and Judiciary Committee Chairman of the House of Representatives of the Congress of the United States, and copies to each member of the Missouri Congressional delegation, and the presiding officers of each of the legislative houses in the several states, requesting their cooperation.
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POM-186. A resolution adopted by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey urging the United States Congress to reconcile the United States Innovation and Competition Act and the American COMPETES Act to expedite funding for semiconductor production and innovation; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Assembly Resolution No. 141
Whereas, A semiconductor is a material that conducts electricity in variable ways, is used in computer chips, and is vital to the operation of thousands of electrical products, such as automobiles, computers, smartphones, gaming systems, and medical equipment; and
Whereas, The Semiconductor Industry Association asserts that the share of modern semiconductor manufacturing capacity located in the United States has decreased from 37 percent in 1990 to 12 percent today and that this decline is largely due to substantial manufacturing incentives offered by foreign governments, which places the United States at a competitive disadvantage in attracting new construction of semiconductor manufacturing facilities; and
Whereas, In recent years, global semiconductor supply chain vulnerabilities have emerged, leading to market shortages of automobiles and other electronic devices; and
Whereas, These supply chain vulnerabilities have revealed our reliance on foreign manufacturing of essential technology and should be eliminated through government investment in semiconductor production and innovation, which would strengthen our market security; and
Whereas, On January 1, 2021, the federal Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors for America Act (CHIPS Act) was enacted as part of the FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act; and
Whereas, The CHIPS Act creates federal incentives for investment in facilities and equipment used for semiconductor fabrication, assembly, testing, advanced packaging, and research and development for the purpose of protecting supply chains, ensuring long-term national security, and bolstering international economic competitiveness; and
Whereas, The effectiveness of the CHIPS Act relies on Congress fully funding the provisions of the law, including enacting an investment tax credit, to support semiconductor production and innovation in this country; and
Whereas, On July 8, 2021, the United States Senate passed the United States Innovation and Competition Act of 2021
(USICA), which included $52 billion in federal investments for the CHIPS Act; and
Whereas, On February 4, 2022, the United States House of Representatives passed the America COMPETES Act of 2022
(COMPETES Act), which, like USICA, included $52 billion in federal investments for the CHIPS Act; and
Whereas, The Senate, upon receiving the COMPETES Act from the House, substituted the bill with the USICA, and passed it on March 28, 2022; and
Whereas, Although the USICA substitute was sent back to the House of Representatives for a final vote, Congress intends to convene a conference committee to reconcile the differences between the COMPETES Act and the USICA in order to finalize the version of the bill that will be sent to the President for enactment; and
Whereas, Governor Murphy has voiced his support of the USICA and has encouraged Congress to expedite the reconciliation of the bill; and
Whereas, United States Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo specifically mentioned that the New Jersey Innovation and Technology Hub in New Brunswick, which will provide 550,000 square feet of space for medical learning, research, and innovation, would be a suitable potential site for semiconductor manufacturing; and
Whereas, New Jersey's Congressional delegation, who are integral in directing federal funds to this State, has also voiced support of the intent behind the COMPETES Act and the USICA; and
Whereas, New Jersey's economy would greatly benefit from federal investments in semiconductor manufacturing in this State and would strengthen the State's historical reputation as a leader in science and innovation; now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. This House respectfully urges Congress to expedite the reconciliation of the COMPETES Act and the USICA to secure the country's supply chain, increase the country's global competitiveness, and establish this State as a leader in semiconductor production and innovation through the resulting federal investments.
2. Copies of the resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly to the President and Vice-President of the United States, the Majority and Minority Leaders of the United States Senate, the Speaker and Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives, and every member of the Congressional delegation from the State of New Jersey.
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POM-187. A resolution adopted by the Mayor and City Commission of North Miami Beach, Florida calling on the Federal Government to reverse the decision to deport Haitian asylum seekers under Title 42 and immediately halt the deportation of Haitian immigrants, thereby allowing them to seek due process through our legal system to make claims for legal status; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 131
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