congressional_record: CREC-2025-07-30-pt1-PgS4899-6
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| granule_id | date | congress | session | volume | issue | title | chamber | granule_class | sub_granule_class | page_start | page_end | speakers | bills | citation | full_text |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CREC-2025-07-30-pt1-PgS4899-6 | 2025-07-30 | 119 | 1 | PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS | SENATE | SENATE | SPETANDMEM | S4899 | S4902 | [{"congress": "119", "type": "SRES", "number": "3"}, {"congress": "119", "type": "SRES", "number": "3"}, {"congress": "119", "type": "S", "number": "13"}, {"congress": "119", "type": "S", "number": "13"}, {"congress": "119", "type": "S", "number": "14"}, {"congress": "119", "type": "S", "number": "14"}, {"congress": "119", "type": "S", "number": "27"}, {"congress": "119", "type": "S", "number": "27"}, {"congress": "119", "type": "S", "number": "32"}, {"congress": "119", "type": "S", "number": "32"}, {"congress": "119", "type": "S", "number": "67"}, {"congress": "119", "type": "S", "number": "67"}, {"congress": "119", "type": "HRES", "number": "147"}, {"congress": "119", "type": "HRES", "number": "147"}] | 171 Cong. Rec. S4899 | Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 131 (Wednesday, July 30, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 131 (Wednesday, July 30, 2025)] [Senate] [Pages S4899-S4902] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] 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-9. A concurrent resolution adopted by the Legislature of the State of Louisiana urging the United States Congress to modify the H-2A nonimmigrant visa program to address the untenable increases in wage rates resulting from the United States Department of Labor's policies that create an undue and unsustainable financial burden on Louisiana farmers, who rely on an affordable, readily available H-2A workforce; to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 14 Whereas, Section 218 of the Immigration and Nationality Act authorizes the lawful admission into the United States of temporary, nonimmigrant workers to perform agricultural labor or services of a temporary or seasonal nature; and Whereas, according to the United States Department of Labor (DOL), under the H-2A program, employment is subject to robust immigration and occupational health and safety oversight; and Whereas, in order to qualify for H-2A visa classification, employers must show that there are not enough United States workers [[Page S4900]] who are qualified, able, willing, and available to do the temporary work; and Whereas, in order for the DOL to certify that there are not sufficient American workers available to perform the labor, and that the employment of foreign workers will not have an adverse effect on the wages and working conditions of similarly employed United States workers, employers must demonstrate the need for a specific number of H-2A workers; and Whereas, the DOL enforces Congress' mandate that H-2A workers' employment should not negatively impact the wages and conditions of American workers through the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR); and Whereas, costs associated with hiring an H-2A worker include not only wages, but also housing, transportation, and other benefits mandated by the program; and Whereas, the United States Department of Agriculture reports that the cost of housing for an H-2A worker can cost the employer approximately $9,000 to $13,000 per worker; and Whereas, under the Final Rule issued in February 2023, DOL's methodology for determining the AEWR has become increasingly complex, requiring any H-2A worker performing duties outside the six Standard Occupation Classifications (SOCs) included in the Farm Labor Survey (FLS) to be paid based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) mean hourly wage for general economic conditions, regardless of how often they perform that job; and Whereas, the OEWS does not survey agricultural workers, leading to inflated labor costs due to nonrelated industries, which have significant differences in qualifications and requirements; and Whereas, an employer seeking to employ foreign workers under the H-2A program is required to offer, advertise in its recruitment, and pay a wage that is at least equal to the AEWR when it is the highest applicable wage rate among the wage sources applicable to the employer's job opportunity; and Whereas, for nonrange occupations, the wage offered and paid must equal or exceed the hourly AEWR, the prevailing wage rate, the federal minimum wage, the state minimum wage, or the agreed-upon collective bargaining rate, whichever is highest; and Whereas, the 2025 AEWR for nonrange agricultural workers in Louisiana is $14.83 per hour, which is a staggering twenty- five percent increase over the last five years; and Whereas, labor-intensive industries, including specialty crop growers, have been some of the hardest hit by the AEWR, with these growers spending nearly forty percent of their total cash expenses on labor alone; and Whereas, the current AEWR system imposes significant financial burdens on farm employers, threatening the viability of agricultural operations and contributing to increased consumer prices; and Whereas, the availability of affordable agricultural labor is essential for the sustainability and competitiveness of U.S. agriculture. Therefore, be it Resolved, That the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby memorialize the United States Congress to take such actions as are necessary to make agricultural labor more affordable and readily available for all producers, and reduce the regulatory compliance burden associated with maintaining an agricultural labor force. Resolved, That the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby memorialize the United States Congress to take such actions as to rescind the current Adverse Effect Wage Rate and pause wages paid to H-2A workers at the January 2023 wage rates. Resolved, That the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby memorialize the United States Congress to take such actions as are necessary to mandate that all wage obligations paid by farmers to employees hired under the H-2 A nonimmigrant visas be derived solely from the Farm Labor Survey. Resolved, That the H-2A program is indispensable for American farming and it is imperative to implement measures that mitigate the financial strain on farmers, and aligning wage obligations with the Farm Labor Survey is a practical step towards achieving this goal, ensuring that American agriculture remains competitive and sustainable in the global market. Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the secretary of the United States Senate and the clerk of the United States House of Representatives and to each member of the Louisiana congressional delegation. ____ POM-10. A concurrent resolution adopted by the Legislature of the State of Louisiana urging thg United States Congress to avoid cuts to the federal Medicaid program and to recognize the vital importance of Medicaid in maintaining the health, stability, and economic well-being of Louisiana residents and the broader healthcare system; to the Committee on Finance. Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 32 Whereas, Medicaid is a critical lifeline for over 1.6 million Louisianians, including children, pregnant women, seniors, people with disabilities, and working families with low incomes; and Whereas, nearly seventy percent of nursing home residents in Louisiana rely on Medicaid to cover their long-term care needs; and Whereas, over half of all births in the state are covered by Medicaid; and Whereas, Louisiana has made thoughtful, state-tailored decisions about how to administer Medicaid, with bipartisan support and in partnership with federal agencies, to ensure the program delivers essential health services efficiently and effectively; and Whereas, the Medicaid program supports the stability of Louisiana's healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural areas, by reimbursing hospitals, community health centers, and other providers, including private providers for preventive care, emergency services, prenatal and postnatal care, and other critical medical services; and Whereas, cuts to Medicaid at the federal level would disproportionately impact populations in Louisiana who have no alternative source of care, exacerbating existing poor health outcomes and potentially leading to worse outcomes, especially in rural communities; and Whereas, reductions in Medicaid funding would shift the burden of uncompensated care onto hospitals and providers, many of which already operate under significant financial constraints, particularly in rural parishes; and Whereas, uncompensated care ultimately results in higher private insurance premiums and costs for all Louisianians and weakens the broader health care delivery system; and Whereas, if changes to Medicaid are considered to ensure long-term sustainability, they should be targeted, evidence- based, and developed in consultation with states and stakeholders to protect access to essential services; and Whereas, additional restrictions that may harm caregivers, individuals with undiagnosed or untreated disabilities, or those facing significant life challenges should be avoided; and Whereas, the Louisiana Legislature affirms its commitment to safeguarding the health of all residents and recognizes that Medicaid is foundational to this mission. Therefore, be it Resolved, That the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby memorialize the Congress of the United States to oppose sweeping or indiscriminate cuts to Medicaid and to instead work in partnership with states to strengthen and preserve the program for the future; and be it further Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution shall be transmitted to the secretary of the United States Senate, the clerk of the United States House of Representatives, each member of the Louisiana delegation to the United States Congress, and the secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. ____ POM-11. A concurrent resolution adopted by the Legislature of the State of Louisiana urging the United States Congress to investigate geoengineering in Louisiana; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 67 Whereas, it is a matter of public health, environmental safety, and state interest that the quality of air, soil, and water in Louisiana be protected and preserved for the well- being of current and future generations; and Whereas, evidence exists that the federal government, as well as private and academic entities acting on its behalf or at its request, may have conducted or may currently be conducting atmospheric geoengineering experiments involving the intentional dispersion of chemicals into the atmosphere; and Whereas, geoengineering may involve the intentional manipulation of weather and climate for purposes including but not limited to increasing rainfall, reducing solar radiation, and removing carbon dioxide; and Whereas, such activities may occur within the airspace over the state of Louisiana, contributing to visible phenomena which have been observed by the public and are distinct from ordinary contrails generated by commercial aircraft; and Whereas, the scientific and health impacts of these geoengineering efforts, particularly those resulting in visible atmospheric trails, remain poorly understood, and there is growing concern among the public regarding potential risks to environmental quality and human health; and Whereas, the United States government retains exclusive sovereignty over the airspace of the United States under federal law, and it is imperative that any activity conducted in this airspace, and particularly activities involving chemical dispersal, be subject to public scrutiny, transparency, and federal oversight; and Whereas, the people of Louisiana have a right to be informed about any such activities occurring above their communities, and the state has a duty to act in the interest of public health, safety, and environmental integrity. Therefore, be it Resolved, That the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby memorialize the Congress of the United States to conduct a full, transparent, and independent investigation into all activities involving the intentional dispersion of chemicals into the atmosphere by any means, for geoengineering purposes including but not limited to solar radiation modification, carbon dioxide removal, and weather modification experiments, particularly those which may have occurred without public knowledge or consent and within the airspace over the state of Louisiana. Resolved, That such investigation should seek to determine the substances being dispersed, the entities responsible, the stated [[Page S4901]] purposes of such activities, and the potential effects of such dispersion on air, soil, and water quality, as well as on human and ecological health. Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution shall be transmitted to the president of the United States, the secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the clerk of the United States House of Representatives, the secretary of the United States Senate, each member of the Louisiana congressional delegation, the Senate president, the speaker of the House of Representatives, the governor of Louisiana, and the attorney general of Louisiana. ____ POM-12. A concurrent resolution adopted by the Legislature of the State of Louisiana urging the United States Congress to take action relative to the corporate practice of medicine; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 27 Whereas, the corporate practice of medicine refers to the practice of medicine by entities, such as corporations, that are not composed entirely of licensed healthcare professionals and may employ healthcare professionals to provide medical services in a manner that may be contrary to ethical, legal, and professional standards; and Whereas, the corporate practice of medicine can undermine the independence of healthcare professionals by subjecting them to commercial pressures, potentially compromising the quality of patient care and the integrity of medical decision-making; and Whereas, there is growing concern that corporate entities may prioritize profit over patient care, leading to practices such as limiting time for patient consultations, directing healthcare professionals to meet arbitrary financial targets, and engaging in cost-cutting measures that may impact the standard of care; and Whereas, Louisiana is committed to maintaining a high standard of medical practice that ensures patients receive the highest quality care and that medical professionals are able to exercise their clinical judgment in the best interest of their patients; and Whereas, the Louisiana Legislature has consistently prioritized the protection of public health and the rights of patients, including through the regulation of medical professionals and the licensing of healthcare entities; and Whereas, it is critical that both state and federal governments address the potential risks posed by the corporate practice of medicine to safeguard the doctor- patient relationship and preserve the ethical integrity of medical practice; and Whereas, Congress has the authority to enact federal legislation that would protect patients and healthcare professionals by regulating or limiting the corporate practice of medicine and ensuring that medical professionals are not unduly influenced by corporate interests. Therefore, be it Resolved, That the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby memorialize the Congress of the United States to thoroughly examine the impact of corporate practices on the healthcare workforce and on healthcare delivery and to support a robust, patient-centered healthcare system by ensuring the following: (1) The independence of healthcare professionals is preserved and protected. (2) Corporate entities are prohibited from interfering with the clinical decision-making of healthcare professionals in ways that could adversely affect patient care. (3) Adequate protections are established to ensure that healthcare decisions are made in the best interest of patients, free from undue financial or commercial pressures. (4) Patients continue to receive high-quality, ethical care in a manner consistent with professional standards; and be it further Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution shall be transmitted to the secretary of the United States Senate, the clerk of the United States House of Representatives, and each member of the Louisiana congressional delegation. ____ POM-13. A resolution adopted by the Senate of the State of Alaska urging the United States Congress to grant American Samoans the ability to serve as commissioned officers in the uniformed services of the United States and the right to vote in federal elections; to the Committee on Rules and Administration. Senate Resolution No. 3 Whereas American Samoa has been an unincorporated territory of the United States since 1900; and Whereas American Samoa is the only inhabited territory of the United States whose residents are considered nationals of the United States but are not citizens; and Whereas United States citizenship is granted at birth to residents of all other inhabited territories of the United States, including Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands; and Whereas, under the Immigration and Nationality Act, as nationals of the United States, American Samoans owe permanent allegiance to the United States; and Whereas American Samoans can obtain a United States passport as well as live and work in any location in the United States; and Whereas the 2020 Census showed that the population of American Samoa was 49,710, and in 2023 the United States Census Bureau estimated that there were 268,539 people of Samoan descent living in the 50 states and the District of Columbia; and Whereas American Samoans have contributed greatly to the civic, cultural, economic, and spiritual life of the United States and this state; and Whereas American Samoans have a long history of patriotism and service to the United States, and American Samoa has the highest military enlistment rate of any state or territory; and Whereas American Samoan men who reside in the 50 states or the District of Columbia must register with the Selective Service System and can be drafted into military service; and Whereas, despite the long tradition of military service by American Samoans, federal law prohibits noncitizen nationals of the United States from serving as commissioned officers in the uniformed services of the United States; and Whereas federal law prohibits American Samoans who are nationals but not citizens of the United States from voting in elections for President, Vice President, United States Senate, and United States House of Representatives; and Whereas the right to vote and participate in the democratic process is one of the most cherished principles on which the nation's society is built; and Whereas, by being denied the right to vote in the states where American Samoans reside, American Samoans are being subjected to taxation without representation; and be it further Resolved, That the Alaska Senate urges the United States Congress to pass legislation allowing nationals of the United States to serve as commissioned officers in the uniformed services of the United States and to vote in federal elections in the state in which they reside. Copies of this resolution shall be sent to the Honorable Donald J. Trump, President of the United States; the Honorable JD Vance, Vice President of the United States and President of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable Mike Johnson, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives; the Honorable Hakeem Jeffries, Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives; the Honorable John Thune, Majority Leader of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable Charles E. Schumer, Minority Leader of the U.S. Senate; the Honorable Lisa Murkowski and the Honorable Dan Sullivan, U.S. Senators, and the Honorable Nicholas Begich, U.S. Representative, members of the Alaska delegation in Congress; and all other members of the 119th United States Congress. ____ POM-14. A resolution adopted by the House of Representatives of the State of Ohio urging the United States Congress to establish a special committee to investigate the East Palestine, Ohio train derailment and the federal Environmental Protection Agency's response to it; to the Committee on Rules and Administration. House Resolution No. 147 Whereas, On February 3, 2023, a freight train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, while carrying hazardous materials, including vinyl chloride, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethyl-hexyl acrylate, butyl acrylates, benzene residue, and isobutylene. In response, officials evacuated a one-mile radius around the derailment location and then extended it to two miles a few days later; and Whereas, The force of the crash caused several rail cars to catch fire and others to spill their toxic loads onto the soil, causing hazardous substances to travel into local waterways; and Whereas, Emergency crews were forced to conduct controlled burns of five vinyl chloride tank rail cars to limit potential explosions. But as a result of the controlled burning, plumes of black smoke containing hazardous chemicals were released into the air; and Whereas, in September 2023, President Biden issued Executive Order 14108, ``ensuring the people of East Palestine are protected now and in the future.'' This Executive Order also states, in pertinent part, that ``available data show that no contaminants of concern have been detected at levels of concern in the air in the affected communities at sustained levels since the evacuation order was lifted''; and Whereas, The Executive Order also directed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to ``oversee long-term recovery efforts in the affected communities and conduct a comprehensive assessment of unmet needs of the affected communities in recovering from the derailment beyond the cleanup work directed by EPA''; and Whereas, Newly-obtained documents acquired through a Freedom of Information Act request show that officials from FEMA voiced concerns that the chemical spill and the plume of smoke set off by the controlled burn could cause ``cancer clusters''; now therefore be it Resolved, That we, the members of the House of Representatives of the 136th General Assembly of the State of Ohio, in adopting this resolution, urge Congress to establish a special committee to investigate the East Palestine train derailment and the United States Environmental Protection Agency's response to it; and be it further Resolved, That we, the members of the House of Representatives of the 136th General Assembly of the State of Ohio, in adopting this resolution, urge Congress to appoint members of the Ohio Congressional delegation to the special committee; and be it further [[Page S4902]] Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Representatives transmit duly authenticated copies of this resolution to the President of the United States, the Speaker and Clerk of the United States House of Representatives, the President Pro Tempore and Secretary of the United States Senate, each member of Congress, and the news media of Ohio. ____ POM-15. A concurrent resolution adopted by the Legislature of the State of Louisiana urging thd United States Congress to take action relative to the use of prior authorization processes and its impact on the citizens of Louisiana; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 13 Whereas, the state of Louisiana recognizes the critical need to ensure timely access to healthcare services for all its citizens; and Whereas, prior authorization processes, which are required by insurance companies for certain medical treatments, procedures, and medications, have been a persistent source of delay, frustration, and barriers to timely and appropriate care for Louisiana's patients; and Whereas, these delays in care can result in negative health outcomes, increased costs to both patients and the healthcare system, and unnecessary suffering; and Whereas, physicians in Louisiana report that the prior authorization process places a significant administrative burden on medical professionals, impeding their ability to provide timely and effective care for their patients; and Whereas, the Louisiana Legislature recognizes the need for federal legislative action to streamline, standardize, and reform the prior authorization process to ensure that healthcare decisions are made in a timely and efficient manner based on patient needs and not solely by insurance protocols; and Whereas, several states, including Louisiana, have made strides at the state level to address prior authorization issues, but further reforms are necessary at the federal level to ensure consistency, fairness, and the protection of patient welfare nationwide; and Whereas, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has taken steps to improve prior authorization processes for Medicare Advantage plans, however there is still much room for improvement; and Whereas, bipartisan support exists for reform efforts that improve access to care while reducing administrative burden on providers and patients, including legislation such as the ``Improving Seniors'' Timely Access to Care Act''; and Whereas, federal legislation is needed to ensure that prior authorization processes are transparent, that approval or denial of medical services occurs in a timely manner, and that there is a clear appeals process for patients and providers. Therefore, be it Resolved, That the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby memorialize the Congress of the United States to take immediate and comprehensive action to reform prior authorization policies, including: (1) The establishment of clear, timely, and standardized timelines for prior authorization decisions. (2) The reduction of administrative burdens on healthcare providers to streamline the process and ensure that patient care is not delayed unnecessarily. (3) The elimination of prior authorization requirements relative to generic medications. (4) The introduction of legislative measures that provide a clear and effective appeals process for patients and providers when prior authorization is denied. (5) The implementation of regulations that prioritize the needs of patients over bureaucratic red tape, ensuring that healthcare decisions are made by healthcare professionals rather than insurance companies. (6) The creation of oversight and transparency mechanisms to ensure that insurance companies comply with prior authorization timelines and procedures. Be it further Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution shall be transmitted to the secretary of the United States Senate, the clerk of the United States House of Representatives, and each member of the Louisiana congressional delegation. ____ ____________________ |