[Senate Report 118-7]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


118th Congress, 1st Session - - - - - - - - - - Senate Report 118-7 







                    REPORT ON LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES

                                 OF THE

                              COMMITTEE ON

                 HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS

                          UNITED STATES SENATE

                               DURING THE

                             117TH CONGRESS

                               2021-2022

                              PURSUANT TO

 SECTION 136 OF THE LEGISLATIVE REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1946, AS AMENDED 
             BY THE LEGISLATIVE REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1970

                                     








[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]







                                     

                 March 29, 2023.--Ordered to be printed

                             _________
                              
                 U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
                 
39-010                   WASHINGTON : 2023


















                            [117th Congress]

          COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS

                    PATTY MURRAY, Washington, Chair

BERNIE SANDERS (I), Vermont          RICHARD BURR, North Carolina, 
ROBERT P. CASEY, JR., Pennsylvania   Ranking Member
TAMMY BALDWIN, Wisconsin             RAND PAUL, M.D., Kentucky
CHRISTOPHER S. MURPHY, Connecticut   SUSAN M. COLLINS, Maine
TIM KAINE, Virginia                  BILL CASSIDY, M.D., Louisiana
MAGGIE HASSAN, New Hampshire         LISA MURKOWSKI, Alaska
TINA SMITH, Minnesota                MIKE BRAUN, Indiana
JACKY ROSEN, Nevada                  ROGER MARSHALL, M.D., Kansas
BEN RAY LUJAN, New Mexico            TIM SCOTT, South Carolina
JOHN HICKENLOOPER, Colorado          MITT ROMNEY, Utah
                                     TOMMY TUBERVILLE, Alabama
                                     JERRY MORAN, Kansas

                Evan T. Schatz, Democrat Staff Director

               David P. Cleary, Republican Staff Director

                                 ______

                            [118th Congress]

          COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS

                  BERNIE SANDERS (I), Vermont Chairman

PATTY MURRAY, Washington             BILL CASSIDY, M.D., Lousiana, 
ROBERT P. CASEY, JR., Pennsylvania   Ranking Member
TAMMY BALDWIN, Wisconsin             RAND PAUL, M.D., Kentucky
CHRISTOPHER S. MURPHY, Connecticut   SUSAN M. COLLINS, Maine
TIM KAINE, Virginia                  LISA MURKOWSKI, Alaska
MAGGIE HASSAN, New Hampshire         MIKE BRAUN, Indiana
TINA SMITH, Minnesota                ROGER MARSHALL, M.D., Kansas
BEN RAY LUJAN, New Mexico            MITT ROMNEY, Utah
JOHN HICKENLOOPER, Colorado          TOMMY TUBERVILLE, Alabama
ED MARKEY, Massachusetts             MARKWAYNE MULLIN, Oklahoma
                                     TEDD BUDD, North Carolina

                Warren Gunnels, Democrat Staff Director

               Amanda Lincoln, Republican Staff Director

                                  (ii) 
                                  
                                  
                                  
                                  
                                  
                                  
                                  
                                  
                                  
                                  
                                  
                                  
                                FOREWORD

    This report on the legislative activities of the Committee 
on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions during the 117th 
Congress is submitted pursuant to section 136 of the 
Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 190d), as 
amended by Public Laws 91-050, 92-136, and 93-334. The 
Legislative Reorganization Act requires standing committees of 
the U.S. Senate to ``review and study, on a continuing basis, 
the application, administration, and execution'' of laws within 
their jurisdiction and to submit biennial reports to the 
Congress. The full text of section 136 is as follows:
    Sec. 136.(a) In order to assist the Congress--
          (1) its analysis, appraisal, and evaluation of the 
        application, administration, and execution of the laws 
        enacted by Congress, and
          (2) its formulation, consideration and enactment of 
        such modifications of or changes in those laws, and of 
        such additional legislation, as may be necessary or 
        appropriate, each standing committee of the Senate and 
        the House of Representatives shall review and study, on 
        a continuing basis, the application, administration, 
        and execution of those laws, or parts of laws, the 
        subject matter of which is within the jurisdiction of 
        that committee. Such committees may carry out the 
        required analysis, appraisal, and evaluation 
        themselves, or by contract, or may require a government 
        agency to do so and furnish a report thereon to the 
        Congress. Such committees may rely on such techniques 
        as pilot testing, analysis of costs in comparison with 
        benefits, or provision for evaluation after a defined 
        period of time.
    (b) In each odd-numbered year beginning on or after January 
1, 1973, each standing committee of the Senate shall submit, 
not later than March 31, to the Senate . . . a report on the 
activities of that committee under this section during the 
Congress ending at noon on January 3 of such year.
    (c) The preceding provisions of this section do not apply 
to the Committees on Appropriations, the Budget, House 
Administration, Rules, and Standards of Official Conduct of the 
House.
                                               Patty Murray, Chair.



                                  (iii) 
























                            C O N T E N T S

                                 ______

                                                                   Page

Foreword.........................................................   III
Committee jurisdiction...........................................     1
Committee organization...........................................     2
Review of Legislative activity...................................     3
Full Committee activities........................................     3
   I. Bills Enacted:
   A. Health..........................................................3
   B. Education.......................................................5
   C. Labor...........................................................5
   D. Pensions........................................................5
 II. Vetoed Legislation...............................................6
III. Reported Bills Not Enacted:
   A. Health..........................................................6
 IV. Other Bills Considered by Senate:
   A. Health..........................................................6
   B. Education.......................................................8
   C. Armed Forces and National Security.............................10
   D. Economics and Public Finance...................................10
   E. Families.......................................................10
   F. Immigration....................................................10
  V. List of Public Laws.............................................10
 VI. List of Full Committee and Subcommittee hearings................12
VII. Anticipated activities..........................................14
Committee printing...............................................    14

                                APPENDIX

  I. Reports of the Committee and Subcommittees on Health, Education, 
     Labor, and Pensions:
      A. Full Committee..............................................15
      B. Children and Families.......................................15
      C. Employment and Workplace Safety.............................15
      D. Primary Health and Retirement Security......................15
 II. Public Laws enacted during the 117th Congress...................15
III. Hearings by Full Committee and Subcommittees:
      Full Committee.................................................17
      Nominations....................................................24
      Department of Health and Human Services........................24
      Public Health Service..........................................25
      Department of Labor............................................25
      National Labor Relations Board.................................26
      Equal Employment Opportunity Commission........................26
      Subcommittee on Children and Families..........................27
      Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety................27
      Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security.........27
 IV. Statistical Summary.............................................29
  V. Rules of Procedure..............................................30

                                  (v)












118th Congress      }                                  {       Report
                                 SENATE
 1st Session        }                                  {        118-7

======================================================================



 
                REPORT ON LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES OF THE 
          COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS

                                _______
                                

                 March 29, 2023.--Ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

   Mr. Sanders, from the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and 
                   Pensions, submitted the following

                              R E P O R T

[Pursuant to section 136 of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946, 
 as amended by the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970, as amended]



                         COMMITTEE JURISDICTION

    The jurisdiction of the Health, Education, Labor, and 
Pensions Committee in the 117th Congress was set forth in 
paragraph 1.(1) of Rule XXV of the Standing Rules of the Senate 
as follows:

      (m)(1) Committee on Labor and Human Resources, to which 
        committee shall be referred all proposed legislation, 
        messages, petitions, memorials, and other matters 
        relating to the following subjects:

         1. Measures relating to education, labor, health, and 
            public welfare.
         2. Aging.
         3. Agricultural colleges.
         4. Arts and humanities.
         5. Biomedical research and development.
         6. Child labor.
         7. Convict labor and the entry of goods made by 
            convicts into interstate commerce.
         8. Domestic activities of the American National Red 
            Cross.
         9. Equal employment opportunity.
        10. Gallaudet College, Howard University, and Saint 
            Elizabeths Hospital.
        11. Handicapped individuals.
        12. Labor standards and labor statistics.

                                  (1)

        13. Mediation and arbitration of labor disputes.
        14. Occupational safety and health, including the 
            welfare of miners.
        15. Private pension plans.
        16. Public health.
        17. Railway labor and retirement.
        18. Regulation of foreign laborers.
        19. Student loans.
        20. Wages and hours of labor.

      (2) Such committee shall also study and review, on a 
        comprehensive basis, matters relating to health, 
        education and training, and public welfare, and report 
        thereon from time to time.

                        COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION*

    During the 117th Congress, the Committee was organized into 
the following subcommittees:

                         Children and Families

                          Mr. Casey, Chairman

Mr. Sanders                         Dr. Cassidy
Mr. Murphy                          Mr. Romney
Mr. Kaine                           Ms. Collins
Ms. Hassan                          Ms. Murkowski
Ms. Smith                           Mr. Moran
Mr. Hickenlooper                    Mr. Marshall
                                    Mr. Tuberville

                    Employment and Workplace Safety

                       Mr. Hickenlooper, Chairman

Ms. Baldwin                         Mr. Braun
Ms. Smith                           Mr. Tuberville
Ms. Rosen                           Mr. Paul
Mr. Lujan                           Mr. Scott
                                    Mr. Romney

                 Primary Health and Retirement Security

                         Mr. Sanders, Chairman

Mr. Casey                           Ms. Collins
Ms. Baldwin                         Mr. Paul
Mr. Murphy                          Ms. Murkowski
Mr. Kaine                           Dr. Marshall
Mr. Hassan                          Mr. Scott
Ms. Rosen                           Mr. Moran
Mr. Lujan                           Dr. Cassidy
                                    Mr. Braun

    (*Note.--The Chairman and the Ranking Minority Member are 
ex officio of the subcommittee they do not serve on.)

                     REVIEW OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITY

    The Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions has 
jurisdiction over approximately 1,000 Federal programs relating 
to health, education, disability policy, children and families, 
older Americans, pensions, labor, and public welfare. These 
programs are administered by the Departments of Education, 
Health and Human Services, Labor, and over a hundred 
independent agencies, councils, and bureaus.
    During the 117th Congress, which convened on January 3, 
2021 and adjourned on January 3, 2023, 993 bills and 
resolutions were referred to the Committee for its 
consideration, reflecting the substantial interest in issues 
within the Committee's jurisdiction. The Committee and its 
subcommittees held 56 hearings, and produced 20 public laws, 
most of which came within the area of health care.

                       FULL COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES

    In addition to the legislation referred to the Committee, 
57 nominations were received by the Committee during the 117th 
Congress, 50 were reported and 35 were confirmed by the Senate. 
The Committee held 28 hearings for nominations.
    The committee reported 57 bills and 1 resolution to the 
Senate, and 20 measures within its jurisdiction were enacted 
into law.
    The committee and its subcommittees held 56 days of public 
hearings and held 22 executive sessions for the purpose of 
considering legislation and nominations. There were no 
conferences held with the House of Representatives.

       I. BILLS APPROVED FROM THE HELP COMMITTEE ENACTED INTO LAW

                               A. Health

      Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act of 2022

              [Public Law 117-213, enacted March 18, 2022]

 A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect 
           to the scope of new chemical exclusivity. of 2021

               [Public Law 117-9, enacted April 23, 2021]

                     TRANSPLANT Act of 2021 of 2021
                     (Short Title as Passed Senate)

    Timely Reauthorization of Necessary Stem-cell Programs 
Lends Access to Needed Therapies Act of 2021

               [Public Law 117-15, enacted May 23, 2021]

  Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act of 
                                  2021

             [Public Law 117-71, enacted December 10, 2021]

Supporting the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health and the 
  Reagan-Udall Foundation for the Food and Drug Administration Act of 
                                  2022

              [Public Law 117-101, enacted March 15, 2022]

         Promoting Physical Activity for Americans Act of 2021
                     (Short Title as Passed Senate)

             [Public Law 117-16, enacted October 14, 2021]

Maximizing Outcomes through Better Investments in Lifesaving Equipment 
                  for (MOBILE) Health Care Act of 2022

             [Public Law 117-204, enacted October 17, 2022]

    Cardiovascular Advances in Research and Opportunities Legacy Act

            [Public Law 117-244, enacted December 20, 2022]

          Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act of 2022
                     (Short Title as Passed Senate)

    A bill to reauthorize a program for early detection, 
diagnosis, and treatment regarding deaf and hard-of-hearing 
newborns, infants, and young children, and for other purposes.

            [Public Law 117-241, enacted December 20, 2022]

   State Offices of Rural Health Program Reauthorization Act of 2022

    A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to 
reauthorize the State offices of rural health program.

             [Public Law 117-356, enacted January 5, 2023]

           Childhood Cancer STAR Reauthorization Act of 2022

    This act reauthorizes through FY2028 and modifies pediatric 
cancer research and related programs, including to expand 
collection of and access to relevant biospecimens and to 
support the transition of pediatric cancer survivors to primary 
care.

             [Public Law 117-350, enacted, January 5, 2023]

                              B. Education

        Advancing Education on Biosimilars Act of 2021] of 2021
                     (Short Title as Passed Senate)

               [Public Law 117-8, enacted April 23, 2021]

                     Consider Teachers Act of 2021
                     (Short Title as Passed Senate)

             [Public Law 117-49, enacted October 13, 2021]

                      STANDUP Act of 2021 of 2022
                     (Short Title as Passed Senate)

              [Public Law 117-100, enacted March 15, 2022]

                                C. Labor

   A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under 
chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the 
    Equal Employment Opportunity Commission relating to ``Update of 
            Commission's Conciliation Procedures''. of 2021

               [Public Law 117-22, enacted June 30, 2021]

                Human Trafficking Prevention Act of 2022
                     (Short Title as Passed Senate)

    To amend the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 to 
direct the Secretary of Transportation to seek to provide for 
the posting of contact information of the national human 
trafficking hotline in the restrooms of each aircraft, airport, 
over-the-road bus, bus station, passenger train, and passenger 
railroad station operating within the United States, and for 
other purposes.

            [Public Law 117-301, enacted December 27, 2022]

             Bridging the Gap for New Americans Act of 2022
                     (Short Title as Passed Senate)

             [Public Law 117-210, enacted October 17, 2022]

                              D. Pensions

                     Honoring our PACT Act of 2022
                     (Short Title as Passed Senate)

    Protecting Our Gold Star Families Education Act
    A bill to improve the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant 
and the Children of Fallen Heroes Grant.

             [Public Law 117-168, enacted August 10, 2022]

            Joint Consolidation Loan Separation Act of 2022
                     (Short Title as Passed Senate)

             [Public Law 117-200, enacted October 11, 2022]

            Supplemental Impact Aid Flexibility Act of 2022
                     (Short Title as Passed Senate)

             [Public Law 117-83, enacted January 21, 2022]

                         II. VETOED LEGISLATION

    In the 117th Congress, no legislation was vetoed by the 
President.

III. BILLS REPORTED FROM THE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND 
          PENSIONS, NOT ENACTED INTO LAW IN THE 117TH CONGRESS

                Fairness in Orphan Drug Exclusivity Act

    This bill limits which orphan drugs may be granted a market 
exclusivity period by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 
(Generally, an orphan drug is one that is not economically 
viable because of the rarity of the disease that it treats. The 
sponsor of an FDA-designated orphan drug may be granted various 
incentives, such as a seven-year period in which the FDA may 
not grant market approval to a different sponsor for the same 
drug to treat the same disease.)
    Under this bill, if a drug is designated as an orphan drug 
on the basis that there is no reasonable expectation that the 
sponsor will recover the costs of developing and distributing 
the drug from U.S. sales, the drug shall be granted the seven-
year exclusivity period only if the sponsor demonstrates that 
there is no reasonable expectation that it will recover such 
costs specifically within its first 12 years of U.S. sales of 
the drug. This requirement shall also apply retroactively to an 
orphan drug that was granted such an exclusivity period before 
this bill's enactment.
    When deciding whether an orphan drug meets this 
requirement, the FDA shall consider the sales of all drugs from 
the sponsor that are covered by the same orphan drug 
designation.

  IV. OTHER BILLS UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, 
 EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS, CONSIDERED BY THE SENATE IN THE 117TH 
                                CONGRESS

                               A. Health

           Expanding Access to Low-Cost Generics Act of 2021

    This bill modifies provisions related to market exclusivity 
for a generic drug.
    Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) awards 
180 days of exclusivity on the market to a first applicant to 
file a qualifying application for market approval of a generic 
drug. Generally, this exclusivity period begins upon a first 
applicant's commercial marketing of the drug.

Supporting the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health and the 
    Reagan-Udall Foundation for the Food and Drug Administration Act

    This bill increases the amount of funds each fiscal year 
that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must transfer to 
the Reagan-Udall Foundation for the FDA and that the National 
Institutes of Health (NIH) must transfer to the Foundation for 
the NIH.
    Specifically, it requires each agency to increase the 
amount transferred to its respective foundation (1) from a 
minimum of $500,000 to a minimum of $1,250,000, and (2) from a 
maximum of $1,250,000 to a maximum of $5,000,000.

                          STANDUP Act of 2021

    This bill requires the Department of Health and Human 
Services (HHS), when awarding certain grants for priority 
mental-health needs, to give preference to state, tribal, and 
local educational agencies that plan to implement evidence-
based suicide awareness and prevention training policies. HHS 
may also consider suicide rates in the applicable jurisdiction 
and other factors when awarding the grants.
    In addition, HHS must coordinate with the Department of 
Education and the Department of the Interior to provide 
educational agencies with best practices for these training 
policies.

Maximizing Outcomes through Better Investments in Lifesaving Equipment 
                      for (MOBILE) Health Care Act

    This bill allows a health center that currently receives 
funding through a Health Resources & Services Administration 
Health Center Program grant to use a New Access Point grant to 
set up a mobile unit regardless of whether the health center 
also establishes a permanent health care delivery site.
    New Access Point grants help health centers establish new 
delivery sites to provide comprehensive primary care to 
medically underserved populations. Under current law, health 
centers may only use the grants to set up a mobile unit if they 
also establish a permanent site.

    Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act

    This bill makes several budgetary, technical, and 
procedural changes, particularly in relation to Medicare and 
increasing the debt limit.
    Specifically, the bill continues to exempt Medicare from 
sequestration until March 31, 2022. (Sequestration is a process 
of automatic, usually across-the-board spending reductions 
under which budgetary resources are permanently cancelled to 
enforce specific budget policy goals.)
    The bill also establishes expedited Senate procedures for 
considering legislation to increase the debt limit. The 
procedures limit debate, waive points of order, and prohibit 
amendments. The procedures may only be used once and expire 
after January 16, 2022.
    Additionally, the bill (1) temporarily extends other 
provisions under Medicare, including a payment increase under 
the physician fee schedule; and (2) requires any debits 
recorded for FY2022 on the statutory pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) 
scorecards to be deducted from the scorecards for 2022 and 
added to the scorecards for 2023.

 A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect 
               to the scope of new chemical exclusivity.

    This bill provides statutory authority for the existing 
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) practice of defining active 
ingredient more narrowly as active moiety in certain 
situations, such as when determining whether a new drug is 
entitled to a market exclusivity period or providing priority 
review of drugs for treating rare pediatric diseases.
    Generally, the FDA defines active moiety as the core 
molecule or ion in a drug responsible for the relevant 
physiological or pharmacological action. by contrast, the FDA 
defines an active ingredient as a component in a drug that is 
intended to furnish pharmacological activity or other direct 
effect. The FDA's existing practice of interpreting active 
ingredient as active moiety in certain situations, as 
statutorily authorized by this bill, tends to exclude some 
drugs from market exclusivity.
    The bill replaces references to active ingredient with 
active moiety in various statutes authorizing FDA activities.

     John Lewis NIMHD Research Endowment Revitalization Act of 2021

    This bill expands eligibility for research endowments 
available through the National Institute on Minority Health and 
Health Disparities to include former centers of excellence at 
health professional schools and biomedical and behavioral 
research institutions that meet criteria related to the 
inclusion of underrepresented minority individuals in programs 
and activities.

             Advancing Education on Biosimilars Act of 2021

    This bill requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 
to advance education and awareness among health care providers 
about biological products as appropriate, including by 
developing or improving continuing education programs that 
address the prescribing of biological products and biosimilars. 
(A biosimilar is a biological product that is highly similar to 
an FDA-approved reference biological product and has no 
clinically meaningful differences from that reference product.)
    The FDA may also maintain and operate a website to provide 
educational materials about biological products.

                              B. Education

                Supplemental Impact Aid Flexibility Act

    This bill revises the Impact Aid Program application 
process for FY2023.
    Specifically, the bill requires local educational agencies 
(LEAs) participating in the Impact Aid Program to use the 
student count or federal property valuation data from their 
FY2022 program applications, as applicable, for their FY2023 
program applications. The program provides funding to LEAs that 
have lost property tax revenue due to the presence of tax-
exempt federal property or to those that have experienced 
increased expenditures due to enrollment of federally connected 
children (e.g., children living on Indian lands or military 
bases).

                Joint Consolidation Loan Separation Act

    This act allows two borrowers, who had previously received 
a joint consolidation loan for their federal student loan debt, 
to submit a joint application to the Department of Education to 
sever their consolidated loan into two separate loans.
    One borrower may submit a separate application in the event 
that the individual has experienced domestic or economic abuse 
from the other individual borrower or is unable to reasonably 
reach or access the loan information of the other borrower. In 
the case of a borrower who receives a separate consolidation 
loan due to those circumstances, the other individual borrower 
must become solely liable for the remaining balance of the 
joint consolidation loan.

                     Consider Teachers Act of 2021

    This bill revises the service obligation verification 
process for the Teacher Education Assistance for College and 
Higher Education (TEACH) grant program. The TEACH program 
awards grants to postsecondary students who commit to teaching 
for four years in high-need subjects in low-income schools. In 
addition, the bill establishes certain program flexibilities 
with respect to the service obligations of teachers affected by 
the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Specifically, the bill provides a process for the 
Department of Education (ED) to reconsider and reverse the 
conversion of a TEACH grant to a loan. Under current program 
terms, TEACH grants are converted into loan obligations if 
service requirements are not met.
    In addition, the bill directs ED to notify TEACH grant 
recipients of the requirements for submitting employment 
certifications. ED must also provide an alternative to 
certification.
    ED must maintain and annually update a list of qualifying 
schools and high-need fields.
    The bill also provides certain program flexibilities with 
respect to the service obligations of teachers affected by the 
COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, the bill (1) extends the 
service obligation window for TEACH grants, and (2) requires ED 
to consider teaching service that is interrupted as a result of 
a qualifying emergency as full-time service for purposes of 
Federal Perkins Loans.

                 C. Armed Forces and National Security

                     Honoring our PACT Act of 2022

    This bill addresses health care, presumption of service-
connection, research, resources, and other matters related to 
veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during military 
service.

                    D. Economics and Public Finance

             Promoting Physical Activity for Americans Act

    This bill increases the public debt limit by $480 billion.

                              E. Families

                            Jenna Quinn Law

    This bill allows the Department of Health and Human 
Services (HHS) to provide grants for evidence-informed child 
sexual abuse awareness and prevention programs. The grants may 
be awarded for a period of up to five years.
    The bill also requires the HHS Office of Inspector General 
to report on expenditures under the program.

                             F. Immigration

                 Bridging the Gap for New Americans Act

    This act requires the Department of Labor to submit to 
Congress a study on the factors affecting employment 
opportunities for certain individuals with professional 
credentials obtained in a non-U.S. country, specifically 
individuals who are lawfully present noncitizens or naturalized 
U.S. citizens. The study shall include policy recommendations 
for better enabling such individuals to obtain skill-
appropriate employment in the United States.

V. LIST OF PUBLIC LAWS OF THE 117TH CONGRESS FROM THE COMMITTEE 
ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS

    P.L. 117-168 [enacted Aug. 10, 2022], To improve the Iraq and 
Afghanistan Service Grant and the Children of fallen Heroes Grant.

    P.L. 117-210 [enacted Oct. 17, 2022], To require the Secretary of 
Labor to conduct a study of the factors affecting employment 
opportunities for immigrants and refugees with professional credentials 
obtained in foreign countries.

    P.L. 117-83 [enacted Jan. 21, 2022], To provide that, due to the 
disruptions caused by COVID-19, applications for impact aid funding for 
fiscal year 2023 may use certain data submitted in the fiscal year 2022 
application.

    P.L. 117-101 [enacted Mar. 15, 2022], To increase funding for the 
Reagan-Udall Foundation for the Food and Drug Administration and for 
the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health.

    P.L. 117-100 [enacted Mar. 15, 2022], To amend the Public Health 
Service Act to provide best practices on student suicide awareness and 
prevention training and condition State educational agencies, local 
educational agencies, and tribal educational agencies receiving funds 
under section 520A of such Act to establish and implement a school-
based student suicide awareness and prevention training policy.

    P.L. 117-50 [enacted Oct. 14, 2021], To provide for the publication 
by the Secretary of Health and Human Services of physical activity 
recommendations for Americans.,

    P.L. 117-200 [enacted Oct. 11, 2022 ], To amend the Higher 
Education Act of 1965 to authorize borrowers to separate joint 
consolidation loans.

    P.L. 117-204 [enacted Oct. 17, 2022], To amend the Public Health 
Service Act to expand the allowable use criteria for new access points 
grants for community health centers.

    P.L. 117-22 [enacted Jun. 30, 2021], Providing for congressional 
disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule 
submitted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission relating to 
``Update of Commission's Conciliation Procedures''.

    P.L. 117-49 [enacted Oct. 13, 2021], To amend the Higher Education 
Act of 1965 in order to improve the service obligation verification 
process for TEACH Grant recipients, and for other purposes.

    P.L. 117-105 [enacted Mar. 18, 2022], To address behavioral health 
and well-being among health care professionals.

    P.L. 117-71 [enacted Dec. 10, 2021 ], To address behavioral health 
and well-being among health care professionals.

    P.L. 117-9 [enacted Apr. 23, 2021], To amend the Federal Food, 
Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the scope of new chemical 
exclusivity.

    P.L. 117-15 [enacted May 26, 202], To reauthorize the Stem Cell 
Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005, and for other purposes.

    P.L. 117-8 [enacted Apr. 23, 2021], To educate health care 
providers and the public on biosimilar biological products, and for 
other purposes.

    P.L. 117-356 [enacted Jan. 5, 2023], To reauthorize through FY2027 
grants awarded to state offices of rural health for improving health 
care in rural areas.

    P.L. 117-350 [enacted Jan. 5, 2023], To reauthorize through FY2028 
and modifies pediatric cancer research and related programs, including 
to expand collection of and access to relevant biospecimens and to 
support the transition of pediatric cancer survivors to primary care.

    P.L. 117-241 [enacted Dec. 20, 2022], To reauthorize through FY2027 
various activities carried out by the Health Resources and Services 
Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the 
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders that 
support screening and early intervention services for newborns, 
infants, and young children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

    P.L. 117-301 [enacted Dec. 20, 2022], To require the posting of 
contact information of the national human trafficking hotline in 
specific places.

    P.L. 117-244 [enacted Dec. 20, 2022], To address research, 
education, and awareness concerning valvular heart disease and its 
treatment. This disease is caused by damage to or disease affecting any 
valve that controls blood flow in the heart.
    VI. LIST OF FULL COMMITTEE AND SUBCOMMITTEE HEARINGS OF THE 
COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS

    1. Nomination of Miguel Cardona to serve as Secretary of Education
Date: Feb. 3, 2021)

    2. Nomination of Marty Walsh to serve as Secretary of Labor
Date: Feb. 4, 2021)

    3. Nomination of Xavier Becerra to serve as Secretary of Health and 
Human Services
Date: Feb. 23, 2021)

    4. Nominations of Vivek Murthy to serve as Medical Director in the 
Regular Corps of the Public
Date: Feb. 25, 2021)

    5. Examining Our Covid-19 Response: An Update from the Frontlines 
(March 9, 2021)

    6. Nomination of Julie Su to serve as Deputy Secretary of Labor 
(March 16, 2021)

    7. Examining Our Covid-19 Response: An Update from Federal 
Officials (March 18, 2021)

    8. Why Does the U.S. Pay the Highest Prices in the World for 
Prescription Drugs? (March 23, 2021)

    9. Nomination of Cynthia Marten to serve as Deputy Secretary of 
Education (March 24, 2021)

    10.Examining Our Covid-19 Response: Improving Health Equity and 
Outcomes by Addressing Health Disparities (March 25, 2021)

    11. Nomination of James Kvaal to serve as Undersecretary of 
Education (April 15, 2021)

    12. Covid-19 Recovery: Supporting Workers and Modernizing the 
Workforce through Quality Education, Training, and Employment 
Opportunities (April 20, 2021)

    13. Protecting U.S. Biomedical Research: Efforts to Prevent Undue 
Foreign Influence (April 22, 2021)

    14. Supporting Children, Workers and Families by Strengthening 
America's Child Care Sector (April 27, 2021)

    15. Examining Our Covid-19 Response: Using Lessons Learned to 
Address Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders (April 28, 2021)

    16. Nominations of Jennifer Abruzzo to serve as General Counsel of 
the National Labor Relations Board and Seema Nanda to serve as 
Solicitor for the Department of Labor (April 29, 2021)

    17. An Update from Federal Officials on Efforts to Combat Covid-19 
(May 11, 2021)

    18. Retirement Security: Building a Better Future (May 13, 2021)

    19. Paid Leave for Working Families: Examining Access, Options, and 
Impacts (May 18, 2021)

    20. A Dire Shortage and Getting Worse: Solving the Crisis in the 
Health Care Workforce (May 20, 2021)

    21. Nominations of Rajesh Nayak for Assistant Secretary of Labor 
for Policy, Taryn Mackenzie Williams for Assistant Secretary of Labor 
for Disability Employment Policy, and Doug Parker for Assistant 
Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health (May 27, 2021)

    22. Nominations of Dawn O'Connell to be Assistant Secretary for 
Preparedness and Response and Miriam Delphin-Rittmon to be Assistant 
Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use (June 08, 2021)

    23. Covid-19 Response and Recovery: Supporting the Needs of 
Students in Higher Education & Lessons on Safely Returning to Campus 
(June 17, 2021)

    24. Vaccines: America's Shot at Ending the Covid-19 Pandemic (June 
22, 2021)

    25. Nominations of Catherine Lhamon to be Assistant Secretary for 
Civil Rights at the Department of Education, Elizabeth Brown to be 
General Counsel of the Department of Education, and Roberto Rodriguez 
to be Assistant Secretary for Planning, Evaluation, and Policy 
Development of the Department of Education (July 13, 2021)

    26. Nominations of David Weil to be the Administrator of the Wage 
and Hour Division for the Department of Labor, Gwynne Wilcox to be a 
Member of the National Labor Relations Board, and David Prouty to be a 
Member of the National Labor Relations Board (July 15, 2021)

    27. The Path Forward: A Federal Perspective on the Covid-19 
Response (July 20, 2021)

    28. Addressing Disparities in Life Expectancy (July 21, 2021)

    29. The Right to Organize: Empowering American Workers in a 21st 
Century Economy (July 22, 2021)

    30. The Path Forward: Building on Lessons Learned from the Covid-19 
Pandemic (July 27, 2021)

    31. Getting America Ready to Work - Successful on the Job, 
Apprenticeship Training Programs to Help Workers and Business Get Ready 
to Work (September 22, 2021)

    32. School Reopening During Covid-19: Supporting Students, 
Educators, and Families (September 30, 2021)

    33. Nominations of Lisa Gomez to be the Assistant Secretary for 
Employee Benefits Security, Department of Labor, and Jose Javier 
Rodriguez to be the Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training, 
Department of Labor (October 07, 2021)

    34. Next Steps: The Road Ahead for the Covid-19 Response (November 
04, 2021)

    35. Nomination of Dr. Robert Califf to be Commissioner of Food and 
Drugs, Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human 
Services (December 14, 2021)

    36. Addressing New Variants: A Federal Perspective on the COVID 
0919 Response (January 11, 2022)

    37. Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders: Responding to the 
Growing Crisis
Date: Feb. 1, 2022)

    38. Lessons Learned from COVID 0919: Highlighting Innovations, 
Maximizing Inclusive Practices and Overcoming Barriers to Employment 
for People with Disabilities
Date: Feb. 08, 2022)

    39. Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety Hearing: 
Recruiting, Revitalizing & Diversifying: Examining the Health Care 
Workforce Shortage
Date: Feb. 10, 2022)

    40. Supporting Quality Workforce Development Opportunities and 
Innovation to Address Barriers to Employment
Date: Feb. 15, 2022)

    41. Child Care and Preschool: Cutting Costs for Working Families 
(March 3, 2022)

    42. Strengthening Federal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder 
Programs: Opportunities, Challenges, and Emerging Issues (March 23, 
2022)

    43. Rise and Shine: Improving Retirement and Enhancing Savings 
(March 29, 2022)

    44. FDA User Fee Agreements: Advancing Medical Product Regulation 
and Innovation for the Benefit of Patients (April 05, 2022)

    45. FDA User Fee Agreements: Advancing Medical Product Regulation 
and Innovation for the Benefit of Patients, FDA Center Directors (April 
26, 2022)

    46. Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety Hearing: 
Connecting Workers and Communities: Preparing and Supporting the 
Broadband Workforce (May 03, 2022)

    47. Nomination of Kalpana Kotagal to be a Member of the Equal 
Employment Opportunity Commission (May 10, 2022)

    48. Cybersecurity in the Health and Education Sectors (May 18, 
2022)

    49. Infant Formula Crisis: Addressing the Shortage and Getting 
Formula on Shelves (May 26, 2022)

    50. An Update on the Ongoing Federal Response to COVID 0919: 
Current Status and Future Planning (June 16, 2022)

    51. Supporting Students and Schools: Promising Practices to Get 
Back on Track (June 22, 2022)

    52. Reproductive Care in a Post-Roe America: Barriers, Challenges, 
and Threats to Women's Health (July 13, 2022)

    53. Fighting Fentanyl: The Federal Response to a Growing Crisis 
(July 26, 2022)

    54. Nominations of Karla Gilbride to be General Counsel, Equal 
Employment Opportunity Commission and Jessica Looman to be 
Administrator, Wage and Hour Division, Department of Labor (September 
13, 2022)

    55. Stopping the Spread of Monkeypox: Examining the Federal 
Response (September 14, 2022)

    56. Subcommittee on Children and Families Hearing: Caring for Our 
Kids: Supporting Mental Health in the Transition from High School to 
College (November 30, 2022)

VII. ANTICIPATED ACTIVITIES FOR 117TH CONGRESS

                             A. Health Care

    Increasing our focus on monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic 
response at the Federal, state, and local levels, processing 
nominees for the new Biden administration, and developing high-
profile, time-intensive efforts in health care. We will also 
begin the process of addressing why the U.S. pays the highest 
prices in the world for prescription drugs and uncovering the 
disparities in life expectancy.

                              B. Education

    Supporting the needs of students in higher education and 
lessons on returning to campuses safely and reauthorizing the 
Every Student Succeeds Act, as well as continuing work on 
higher education and K-12 as it relates to the stresses created 
by the pandemic.

                                C. Labor

    Reauthorizing the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, 
getting America ready to work, successful on the job 
apprenticeship training programs to help workers and businesses 
to get ready to work.

                              D. Pensions

    The Committee's agenda will include multiemployer pension 
reforms, retirement security and building better futures by 
providing paid leave for working families.

                           Committee Printing

    The Committee printed a total of 1,120 copies of hearings 
and reports during the 117th Congress.

                                APPENDIX

  I. REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE AND SUBCOMMITTEES ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, 
                          LABOR, AND PENSIONS



                             Full Committee

Report on Legislative Activities of the Committee on Health, Education, 
    Labor, and Pensions, United States Senate during the 117th Congress 
    2021-2022

Reported: Mar. 31, 2023.

                         Children and Families

    No Reports for the 117th Congress

                    Employment and Workplace Safety

    No Reports for the 117th Congress

                 Primary Health and Retirement Security

    No Reports for the 117th Congress

           II. PUBLIC LAWS ENACTED DURING THE 117TH CONGRESS

H.R.941

TRANSPLANT Act of 2021. PUBLIC LAW 117-15

May 26, 2021

H.R.1193

Cardiovascular Advances in Research and Opportunities Legacy Act

Dec. 20, 2022. PUBLIC LAW 117-244.

H.R.1667

Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act

Mar. 18, 2022. PUBLIC LAW 117-105.

H.R.7181

Human Trafficking Prevention Act of 2022

Dec. 27, 2022. PUBLIC LAW 117-301.

S.164

Advancing Education on Biosimilars Act of 2021

Apr. 23, 2021. PUBLIC LAW 117-8.

S.415

A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect 
to the scope of new chemical exclusivity.

Apr. 23, 2021. PUBLIC LAW 117-9.

S.610

Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act

Dec. 10, 2021. PUBLIC LAW 117-71.

S.848

Consider Teachers Act of 2021

Oct. 13, 2021. PUBLIC LAW 117-49.

S.958

Maximizing Outcomes through Better Investments in Lifesaving Equipment 
for (MOBILE) Health Care Act

Oct. 17, 2022. PUBLIC LAW 117-204.

S.1098

Joint Consolidation Loan Separation Act

Oct. 11, 2022. PUBLIC LAW 117-200.

S.1301

Promoting Physical Activity for Americans Act

Oct. 14, 2021. PUBLIC LAW 117-50.

S.1543

STANDUP Act of 2021

Mar. 15, 2022. PUBLIC LAW 117-100.

S.1662

Supporting the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health and the 
Reagan-Udall Foundation for the Food and Drug Administration Act

Mar. 15, 2022. PUBLIC LAW 117-101.

S.2959

Supplemental Impact Aid Flexibility Act

Jan. 21, 2022. PUBLIC LAW 117-83.

S.3157

Bridging the Gap for New Americans Act

Oct. 17, 2022. PUBLIC LAW 117-210.

S.3373

Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address 
Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022

Aug. 10, 2022. PUBLIC LAW 117-168.

S.4052

Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act of 2022

Dec. 20, 2022. PUBLIC LAW 117-241.

S.4120

Childhood Cancer STAR Reauthorization Act

Jan. 5, 2023. PUBLIC LAW 117-350.

S.4978

State Offices of Rural Health Program Reauthorization Act of 2022

Jan. 5, 2023. PUBLIC LAW 117-356.

S.J.Res.13

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under 
chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the 
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission relating to ``Update of 
Commission's Conciliation Procedures''.

Jun. 30, 2021. PUBLIC LAW 117-22.

           III. HEARINGS BY FULL COMMITTEE AND SUBCOMMITTEES

                     HEARINGS BY THE FULL COMMITTEE

     EXAMINING OUR COVID-19 RESPONSE: AN UPDATE FROM THE FRONTLINES

Examining the COVID-19 response, focusing on an update from the 
    frontlines

Date: Mar. 9, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-173).
  

   EXAMINING OUR COVID-19 RESPONSE: AN UPDATE FROM FEDERAL OFFICIALS

Examining The Covid-19 Response, Focusing On An Update From Federal 
    Officials

Date: Mar. 18, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-175).
  

WHY DOES THE U.S. PAY THE HIGHEST PRICES IN THE WORLD FOR PRESCRIPTION 
                                 DRUGS?

Examining Why The U.S. Pays The Highest Prices in the World for 
    Prescription Drugs

Date: Mar. 23, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-176).
  

 EXAMINING OUR COVID-19 RESPONSE: IMPROVING HEALTH EQUITY AND OUTCOMES 
                    BY ADDRESSING HEALTH DISPARITIES

Examining Our Covid-19 Response, Focusing On Improving Health Equity 
    and Outcomes by Addressing Health Disparities

Date: Mar. 25, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-178).
  

  COVID-19 RECOVERY: SUPPORTING WORKERS AND MODERNIZING THE WORKFORCE 
   THROUGH QUALITY EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Examining Covid-19 Recovery, Focusing On Supporting Workers and 
    Modernizing The Workforce Through Quality Education, Training, and 
    Employment Opportunities

Date: Apr. 20, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-180).
  

 PROTECTING U.S. BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH: EFFORTS TO PREVENT UNDUE FOREIGN 
                               INFLUENCE

Examining Protecting U.S. Biomedical Research, Focusing On Efforts To 
    Prevent Undue Foreign Influence

Date: Apr. 22, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-181).
  

 SUPPORTING CHILDREN, WORKERS AND FAMILIES BY STRENGTHENING AMERICA'S 
                           CHILD CARE SECTOR

Examining Supporting Children, Workers and Families by Strengthening 
    America's Child Care Sector

Date: Apr. 27, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-182).
  

   EXAMINING OUR COVID-19 RESPONSE: USING LESSONS LEARNED TO ADDRESS 
               MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

Examining The Response To Covid-19, Focusing On Using Lessons Learned 
    To Address Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders

Date: Apr. 28, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-183).
  

     AN UPDATE FROM FEDERAL OFFICIALS ON EFFORTS TO COMBAT COVID-19

Examining An Update From Federal Officials On Efforts To Combat Covid-
    19 MAY 11, 2021

May 11, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-185).
  

             RETIREMENT SECURITY: BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE

Examining Retirement Security, Focusing On Building A Better Future

May 13, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-186).
  

PAID LEAVE FOR WORKING FAMILIES: EXAMINING ACCESS, OPTIONS, AND IMPACTS

Examining Paid Leave for Working Families, Focusing On Examining 
    Access, Options, and Impacts

May 18, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-187).
  

  A DIRE SHORTAGE AND GETTING WORSE: SOLVING THE CRISIS IN THE HEALTH 
                             CARE WORKFORCE

Examining Solving The Crisis in the Health Care Workforce

May 20, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-188).
  

  COVID-19 RESPONSE AND RECOVERY: SUPPORTING THE NEEDS OF STUDENTS IN 
        HIGHER EDUCATION & LESSONS ON SAFELY RETURNING TO CAMPUS

Examining Covid-19 Response and Recovery, Focusing On Supporting The 
    Needs of Students In Higher Education and Lessons On Safely 
    Returning To Campus

Date: Jun. 17, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-191).
  

        VACCINES: AMERICA'S SHOT AT ENDING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Examining Vaccines, Focusing On America's Shot At Ending The Covid-19 
    Pandemic

Date: Jun. 22, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-194).
  

    THE PATH FORWARD: A FEDERAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE COVID-19 RESPONSE

Examining a Federal perspective on the COVID-19 response, focusing on 
    the path forward

Date: Jul. 20, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-195).
  

               ADDRESSING DISPARITIES IN LIFE EXPECTANCY

Examining disparities in life expectancy

Date: Jul. 21, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-196).
  

 THE RIGHT TO ORGANIZE: EMPOWERING AMERICAN WORKERS IN A 21ST CENTURY 
                                ECONOMY

Examining American workers in a 21st century economy, focusing on the 
    right to organize

Date: Jul. 22, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-197).
  

    THE PATH FORWARD: BUILDING ON LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE COVID-19 
                                PANDEMIC

Examining building on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, 
    focusing on the path forward

Date: Jul. 27, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-198).
  

 GETTING AMERICA READY TO WORK - SUCCESSFUL ON THE JOB, APPRENTICESHIP 
    TRAINING PROGRAMS TO HELP WORKERS AND BUSINESS GET READY TO WORK

Examining successful on the job, apprenticeship training programs to 
    help workers and business get ready to work

Date: Sep. 22, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-199).
  

 SCHOOL REOPENING DURING COVID-19: SUPPORTING STUDENTS, EDUCATORS, AND 
                                FAMILIES

Examining school reopening during COVID-19, focusing on supporting 
    students, educators, and families

Date: Sep. 30, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-200).
  

          NEXT STEPS: THE ROAD AHEAD FOR THE COVID-19 RESPONSE

Examining the road ahead for the COVID-19 response, focusing on next 
    steps

Date: Nov. 04, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-202).
  

 NOMINATION OF DR. ROBERT CALIFF TO BE COMMISSIONER OF FOOD AND DRUGS, 
 FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Examining the nomination of Robert McKinnon Califf, of North Carolina, 
    to be Commissioner of Food and Drugs, Department of Health and 
    Human Services

Date: Dec. 14, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-203).
  

   ADDRESSING NEW VARIANTS: A FEDERAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE COVID 0919 
                                RESPONSE

Examining a Federal perspective on the COVID-19 response, focusing on 
    addressing new variants examine a Federal perspective on the COVID-
    19 response, focusing on addressing new variants

Date: Jan. 11, 2022

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-386).
  

 MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS: RESPONDING TO THE GROWING 
                                 CRISIS

Examining mental health and substance use disorders, focusing on 
    responding to the growing crisis

Date: Feb. 1, 2022

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-387).
  

 LESSONS LEARNED FROM COVID 0919: HIGHLIGHTING INNOVATIONS, MAXIMIZING 
 INCLUSIVE PRACTICES AND OVERCOMING BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT FOR PEOPLE 
                           WITH DISABILITIES

Examining lessons learned from COVID-19, focusing on highlighting 
    innovations, maximizing inclusive practices, and overcoming 
    barriers to employment for people with disabilities

Date: Feb. 08, 2022

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-388).
  

 SUPPORTING QUALITY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND INNOVATION 
                   TO ADDRESS BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT

Examining supporting quality workforce development opportunities and 
    innovation to address barriers to employment

Date: Feb. 15, 2022

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-390).
  

      CHILD CARE AND PRESCHOOL: CUTTING COSTS FOR WORKING FAMILIES

Date: Mar. 22, 2022

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-391).
  

    STRENGTHENING FEDERAL MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER 
        PROGRAMS: OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES, AND EMERGING ISSUES

Examining strengthening Federal mental health and substance use 
    disorder programs, focusing on opportunities, challenges, and 
    emerging issues examine strengthening Federal mental health and 
    substance use disorder programs, focusing on opportunities, 
    challenges, and emerging issues

Date: Mar. 23, 2022

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-392).
  

       RISE AND SHINE: IMPROVING RETIREMENT AND ENHANCING SAVINGS

Examining improving retirement and enhancing savings

Date: Mar. 29, 2022

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-393).
  

   FDA USER FEE AGREEMENTS: ADVANCING MEDICAL PRODUCT REGULATION AND 
                 INNOVATION FOR THE BENEFIT OF PATIENTS

Examining Food and Drug Administration user fee agreements, focusing on 
    advancing medical product regulation and innovation for the benefit 
    of patients

Date: Apr. 05, 2022

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-394).
  

   FDA USER FEE AGREEMENTS: ADVANCING MEDICAL PRODUCT REGULATION AND 
      INNOVATION FOR THE BENEFIT OF PATIENTS, FDA CENTER DIRECTORS

Examining Food and Drug Administration user fee agreements, focusing on 
    advancing medical product regulation and innovation for the benefit 
    of patients and Food and Drug AdministrationCenter Directors

Date: Apr. 26, 2022

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-395).
  

           CYBERSECURITY IN THE HEALTH AND EDUCATION SECTORS

Examining cybersecurity in the health and education sectors

Date: May 18, 2022

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-398).
  

 INFANT FORMULA CRISIS: ADDRESSING THE SHORTAGE AND GETTING FORMULA ON 
                                SHELVES

Examining the infant formula crisis, focusing on addressing the 
    shortage and getting formula on shelves

Date: May 26, 2022

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-399).
  

AN UPDATE ON THE ONGOING FEDERAL RESPONSE TO COVID 0919: CURRENT STATUS 
                          AND FUTURE PLANNING

Examining an update on the ongoing Federal response to COVID-19, 
    focusing on current status and future planning

Date: Jun. 16, 2022

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-400).
  

  SUPPORTING STUDENTS AND SCHOOLS: PROMISING PRACTICES TO GET BACK ON 
                                 TRACK

Examining supporting students and schools, focusing on promising 
    practices to get back on track

Date: Jun. 22, 2022

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-401).
  

  REPRODUCTIVE CARE IN A POST-ROE AMERICA: BARRIERS, CHALLENGES, AND 
                       THREATS TO WOMEN'S HEALTH

Examining reproductive care in a post-Roe America, focusing on 
    barriers, challenges, and threats to women's health

Date: Jul. 13, 2022

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-403).
  

      FIGHTING FENTANYL: THE FEDERAL RESPONSE TO A GROWING CRISIS

Examining fighting fentanyl, focusing on the Federal response to a 
    growing crisis

Date: Jul. 26, 2022

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-404).
  

    STOPPING THE SPREAD OF MONKEYPOX: EXAMINING THE FEDERAL RESPONSE

Examining stopping the spread of monkeypox, focusing on the Federal 
    response

Date: Sep. 14, 2022

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-406).
  

                        HEARINGS ON NOMINATIONS

                        DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Miguel A. Cardona, of Connecticut, to be Secretary of Education

Date: Feb. 3, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-169).

  
Cynthia Minette Marten, of California, to be Deputy Secretary of 
        Education

Date: Mar. 24, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-177).

  
James Richard Kvaal, of Massachusetts, to be Under Secretary of 
        Education

Date: April 15, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-179).

  
Catherine Elizabeth Lhamon, of California, to be Assistant Secretary 
        for Civil Rights, who was introduced by Senator Murray.

Date: Jul. 13, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-193).

  
Elizabeth Merrill Brown, of Maryland, to be General Counsel, who was 
        introduced by Senator Van Hollen.

Date: Jul. 13, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-193).

  
Roberto Josue Rodriguez, of the District of Columbia, to be Assistant 
        Secretary for Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development, who 
        was introduced by Former Representative George Miller.

Date: Jul. 13, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-193).

  

                DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Xavier Becerra, of California, to be Secretary of Health and Human 
        Services.

Date: Feb. 23, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-171).

  
Rachel Leland Levine, of Pennsylvania, to be an Assistant Secretary of 
        Health and Human Services.

Date: Feb. 13, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-172).

  
Dawn Myers O'Connell, of the District of Columbia, to be Assistant 
        Secretary for Preparedness and Response, who was introduced by 
        Senator Murray.

Date: Jun. 8, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-190).

  
Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, of Connecticut, to be Assistant Secretary 
        for Mental Health and Substance Use, Department of Health and 
        Human Services.

Date: Jun. 8, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-190).

  
Robert McKinnon Califf, of North Carolina, to be Commissioner of Food 
        and Drugs, Department of Health and Human Services.

Date: Jun. 8, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-203).

  

                         PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE

Vivek Hallegere Murthy, of Florida, to be Medical Director in the 
        Regular Corps of the Public Health Service, and to be Surgeon 
        General of the Public Health Service.

Date: Feb. 25, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-172).

  

                          DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Martin Joseph Walsh, of Massachusetts, to be Secretary of Labor.

Date: Feb. 4, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-170).

  
Julie A. Su, of California, to be Deputy Secretary of Labor.

Date: Mar. 16, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-174).

  
Seema Nanda, of Virginia, to be Solicitor for the Department of Labor.

Date: Apr. 29, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-184).

  
Rajesh D. Nayak, of Maryland, Taryn Mackenzie Williams, of the District 
        of Columbia, and Douglas L. Parker, of West Virginia, Each to 
        be an Assistant Secretary of Labor.

Date: May 27, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-189).

  
Taryn Mackenzie Williams, of the District of Columbia, to be an 
        Assistant Secretary of Labor.

Date: May 27, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-189).

  
Douglas L. Parker, of West Virginia, to be and Assistant Secretary of 
        Labor.

Date: Feb. 4, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-189).

  
Lisa Gomez, of New Jersey, to be the Assistant Secretary for Employee 
        Benefits Security, Department of Labor.

Date: Oct. 07, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-201).

  
Jose Javier Rodriguez, of Florida, to be an Assistant Secretary of 
        Labor.

Date: Oct. 07, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-201).

  
James D. Rodriguez, of Texas, to be Assistant Secretary of Labor for 
        Veterans' Employment and Training.

Date: Dec. 2, 2021

  

                     NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD

Jennifer Ann Abruzzo, of New York, to be General Counsel of the 
        National Labor Relations Board, who was introduced by Senator 
        Murray.

Date: Apr. 29, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-184).

  
Seema Nanda, of Virginia, to be Solicitor for the Department of Labor, 
        who was introduced by Senator Kaine.

Date: Apr. 29, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-184).

  
David Weil, of Massachusetts, to be the Administrator of the Wage and 
        Hour Division for the Department of Labor.

Date: Jul. 15, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-194).

  
Gwynne Wilcox, of New York, to be a Member of the National Labor 
        Relations Board.

Date: Jul. 15, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-194).

  
David Prouty to be a Member of the National Labor Relations Board.

Date: Jul. 15, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-194).

  

                EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION

Kalpana Kotagal, of Ohio, to be a Member of the Equal Employment 
        Opportunity Commission.

Date: May 10, 2022

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-397).

  
Karla Ann Gilbride, of Maryland, to be General Counsel of the Equal 
        Employment Opportunity Commission.

Date: Sep. 13, 2022

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-405).

  
Jessica Looman, of Minnesota, to be Administrator of the Wage and Hour 
        Division, Department of Labor.

Date: Sep. 13, 2022

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-405).

  

         HEARINGS BY THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

 CARING FOR OUR KIDS: SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH IN THE TRANSITION FROM 
                         HIGH SCHOOL TO COLLEGE

Examining caring for our kids, focusing on supporting mental health in 
the transition from high school to college

Date: Nov. 30, 2022

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-626).

  

    HEARINGS BY THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT AND WORKPLACE SAFETY

  RECRUITING, REVITALIZING & DIVERSIFYING: EXAMINING THE HEALTH CARE 
                           WORKFORCE SHORTAGE

Date: Feb. 10, 2022

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-389).

  

   CONNECTING WORKERS AND COMMUNITIES: PREPARING AND SUPPORTING THE 
    BROADBAND WORKFORCE EXAMINE CONNECTING WORKERS AND COMMUNITIES, 
      FOCUSING ON PREPARING AND SUPPORTING THE BROADBAND WORKFORCE

Date: May 03, 2022

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-396).

  

 HEARINGS BY THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON PRIMARY HEALTH AND RETIREMENT SECURITY

  A DIRE SHORTAGE AND GETTING WORSE: SOLVING THE CRISIS IN THE HEALTH 
                             CARE WORKFORCE

Date: May 20, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-188).

  

               ADDRESSING DISPARITIES IN LIFE EXPECTANCY

Date: Jul. 21, 2021

Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-196).

  
                         IV. STATISTICAL SUMMARY

 ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS 
                             117TH CONGRESS
------------------------------------------------
                                          2022

              2021

                                      2d Sess.                  Totals

         1st Sess.

--------------------------------

                                Nominations

Referred to Committee.........41..................16..........57............

Reported to Senate............25..................25..........50............

Confirmed by Senate...........26..................8...........34............

Withdrawn (by House or persona2...................0...........2.............

Returned to President (pursuan0.................Se2...........2.............

Recess Appointments...........0...................0...........0.............

                              ------------------------------------------
                              Communications

Presidential messages.........0...................0...........0.............

Executive/reports.............134.................111.........245...........

                              ------------------------------------------
      Total...................134.................111.........245...........

                              ------------------------------------------
                          Bills and Resolutions*

Senate bills and joint resolut274.................223.........497...........

Senate resolutions and concurr37..................31..........68............

House-passed bills, joint reso50................rr8.........ti58............

                              ------------------------------------------
      Total...................361.................262.........623...........

                              ------------------------------------------
                            Hearing Days Held**

Full Committee:

  In Washington, DC...........33..................18..........51............

  Out of town.................0...................0...........0.............

Subcommittees:

  In Washington, DC...........2...................3...........5.............

  Out of town.................0...................0...........0.............

                              ------------------------------------------
      Total...................35..................21..........56............

                              ------------------------------------------
                            Executive Meetings

Full committee................12..................11..........23............

Subcommittees.................0...................0...........0.............

Conference sessions...........0...................0...........0.............

                              ------------------------------------------
      Total...................12..................11..........23............

                              ------------------------------------------
                          Reported to the Senate

Senate bills and joint resolut34..................16..........50............

House-passed bills............50..................24..........74............

Senate resolutions, concurrent1.................sp0.........rt1.............

                              ------------------------------------------
      Total...................85..................40..........125...........

                              ------------------------------------------
                            Presidential Action

Public laws...................16..................4...........20............

Vetoed........................0...................0...........0.............

Presidential vetoes overridden0.................la0...........0.............

--------------------------------
    *Including bills acted upon introduction and Senate and House bills 
taken from the Calendar or desk. **Including nomination hearings.
    ***Including bills reported by and discharged from the Committee.
                         V. RULES OF PROCEDURE


           rules of procedure (as agreed to January 16, 2021)

    Rule 1.--Subject to the provisions of rule XXVI, paragraph 
5, of the Standing Rules of the Senate, regular meetings of the 
committee shall be held on the second and fourth Wednesday of 
each month, at 10:00 a.m., in room SD-430, Dirksen Senate 
Office Building. The chairman may, upon proper notice, call 
such additional meetings as he may deem necessary.
    Rule 2.--The chairman of the committee or of a 
subcommittee, or if the chairman is not present, the ranking 
majority member present, shall preside at all meetings. The 
chairman may designate the ranking minority member to preside 
at hearings of the committee or subcommittee.
    Rule 3.--Meetings of the committee or a subcommittee, 
including meetings to conduct hearings, shall be open to the 
public except as otherwise specifically provided in subsections 
(b) and (d) of rule 26.5 of the Standing Rules of the Senate.
    Rule 4.--(a) Subject to paragraph (b), one-third of the 
membership of the committee, actually present, shall constitute 
a quorum for the purpose of transacting business. Any quorum of 
the committee which is composed of less than a majority of the 
members of the committee shall include at least one member of 
the majority and one member of the minority.
    (b) A majority of the members of a subcommittee, actually 
present, shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of 
transacting business: provided, no measure or matter shall be 
ordered reported unless such majority shall include at least 
one member of the minority who is a member of the subcommittee. 
If, at any subcommittee meeting, a measure or matter cannot be 
ordered reported because of the absence of such a minority 
member, the measure or matter shall lay over for a day. If the 
presence of a member of the minority is not then obtained, a 
majority of the members of the subcommittee, actually present, 
may order such measure or matter reported.
    (c) No measure or matter shall be ordered reported from the 
committee or a subcommittee unless a majority of the committee 
or subcommittee is physically present.
    Rule 5.--With the approval of the chairman of the committee 
or subcommittee, one member thereof may conduct public hearings 
other than taking sworn testimony.
    Rule 6.--Proxy voting shall be allowed on all measures and 
matters before the committee or a subcommittee if the absent 
member has been informed of the matter on which he is being 
recorded and has affirmatively requested that he be so 
recorded. While proxies may be voted on a motion to report a 
measure or matter from the committee, such a motion shall also 
require the concurrence of a majority of the members who are 
actually present at the time such action is taken.
    The committee may poll any matters of committee business as 
a matter of unanimous consent; provided that every member is 
polled and every poll consists of the following two questions:
          (1) Do you agree or disagree to poll the proposal; 
        and
          (2) Do you favor or oppose the proposal.
    Rule 7.--There shall be prepared and kept a complete 
transcript or electronic recording adequate to fully record the 
proceedings of each committee or subcommittee meeting or 
conference whether or not such meetings or any part thereof is 
closed pursuant to the specific provisions of subsections (b) 
and (d) of rule 26.5 of the Standing Rules of the Senate, 
unless a majority of said members vote to forgo such a record. 
Such records shall contain the vote cast by each member of the 
committee or subcommittee on any question on which a ``yea and 
nay'' vote is demanded, and shall be available for inspection 
by any committee member. The clerk of the committee, or the 
clerk's designee, shall have the responsibility to make 
appropriate arrangements to implement this rule.
    Rule 8.--The committee and each subcommittee shall 
undertake, consistent with the provisions of rule XXVI, 
paragraph 4, of the Standing Rules of the Senate, to issue 
public announcement of any hearing or executive session it 
intends to hold at least one week prior to the commencement of 
such hearing or executive session. In the case of an executive 
session, the text of any bill or joint resolution to be 
considered must be provided to the chairman for prompt 
electronic distribution to the members of the committee.
    Rule 9.--The committee or a subcommittee shall require all 
witnesses heard before it to file written statements of their 
proposed testimony at least 24 hours before a hearing, unless 
the chairman and the ranking minority member determine that 
there is good cause for failure to so file, and to limit their 
oral presentation to brief summaries of their arguments. 
Testimony may be filed electronically. The presiding officer at 
any hearing is authorized to limit the time of each witness 
appearing before the committee or a subcommittee. The committee 
or a subcommittee shall, as far as practicable, utilize 
testimony previously taken on bills and measures similar to 
those before it for consideration.
    Rule 10.--Should a subcommittee fail to report back to the 
full committee on any measure within a reasonable time, the 
chairman may withdraw the measure from such subcommittee and 
report that fact to the full committee for further disposition.
    Rule 11.--No subcommittee may schedule a meeting or hearing 
at a time designated for a hearing or meeting of the full 
committee. No more than one subcommittee executive meeting may 
be held at the same time.
    Rule 12.--It shall be the duty of the chairman in 
accordance with section 133(c) of the Legislative 
Reorganization Act of 1946, as amended, to report or cause to 
be reported to the Senate, any measure or recommendation 
approved by the committee and to take or cause to be taken, 
necessary steps to bring the matter to a vote in the Senate.
    Rule 13.--Whenever a meeting of the committee or 
subcommittee is closed pursuant to the provisions of subsection 
(b) or (d) of rule 26.5 of the Standing Rules of the Senate, no 
person other than members of the committee, members of the 
staff of the committee, and designated assistants to members of 
the committee shall be permitted to attend such closed session, 
except by special dispensation of the committee or subcommittee 
or the chairman thereof.
    Rule 14.--The chairman of the committee or a subcommittee 
shall be empowered to adjourn any meeting of the committee or a 
subcommittee if a quorum is not present within fifteen minutes 
of the time schedule for such meeting.
    Rule 15.--Whenever a bill or joint resolution shall be 
before the committee or a subcommittee for final consideration, 
the clerk shall distribute to each member of the committee or 
subcommittee a document, prepared by the sponsor of the bill or 
joint resolution. If the bill or joint resolution has no 
underlying statutory language, the document shall consist of a 
detailed summary of the purpose and impact of each section. If 
the bill or joint resolution repeals or amends any statute or 
part thereof, the document shall consist of a detailed summary 
of the underlying statute and the proposed changes in each 
section of the underlying law and either a print of the statute 
or the part or section thereof to be amended or replaced 
showing by stricken-through type, the part or parts to be 
omitted and, in italics, the matter proposed to be added, along 
with a summary of the proposed changes; or a side-by-side 
document showing a comparison of current law, the proposed 
legislative changes, and a detailed description of the proposed 
changes.
    Rule 16.--An appropriate opportunity shall be given the 
minority to examine the proposed text of committee reports 
prior to their filing or publication. In the event there are 
supplemental, minority, or additional views, an appropriate 
opportunity shall be given the majority to examine the proposed 
text prior to filing or publication. Unless the chairman and 
ranking minority member agree on a shorter period of time, the 
minority shall have no fewer than three business days to 
prepare supplemental, minority or additional views for 
inclusion in a committee report from the time the majority 
makes the proposed text of the committee report available to 
the minority.
    Rule 17.--(a) The committee, or any subcommittee, may issue 
subpoenas, or hold hearings to take sworn testimony or hear 
subpoenaed witnesses, only if such investigative activity has 
been authorized by majority vote of the committee.
    (b) for the purpose of holding a hearing to take sworn 
testimony or hear subpoenaed witnesses, three members of the 
committee or subcommittee shall constitute a quorum: provided, 
with the concurrence of the chairman and ranking minority 
member of the committee or subcommittee, a single member may 
hear subpoenaed witnesses or take sworn testimony.
    (c) The committee may, by a majority vote, delegate the 
authority to issue subpoenas to the chairman of the committee 
or a subcommittee, or to any member designated by such 
chairman. Prior to the issuance of each subpoena, the ranking 
minority member of the committee or subcommittee, and any other 
member so requesting, shall be notified regarding the identity 
of the person to whom it will be issued and the nature of the 
information sought and its relationship to the authorized 
investigative activity, except where the chairman of the 
committee or subcommittee, in consultation with the ranking 
minority member, determines that such notice would unduly 
impede the investigation. All information obtained pursuant to 
such investigative activity shall be made available as promptly 
as possible to each member of the committee requesting same, or 
to any assistant to a member of the committee designated by 
such member in writing, but the use of any such information is 
subject to restrictions imposed by the rules of the Senate. 
Such information, to the extent that it is relevant to the 
investigation shall, if requested by a member, be summarized in 
writing as soon as practicable. Upon the request of any member, 
the chairman of the committee or subcommittee shall call an 
executive session to discuss such investigative activity or the 
issuance of any subpoena in connection therewith.
    (d) Any witness summoned to testify at a hearing, or any 
witness giving sworn testimony, may be accompanied by counsel 
of his own choosing who shall be permitted, while the witness 
is testifying, to advise him of his legal rights.
    (e) No confidential testimony taken or confidential 
material presented in an executive hearing, or any report of 
the proceedings of such an executive hearing, shall be made 
public, either in whole or in part or by way of summary, unless 
authorized by a majority of the members of the committee or 
subcommittee.
    Rule 18.--Presidential nominees shall submit a statement of 
their background and financial interests, including the 
financial interests of their spouse and children living in 
their household, on a form approved by the committee which 
shall be sworn to as to its completeness and accuracy. The 
committee form shall be in two parts--
          (I) information relating to employment, education and 
        background of the nominee relating to the position to 
        which the individual is nominated, and which is to be 
        made public; and,
          (II) information relating to financial and other 
        background of the nominee, to be made public when the 
        committee determines that such information bears 
        directly on the nominee's qualifications to hold the 
        position to which the individual is nominated.
    Information relating to background and financial interests 
(parts I and II) shall not be required of nominees for less 
than full-time appointments to councils, commissions or boards 
when the committee determines that some or all of the 
information is not relevant to the nature of the position. 
Information relating to other background and financial 
interests (part II) shall not be required of any nominee when 
the committee determines that it is not relevant to the nature 
of the position.
    Committee action on a nomination, including hearings or 
meetings to consider a motion to recommend confirmation, shall 
not be initiated until at least five days after the nominee 
submits the form required by this rule unless the chairman, 
with the concurrence of the ranking minority member, waives 
this waiting period.
    Rule 19.--Subject to statutory requirements imposed on the 
committee with respect to procedure, the rules of the committee 
may be changed, modified, amended or suspended at any time; 
provided, not less than a majority of the entire membership so 
determine at a regular meeting with due notice, or at a meeting 
specifically called for that purpose.
    Rule 20.--When the ratio of members on the committee is 
even, the term ``majority'' as used in the committee's rules 
and guidelines shall refer to the party of the chairman for 
purposes of party identification. Numerical requirements for 
quorums, votes and the like shall be unaffected.
    Rule 21.--First degree amendments must be filed with the 
chairman at least 24 hours before an executive session. The 
chairman shall promptly distribute all filed amendments 
electronically to the members of the committee. The chairman 
may modify the filing requirements to meet special 
circumstances with the concurrence of the ranking minority 
member.
    Rule 22.--In addition to the foregoing, the proceedings of 
the committee shall be governed by the Standing Rules of the 
Senate and the provisions of the Legislative Reorganization Act 
of 1946, as amended.

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


  Guidelines of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and 
Pensions With Respect to Hearings, Markup Sessions, and Related Matters


                                hearings

    Section 133A(a) of the Legislative Reorganization Act 
requires each committee of the Senate to publicly announce the 
date, place, and subject matter of any hearing at least one 
week prior to the commencement of such hearing.
    The spirit of this requirement is to assure adequate notice 
to the public and other Members of the Senate as to the time 
and subject matter of proposed hearings. In the spirit of 
section 133A(a) and in order to assure that members of the 
committee are themselves fully informed and involved in the 
development of hearings:
          1. Public notice of the date, place, and subject 
        matter of each committee or subcommittee hearing should 
        be inserted in the Congressional Record seven days 
        prior to the commencement of such hearing.
          2. At least seven days prior to public notice of each 
        committee or subcommittee hearing, the majority should 
        provide notice to the minority of the time, place and 
        specific subject matter of such hearing.
          3. At least three days prior to the date of such 
        hearing, the committee or subcommittee should provide 
        to each member a list of witnesses who have been or are 
        proposed to be invited to appear.
          4. The committee and its subcommittee should, to the 
        maximum feasible extent, enforce the provisions of rule 
        9 of the committee rules as it relates to the 
        submission of written statements of witnesses twenty-
        four hours in advance of a hearing. Witnesses will be 
        urged to submit testimony even earlier whenever 
        possible. When statements are received in advance of a 
        hearing, the committee or subcommittee (as appropriate) 
        should distribute copies of such statements to each of 
        its members. Witness testimony may be submitted and 
        distributed electronically.

         executive sessions for the purpose of marking up bills

    In order to expedite the process of marking up bills and to 
assist each member of the committee so that there may be full 
and fair consideration of each bill which the committee or a 
subcommittee is marking up the following procedures should be 
followed:
    1. Seven days prior to the proposed date for an executive 
session for the purpose of marking up bills the committee or 
subcommittee (as appropriate) should provide written notice to 
each of its members as to the time, place, and specific subject 
matter of such session, including an agenda listing each bill 
or other matters to be considered and including:
          (a) a copy of each bill, joint resolution, or other 
        legislative matter (or committee print thereof) to be 
        considered at such executive session; and
          (b) a copy of a summary of the provisions of each 
        bill, joint resolution, or other legislative matter to 
        be considered at such executive session including, 
        whenever possible, an explanation of changes to 
        existing law proposed to be made.
    2. Insofar as practical, prior to the scheduled date for an 
executive session for the purpose of marking up bills, the 
committee or a subcommittee (as appropriate) should provide 
each member with a copy of the printed record or a summary of 
any hearings conducted by the committee or a subcommittee with 
respect to each bill, joint resolution, or other legislative 
matter to be considered at such executive session.

                                  [all]