A resolution authorizing the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate to conduct quarterly blood donation drives during the 119th Congress.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 41
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-01-27: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S387-388; text: CR S398-399)
- Last Updated
- 2025-05-27T14:12:53Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution authorizes the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate (an official responsible for security and operations in the Senate) to organize blood donation events four times a year during the 119th Congress (2025–2026), promoting public health through voluntary blood donations within the Senate community.
Key Provisions
- Authorization for Drives: The Sergeant at Arms is permitted to hold one blood donation drive each quarter of the calendar year.
- Date Selection: Dates are chosen in consultation with the Senate's Committee on Rules and Administration (the committee overseeing Senate procedures and facilities).
- Location and Partners: Locations and partnering blood donation organizations (like the American Red Cross) are identified and approved by the same committee; Senators can request specific organizations for consideration.
- Implementation: Setup and execution follow guidelines set by the Sergeant at Arms, again in consultation with the Committee on Rules and Administration, to ensure smooth operations.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This resolution introduces a new, temporary authorization specifically for the 119th Congress, enabling structured blood donation activities that were not previously mandated or outlined in Senate rules. It does not amend broader laws but adds an administrative procedure for Senate operations during this two-year period.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Minor logistical effects on the Senate's Sergeant at Arms office and the Committee on Rules and Administration, involving coordination for events; no significant budget or resource strain is implied.
- On Citizens: Encourages blood donations from Senate members, staff, and visitors, potentially increasing local blood supplies and raising awareness of donation needs; indirect benefits to public health in the Washington, D.C., area.
- On International Relations: None; this is a domestic, internal Senate matter with no foreign policy elements.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper: Directly responsible for organizing and implementing the drives.
- Senate Committee on Rules and Administration: Provides consultation and approval for dates, locations, and partners.
- Senators: Can influence partner selections through requests and may participate in drives.
- Senate Employees and Visitors: Primary participants in the donation events.
- Blood Donation Organizations: Gain opportunities to partner and collect donations from a high-profile group.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple Senate resolution (S. Res.), it is an internal procedural measure that binds only the Senate and expires at the end of the 119th Congress; it requires no House approval or presidential signature, making it non-binding on federal law.
- Constitutional: No implications; it aligns with Congress's authority to manage its internal affairs under Article I of the U.S. Constitution.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (by Senators McConnell and Padilla from different parties) highlights a non-controversial, health-focused initiative; it fosters goodwill and team-building within the Senate without partisan divides.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-01-27: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S387-388; text: CR S398-399)
- 2025-01-27: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-01-27: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Authorizing the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate to conduct quarterly blood donation drives during the 119th Congress. — issued 2025-01-27 — PDF (2 pages)