A resolution permitting the collection of clothing, toys, food, and housewares during the holiday season for charitable purposes in Senate buildings. | ChamberLight
Bills · SRES 497
PASSED SENATE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate Res.SRES 497Government buildings, facilities, and propertySenate
A resolution permitting the collection of clothing, toys, food, and housewares during the holiday season for charitable purposes in Senate buildings.
INTRO NOV 10· LAST ACTION NOV 10
READING
1MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Non-binding
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 4 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This resolution matters because it creates a pathway for people working in the U.S. Senate to easily contribute to charitable causes directly from their workplace during the holiday season. Without this resolution, existing Senate rules might prevent such collections in official buildings, making it harder for staff to organize and participate in these community support efforts. If this becomes law, it fosters a spirit of giving and allows for practical support to be gathered for vulnerable populations and military families, demonstrating a direct connection between government offices and community aid during a key time of year. If it doesn't become law, Senate personnel would likely need to organize such drives outside of Senate buildings or find alternative ways to donate, potentially reducing participation or convenience.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Permits Senators and Senate staff to collect specific non-cash donations (clothing, toys, food, housewares) from colleagues within Senate buildings.
This allows charitable collection drives to happen directly inside official government workspaces, which might otherwise be restricted.
PROVISION 02
The collections are specifically for charitable purposes, benefiting persons in need or members of the Armed Forces and their families.
It defines the humanitarian focus of the permitted collections, ensuring they serve specific community needs.
PROVISION 03
Allows Senate personnel to work with nonprofit organizations to deliver the collected donations.
This provision facilitates the efficient and organized distribution of donated items to those who need them.
PROVISION 04
The authority granted by this resolution expires at the end of the first session of the 119th Congress.
This makes the permission temporary, requiring future renewal if desired.
This resolution matters because it creates a pathway for people working in the U.S. Senate to easily contribute to charitable causes directly from their workplace during the holiday season. Without this resolution, existing Senate rules might prevent such collections in official buildings, making it harder for staff to organize and participate in these community support efforts. If this becomes law, it fosters a spirit of giving and allows for practical support to be gathered for vulnerable populations and military families, demonstrating a direct connection between government offices and community aid during a key time of year. If it doesn't become law, Senate personnel would likely need to organize such drives outside of Senate buildings or find alternative ways to donate, potentially reducing participation or convenience.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Permits Senators and Senate staff to collect specific non-cash donations (clothing, toys, food, housewares) from colleagues within Senate buildings.
This allows charitable collection drives to happen directly inside official government workspaces, which might otherwise be restricted.
med
The collections are specifically for charitable purposes, benefiting persons in need or members of the Armed Forces and their families.
It defines the humanitarian focus of the permitted collections, ensuring they serve specific community needs.
med
Allows Senate personnel to work with nonprofit organizations to deliver the collected donations.
This provision facilitates the efficient and organized distribution of donated items to those who need them.
high
The authority granted by this resolution expires at the end of the first session of the 119th Congress.
This makes the permission temporary, requiring future renewal if desired.
The authority provided by this resolution expires.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Resolution
A formal expression of opinion, will, or intent voted on by a legislative body, but not a law that requires the President's signature.
Nonprofit organization
A group or business that does not seek to make a profit for its owners, but rather uses any surplus revenues to achieve its goals, typically charitable or educational.
Holiday season
Refers to the period around the end of the calendar year, commonly associated with major holidays and increased charitable giving.
Senate buildings
The buildings and offices where U.S. Senators and their staff work, including the Capitol and Senate office buildings.
Charitable purposes
Activities or goals aimed at helping those in need, often through donations or services, without seeking personal profit.
Nonmonetary donations
Gifts of physical items (like clothing or food) rather than money.
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTS
NOV 10, 25
Introduced in Senate
INTROREFERRAL
NOV 10, 25
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
FLOOR
NOV 10, 25
Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8183; text: CR S8135)