A resolution designating the first week of April 2025 as "National Asbestos Awareness Week".

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Bill ID: 119/sres/140
Last Updated: May 13, 2025

Sponsored by

Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

ID: M001176

Follow the money

The bill

A resolution designating the first week of April 2025 as "National Asbestos Awareness Week".

SRES. 140, 119th Congress — read as touching Construction & Engineering.

The sponsor

Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.

The money

$87,300 raised

28 itemised contributions to this sponsor, pulled from FEC filings.

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Latest Action

Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1864; text: CR S1875)

March 25, 2025

Introduced

Committee Review

Floor Action

📍 Current Status

Next: The full Senate will vote on whether to pass the bill.

Passed Senate

🏛️

House Review

🎉

Passed Congress

🖊️

Presidential Action

⚖️

Became Law

📚 How does a bill become a law?

1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

Another meaningless exercise in legislative theater, courtesy of the esteemed members of Congress. Let's dissect this farce, shall we?

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The main purpose of SRES 140 is to designate the first week of April 2025 as "National Asbestos Awareness Week." Wow, what a bold move. I'm sure the asbestos industry is shaking in its boots. The objective is to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. Because, clearly, the American people were just waiting for Congress to tell them that asbestos is bad.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** There are no changes to existing law. This resolution is a feel-good exercise with no teeth. It's a symbolic gesture, akin to putting a Band-Aid on a bullet wound. The Surgeon General is urged to warn and educate people about the dangers of asbestos exposure, but we all know how effective those warnings have been in the past (see: tobacco industry).

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The affected parties include:

* Asbestos victims and their families (who will likely see no tangible benefits from this resolution) * Asbestos manufacturers and distributors (who will continue to profit from the sale of asbestos-containing products) * Construction workers, shipyard employees, and others who are still exposed to asbestos on the job * The good people of Libby, Montana, who have been suffering from asbestos-related diseases at an alarming rate

**Potential Impact & Implications:** The potential impact is zero. Zilch. Zip. This resolution will not lead to any meaningful changes in policy or practice. It's a PR stunt designed to make Congress look like it cares about public health. Meanwhile, the real issues – lack of regulation, inadequate safety measures, and corporate greed – will continue to be ignored.

In medical terms, this resolution is akin to prescribing a placebo to a patient with a terminal illness. It may make the patient feel better for a short time, but it won't address the underlying disease. The real diagnosis here is " Congressional Cowardice Syndrome" – a condition characterized by a lack of spine and a willingness to prioritize optics over substance.

In conclusion, SRES 140 is a joke. A pathetic attempt to appear concerned about public health while doing nothing to actually address the problem. It's a classic case of "legislative lupus" – a disease where politicians pretend to care about an issue but ultimately do nothing to treat it.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (Dr. Haus personality)

💰 Campaign Finance Network

Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle

Total Contributions
$87,300
21 donors
PACs
$0
Organizations
$11,400
Committees
$0
Individuals
$75,900

No PAC contributions found

1
AK-CHIN INDIAN COMMUNITY
1 transaction
$2,500
2
CHEROKEE NATION
1 transaction
$2,500
3
SISSETON-WAHPETON OYATE
1 transaction
$2,000
4
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
2 transactions
$1,400
5
CONFEDERATED TRIBES AND BANDS OF THE YAKAMA NATION
1 transaction
$1,000
6
CHOCTAW NATION OF OKLAHOMA
1 transaction
$1,000
7
MISSISSIPPI BAND OF CHOCTAW INDIANS
1 transaction
$1,000

No committee contributions found

1
SHENOY, SUNIL
2 transactions
$10,000
2
BOONE, GARRETT
2 transactions
$6,600
3
GARVER, CURTIS MIKE
2 transactions
$6,600
4
BOONE, CECILIA
2 transactions
$6,600
5
RECHNITZ, JOAN
2 transactions
$6,600
6
SOHN, RICHARD FOHS
2 transactions
$6,600
7
STUBBS, MARILYN L.
1 transaction
$5,000
8
BARNHART, PHILIP N.
1 transaction
$5,000
9
HEATHERINGTON, JEFF S.
1 transaction
$5,000
10
BIGLAN, ANTHONY
1 transaction
$5,000
11
CROWLEY, MATTHEW
1 transaction
$3,300
12
GORDON, PATRICIA
1 transaction
$3,300
13
STUBBS, ERVIN GENE
1 transaction
$3,200
14
LEWIS, MARY L.
1 transaction
$3,100

Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance

This bill has 7 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.

Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT]

ID: D000618

Top Contributors

10

1
CONFEDERATED SALISH AND KOOTENAI TRIBES OF THE FLATHEAD NATI
OrganizationPABLO, MT
$6,600
Mar 30, 2023
2
BARONA BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationLAKESIDE, CA
$5,000
Jun 18, 2024
3
BLUECHIP FINANCIAL
OrganizationBELCOURT, ND
$3,300
Jun 20, 2024
4
HPUL PROJECT OPERATION
OrganizationUPPER LAKE, CA
$3,300
Jun 20, 2024
5
EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS
OrganizationCHEROKEE, NC
$3,300
Nov 5, 2024
6
SUQUAMISH INDIAN TRIBE
OrganizationSUQUAMISH, WA
$3,300
Sep 20, 2024
7
ALABAMA-COUSHATTA TRIBE
OrganizationLIVINGSTON, TX
$2,500
Oct 31, 2024
8
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN
$1,000
Jun 5, 2024
9
MUSCOGEE CREEK NATION
OrganizationOKMULGEE, OK
$1,000
Jun 20, 2024
10
CHOCTAW NATION OF OKLAHOMA
OrganizationDURANT, OK
$765
Oct 17, 2023

Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]

ID: D000563

Top Contributors

10

1
MIAMI TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA
OrganizationMIAMI, OK
$1,700
Mar 29, 2024
2
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN
$1,000
May 17, 2024
3
MIAMI TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA
OrganizationMIAMI, OK
$800
Mar 29, 2024
4
KUJAWSKI, JOHN
SELF-EMPLOYEDATTORNEY
IndividualSAINT LOUIS, MO
$5,000
May 28, 2024
5
KUJAWSKI, JOHN
IndividualSAINT LOUIS, MO
$5,000
Jun 4, 2024
6
KUJAWSKI, JOHN
SELF-EMPLOYEDATTORNEY
IndividualSAINT LOUIS, MO
$3,600
May 29, 2024
7
KUJAWSKI, JOHN
IndividualSAINT LOUIS, MO
$3,600
Jun 4, 2024
8
BARKER, MARA MILLS
NOT EMPLOYEDNOT EMPLOYED
IndividualCHICAGO, IL
$3,300
Dec 26, 2024
9
BARKER, MARA MILLS
NOT EMPLOYEDNOT EMPLOYED
IndividualCHICAGO, IL
$3,300
Dec 26, 2024
10
CHOWDHURY, SHUVRO
BOWERY ENGINEENGINEER
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$3,300
Nov 1, 2024

Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT]

ID: S001232

Top Contributors

10

1
CLUB FOR GROWTH PAC
PACWASHINGTON, DC
$7,720
Jun 27, 2024
2
CLUB FOR GROWTH PAC
PACWASHINGTON, DC
$7,720
Jun 27, 2024
3
CLUB FOR GROWTH PAC
PACWASHINGTON, DC
$7,720
Jun 27, 2024
4
CLUB FOR GROWTH PAC
PACWASHINGTON, DC
$7,720
Jun 27, 2024
5
CLUB FOR GROWTH PAC
PACWASHINGTON, DC
$7,720
Jun 27, 2024
6
SENATE CONSERVATIVES FUND
PACWASHINGTON, DC
$7,609
Jun 21, 2024
7
SENATE CONSERVATIVES FUND
PACWASHINGTON, DC
$7,609
Jun 21, 2024
8
SENATE CONSERVATIVES FUND
PACWASHINGTON, DC
$7,609
Jun 21, 2024
9
REPUBLICAN JEWISH COALITION-POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (RJC-PAC)
PACWASHINGTON, DC
$7,000
Jun 25, 2024
10
REPUBLICAN JEWISH COALITION-POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (RJC-PAC)
PACWASHINGTON, DC
$7,000
Jun 25, 2024

Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]

ID: P000145

Top Contributors

10

1
CHEROKEE NATION
OrganizationTAHLEQUAH, OK
$5,000
Dec 24, 2024
2
MOORETOWN RANCHERIA
OrganizationOROVILLE, CA
$3,300
Oct 7, 2024
3
TOLOWA DEE-NI' NATION
OrganizationSMITH RIVER, CA
$3,300
May 7, 2024
4
TULE RIVER TRIBAL COUNCIL
OrganizationPORTERVILLE, CA
$3,300
Aug 12, 2024
5
THE CHICKASAW NATION
OrganizationADA, OK
$2,500
Nov 22, 2023
6
ONEIDA NATION
OrganizationONEIDA, WI
$1,000
Oct 3, 2023
7
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN
$1,000
Jun 5, 2023
8
ONEIDA INDIAN NATION
OrganizationONEIDA, WI
$1,000
Jun 21, 2024
9
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN
$1,000
May 16, 2024
10
KIMBER, SHELDON
INTERSECT POWERCEO
IndividualTRUCKEE, CA
$5,000
Apr 27, 2023

Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]

ID: M000133

Top Contributors

10

1
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN
$1,000
Jun 28, 2024
2
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN
$1,000
Jul 26, 2023
3
DONOHUE, JOHN
ARBELLAINSURANCE
IndividualBELMONT, MA
$6,600
May 20, 2024
4
MARCHAND, PAUL
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONSEVP HR
IndividualMONTCLAIR, NJ
$4,200
Mar 11, 2024
5
MOUTOUDIS, ELEFTHERIA
ELEFTHERIA MOUTOUDISSELF EMPLOYEED
IndividualSOUTHBOROUGH, MA
$3,300
Nov 1, 2024
6
MOUTOUDIS, EVANGELOS
DEKK GROUOBUSINESS OWNER
IndividualSOUTHBOROUGH, MA
$3,300
Nov 1, 2024
7
SCHMIDT, WENDY
NONEINVESTMENTS AND PHILANTHROPY
IndividualPALO ALTO, CA
$3,300
Oct 2, 2024
8
SWIG, MARY
NOT EMPLOYEDNOT EMPLOYED
IndividualSAN FRANCISCO, CA
$3,300
Aug 31, 2024
9
ABRAMS, JEFFREY J.
BAD ROBOTFOUNDER
IndividualENCINO, CA
$3,300
Oct 10, 2023
10
ABRAMS, JEFFREY J.
BAD ROBOTFOUNDER
IndividualENCINO, CA
$3,300
Oct 10, 2023

Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]

ID: B001288

Top Contributors

10

1
CHEROKEE NATION
OrganizationTAHLEQUAH, OK
$2,500
Dec 6, 2024
2
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN
$1,000
Sep 13, 2023
3
ISEMAN, HENRY
PENTA MEDICAL RECYCLINGPRESIDENT
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$8,300
Apr 18, 2023
4
GELBWACHS, CHANA
BIG STILL LIQUORSPARTNER
IndividualLAKEWOOD, NJ
$6,600
Mar 26, 2024
5
LEIDER, YECHEZKEL
LEIDER ENTERPRISES INCDIRECTOR
IndividualLAKEWOOD, NJ
$6,600
Mar 26, 2024
6
GELBWACHS, CHANA
IndividualLAKEWOOD, NJ
$6,600
Mar 26, 2024
7
LEIDER, YECHEZKEL
IndividualLAKEWOOD, NJ
$6,600
Mar 29, 2024
8
WAGNER, KAREN E.
DAVIS POLK & WARDWELLATTORNEY
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$5,000
Sep 13, 2023
9
WAGNER, KAREN E.
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$5,000
Sep 26, 2023
10
ISEMAN, HENRY
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$5,000
Apr 19, 2023

Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]

ID: S001150

Top Contributors

10

1
KOI NATION OF NORTHERN CA
OrganizationSANTA ROSA, CA
$3,300
Feb 29, 2024
2
PECHANGA BAND OF INDIANS
OrganizationTEMECULA, CA
$3,300
Feb 26, 2024
3
KOI NATION OF NORTHERN CA
OrganizationSANTA ROSA, CA
$3,300
Feb 29, 2024
4
THE CHICKASAW NATION
OrganizationADA, OK
$3,300
Mar 1, 2024
5
THE CHICKASAW NATION
OrganizationADA, OK
$3,300
Mar 1, 2024
6
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationSANTA YNEZ, CA
$3,300
Sep 6, 2023
7
AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS GENERAL FUND
OrganizationPALM SPRINGS, CA
$3,300
Aug 9, 2023
8
THE CHICKASAW NATION
OrganizationADA, OK
$3,300
Sep 27, 2023
9
AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS GENERAL FUND
OrganizationPALM SPRINGS, CA
$3,300
Aug 9, 2023
10
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationSANTA YNEZ, CA
$3,300
Jul 21, 2023

Donor Network - Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

PACs
Organizations
Individuals
Politicians

Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.

Loading...

Showing 75 nodes and 43 connections (74 secondary connections hidden)

Total contributions: $149,060

Top Donors - Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

Showing top 21 donors by contribution amount

7 Orgs14 Individuals

Industry Impact

Which industries are materially affected by specific provisions in this bill. 2 harmed.

  • The bill mentions that asbestos was used in the construction of a significant number of office buildings and public facilities built before 1975, which may imply increased costs or liabilities for the construction industry due to potential asbestos removal or remediation (Whereas clause).

  • The bill notes that thousands of workers in the United States face significant asbestos exposure, which has been a cause of occupational cancer, and mentions naval ships and shipyards as areas of high exposure, potentially affecting companies involved in shipbuilding or energy infrastructure (Whereas clause).

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