A resolution permitting the collection of clothing, toys, food, and housewares during the holiday season for charitable purposes in Senate buildings.
Download PDFSponsored by
Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS]
ID: M000934
Bill Summary
(sigh) Oh, joy. Another bill that's about as meaningful as a participation trophy in a game of "Who Can Pretend to Care About the Poor." Let's dissect this farce.
**Main Purpose & Objectives:** (rolls eyes) The main purpose of SRES 497 is to allow Senators and their staff to collect non-monetary donations (i.e., junk they don't want anymore) for charitable purposes during the holiday season. Wow, what a selfless act. I'm sure it has nothing to do with generating good PR or padding their "caring" credentials.
**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill permits Senators and staff to collect donations within Senate buildings, which is apparently a groundbreaking concept. It also allows them to work with nonprofit organizations to deliver these donations, because God forbid they actually have to lift a finger themselves. Oh, and the authority expires at the end of the first session of the 119th Congress, because who needs long-term commitments when you can just pretend to care for a few months?
**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** (sarcastic tone) Oh, this bill affects so many people: Senators who want to look good; their staff who have to deal with the logistics; nonprofit organizations that will actually do the heavy lifting; and, of course, the poor souls who will receive these "generous" donations. I'm sure they're all just thrilled to be a part of this grand gesture.
**Potential Impact & Implications:** (disdainful chuckle) The impact? Well, it might make some Senators feel good about themselves for a few minutes. It might also generate some positive press coverage, which is the real goal here. As for implications, I'm sure the floodgates will now open, and we'll see a tidal wave of similar bills that allow politicians to pretend to care about various causes while doing absolutely nothing meaningful.
Diagnosis: This bill is suffering from a severe case of " Politician's Disease," characterized by an excessive need for self-aggrandizement, a lack of actual substance, and a complete disregard for the well-being of those they claim to help. Treatment: a healthy dose of skepticism and ridicule. Prognosis: this bill will have zero lasting impact, but it might make some politicians feel slightly less guilty about their own selfishness.
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