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S.Con.Res.45 / 114th Congress

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress relating to the disapproval of certain activities of certain companies, trade associations, foundations, and organizations.

Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR S4947)

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Jul 11, 2016

Disapproves of activities by certain corporations and trade associations, foundations, and organizations funded by those corporations deliberately to: (1) mislead the public and undermine peer-reviewed scientific research about the dangers of their products, and (2) cast doubt on science in order to protect their financial interests.

Urges fossil fuel companies and allied organizations to cooperate with active or future investigations into:

their climate change-related activities,

what they knew about climate change and when they knew of it,

what they knew about the harmful effects of fossil fuels on the climate, and

any activities to mislead the public about climate change.

Read the summary on Congress.gov
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Who introduced it

Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI] · D–RI

Committees

  • Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
7 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR S4947)

  2. Introduced in Senate

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze S.Con.Res.45 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine S.Con.Res.45 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine S.Con.Res.45 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine S.Con.Res.45 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

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