Recognizing the life, achievements, and public service of former First Lady Barbara Pierce Bush on the occasion of her 100th birthday.
- Bill Number
- H.Con.Res. 36
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-06: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-05T22:51:24Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 36) aims to honor the life, achievements, and public service of former First Lady Barbara Pierce Bush on the occasion of her 100th birthday (June 8, 1925). It expresses Congress's recognition and gratitude for her contributions, particularly in promoting literacy and supporting her family's public roles.
Key Provisions
- Biographical Background: The resolution outlines Barbara Bush's life, including her birth in New York City, education at Ashley Hall and Smith College, wartime factory work in 1943, marriage to George H.W. Bush in 1945, raising six children, and supporting her husband's business and political career (e.g., moves to Texas, his roles in Congress, the UN, Republican National Committee, CIA, Vice Presidency, and Presidency).
- Public Service Highlights:
- As Second Lady (1981–1989), she renovated the vice presidential residence, hosted over 1,000 events, championed literacy to address poverty, and aided her husband's 1988 presidential campaign.
- As First Lady (1989–1993), she founded the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy in 1989 and helped pass the National Literacy Act of 1991 (a law aimed at improving adult literacy programs).
- She showed compassion for AIDS patients amid public stigma, published a bestselling memoir in 1994, and supported her sons' presidential campaigns (George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004; Jeb Bush in 2016).
- Notes her death on April 17, 2018, survived by her husband (who passed later), children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
- Congressional Actions: Congress resolves to:
- Honor her life and service.
- Recognize her 100th birthday and thank her family.
- Acknowledge her impact on literacy and citizen welfare.
- Celebrate her as a model citizen and public servant.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. This is a concurrent resolution, a formal expression of Congress's opinion that does not create, amend, or repeal any laws. It requires approval by both the House and Senate but does not need presidential signature to take effect symbolically.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact; it may indirectly encourage federal support for literacy programs through highlighted historical efforts, but no new mandates.
- On Citizens: Symbolic inspiration for public service and literacy advocacy; could boost awareness of family literacy initiatives via the Barbara Bush Foundation.
- On International Relations: None significant, as the focus is domestic (e.g., her support for U.S. roles like UN Ambassador).
Overall, the impact is largely ceremonial, fostering national reflection on public figures' legacies without enforceable changes.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Bush Family: Direct honorees, including surviving children (e.g., George W. Bush, Jeb Bush), grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who may feel recognized for their mother's/familial legacy.
- Literacy and Nonprofit Advocates: Organizations like the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy benefit from renewed attention to her work on education and poverty reduction.
- Political Figures and Institutions: Members of Congress (introduced by Texas representatives), the Republican Party, and historical presidential administrations, as it underscores bipartisan respect for the Bush era.
- General Public: Americans interested in history, women's roles in politics, or public service, who gain a positive narrative on compassion and dedication.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: Concurrent resolutions like this fall under Congress's Article I powers to express sentiments and conduct oversight (referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform). It has no binding legal force but upholds traditions of honoring deceased figures posthumously (Barbara Bush passed in 2018).
- Political: Demonstrates congressional unity in celebrating non-partisan public service, potentially bridging divides by focusing on family, literacy, and compassion (e.g., AIDS advocacy). Introduced by a bipartisan group of Texas representatives, it reflects regional pride in the Bush family's Texas ties and could influence future honorary recognitions for first ladies or public servants. No major controversies noted, emphasizing her "unwavering support" across political roles without partisan endorsement.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11]
Cosponsors (9)
Rep. Arrington, Jodey C. [R-TX-19], Rep. Ellzey, Jake [R-TX-6], Rep. Gooden, Lance [R-TX-5], Rep. Babin, Brian [R-TX-36], Rep. Williams, Roger [R-TX-25], Rep. Goldman, Craig A. [R-TX-12], Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14], Rep. Jackson, Ronny [R-TX-13], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2]
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-06: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-06-06: Submitted in House
- 2025-06-06: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Recognizing the life, achievements, and public service of former First Lady Barbara Pierce Bush on the occasion of her 100th birthday. — issued 2025-06-06 — PDF (4 pages)