Expressing support for the designation of the year 2026 as the "National Year of the Volunteer".

Bill Number

H.Res. 1044

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-02-09: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Last Updated

2026-02-25T09:06:40Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 1044) expresses congressional support for designating the year 2026 as the "National Year of the Volunteer." It aims to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States' founding by promoting volunteerism, honoring volunteers' contributions, and encouraging widespread community service to renew national unity and civic responsibility.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes background "Whereas" clauses highlighting the importance of volunteers and challenges in recruitment, followed by a "Resolved" section with five main directives for the House of Representatives:

• Support the designation: Endorses 2026 as the "National Year of the Volunteer."
• Honor volunteers: Recognizes the millions of individuals whose unpaid service strengthens communities nationwide.
• Encourage awareness efforts: Urges federal, state, and local governments to promote volunteer opportunities and educate the public on the benefits of service.
• Promote partnerships: Calls on nonprofits, schools, veterans' groups, civic associations, and businesses to collaborate on volunteer initiatives.
• Call to action for citizens: Invites all Americans to participate in acts of service and community improvement during the 250th anniversary celebrations.

The resolution ties into the United States Semiquincentennial Commission (established by Public Law 114-196 in 2016), which coordinates the nation's 250th anniversary events, including the "America Gives" initiative to track and increase volunteer hours.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic expression of congressional intent rather than enforceable legislation.

Potential Impacts

• On citizens: Could inspire increased volunteer participation, especially among younger generations, by linking service to national pride and the semiquincentennial milestone, potentially reversing declining volunteer rates post-COVID-19.
• On government agencies: Encourages federal, state, and local entities to raise awareness of volunteer needs, which may lead to coordinated programs without requiring new funding or mandates.
• On nonprofits and communities: Supports recruitment for organizations like fire departments, food banks, and youth programs facing shortages, potentially boosting their capacity and economic contributions (volunteers provide billions in equivalent service value annually).
• On international relations: Minimal direct impact, though it reinforces the U.S. image as a nation valuing civic engagement and community support.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Volunteers and citizens: Directly encouraged to engage in service, benefiting from heightened recognition and opportunities.
• Nonprofit and civic organizations: Groups such as volunteer fire/EMS departments, scout troops, youth sports, houses of worship, shelters, mentoring programs, and food banks, which may see improved recruitment and retention.
• Businesses and educational institutions: Invited to partner in volunteer efforts, potentially enhancing corporate social responsibility and school-based service learning.
• Government bodies: Federal (e.g., Semiquincentennial Commission), state, and local agencies involved in community outreach and anniversary planning.
• Younger generations and veterans' groups: Highlighted for inspiration and inclusion in service initiatives.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no binding force and requires no presidential approval; it cannot create obligations or allocate funds but can influence future policy discussions on volunteerism.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's role in promoting general welfare (Article I, Section 8) through symbolic encouragement of civic duties, without infringing on individual rights.
• Political: Signals bipartisan support (introduced by members from both parties) for fostering national unity amid declining volunteerism, potentially shaping public discourse around the 250th anniversary. It may politically amplify the Semiquincentennial Commission's efforts without controversy, emphasizing nonpartisan values like community service.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

Cosponsors (8)

Rep. Moskowitz, Jared [D-FL-23], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Aderholt, Robert B. [R-AL-4], Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Simpson, Michael K. [R-ID-2]

Recent Actions

• 2026-02-09: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
• 2026-02-09: Submitted in House
• 2026-02-09: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Expressing support for the designation of the year 2026 as the "National Year of the Volunteer". — issued 2026-02-09 — PDF (3 pages)