Expressing support for the designation of February 16, 2026, as "International Black Aviation Professionals Day".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1064
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-13: Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-03T08:08:31Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This resolution (H. Res. 1064) aims to recognize and celebrate the historical and ongoing contributions of Black Americans to aviation, flight, and space exploration. It supports designating February 16, 2026, as "International Black Aviation Professionals Day" to honor pioneers who overcame racism and sexism, while promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the aviation field.
Key Provisions
- Historical Recognition: The resolution outlines numerous "Whereas" clauses highlighting key Black aviation figures and achievements, such as:
- Early pilots like Bessie Coleman (first licensed Black woman pilot) and James H. Banning (first Black pilot to fly across the U.S.).
- Tuskegee Airmen and their role in World War II, including figures like General Benjamin O. Davis, Jr.
- First Black flight attendants (e.g., Ruth Carol Taylor) and air traffic controllers (e.g., Oscar Wayman Holmes).
- Space contributors like Katherine Johnson, Mae Jemison (first Black woman in space), and inventors like Gladys West (GPS development).
- Modern efforts, including diversity initiatives at airports (e.g., Maynard Jackson's work in Atlanta) and organizations like the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals.
- Resolved Actions:
- Expresses the House of Representatives' support for the day.
- Encourages public observation through recognition and celebration of Black aviation professionals.
- Requests the President to issue a proclamation urging Americans to:
- Acknowledge the stories and innovations of Black aviation pioneers.
- Enhance educational curricula in schools and libraries about these contributions.
- Support expanded opportunities for Black Americans in aviation careers.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, not a statute, so it introduces no enforceable changes to existing laws. It builds on ongoing federal efforts, such as the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) STEM Aviation and Space Education Program, which already recruits from historically Black colleges and universities, but adds symbolic endorsement without altering legal frameworks.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Increases public awareness and education about Black contributions to aviation, potentially inspiring underrepresented youth (especially Black students) to pursue STEM and aviation careers. It could foster greater diversity in the workforce through encouraged school programs and community initiatives.
- On Government Agencies: Prompts the President to issue a proclamation, which could influence FAA and NASA programs by highlighting the need for inclusive recruitment. No direct funding or mandates are imposed, but it reinforces existing diversity efforts.
- On International Relations: The "international" designation may promote global recognition of U.S. Black aviation history, potentially strengthening cultural ties (e.g., through efforts in Ghana mentioned in the text), though impacts are likely minimal and symbolic.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Black Aviation Professionals and Pioneers: Honored through recognition, with organizations like the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, Sisters of the Skies, and Black Flight Attendants of America benefiting from preserved legacies.
- Aviation Industry Workers: Includes pilots, flight attendants, mechanics, air traffic controllers, and ground crew, particularly from underrepresented groups, who may see expanded opportunities.
- Educational Institutions: Schools, libraries, and historically Black colleges and universities, encouraged to integrate aviation history into curricula.
- Government Entities: The House of Representatives, President, FAA, and NASA, involved in promotion and existing diversity programs.
- Private Sector and Communities: Airports, airlines, and minority-owned businesses (e.g., via inclusion plans like Atlanta's), plus broader public through celebrations.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no binding force and requires no presidential signature to express House sentiment. It aligns with equal protection principles under the Constitution by promoting inclusion without mandating quotas or preferences.
- Constitutional: Supports First Amendment values of free speech and education by encouraging voluntary recognition and curriculum enhancements, without infringing on rights.
- Political: Symbolically advances diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) agendas in STEM and aviation, potentially influencing bipartisan support for minority opportunities. It may spark discussions on historical inequities but carries low controversy risk due to its celebratory nature.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5]
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-13: Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
- 2026-02-12: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-02-12: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-02-12: Submitted in House
- 2026-02-12: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of February 16, 2026, as "International Black Aviation Professionals Day". — issued 2026-02-12 — PDF (6 pages)