Supporting the goals and ideals of Social Work Month and World Social Work Day on March 17, 2026.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1149
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Social Welfare
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-30: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-02T14:08:30Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 1149) expresses support for the goals and ideals of Social Work Month and World Social Work Day (observed on March 17, 2026). It recognizes the vital role of social workers in promoting health, well-being, and social justice across the United States.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes extensive "Whereas" clauses highlighting social workers' contributions, such as:
- Serving 728,000 professionals who address social determinants of health (factors like housing, jobs, education, and transportation).
- Leading efforts on social justice, mental health, addiction, veterans' support, elder care, disaster relief, child welfare, and rural communities.
- Frontline roles during COVID-19 and in schools, hospitals, and government.
- Growing profession (projected 800,000+ by 2033) amid mental health crises, needing recruitment and retention.
The core "Resolved" section directs the House of Representatives to:
- Support the goals and ideals of Social Work Month and World Social Work Day.
- Recognize social workers' contributions to individuals, families, communities, and the nation.
- Acknowledge promoters of social work awareness.
- Encourage ceremonies and activities to highlight social workers' role in society.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- None. This is a non-binding resolution (symbolic statement), not a law or bill that amends statutes. It was introduced on March 30, 2026, and referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
Potential Impacts
- Minimal legal impact: No enforceable requirements; serves to raise public awareness.
- On citizens and communities: Boosts recognition of social workers, potentially aiding recruitment amid shortages.
- On government agencies: Symbolic endorsement may encourage federal support for social services (e.g., mental health, veterans' affairs).
- No direct effects on international relations.
Main Stakeholders
- Social workers (current ~728,000, growing workforce) and their professional groups.
- Communities served: Veterans, families, elderly, children, rural residents, disaster victims, and those facing mental health or addiction issues.
- Government entities: House of Representatives, federal agencies (e.g., Veterans Affairs, child welfare), schools, and healthcare facilities.
- Sponsors: Led by Rep. Garcia (D-TX) with bipartisan cosponsors (e.g., Reps. Moore (D-WI), Scholten (D-MI), and Davis (D-IL)).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: None significant; resolutions like this are routine congressional expressions without binding effect, protected under free speech (Article I, U.S. Constitution).
- Political: Demonstrates cross-party appreciation for social services amid mental health and workforce challenges; theme "Social Work: Compassion + Action" emphasizes practical impact. May signal need for future investments in the profession.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Garcia, Sylvia R. [D-TX-29]
Cosponsors (7)
Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4], Rep. Scholten, Hillary J. [D-MI-3], Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-30: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2026-03-30: Submitted in House
- 2026-03-30: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Supporting the goals and ideals of Social Work Month and World Social Work Day on March 17, 2026. — issued 2026-03-30 — PDF (5 pages)