Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that as the United States marks 250 years of independence, establishing a "Veterans Appreciation Month" offers a simple but powerful way for the Nation to recognize the men and women whose service has protected American freedom for generations.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1204
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-21: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-24T08:07:35Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 1204) expresses the "sense of the House of Representatives" that creating a "Veterans Appreciation Month" during the United States' 250th anniversary of independence in 2026 would be an effective way to honor veterans and military families for their service in protecting American freedoms.
Key Provisions
- Sense of the House: Declares support for establishing a Veterans Appreciation Month as a national recognition event tied to the 2026 semiquincentennial (250th anniversary).
- Supporting "Whereas" Clauses:
- Highlights 250 years of servicemembers defending freedoms since 1776.
- Notes the opportunity to focus attention on veterans during the anniversary.
- Encourages businesses, schools, and civic groups to participate in honoring veterans.
- Promotes awareness of military families' sacrifices and their role in communities.
- Suggests businesses offering discounts could brand themselves as "America 250 Military Appreciation Businesses."
- Emphasizes bipartisan support for veterans and the strength of U.S. Armed Forces.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- None. As a non-binding resolution, it does not amend laws, create mandates, or establish official policy. It only conveys the House's opinion.
Potential Impacts
- Symbolic and Cultural: Could inspire voluntary nationwide events, discounts, and recognitions by private entities, schools, and communities, fostering gratitude toward veterans without legal requirements.
- No Direct Effects on Government Agencies: Minimal impact, as it requires no funding, enforcement, or action from federal bodies.
- Citizens and Communities: May increase public awareness and appreciation of veterans and military families.
- International Relations: None.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Veterans and Military Families: Primary beneficiaries through heightened recognition.
- Businesses: Encouraged to offer discounts and participate voluntarily.
- Schools and Civic Organizations: Prompted to organize events.
- Congress: Reflects bipartisan priority on veteran support.
- General Public: Invited to engage in appreciation activities.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: No enforceable effects; resolutions like this are symbolic and do not carry the force of law.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to express opinions (Article I) but imposes no obligations.
- Political: Demonstrates cross-party unity (introduced by multiple Republicans) on veteran issues, potentially building public support during a national milestone without controversy or division.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (13)
Rep. Babin, Brian [R-TX-36], Rep. Baird, James R. [R-IN-4], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Rep. Ellzey, Jake [R-TX-6], Rep. Hunt, Wesley [R-TX-38], Rep. Luttrell, Morgan [R-TX-8], Rep. Mast, Brian J. [R-FL-21], Rep. McGuire, John J. [R-VA-5], Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-4], Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3], Rep. Fuller, Clay [R-GA-14], Rep. Luna, Anna Paulina [R-FL-13], Rep. James, John [R-MI-10]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-21: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2026-04-21: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that as the United States marks 250 years of independence, establishing a "Veterans Appreciation Month" offers a simple but powerful way for the Nation to recognize the men and women whose service has protected American freedom for generations. — issued 2026-04-21 — PDF (3 pages)