Expressing support for the designation of the week of May 8 through May 17, 2026, as "National American Birding Week".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1240
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-30: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-15T17:07:25Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 1240) expresses support for designating the week of May 8 through May 17, 2026, as "National American Birding Week". It highlights the importance of bird migration, conservation challenges, economic benefits of birdwatching, and collaborative events.
Key Provisions
- Background facts ("Whereas" clauses):
- Billions of migratory birds (songbirds, raptors, shorebirds, waterfowl from over 350 species) travel through the U.S. each spring.
- Many bird populations are declining due to habitat loss, predation, and collisions with buildings, power lines, and vehicles.
- About 96 million U.S. birdwatchers spend $107 billion yearly on the activity, supporting 1.4 million jobs and generating tax revenue.
- Events like the "Biggest Week in American Birding" in Ohio (sponsored by Black Swamp Bird Observatory and partners) promote conservation, research, education, and economic growth.
- Actions by the House ("Resolved" section):
- Supports the "National American Birding Week" designation.
- Recognizes birding's economic value (billions in benefits).
- Acknowledges threats to migratory birds.
- Applauds efforts by governments, nonprofits, and businesses for conservation and economic development.
- Encourages public participation in birding events to learn about migration and support preservation.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- None. This is a non-binding resolution that expresses congressional opinion but does not create new laws, mandates, or enforceable requirements.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: Minimal direct impact; may indirectly encourage federal, state, and local involvement in bird conservation events.
- Citizens: Raises public awareness of bird migration and threats, potentially boosting participation in birdwatching and conservation.
- International relations: None significant, though it notes birds migrating from Mexico and tropics.
- Overall: Symbolic promotion of birding could enhance economic activity in tourism and conservation without financial or regulatory changes.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Birdwatchers (birders): Recognized for economic contributions and encouraged to participate.
- Conservation organizations (e.g., Black Swamp Bird Observatory): Highlighted for events and efforts.
- Governments (federal like Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, state/local partners): Praised for collaboration.
- Businesses and nonprofits: Beneficiaries of economic promotion through birding.
- General public: Invited to learn and support bird preservation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: No implications; resolutions like this are ceremonial and do not require presidential approval or affect rights/laws (resolutions are formal statements of opinion, not statutes).
- Political: Bipartisan support (introduced by Reps. Kaptur, Latta, Mrvan, Tlaib, Wied); referred to House Committee on Natural Resources. Demonstrates congressional endorsement of environmental awareness and local economic initiatives without controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (6)
Rep. Latta, Robert E. [R-OH-5], Rep. Mrvan, Frank J. [D-IN-1], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Wied, Tony [R-WI-8], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-30: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2026-04-30: Submitted in House
- 2026-04-30: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E398)
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of the week of May 8 through May 17, 2026, as "National American Birding Week". — issued 2026-04-30 — PDF (3 pages)