Supporting the first Friday of May as "National Space Day" in recognition of the significant positive impact the aerospace community has and will continue to have on the United States of America.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1242
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-30: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-20T08:08:01Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 1242) expresses support for designating the first Friday of May as "National Space Day" to honor the aerospace community's past, present, and future contributions to U.S. space exploration, innovation, national security, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education.
Key Provisions
- Background "Whereas" clauses highlight:
- Leadership by NASA, U.S. Armed Forces, Space Force, National Reconnaissance Office, commercial space sector, and partners like Jet Propulsion Labs and The Aerospace Corporation.
- Historic achievements, including Apollo 11 Moon landing (1969), Space Shuttle missions (1981–2011), Mars rovers (since 1997), Artemis program (Artemis II in 2026), and James Webb Space Telescope.
- Broader benefits like GPS technology, applications in security, agriculture, health, and education.
- Emphasis on STEM initiatives by NASA, companies, museums (e.g., Cosmosphere in Kansas), and growing public interest in space.
- Resolved clauses (non-binding statements by the House):
- Supports the goals of "National Space Day."
- Recognizes the aerospace community's role, including government agencies, research centers, industry, educators, and entrepreneurs.
- Acknowledges contributions to space exploration and research.
- Highlights partnerships between the aerospace industry and U.S. Armed Forces for national defense.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- None. This is a simple House resolution, which is a symbolic expression of opinion by the House of Representatives only. It does not create new laws, require funding, or bind the Senate, President, or agencies.
Potential Impacts
- Symbolic and promotional: Raises public awareness of space achievements, inspires STEM interest among students, and encourages educational events on "National Space Day."
- No direct effects: Does not allocate resources, mandate actions, or alter budgets for agencies like NASA. Minimal impact on government operations, citizens, or international relations, though it reinforces U.S. leadership in global space efforts.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Aerospace community: NASA, Space Force, Armed Forces, commercial companies, research centers (e.g., Jet Propulsion Labs), and nonprofits.
- Educators and youth: STEM programs, universities, museums, and students inspired by space innovation.
- Government: House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology; Committee on Armed Services; Congress broadly.
- Public: General citizens benefiting from heightened enthusiasm for space exploration.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: No implications, as resolutions like this are ceremonial and do not require presidential approval or have enforceable effects (per Article I, Section 5 of the U.S. Constitution, which allows each chamber to adopt its own resolutions).
- Political: Signals bipartisan support (introduced by Reps. Lieu, Calvert, Crank) for space programs, potentially boosting morale and advocacy for future funding or policies without controversy. Referred to committees for review, unlikely to advance beyond House expression.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Calvert, Ken [R-CA-41], Rep. Crank, Jeff [R-CO-5], Rep. Whitesides, George [D-CA-27]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-30: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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.
- 2026-04-30: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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.
- 2026-04-30: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Supporting the first Friday of May as "National Space Day" in recognition of the significant positive impact the aerospace community has and will continue to have on the United States of America. — issued 2026-04-30 — PDF (4 pages)