Supporting the designation of May 29, 2026, as "Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day" to raise awareness around mental health in the agricultural industry and workforce and to continue to reduce stigma associated with mental illness.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1301
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Agriculture and Food
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-19: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-01T14:29:03Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
This resolution expresses support for designating May 29, 2026, as "Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day." It aims to highlight mental health challenges in farming and related work, encourage awareness, and reduce stigma around mental illness, while noting that May is already National Mental Health Awareness Month.
Key Provisions
- Supports the official designation of the day to focus on mental health in the agricultural industry and workforce.
- Recognizes the role of farmers and farmworkers in supplying food, fuel, and fiber to the United States and other countries.
- Draws attention to specific difficulties faced by agricultural workers, including unpredictable weather, heavy labor demands and worker shortages, farm succession planning, and changes in market prices.
- Highlights existing support resources, such as the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network run by the Department of Agriculture, which connects people to stress help programs.
- Encourages everyone to observe the day as a way to promote mental well-being for current and future agricultural workers.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution and does not alter any current laws or create new legal requirements. It serves only as a statement of support from the House of Representatives for raising awareness on the topic.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: It may encourage greater promotion of the Department of Agriculture's existing stress assistance programs and related resources for rural areas.
- On citizens: The designation could increase public understanding of mental health needs among farmers and farmworkers, potentially leading to more use of support services and reduced isolation.
- On international relations: No direct effects are outlined, though it indirectly recognizes the global role of U.S. agricultural production.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Agricultural producers and farmworkers, along with their families and rural communities.
- The Department of Agriculture, particularly through its stress assistance network.
- Members of Congress and related committees, such as the House Committee on Agriculture.
- Mental health organizations and advocates focused on rural or occupational health issues.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
As a symbolic measure, this resolution carries no enforceable legal power and raises no constitutional concerns. It reflects bipartisan interest in addressing mental health in agriculture through awareness efforts rather than new regulations or funding changes.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (22)
Rep. Schrier, Kim [D-WA-8], Rep. Crawford, Eric A. "Rick" [R-AR-1], Rep. Brown, Shontel M. [D-OH-11], Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1], Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6], Rep. De La Cruz, Monica [R-TX-15], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Newhouse, Dan [R-WA-4], Rep. Riley, Josh [D-NY-19], Rep. Smith, Jason [R-MO-8], Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3], Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Flood, Mike [R-NE-1], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Fischbach, Michelle [R-MN-7], Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Rep. Sorensen, Eric [D-IL-17], Rep. Alford, Mark [R-MO-4], Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-19: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- 2026-05-19: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Supporting the designation of May 29, 2026, as "Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day" to raise awareness around mental health in the agricultural industry and workforce and to continue to reduce stigma associated with mental illness. — issued 2026-05-19 — PDF (3 pages)