Expressing support for the designation of February 15 through February 22, 2025, as "National FFA Week", recognizing the important role of the National FFA Organization in developing the next generation of leaders who will change the world, and celebrating the 90th anniversary of New Farmers of America and the 75th anniversary of the Federal charter to Future Farmers of America.

Bill Number

H.Res. 133

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Agriculture and Food

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-02-13: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.

Last Updated

2025-05-02T16:22:58Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 133) expresses congressional support for designating February 15 through February 22, 2025, as "National FFA Week." It recognizes the National FFA Organization's role in fostering leadership, personal growth, and career skills among students through agricultural education. The resolution also celebrates two milestones: the 90th anniversary of the New Farmers of America (NFA), a group for Black students in segregated schools that merged with FFA in 1965, and the 75th anniversary of FFA receiving its federal charter in 1950.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes a preamble outlining FFA's history and impact, followed by four main directives in the "Resolved" section:

• Supports the designation of "National FFA Week" for 2025.
• Acknowledges FFA's contributions to developing globally aware leaders who can positively influence communities, states, countries, and the world.
• Celebrates the 90th anniversary of the NFA, which supported Black vocational agriculture students until its integration with FFA.
• Commemorates the 75th anniversary of the federal charter granted to FFA (originally Future Farmers of America) by Congress in 1950 and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman.

The preamble highlights FFA's establishment in 1928, its mission to enhance students' leadership and career potential via agricultural education, its membership of over 1,000,000 in all 50 states and U.S. territories, and its inclusive approach for all students, supported by more than 14,000 advisors and teachers.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic expression of support rather than enacting new legal requirements.

Potential Impacts

• On citizens: Encourages public awareness and participation in agricultural education, potentially inspiring more students (especially in rural and underserved communities) to pursue careers in agriculture, food, natural resources, and leadership roles. It may boost morale and visibility for FFA programs during the designated week.
• On government agencies: Minimal direct impact, though it signals congressional endorsement of agricultural education initiatives, which could indirectly support related programs under the U.S. Department of Agriculture or education departments.
• On international relations: None, as the focus is domestic and educational.

Overall, the impacts are largely promotional and cultural, promoting values like career readiness and global citizenship without enforceable obligations.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Students and FFA members: Over 1,000,000 young people in FFA chapters, who benefit from recognition of their leadership development and agricultural skills.
• Educators and advisors: More than 14,000 FFA advisors and agricultural teachers, whose integrated education model is highlighted.
• Agricultural community: Farmers, rural organizations, and industry groups that rely on FFA for preparing the next generation of workers.
• Historically marginalized groups: Recognition of the NFA honors the legacy of Black students in agriculture education during segregation.
• Congress and policymakers: Bipartisan sponsors (over 60 representatives) demonstrate broad political support for agricultural youth programs.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: As a simple resolution, it requires only House approval and has no force of law, avoiding any constitutional challenges related to funding or mandates.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to recognize events and organizations under its general legislative authority; no issues with free speech, equal protection, or other rights, though it positively acknowledges historical integration efforts in education.
• Political: Demonstrates rare bipartisan unity (introduced by a diverse group of representatives) on supporting agricultural and youth development, potentially strengthening rural advocacy in Congress. It also subtly promotes inclusivity by commemorating the NFA's role in addressing past racial segregation in public schools.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1]

Cosponsors (67)

Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Thompson, Glenn [R-PA-15], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Smith, Jason [R-MO-8], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Rep. Crawford, Eric A. "Rick" [R-AR-1], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Rogers, Mike D. [R-AL-3], Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3], Rep. Westerman, Bruce [R-AR-4], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2], Rep. Aderholt, Robert B. [R-AL-4], Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Graves, Sam [R-MO-6], Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1], Rep. Scott, Austin [R-GA-8], Rep. McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8], Rep. Wagner, Ann [R-MO-2], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14], Rep. Newhouse, Dan [R-WA-4], Rep. Smith, Adrian [R-NE-3], Rep. Bergman, Jack [R-MI-1], Rep. Webster, Daniel [R-FL-11], Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Moolenaar, John R. [R-MI-2], Rep. Rouzer, David [R-NC-7], Rep. Kelly, Trent [R-MS-1], Rep. Cline, Ben [R-VA-6], Rep. Estes, Ron [R-KS-4], Rep. Meuser, Daniel [R-PA-9], Rep. Feenstra, Randy [R-IA-4], Rep. Alford, Mark [R-MO-4], Rep. LaMalfa, Doug [R-CA-1], Rep. Jackson, Ronny [R-TX-13], Rep. Kustoff, David [R-TN-8], Rep. Finstad, Brad [R-MN-1], Rep. Flood, Mike [R-NE-1], Rep. Ellzey, Jake [R-TX-6], Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3], Rep. De La Cruz, Monica [R-TX-15], Rep. Rose, John W. [R-TN-6], Rep. Franklin, Scott [R-FL-18], Rep. Moore, Tim [R-NC-14], Rep. Messmer, Mark [R-IN-8], Rep. Shreve, Jefferson [R-IN-6] and 17 more

Recent Actions

• 2025-02-13: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
• 2025-02-13: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Expressing support for the designation of February 15 through February 22, 2025, as "National FFA Week", recognizing the important role of the National FFA Organization in developing the next generation of leaders who will change the world, and celebrating the 90th anniversary of New Farmers of America and the 75th anniversary of the Federal charter to Future Farmers of America. — issued 2025-02-13 — PDF (3 pages)