Expressing support for the designation of March 6, 2025, as "Great Lakes Day".

Bill Number

H.Res. 194

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-03-05: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.

Last Updated

2025-05-12T14:57:42Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This resolution (H. Res. 194) aims to express the House of Representatives' support for designating March 6, 2025, as "Great Lakes Day." It highlights the ecological, economic, cultural, and recreational importance of the Great Lakes to raise awareness and encourage their preservation.

Key Provisions

• Background on the Great Lakes: The resolution outlines facts about the Great Lakes (Lakes Michigan, Huron, Erie, Ontario, and Superior), including:
• Their location bordering eight U.S. states (Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New York).
• Role as habitats for wildlife (e.g., bald eagles, walleye, brook trout).
• Surrounding natural features like parks and shorelines that support tourism and recreation (e.g., swimming, fishing, hiking).
• Home to 35 million people and ancestral lands for Native American Tribes.
• Status as the world's largest surface freshwater system, supplying over 90% of U.S. freshwater and 20% globally, serving drinking water for 40 million people.
• Economic contributions: $3.1 trillion in gross domestic product (GDP), 25 million jobs, and $1.3 trillion in wages through transportation and commerce.
• Emphasis on Lake St. Clair as the "Heart of the Great Lakes" for its role in water supply, recreation, and trade.
• Actions by the House:
• Supports the "Great Lakes Day" designation.
• Recognizes the lakes' contributions to American life.
• Commits to preserving the lakes via programs like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (a federal effort to clean up and protect the lakes).
• Calls on Americans and all government levels to accelerate efforts to protect Lake St. Clair.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws. It serves as a symbolic statement of support rather than enforceable legislation.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Encourages federal, state, and local governments to prioritize and speed up preservation efforts, potentially boosting funding or focus for programs like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, but without mandating action.
• On Citizens: Raises public awareness about the Great Lakes' value, which could inspire community involvement in conservation, tourism, and recreation. It affects 35 million residents in bordering states by affirming the lakes' role in daily life, water supply, and economy.
• On International Relations: Indirectly promotes U.S.-Canada cooperation, as the Great Lakes are shared with Canada, but no specific international mandates are included.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Residents and Communities: 35 million people in Great Lakes states, including those relying on the lakes for drinking water, jobs, and recreation.
• Native American Tribes: Acknowledged as long-term stewards of the region.
• Environmental and Tourism Groups: Benefits from heightened focus on wildlife habitats, parks, and activities like boating and fishing.
• Businesses and Economy: Industries in transportation, commerce, and tourism that depend on the lakes' health, supporting 25 million jobs.
• Government Entities: Federal agencies (e.g., EPA via restoration programs), state governments in the eight bordering states, and local authorities responsible for water and environmental management.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: No binding effects; resolutions like this do not create law but can influence future policy or appropriations (e.g., for restoration initiatives).
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to express views on national resources under Article I, without infringing on states' rights or executive functions.
• Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (sponsored by representatives from both parties, including from Michigan), signaling broad consensus on environmental protection. It could build momentum for related legislation but carries no enforcement power.

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

Sponsor

Rep. James, John [R-MI-10]

Cosponsors (11)

Rep. Bergman, Jack [R-MI-1], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Moolenaar, John R. [R-MI-2], Rep. Scholten, Hillary J. [D-MI-3], Rep. Huizenga, Bill [R-MI-4], Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11], Rep. McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8], Rep. Walberg, Tim [R-MI-5], Rep. McClain, Lisa C. [R-MI-9]

Recent Actions

• 2025-03-05: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
• 2025-03-05: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, 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.
• 2025-03-05: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, 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.

Bill Versions

• Expressing support for the designation of March 6, 2025, as "Great Lakes Day". — issued 2025-03-05 — PDF (3 pages)