Recognizing Girl Scouts of the United States of America on its 113th birthday and celebrating its founder Juliette Gordon Low and the legacy of providing girls with a secure and inclusive space where they can explore their world, build meaningful relationships, and have access to experiences that prepare them for a life of leadership.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 217
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-11: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-08T01:00:22Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 217) aims to honor the Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA) on its 113th anniversary, celebrate its founder Juliette Gordon Low, and recognize the organization's role in empowering girls through leadership development, civic engagement, and skill-building programs.
Key Provisions
- Recognition of GSUSA's Legacy: Acknowledges the organization's 113 years of fostering "girls of courage, confidence, and character" through programs in science, technology, engineering, math (STEM), outdoors activities, entrepreneurship, and civic involvement.
- Historical Context: Highlights the founding on March 12, 1912, by Juliette Gordon Low in Savannah, Georgia, who organized 18 girls for holistic development (physical, intellectual, social, and spiritual). It notes her emphasis on public service, nature appreciation, global connections, and building lifelong friendships.
- Current Impact: Recognizes over 50 million female alumni as leaders and trailblazers; praises GSUSA's inclusive spaces for exploration, relationships, and leadership preparation.
- Specific Honors:
- Congratulates all Girl Scouts who earned the Gold Award (the highest honor in the program) in 2024.
- Commemorates the release of the Juliette Gordon Low Commemorative Quarter by the U.S. Mint on March 25, 2025, as a tribute to her legacy.
- Encouragement for the Future: Urges GSUSA to continue supporting girls' ambitions, creativity, and talents to develop future women leaders.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a ceremonial resolution, not a law, so it introduces no changes to existing statutes. It is non-binding and serves only to express the House of Representatives' support.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Boosts visibility and morale for GSUSA members (primarily girls aged 5-18) and alumni, potentially increasing participation in programs that promote leadership, STEM education, outdoor activities, and civic engagement. It may inspire more girls to pursue public service and global citizenship.
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact, though it indirectly supports the U.S. Mint's commemorative coin program by highlighting its cultural significance. No funding or policy mandates are involved.
- On International Relations: None significant, but it underscores GSUSA's global connections (e.g., through the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts), potentially reinforcing U.S. soft power in promoting youth empowerment worldwide.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Girl Scouts of the United States of America: Primary beneficiary, gaining official congressional recognition to enhance its mission and programs.
- Members and Alumni: Over 50 million women, including current Girl Scouts, who are celebrated for their achievements and leadership roles.
- Juliette Gordon Low's Legacy: Honored through the resolution and the commemorative quarter, benefiting historical preservation efforts in Savannah, Georgia.
- Sponsors and Congress: Bipartisan group of representatives (e.g., from both parties), promoting unity on youth development issues.
- Broader Community: Girls, families, educators, and civic organizations focused on gender equity and youth leadership.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: No binding effects; resolutions like this are protected under Congress's free speech and recognition powers (Article I of the U.S. Constitution), with no enforcement mechanism.
- Political: Demonstrates cross-party collaboration (sponsors from diverse districts), signaling broad support for girls' empowerment and non-partisan issues like education and civic engagement. It could influence future funding or awareness for similar youth programs without creating controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (8)
Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. McCollum, Betty [D-MN-4], Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11], Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5], Rep. Scanlon, Mary Gay [D-PA-5], Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2], Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1], Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-25]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-11: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-03-11: Submitted in House
- 2025-03-11: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Recognizing Girl Scouts of the United States of America on its 113th birthday and celebrating its founder Juliette Gordon Low and the legacy of providing girls with a secure and inclusive space where they can explore their world, build meaningful relationships, and have access to experiences that prepare them for a life of leadership. — issued 2025-03-11 — PDF (4 pages)