Expressing support for designation of March 14, 2025, as "National Pi Day".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 221
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-14: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Last Updated
- 2025-05-15T00:55:28Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 221) expresses congressional support for designating March 14, 2025, as "National Pi Day." It highlights the mathematical constant Pi (the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter, approximately 3.14) as a fun way to promote interest in mathematics, science, and engineering education, especially for children.
Key Provisions
- Background on Pi: Recognizes Pi as an irrational number (one that goes on forever without repeating) with over 202 trillion known digits, central to math, science, and engineering throughout history.
- Education Emphasis: Stresses the importance of math and science in children's education for a knowledge-based economy, citing international surveys (like the 2023 TIMSS) showing U.S. students lagging behind peers in countries like Singapore and Japan, with gaps for Black, Hispanic, low-income, and female students.
- Role of Institutions: Acknowledges the National Science Foundation's (NSF) 75-year history in advancing math and science education from elementary to graduate levels.
- Resolution Actions:
- Supports global celebration of "Pi Day."
- Recognizes NSF's ongoing programs in math and science education.
- Encourages schools and educators to hold activities teaching about Pi to engage students in math.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. This is a non-binding resolution that does not create, amend, or repeal any laws. It serves as a symbolic statement of support rather than enforceable legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens and Education: May inspire voluntary school activities to make math fun, potentially boosting student interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) fields and addressing educational gaps, though effects would be indirect and depend on local adoption.
- On Government Agencies: Highlights NSF's work but imposes no new funding, requirements, or changes; it could indirectly support advocacy for education programs.
- On International Relations: Minimal; it references global student performance but focuses on domestic education without affecting foreign policy.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Students and Educators: Primary beneficiaries through encouraged educational activities, especially in underperforming groups (e.g., girls, minorities, low-income students).
- Schools and Educational Institutions: Prompted to observe Pi Day with geometry-focused lessons.
- National Science Foundation (NSF): Recognized for its contributions, potentially aiding public awareness of its programs.
- Congressional Sponsors: Bipartisan group (e.g., Mr. Foster, Ms. Bonamici) who introduced it, signaling cross-party interest in STEM education.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it requires only House approval and has no force of law, avoiding constitutional issues like separation of powers.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority to express opinions on education and science promotion under the Constitution's general welfare clause, without infringing on state education control.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan consensus on improving U.S. STEM competitiveness, using a lighthearted topic (Pi Day) to address serious education concerns; it could foster goodwill for NSF funding debates but carries no binding obligations.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (11)
Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Casten, Sean [D-IL-6], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Fleischmann, Charles J. "Chuck" [R-TN-3], Rep. Kaptur, Marcy [D-OH-9], Rep. McCollum, Betty [D-MN-4], Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15], Rep. Rivas, Luz [D-CA-29], Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-14: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 2025-03-14: Submitted in House
- 2025-03-14: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for designation of March 14, 2025, as "National Pi Day". — issued 2025-03-14 — PDF (3 pages)