Supporting the designation of April 10 as "Dolores Huerta Day", in honor of the accomplishments and legacy of the trailblazing labor and civil rights leader Dolores Huerta.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 326
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-04-10: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-17T19:56:30Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 326) aims to express congressional support for designating April 10 as "Dolores Huerta Day" to honor the lifelong contributions of Dolores Huerta, a prominent labor and civil rights leader, to workers' rights, equality, and social justice in the United States.
Key Provisions
- Background on Dolores Huerta: The resolution outlines her biography and achievements through a series of "Whereas" clauses, including:
- Born on April 10, 1930, in New Mexico; co-founded the Community Services Organization in 1955 to aid Latino voting and economic opportunities.
- Co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (predecessor to the United Farm Workers Union) in 1962 with Cesar Chavez.
- Led major efforts like the 1965 Delano grape workers' strike, nationwide grape boycotts in the late 1960s, and a second boycott that contributed to the 1975 California Agricultural Labor Relations Act—the first U.S. law allowing farm workers to unionize and negotiate contracts.
- Advocated for safer working conditions (e.g., reducing harmful pesticides), women's equality in the labor movement, and originated the slogan "Sí Se Puede" (Yes We Can), a key phrase for activism.
- Faced violence but upheld nonviolent principles; later focused on electing more Latinos and women to office, including through the Feminist Majority's campaign and as chair of the 21st Century Party.
- Received honors like the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2012), induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame (1993 as the first Latina), and multiple honorary doctorates.
- Founded the Dolores Huerta Foundation in 2003 to promote civil rights and equality.
- Core Resolution: The House of Representatives:
- Supports designating April 10 as "Dolores Huerta Day."
- Honors her legacy in advancing civil rights and equality for all Americans.
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 congressional recognition rather than enforceable legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Could increase public awareness of labor history, civil rights, and the contributions of women and Latinos, potentially inspiring activism, education, and community events on April 10. It may encourage greater participation in voting, union organizing, and equality initiatives among farm workers, minorities, and women.
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact, as it does not mandate actions; however, it may prompt federal agencies like the Department of Labor or Education to reference Huerta's legacy in programs or materials.
- On International Relations: None directly, though it highlights U.S. values of civil rights and nonviolent activism, which could resonate in discussions on global labor standards.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Labor and Civil Rights Advocates: Farm workers, unions (e.g., United Farm Workers), and organizations focused on workers' rights benefit from the recognition of Huerta's role in improving conditions and legislation.
- Marginalized Communities: Latinos, women, and low-wage workers, as the resolution emphasizes Huerta's work on voting access, gender equality, and ethnic representation in politics.
- Dolores Huerta and Her Foundation: Direct honor to Huerta (now in her 90s) and her foundation, potentially boosting their visibility and fundraising for ongoing equality efforts.
- Members of Congress: Over 50 representatives (mostly Democrats) sponsored the resolution, signaling bipartisan or intra-party support for social justice issues; it was referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability (formerly Oversight and Government Reform).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: No binding effect; resolutions like this are ceremonial and do not alter laws or require funding, avoiding any constitutional challenges related to separation of powers or federal authority.
- Constitutional: Aligns with the First Amendment's protection of free speech and assembly by endorsing nonviolent activism and civil rights, without infringing on individual rights.
- Political: Demonstrates congressional emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and historical recognition of underrepresented figures, potentially influencing future legislation on labor rights or voting access. It may foster unity among progressive lawmakers while serving as a platform for cultural commemoration, though its non-binding nature limits broader policy shifts.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Garcia, Sylvia R. [D-TX-29]
Cosponsors (55)
Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Rep. Bera, Ami [D-CA-6], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24], Rep. Casar, Greg [D-TX-35], Rep. Castro, Joaquin [D-TX-20], Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28], Rep. Cisneros, Gilbert Ray, Jr. [D-CA-31], Rep. Correa, J. Luis [D-CA-46], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Rep. Crockett, Jasmine [D-TX-30], Rep. Cuellar, Henry [D-TX-28], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37], Rep. Escobar, Veronica [D-TX-16], Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13], Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10], Rep. Garcia, Robert [D-CA-42], Rep. García, Jesús G. "Chuy" [D-IL-4], Rep. Gomez, Jimmy [D-CA-34], Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2], Rep. Jacobs, Sara [D-CA-51], Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12], Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3], Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18], Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2], Rep. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-8], Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4], Rep. Mullin, Kevin [D-CA-15], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, Alexandria [D-NY-14], Rep. Pallone, Frank [D-NJ-6], Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Pelosi, Nancy [D-CA-11], Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2], Rep. Pou, Nellie [D-NJ-9], Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3], Rep. Rivas, Luz [D-CA-29], Rep. Ruiz, Raul [D-CA-25], Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6], Rep. Sánchez, Linda T. [D-CA-38], Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1], Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-4], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Torres, Ritchie [D-NY-15], Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14], Rep. Vargas, Juan [D-CA-52], Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7], Rep. Waters, Maxine [D-CA-43] and 5 more
Recent Actions
- 2025-04-10: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-04-10: Submitted in House
- 2025-04-10: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Supporting the designation of April 10 as "Dolores Huerta Day", in honor of the accomplishments and legacy of the trailblazing labor and civil rights leader Dolores Huerta. — issued 2025-04-10 — PDF (4 pages)