Recognizing and celebrating "National Salvation Army Week" on May 12 through May 18, 2025.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 404
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-05-13: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-29T15:55:13Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 404) aims to formally recognize and celebrate "National Salvation Army Week" from May 12 through May 18, 2025, honoring the organization's long-standing contributions to social services and community support in the United States.
Key Provisions
- Background Clauses ("Whereas" Statements): These outline the Salvation Army's history and impact, including:
- Founded in 1865, it provides non-discriminatory services like disaster relief, food assistance, shelter, rehabilitation, and youth programs.
- It has served over 27 million Americans yearly, focusing on vulnerable groups such as the homeless, veterans, seniors, human trafficking survivors, and those recovering from addiction.
- President Dwight D. Eisenhower first declared the week in 1954.
- Highlights the Red Kettle Campaign (started in 1891) as a key fundraising tradition.
- Notes its role as a trusted partner in addressing poverty, hunger, and crises at local, state, and federal levels, with operations like shelters, food pantries, job training, and disaster relief.
- Praises volunteers, donors, and officers for their service.
- Resolved Actions: The House of Representatives:
- Recognizes and celebrates the designated week.
- Commends the Salvation Army for its ongoing efforts to support individuals and families.
- Encourages all Americans to participate in acts of service and generosity to combat human need with compassion.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It builds on the historical precedent set by President Eisenhower's 1954 declaration but does not amend any legal framework.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact; it may foster informal partnerships between federal, state, and local entities and the Salvation Army for social services, but no mandates or funding are involved.
- On Citizens: Could raise public awareness of the Salvation Army's work, encouraging volunteering, donations, and community involvement during the week, potentially benefiting vulnerable populations through increased support.
- On International Relations: None, as the resolution focuses solely on domestic U.S. activities.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Salvation Army: Directly honored, with potential for increased visibility, donations, and volunteer engagement.
- Volunteers, Donors, and Officers: Recognized for their contributions, which may motivate further participation.
- Vulnerable Populations: Indirectly benefited through heightened awareness of services for the homeless, veterans, seniors, addiction recovery, and human trafficking survivors.
- General Public and Communities: Encouraged to engage in service, strengthening local support networks.
- Congress: The House takes a symbolic action, with referral to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform for consideration.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no force of law and requires only a House majority vote; it does not affect budgets, rights, or obligations.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority under Article I to express recognition or commendations, posing no constitutional challenges.
- Political: Symbolically promotes bipartisanship in supporting charitable and faith-based organizations (the Salvation Army has Christian roots but serves without discrimination). It underscores values of community service and compassion, potentially influencing public discourse on social welfare without partisan controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-05-13: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-05-13: Submitted in House
- 2025-05-13: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Recognizing and celebrating "National Salvation Army Week" on May 12 through May 18, 2025. — issued 2025-05-13 — PDF (3 pages)