Expressing support for the recognition of July 3 through July 10, 2025, as "National Extreme Heat Awareness Week", a national event educating the public on the dangers of extreme heat and the risks of extreme heat events to public safety, infrastructure, agriculture, and much more, and supporting the goals of a National Extreme Heat Awareness Week.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 446
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Emergency Management
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-05-23: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, 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.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-07T13:05:19Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 446) expresses congressional support for designating July 3 through July 10, 2025, as "National Extreme Heat Awareness Week." The goal is to educate the public about the dangers of extreme heat events and their risks to public safety, infrastructure, agriculture, and other areas, while promoting awareness, preparedness, and preventive measures.
Key Provisions
- Background and Rationale ("Whereas" Clauses):
- Highlights extreme heat as the leading weather-related cause of death in the U.S., with over 1,300 annual deaths nationwide, including specific figures for states like New York (over 570) and Arizona (over 750) as of 2024.
- Notes risks to vulnerable groups (e.g., outdoor workers, those without cooling access), economic impacts (e.g., billions in lost productivity, 1,420 workplace injuries in trade/transportation/utilities from 2021-2022), and regional variations in heat risks.
- Emphasizes that over 60% of heat-related deaths occur in July and that most are preventable through awareness campaigns, new cooling technologies, and better federal responses like declaring heat emergencies.
- Core Actions ("Resolved" Section):
- Supports the goals and ideals of National Extreme Heat Awareness Week.
- Recognizes the need for ongoing research and policies to address extreme heat.
- Encourages more efforts and resources to raise public awareness.
- Invites U.S. citizens, through public entities, private organizations, schools, and other venues, to observe the week with ceremonies and activities focused on heat dangers.
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 support rather than enforceable legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Could increase public knowledge and preparedness, potentially reducing heat-related deaths and injuries through education on symptoms like heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and prevention strategies.
- On Government Agencies: May encourage federal, state, and local agencies (e.g., those in health, energy, and emergency services) to allocate resources for awareness campaigns and research, though without mandatory requirements.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as the focus is domestic; however, it aligns with broader global efforts on climate resilience.
- Broader Effects: Promotes community programming and technologies for heat mitigation, which could indirectly benefit agriculture, infrastructure, and the economy by addressing productivity losses.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Vulnerable Populations: Outdoor workers, elderly individuals, children, and those in hot regions without access to cooling.
- Public and Communities: General citizens, schools, and local organizations involved in education and events.
- Workers and Industries: Sectors like agriculture, construction, transportation, and utilities facing heat-related risks.
- Government Entities: House committees on Energy and Commerce and Science, Space, and Technology; federal agencies for health and emergency response.
- Researchers and Policymakers: Those developing heat-related policies, technologies, and public safety measures.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no force of law and does not require presidential approval or Senate concurrence; it is limited to expressing the House's view.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority to recognize national observances under its power to regulate internal affairs, without infringing on individual rights.
- Political: Signals bipartisan interest (introduced by Representatives from New York and Arizona) in climate and public health issues, potentially influencing future funding or legislation on extreme weather preparedness amid rising heat events linked to climate change.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
Cosponsors (5)
Rep. Stanton, Greg [D-AZ-4], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9], Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2]
Recent Actions
- 2025-05-23: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, 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.
- 2025-05-23: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, 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.
- 2025-05-23: Submitted in House
- 2025-05-23: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the recognition of July 3 through July 10, 2025, as "National Extreme Heat Awareness Week", a national event educating the public on the dangers of extreme heat and the risks of extreme heat events to public safety, infrastructure, agriculture, and much more, and supporting the goals of a National Extreme Heat Awareness Week. — issued 2025-05-23 — PDF (3 pages)