Recognizing the importance of pollinators to ecosystem health and agriculture in the United States by designating June 15 through June 22, 2025, as "National Pollinator Week".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 526
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-20: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-02T20:02:16Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 526) aims to highlight the critical role of pollinators—such as bees, butterflies, birds, bats, and beetles—in supporting U.S. agriculture, food production, and ecosystem health. It designates June 15 through June 22, 2025, as "National Pollinator Week" to raise awareness and promote conservation efforts.
Key Provisions
- Background on Pollinators' Importance: The resolution outlines how pollinators support over 80% of flowering plants, contribute to biodiversity, enable pollination for more than 100 crops (adding over $18 billion annually to U.S. agriculture), and maintain environmental benefits like clean air, water, and soil stability.
- Threats to Pollinators: It notes significant declines, including 85-90% drops in populations of monarch butterflies and American bumble bees, risks to over 25% of North American bumble bees, and federal listings of nearly 70 species as threatened or endangered (e.g., rusty patched bumble bee).
- Actions by the House:
- Expresses support for National Pollinator Week.
- Recognizes pollinators' role in agriculture, biodiversity, and ecosystem health.
- Encourages U.S. citizens to participate through ceremonies, conservation projects, and educational events.
- Commits the House to ongoing efforts in conserving pollinator species and habitats, and increasing public understanding of their value.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no enforceable changes to existing laws or regulations. It serves as a symbolic statement rather than creating new legal obligations.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Encourages public involvement in education and conservation, potentially boosting awareness and voluntary actions to protect pollinators, which could indirectly support food security and environmental health.
- On Government Agencies: May prompt informal coordination among agencies like the Department of Agriculture for awareness campaigns, but imposes no mandates or funding requirements.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it aligns with global concerns about biodiversity loss and could support U.S. participation in international environmental initiatives.
- Broader Effects: Could foster long-term benefits for agriculture by promoting healthier pollinator populations, reducing risks to crop yields and food prices.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Agricultural Producers and Consumers: Benefit from pollinators' economic contributions to crop production and affordable food.
- Conservationists and Environmental Groups: Gain a platform for habitat protection and education efforts.
- General Public and Wildlife: Indirectly affected through enhanced ecosystem services like biodiversity and clean environments.
- Federal Government (e.g., House of Representatives, USDA): Involved in symbolic support and potential future policy discussions on pollinator conservation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no force of law and cannot compel action; it is purely advisory and does not require Senate approval or presidential signature.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority to express policy positions under Article I, without infringing on individual rights or state powers.
- Political: Represents bipartisan environmental advocacy (introduced by Representatives Panetta and Yakym), potentially signaling growing congressional focus on biodiversity amid climate and habitat challenges; it could influence future legislation on endangered species or agricultural support without partisan controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-20: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- 2025-06-20: Submitted in House
- 2025-06-20: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Recognizing the importance of pollinators to ecosystem health and agriculture in the United States by designating June 15 through June 22, 2025, as "National Pollinator Week". — issued 2025-06-20 — PDF (3 pages)