Expressing support for the designation of July 2025 as "American Grown Flower and Foliage Month".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 616
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Agriculture and Food
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-29: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-03T16:25:05Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 616) aims to express congressional support for designating July 2025 as "American Grown Flower and Foliage Month." It promotes awareness of domestically grown flowers and foliage, highlighting their economic, cultural, and community benefits to encourage consumer preference for U.S.-produced products.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes a series of "Whereas" clauses providing background on the U.S. flower and foliage industry, followed by a "Resolved" section outlining the House of Representatives' positions:
- Support for designation: Endorses July 2025 as "American Grown Flower and Foliage Month."
- Economic recognition: Acknowledges that buying U.S.-grown flowers supports farmers, small businesses, jobs, and the overall economy.
- Agricultural importance: Recognizes domestic flower and foliage production as a vital part of U.S. agriculture.
- Cultural benefits: Notes that homegrown flowers enhance celebrations of holidays, weddings, births, and remembrances (e.g., Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, Memorial Day, Veterans Day).
- Call to action: Urges Americans to promote and use U.S.-grown flowers to support farmers, processors, distributors, and the broader agricultural sector.
Background details emphasize:
- The industry's $59 billion annual consumer spending and role in supporting over 16,000 florists and thousands of jobs.
- Only 20% of U.S.-sold flowers are domestically grown, despite high demand for local products.
- The "Certified American Grown" logo (launched in 2014) helps educate consumers.
- Examples of U.S. production, such as tulips in Washington and peonies in Alaska, and the freshness advantage of local flowers.
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 statement of support rather than enforceable legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On citizens: May increase public awareness and encourage purchases of U.S.-grown flowers, potentially boosting local economies and consumer satisfaction through fresher products. It could foster pride in domestic agriculture and traditions.
- On government agencies: Minimal direct impact; the resolution was referred to the House Committee on Agriculture for review, but it does not mandate actions or funding.
- On international relations: None significant, though it indirectly promotes U.S. agricultural self-sufficiency, which could subtly affect trade perceptions in the global flower market (where most imports come from abroad).
- Overall, the impact is largely promotional and educational, aiming to grow the domestic market share from its current 20%.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Domestic producers: Flower and foliage farmers, growers, and processors (e.g., in states like California, Washington, and Florida) who benefit from increased visibility and sales.
- Small businesses: Florists, wholesalers, and over 16,000 floral establishments reliant on local supply chains.
- Consumers: U.S. households spending nearly $177 per capita annually on floral products, who gain better information on sourcing via initiatives like the "Certified American Grown" logo.
- Broader agricultural sector: Supports jobs and economic stimulus in rural and farming communities.
- Bipartisan sponsors: Representatives from both parties (e.g., Carbajal, Newhouse, Panetta), indicating cross-aisle interest in agriculture.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no binding force and requires only House approval (not Senate or presidential signature). It aligns with existing agricultural promotion efforts but creates no new rights or obligations.
- Constitutional: No implications; it falls under Congress's broad authority to express policy preferences without infringing on individual rights or federal powers.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support for American agriculture, potentially signaling priorities for future funding or trade policies. It highlights challenges like low domestic market share (20%) amid import competition, which could influence discussions on agricultural subsidies or labeling standards. The resolution's focus on cultural and economic patriotism may appeal to voters in farming districts.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24]
Cosponsors (5)
Rep. Newhouse, Dan [R-WA-4], Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. LaMalfa, Doug [R-CA-1], Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1], Rep. Hurd, Jeff [R-CO-3]
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-29: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- 2025-07-29: Submitted in House
- 2025-07-29: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of July 2025 as "American Grown Flower and Foliage Month". — issued 2025-07-29 — PDF (4 pages)