Expressing support for the designation of September 23, 2025, as national "Bruce Springsteen Day", and honoring his contributions to music, New Jersey, and the Nation.

Bill Number

H.Res. 761

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Arts, Culture, Religion

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-09-23: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Last Updated

2025-10-04T08:05:25Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 761) aims to express congressional support for designating September 23, 2025—Bruce Springsteen's 76th birthday—as a national "Bruce Springsteen Day." It honors his lifelong contributions to American music, culture, the state of New Jersey, and the broader nation through his artistry and philanthropy.

Key Provisions

• Support for Designation: The resolution formally supports recognizing September 23, 2025, as "Bruce Springsteen Day" at the national level, building on a similar proclamation already made by the New Jersey state legislature and Governor Phil Murphy.
• Honoring Contributions: It praises Springsteen's career highlights, including:
• His leadership of the E Street Band and nickname "The Boss."
• Themes in his music addressing working-class struggles, inequality, and the American Dream.
• Uplifting voices of everyday Americans, such as factory workers, first responders, and veterans.
• Major awards, like the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2016) and National Medal of Arts (2021).
• Commercial success, with over 150 million records sold, 21 studio albums, 20 Grammy Awards, and iconic works like Born to Run (1975) and The Rising (2002), which aided national healing after 9/11.
• Philanthropy, including founding organizations to help low-income families and supporting various causes.
• Resolved Clause: The House of Representatives (1) endorses the day of recognition and (2) honors Springsteen's impact on music, New Jersey, and the U.S.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force or effect. It introduces no changes to statutes, regulations, or policies. It simply expresses the House's symbolic approval and does not create holidays, allocate funds, or mandate actions.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: None substantive; it may prompt minor awareness efforts by cultural or arts-related federal entities, like the National Endowment for the Arts, but requires no action or funding.
• On Citizens: Symbolic recognition could foster cultural pride, especially among music fans and New Jersey residents, encouraging appreciation of American artistry and themes of resilience. It has no direct obligations or benefits for individuals.
• On International Relations: Minimal; Springsteen's global influence (e.g., through hits like "Born in the U.S.A.") might indirectly promote U.S. cultural soft power, but the resolution has no foreign policy implications.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Bruce Springsteen and E Street Band: Direct honorees, gaining formal national acknowledgment of their legacy.
• Residents of New Jersey: Highlighted for their state's cultural icon, reinforcing local pride (Springsteen was born in Long Branch, NJ).
• Music Industry and Fans: Broad recognition of heartland rock and Springsteen's influence, potentially inspiring artists and audiences worldwide.
• Philanthropic and Cultural Organizations: Indirectly supported through emphasis on his charitable work and role in healing national events like 9/11.
• General Public: Benefits from promoted themes of unity, inequality, and the American Dream, though effects are inspirational rather than practical.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: As a simple resolution, it requires only a House majority vote and does not need Senate approval or presidential signature. It carries no enforceable weight, avoiding any constitutional concerns like separation of powers.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority under Article I to express views on cultural matters; no First Amendment or other rights issues arise.
• Political: Represents a bipartisan gesture (introduced by a diverse group of representatives) celebrating a non-partisan cultural figure. It could symbolize unity in recognizing American icons but might draw minor criticism for using congressional time on symbolic matters amid pressing legislative needs. No funding or policy shifts are involved, keeping it apolitical in intent.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-8]

Cosponsors (9)

Rep. Pallone, Frank [D-NJ-6], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Casten, Sean [D-IL-6], Rep. Escobar, Veronica [D-TX-16], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Pou, Nellie [D-NJ-9], Rep. Conaway, Herbert C. [D-NJ-3], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Norcross, Donald [D-NJ-1]

Recent Actions

• 2025-09-23: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
• 2025-09-23: Submitted in House
• 2025-09-23: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Expressing support for the designation of September 23, 2025, as national "Bruce Springsteen Day", and honoring his contributions to music, New Jersey, and the Nation. — issued 2025-09-23 — PDF (3 pages)