Expressing support for designation of the week of October 4, 2025, through October 10, 2025, as "World Space Week".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 785
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-10-03: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, 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
- 2026-03-31T15:44:32Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
This House Resolution (H. Res. 785) expresses the U.S. House of Representatives' support for designating the week of October 4 through October 10, 2025, as "World Space Week." It aims to promote awareness of space science and technology's contributions to society, education, and international cooperation, without creating new laws or binding requirements.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes background "Whereas" clauses highlighting the event's history and benefits, followed by a "Resolved" section with six main points:
- Supports the official designation of "World Space Week."
- Endorses the event's goals to boost interest in space sciences at local, state, national, and international levels.
- Recognizes the value of global teamwork in space missions, education, and developing sustainable space living solutions.
- Emphasizes public outreach to help people understand how space science affects daily life.
- Urges K-12 students (kindergarten through 12th grade) to join related events and explore careers in space-related fields.
- Encourages all Americans to participate in activities during the week to appreciate space technology's societal benefits.
The 2025 theme, "Living in Space," focuses on advancements like life support systems, space habitats, and human adaptation to extraterrestrial environments. It notes World Space Week's origins in a 1999 United Nations resolution and its role in synchronizing events by space agencies, companies, schools, and museums.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution that expresses the House's opinion and does not amend, repeal, or create any enforceable laws. It introduces no changes to current statutes.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: May indirectly encourage agencies like NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), USGS (U.S. Geological Survey), and NSF (National Science Foundation) to participate in outreach, but imposes no mandates or funding requirements.
- On Citizens: Promotes public education and engagement, potentially inspiring interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields, especially among students, and fostering appreciation for space innovations in areas like health, transportation, and resource management.
- On International Relations: Reinforces U.S. support for a United Nations-backed event, highlighting cooperation in space exploration, which could strengthen diplomatic ties with global partners in science and technology.
Overall impacts are symbolic and educational, aiming to increase awareness without direct policy enforcement.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Educators and Students: K-12 schools, universities, and outreach programs benefit from encouraged participation to promote STEM learning.
- Space and Science Organizations: Federal agencies (e.g., NASA, USGS), aerospace companies, museums, planetariums, and astronomy clubs are highlighted for their roles in events and research.
- General Public: Americans are urged to engage, potentially leading to broader societal appreciation of space science.
- International Community: United Nations and global space entities, as the resolution supports an international observance.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it requires only House approval and has no legal force, avoiding any challenges under the U.S. Constitution's separation of powers.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's role in expressing policy views (Article I), with no implications for executive authority or individual rights.
- Political: Signals bipartisan support for space exploration (introduced by members from both parties), potentially boosting U.S. leadership in global science diplomacy and STEM education initiatives, while underscoring economic benefits from space technology 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 (6)
Rep. Smith, Adam [D-WA-9], Rep. Whitesides, George [D-CA-27], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6], Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28], Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27]
Recent Actions
- 2025-10-03: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, 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.
- 2025-10-03: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, 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.
- 2025-10-03: Submitted in House
- 2025-10-03: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for designation of the week of October 4, 2025, through October 10, 2025, as "World Space Week". — issued 2025-10-03 — PDF (4 pages)