Honoring the extraordinary life, leadership, and legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall.

Bill Number

H.Res. 833

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Environmental Protection

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-10-24: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Last Updated

2026-07-01T08:08:52Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This resolution (H. Res. 833) aims to honor the life, achievements, and legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall, a renowned primatologist and conservationist, following her passing on October 1, 2025, at age 91. It recognizes her contributions to wildlife protection, environmental education, and global advocacy, emphasizing her role in inspiring harmony between humans and nature.

Key Provisions

The resolution consists of extensive "Whereas" clauses outlining Dr. Goodall's biography and impact, followed by a "Resolved" section with five specific actions for the House of Representatives:

• Pays tribute to her dedication to the survival and ethical treatment of chimpanzees, other animals, and global wildlife conservation.
• Commends her efforts to educate the public, particularly children, on protecting the natural environment.
• Extends condolences to her family, the Jane Goodall Institute, and the Roots and Shoots program.
• Recognizes her advocacy for ethical treatment of primates, including support for the Captive Primate Safety Act (a proposed law to regulate ownership of primates as pets).
• Honors her extraordinary life, leadership, and enduring legacy in protecting wildlife and ecosystems worldwide.

Notable details from the "Whereas" clauses include:

• Her groundbreaking 1960 research in Tanzania's Gombe Stream Reserve, which revolutionized understanding of chimpanzee behavior (e.g., tool use and social structures).
• Founding of the Jane Goodall Institute, Roots and Shoots (a youth program active in 75 countries), and TACARE (a community development initiative in Africa focusing on sustainable agriculture, health, education, and reforestation).
• Her awards, such as the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom, UN Messenger of Peace, and Dame Commander of the British Empire.
• Emphasis on empathy in science, the role of Indigenous peoples in conservation, and her books, lectures, and global influence.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws. It expresses congressional sentiment but has no legal force.

Potential Impacts

• On government agencies: May encourage U.S. agencies like the State Department or environmental bodies (e.g., EPA or USAID) to highlight conservation in international programs, given references to global efforts and UN roles.
• On citizens: Raises public awareness of environmental issues, potentially inspiring individual and youth involvement in conservation through programs like Roots and Shoots; promotes ethical animal treatment domestically.
• On international relations: Strengthens U.S. ties with conservation-focused nations (e.g., Tanzania, UK) and organizations (e.g., UN), signaling bipartisan support for global wildlife protection and Indigenous rights, which could influence foreign aid or diplomacy on climate and biodiversity.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Dr. Goodall's family and organizations: Direct recipients of condolences; the Jane Goodall Institute and Roots and Shoots gain symbolic recognition, potentially boosting fundraising and visibility.
• Conservationists and scientists: Primatologists, environmental NGOs, and youth activists inspired by her work, including those in her mentorship network.
• Indigenous communities: Highlighted for their environmental stewardship, potentially amplifying calls for their inclusion in policy decisions.
• General public and educators: Children and global audiences influenced by her books, programs, and advocacy for animal welfare and sustainability.
• U.S. Congress and policymakers: Sponsors (bipartisan group of representatives) and the Foreign Affairs Committee, which received the resolution.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: No enforceable effects, but it endorses the Captive Primate Safety Act, which could build momentum for future animal welfare legislation without altering current laws.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to express views on international and environmental matters (Article I), posing no conflicts.
• Political: Demonstrates rare bipartisan unity (introduced by Democrats but honoring a global figure), potentially fostering cross-aisle support for conservation amid polarized U.S. politics; elevates environmental humanism in public discourse without partisan bias.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5]

Cosponsors (19)

Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1], Rep. Friedman, Laura [D-CA-30], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Boyle, Brendan F. [D-PA-2], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Pelosi, Nancy [D-CA-11], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2]

Recent Actions

• 2025-10-24: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
• 2025-10-24: Submitted in House
• 2025-10-24: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Honoring the extraordinary life, leadership, and legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall. — issued 2025-10-24 — PDF (6 pages)