Expressing support for the designation of November 19, 2025, as "National GIS Day".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 890
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-11-18: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-01T19:39:28Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 890) expresses the U.S. House of Representatives' support for designating November 19, 2025, as "National GIS Day." It highlights the value of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology—a tool for collecting, managing, and analyzing location-based data (like maps and spatial information)—in government, business, education, and society.
Key Provisions
- Background on GIS Importance: The resolution outlines how GIS supports decision-making in federal agencies and private companies by enabling the management, sharing, and analysis of geographic data through digital tools like online portals and web services.
- Benefits for Various Users: GIS provides reliable data, maps, and applications to the public, businesses, and government partners to meet their needs; it promotes collaboration on the National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI), a framework for sharing spatial data across federal, state, tribal, local governments, and non-federal partners.
- Applications in Society and Education: GIS addresses local and global issues (past, present, and future) through modeling; it integrates with advanced GPS technology for data management; it engages students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) learning and serves as an interdisciplinary tool for educators, researchers, and professionals.
- Economic and Collaborative Aspects: GIS drives growth in the high-tech geospatial industry (recognized by the Department of Labor) and fosters partnerships; on November 19, 2025, various organizations worldwide will showcase GIS applications.
- Call to Action: The House supports the designation of National GIS Day and encourages GIS users, educators, students, and innovators to use the technology for learning, tackling societal challenges, and promoting economic growth in the U.S. and globally.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic endorsement rather than enacting new rules or requirements.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: May encourage federal, state, local, and tribal governments to enhance GIS use for missions like planning and resource management, potentially improving efficiency through better data sharing via the NSDI.
- On Citizens and Education: Raises public awareness of GIS, inspiring students and educators to incorporate it into STEM learning, which could lead to broader societal problem-solving (e.g., addressing environmental or urban issues).
- On Private Enterprise and Economy: Boosts the geospatial industry by promoting innovation and competition, potentially driving job growth and economic benefits.
- On International Relations: Encourages global collaboration through shared GIS showcases, fostering international partnerships in technology and data exchange without direct policy shifts.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Government Entities: Federal agencies (e.g., those involved in science and technology), state, tribal, and local governments.
- Educational Institutions: Schools, universities, teachers, and students focused on STEM.
- Private Sector: Businesses in the geospatial technology industry, including companies using GIS for operations.
- Public and Non-Profits: General public, nonprofit organizations, libraries, and professional groups benefiting from GIS data and applications.
- GIS Professionals and Innovators: Users, developers, and researchers advancing the technology.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no enforceable effect and does not require Senate approval or presidential signature; it operates within Congress's power to express opinions on public matters.
- Constitutional: Aligns with the First Amendment's protection of free speech by allowing Congress to promote education and technology without infringing on rights.
- Political: Symbolically advances bipartisan support for STEM and innovation (introduced by Representatives Aguilar and Obernolte from different parties); referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, it could signal congressional interest in geospatial policy but carries no binding political weight.
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
- 2025-11-18: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 2025-11-18: Submitted in House
- 2025-11-18: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of November 19, 2025, as "National GIS Day". — issued 2025-11-18 — PDF (3 pages)