A resolution supporting the designation of May 29, 2025, as "Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day" to raise awareness around mental health in the agricultural industry and workforce and to continue to reduce stigma associated with mental illness.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 143
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Agriculture and Food
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-05-19: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2965-2966; text: 03/26/2025 CR S1877-1878)
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-29T15:48:38Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution (S. Res. 143) aims to designate May 29, 2025, as "Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day." Its goal is to increase public understanding of mental health issues in the agricultural sector, highlight the contributions of farmers and farmworkers, and help reduce the stigma around mental illness, especially given higher suicide rates in this group.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes the following main elements:
- Designation of the Day: Officially recognizes May 29, 2025, as a day to focus on mental health in agriculture and combat stigma.
- Acknowledgment of Agriculture's Role: Praises the small percentage of the U.S. population (less than 2%, or about 3.37 million producers) that supplies food, fuel, and fiber domestically and globally, along with the roughly 1.6 million farmworkers.
- Highlighting Challenges: Notes unique stressors in agriculture, such as unpredictable weather, intense labor demands and shortages, farm inheritance issues, and volatile market prices.
- Promotion of Resources: Points to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, which links producers and workers to support programs for stress and mental health.
- Call to Action: Urges people to use the day to promote mental well-being among current and future agricultural workers, tying into May as National Mental Health Awareness Month.
The resolution is supported by statistics on elevated suicide rates among farmers (3.5 times higher than the general population) and farmworkers (1.4 times higher than other occupations).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it does not amend or create any new laws. It expresses the Senate's sense without enforcing requirements or altering statutes.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Could foster greater awareness and encourage agricultural workers to seek mental health support, potentially reducing stigma and improving well-being in rural communities. It promotes voluntary observance, which might lead to local events or discussions.
- On Government Agencies: Indirectly supports USDA programs by highlighting their stress assistance network, possibly increasing public engagement with these resources without adding new mandates or funding.
- On International Relations: Minimal impact, though it recognizes agriculture's role in global food supply, which could subtly reinforce U.S. leadership in agricultural exports.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Agricultural Producers and Farmworkers: Primary beneficiaries, as the resolution addresses their mental health challenges and promotes available support.
- Mental Health Organizations and Advocates: Groups like the National Rural Health Association may use this to amplify campaigns during Mental Health Awareness Month.
- USDA and Related Agencies: The Department of Agriculture is referenced for its assistance programs, potentially boosting visibility for federal initiatives.
- Policymakers and Communities: Senators and rural communities could leverage this for broader discussions on agricultural policy and public health.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no force of law and requires no presidential approval; it's purely symbolic and does not create enforceable obligations.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority to express opinions on public issues under the First Amendment's free speech protections, without infringing on individual rights.
- Political: Bipartisan support (introduced by multiple senators from both parties) signals cross-aisle consensus on rural mental health, potentially influencing future funding or legislation for agricultural support programs. It underscores ongoing concerns about rural public health crises 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 (15)
Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO], Sen. Marshall, Roger [R-KS], Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN], Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS], Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA], Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA], Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI], Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL], Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD], Sen. Ricketts, Pete [R-NE], Sen. Hoeven, John [R-ND], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR]
Recent Actions
- 2025-05-19: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2965-2966; text: 03/26/2025 CR S1877-1878)
- 2025-05-19: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-05-19: Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-05-19: Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-03-26: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S1877-1878)
- 2025-03-26: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Supporting the designation of May 29, 2025, as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day to raise awareness around mental health in the agricultural industry and workforce and to continue to reduce stigma associated with mental illness. — issued 2025-05-19 — PDF (3 pages)
- Supporting the designation of May 29, 2025, as Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day to raise awareness around mental health in the agricultural industry and workforce and to continue to reduce stigma associated with mental illness. — issued 2025-03-26 — PDF (3 pages)