A resolution designating May 10, 2025, as "World Migratory Bird Day".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 211
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-05-08: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2831; text: CR S2843)
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-27T20:17:58Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 211) aims to recognize the importance of migratory birds to ecosystems, economies, and cultures by officially designating May 10, 2025, as "World Migratory Bird Day." It seeks to raise awareness about bird conservation, promote international cooperation, and encourage public participation in protecting these birds and their habitats.
Key Provisions
- Designation of the Day: The Senate declares May 10, 2025, as "World Migratory Bird Day."
- Encouragement for Public Action: Urges Americans to observe the day by supporting migratory bird conservation through activities like education, environmental stewardship (such as habitat protection), community involvement, and birdwatching.
- Background Context: Highlights the ecological roles of migratory birds (e.g., pest control, pollination), threats they face (e.g., habitat loss, urban expansion), population declines (a net loss of 3 billion birds in North America over 50 years), economic benefits of bird-related recreation ($279 billion annually), and the 2025 theme of creating "bird-friendly" cities and communities.
- References to Existing Efforts: Acknowledges global campaigns, U.S. laws like the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (which funds wetland restoration for birds) and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (a key law protecting migratory birds through international treaties), and community events at refuges, parks, and zoos.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This resolution introduces no changes to existing laws. As a non-binding Senate resolution, it is symbolic and does not amend statutes, create new regulations, or allocate funds. It builds on longstanding U.S. policies like the Migratory Bird Treaty Act without altering them.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Encourages greater public awareness and participation in conservation, potentially boosting birdwatching (involving nearly 100 million Americans) and community events, which could foster environmental education and local habitat improvements.
- On Government Agencies: May indirectly support agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by promoting existing programs, but imposes no new obligations or funding requirements.
- On International Relations: Reinforces U.S. commitment to global bird conservation efforts, aligning with international treaties and campaigns like World Migratory Bird Day, which emphasize cross-border cooperation for species that migrate through multiple countries.
- Broader Effects: Could inspire urban planning changes for "bird-friendly" communities (e.g., reducing light pollution or building collisions), aiding ecosystem health without direct enforcement.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Conservation Organizations and Communities: Groups hosting events (e.g., wildlife refuges, zoos, parks) and those focused on habitat restoration benefit from increased visibility and public engagement.
- Birdwatchers and Recreation Enthusiasts: Nearly 100 million participants in bird-related activities stand to gain from heightened awareness and economic support for related industries.
- Migratory Birds and Ecosystems: Indirectly protected through promoted conservation, addressing threats like habitat loss.
- General Public and Urban Planners: Encouraged to adopt practices that create safer environments for birds in cities and communities.
- Federal Agencies: Entities like the Department of the Interior (overseeing wildlife laws) are highlighted but not directly impacted.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution agreed to by the Senate, it has no force of law and does not require House approval or presidential signature. It complements but does not modify key statutes like the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which enforces protections via treaties with Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Russia.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to recognize observances and promote public welfare under the Commerce Clause (given birds' economic ties) and Treaty Clause (via referenced international agreements), without raising separation-of-powers issues.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by Senators Heinrich (D) and Boozman (R)), signaling broad consensus on environmental conservation. It could politically amplify calls for stronger habitat protections amid ongoing debates on climate change and urban development, though its non-binding nature limits enforceable outcomes.
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
- 2025-05-08: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2831; text: CR S2843)
- 2025-05-08: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-05-08: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Designating May 10, 2025, as World Migratory Bird Day. — issued 2025-05-08 — PDF (3 pages)