A resolution designating June 2025 as "Great Outdoors Month".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 279
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Sports and Recreation
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-16: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3405; text: CR S3404)
- Last Updated
- 2025-07-14T14:27:22Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 279) aims to recognize the value of outdoor recreation in the United States by officially designating June 2025 as "Great Outdoors Month." It highlights the economic, health, and cultural benefits of outdoor activities and encourages widespread participation to promote access for future generations.
Key Provisions
- Designation of the Month: The Senate declares June 2025 as "Great Outdoors Month" to celebrate the importance of the outdoors.
- Encouragement for Participation: It urges all individuals in the United States to engage responsibly in outdoor recreation activities during June 2025 and throughout the year.
- Supporting Whereas Clauses: The resolution includes background statements emphasizing:
- Annual participation by hundreds of millions in outdoor activities.
- Economic contributions, such as $1.2 trillion in output in 2023 (2.3% of GDP), growth three times faster than the overall economy from 2020–2023, and support for 5 million jobs.
- References to prior laws like the Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act of 2016 (which analyzes the outdoor economy) and the Great American Outdoors Act (which funds maintenance on federal lands and the Land and Water Conservation Fund).
- Links between outdoor recreation and economic growth, health benefits, quality of life, and its role in rural communities and national heritage.
- A recent surge in participation at federal, state, and local levels.
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 builds on prior legislation by referencing their impacts but does not amend or repeal anything.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: May increase awareness and encourage more people to participate in outdoor activities, potentially leading to improved health and quality of life, though effects are voluntary and symbolic.
- On Government Agencies: No direct mandates, but it could indirectly support agencies like the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Economic Analysis (which tracks outdoor recreation data) or those managing federal lands by promoting public engagement.
- On Businesses and Communities: Highlights the role of small outdoor recreation businesses in rural areas, potentially boosting local economies through increased participation, but without funding or regulatory changes.
- On International Relations: No impacts, as the resolution is domestic-focused.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Citizens and Recreation Enthusiasts: Directly encouraged to participate, benefiting from promoted health and economic aspects.
- Outdoor Recreation Businesses: Small businesses in rural communities, recognized as economic cornerstones.
- Government Entities: Federal agencies (e.g., those overseeing public lands and waters), state and local governments managing recreation areas.
- Bipartisan Lawmakers: Sponsored by senators from both parties (e.g., Mr. Daines, Mr. Peters), indicating broad political support.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution agreed to by the Senate, it has no binding effect and requires no presidential approval or House concurrence; it serves purely as a symbolic gesture.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority to express policy preferences but imposes no enforceable obligations, avoiding any constitutional concerns.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan consensus on promoting outdoor access and economic vitality, potentially fostering goodwill across rural and urban divides without controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (9)
Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO], Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT], Sen. Warner, Mark R. [D-VA], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR], Sen. Marshall, Roger [R-KS]
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-16: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3405; text: CR S3404)
- 2025-06-16: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-06-16: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Designating June 2025 as Great Outdoors Month. — issued 2025-06-16 — PDF (3 pages)