A resolution designating July 26, 2025, as "National Day of the American Cowboy".

Bill Number

S.Res. 332

Origin Chamber

Senate

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Arts, Culture, Religion

Status

Passed Senate

Latest Action

2025-07-28: Star Print ordered on the resolution.

Last Updated

2025-08-06T13:51:21Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 332) aims to honor the historical and cultural contributions of American cowboys and cowgirls by designating July 26, 2025, as the "National Day of the American Cowboy." It recognizes their role in shaping the American West, embodying positive values, and supporting the economy and environment through ranching and related traditions.

Key Provisions

• Designation of the Day: The Senate officially names July 26, 2025, as the National Day of the American Cowboy.
• Encouragement for Observance: It urges people across the United States to mark the day with suitable events and activities that celebrate cowboy heritage, such as rodeos, cultural programs, or community gatherings.
• Supporting Whereas Clauses: The resolution includes recitals highlighting the cowboy's qualities (e.g., honesty, courage, strong work ethic), their environmental stewardship, economic impact through ranching, popularity in sports like rodeo, and presence in American media and culture. It emphasizes inclusivity across ethnicity, gender, generations, and regions.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to federal statutes, regulations, or enforceable laws. It builds on similar past recognitions of cultural observances but does not amend or override any prior legislation.

Potential Impacts

• On Citizens: Promotes cultural awareness and pride in American heritage, potentially encouraging participation in rodeo events, ranching activities, or educational programs. It could foster community events that highlight family values and traditions, benefiting rural areas economically through tourism or local celebrations.
• On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact; agencies like the Department of the Interior or Agriculture might reference it in promotional materials for national parks or rural development, but no new funding or obligations are created.
• On International Relations: Negligible, as it focuses on domestic cultural recognition without foreign policy elements.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Cowboys and Cowgirls: Working ranchers, rodeo participants, and those in related traditions, who gain symbolic recognition for their ongoing contributions to communities and the economy.
• Ranching and Agricultural Communities: Thousands of ranchers across states, whose economic role in food production and land management is affirmed.
• Cultural and Entertainment Sectors: Fans of rodeo, literature, film, and music featuring cowboy themes, including organizations promoting these activities.
• General Public: All Americans, encouraged to engage in observances that transcend demographics, promoting unity through shared cultural icons.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: As a simple resolution agreed to by the Senate, it has no force of law and requires no presidential approval or House concurrence. It cannot mandate actions or allocate resources.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority under Article I to recognize national observances, similar to other ceremonial designations (e.g., National Days for various groups). No First Amendment or other rights issues arise.
• Political: Bipartisan support (sponsored by senators from both parties, including Republicans and Democrats) underscores its non-controversial nature, emphasizing national unity and heritage without partisan debate. It may serve as a gesture to rural and Western states' interests.

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

Sponsor

Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY]

Cosponsors (10)

Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO], Sen. Lummis, Cynthia M. [R-WY], Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV], Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID], Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND], Sen. Ricketts, Pete [R-NE], Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX], Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX], Sen. Hoeven, John [R-ND], Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID]

Recent Actions

• 2025-07-28: Star Print ordered on the resolution.
• 2025-07-22: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4573; text: CR S4533)
• 2025-07-22: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
• 2025-07-22: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

• Designating July 26, 2025, as National Day of the American Cowboy. — issued 2025-07-26 — PDF (2 pages)