A resolution designating August 16, 2025, "National Airborne Day".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 361
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-31: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5171; text: CR S5009)
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-06T19:56:44Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 361) aims to honor the history, achievements, and sacrifices of the United States airborne forces by officially designating August 16, 2025, as "National Airborne Day." It recognizes the airborne units' role in national security, combat operations, and peacekeeping since World War II, highlighting their bravery and contributions to freedom and peace.
Key Provisions
- Designation of the Day: The Senate designates August 16, 2025, as National Airborne Day, marking the anniversary of the first official U.S. Army parachute jump in 1940.
- Call for Observance: Encourages the people of the United States to participate in appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities to commemorate the day and express gratitude to airborne forces members, past and present.
The resolution includes extensive "whereas" clauses detailing the historical timeline of U.S. airborne operations, from early experiments in 1940 to modern roles in conflicts like World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Global War on Terrorism, and recent reactivations such as the 11th Airborne Division in 2022. It also acknowledges elite units like the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, Rangers, and special operations forces from all military branches.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding Senate resolution with no legal force or effect on statutes. It introduces no changes to existing laws, regulations, or policies. Instead, it serves as a symbolic gesture of recognition, similar to other congressional resolutions designating awareness or commemorative days.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact; may prompt voluntary observances by the Department of Defense or Veterans Affairs, but no funding or mandates are required.
- On Citizens: Encourages public education and appreciation of military history, potentially fostering patriotism and support for veterans through community events. No enforceable obligations.
- On International Relations: Negligible; focuses solely on U.S. military heritage without addressing foreign policy or alliances.
Overall, the resolution promotes national unity and morale among service members without imposing costs or requirements.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Current and Former Airborne Forces Members: Primary beneficiaries, including paratroopers, air assault units, special operations personnel (e.g., Army Rangers, Navy SEALs, Marine Recon), and veterans from units like the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions.
- Military Branches and Veterans' Organizations: The Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force, along with groups representing airborne veterans, who may organize or participate in related events.
- General Public and States: All U.S. citizens, with each state noted for pride in its airborne contributors; encourages widespread participation in observances.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution agreed to by the Senate, it requires no presidential approval and has no binding authority. It does not alter laws or budgets.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's implied powers under Article I to express national sentiments and honor military service, without infringing on individual rights or federalism.
- Political: Bipartisan support (introduced by senators from both parties) underscores unity on military appreciation. It may enhance political goodwill toward veterans' issues but carries no substantive policy shifts or 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. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK], Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK], Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV], Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV], Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ], Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR], Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC], Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC], Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL], Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI], Sen. Tuberville, Tommy [R-AL], Sen. Ossoff, Jon [D-GA]
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-31: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5171; text: CR S5009)
- 2025-07-31: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-07-31: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Designating August 16, 2025, as National Airborne Day. — issued 2025-07-31 — PDF (4 pages)