A resolution designating September 25, 2025, as "National Lobster Day".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 393
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-16: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6637; text: CR S6652)
- Last Updated
- 2025-09-24T14:07:05Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 393) aims to recognize the cultural, economic, and nutritional importance of lobster in the United States by officially designating September 25, 2025, as "National Lobster Day." It highlights lobster's role in American history, traditions, and sustainability efforts to promote appreciation for the industry.
Key Provisions
- Designates September 25, 2025, as "National Lobster Day."
- Encourages people across the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, such as celebrations or educational events.
- Includes a series of "Whereas" clauses outlining the significance of lobster, including:
- Its long-standing role as an economic driver and family tradition.
- Employment opportunities in catching, processing, and serving lobster.
- Lobster's status as a sustainable, versatile, and healthy seafood (rich in lean protein, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids).
- Historical ties to events like the first Thanksgiving and presidential inaugurations.
- Innovations in the industry, such as kelp farming for ocean health and non-culinary uses (e.g., skincare, robotics).
- Cultural impacts, including its presence in art, sports mascots, emojis, and regional economies like New England.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic gesture without legal enforcement or new regulations.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: Minimal direct impact; may involve minor coordination for public awareness by agencies like the Department of Commerce (which oversees fisheries) or tourism boards.
- On citizens: Encourages public engagement through events, potentially increasing awareness of sustainable seafood and lobster's health benefits, fostering family and community traditions.
- On international relations: None significant, though it indirectly promotes U.S. lobster exports and cultural diplomacy by noting its global popularity (e.g., in emojis and international state dinners).
- Overall, the resolution could boost tourism and consumer interest in lobster, supporting seasonal economic activity in late summer without mandating any actions.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Lobster industry workers and families: Thousands of harvesters, processors, and servers who rely on the trade for livelihoods, especially in coastal regions like New England.
- Consumers and the public: Individuals who enjoy lobster in meals, holidays, or restaurants, with emphasis on home cooking and sustainable choices.
- Regional economies and tourism: Businesses in areas like New England, where lobster drives tourism, festivals, and local identity.
- Environmental and sustainability advocates: Groups benefiting from recognition of the industry's 150+ years of conservation efforts, including ocean health initiatives like kelp farming.
- Cultural and culinary sectors: Artists, chefs, sports teams, and innovators using lobster in various fields.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution agreed to by the Senate, it has no binding force and requires no presidential approval or House concurrence, making it purely declarative.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority under Article I to express national sentiments, with no implications for individual rights or federal powers.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by senators from both parties, including from lobster-producing states) for a key regional industry, potentially aiding economic messaging without controversy. It underscores themes of sustainability and tradition in U.S. policy discussions.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME]
Cosponsors (9)
Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME], Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT], Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI], Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL], Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA], Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-16: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6637; text: CR S6652)
- 2025-09-16: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6637; text: CR S6652-6653: 3)
- 2025-09-16: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Designating September 25, 2025, as National Lobster Day. — issued 2025-09-16 — PDF (3 pages)