A resolution recognizing the 250th birthday of the United States Navy.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 446
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-10-09: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7101; text: CR S7097)
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-16T16:30:49Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 446) aims to formally recognize the 250th anniversary of the United States Navy, celebrating its historical founding, ongoing contributions to national security, and role in global stability. It highlights the Navy's legacy while expressing gratitude and reaffirming congressional support.
Key Provisions
The resolution is structured around a series of "Whereas" clauses that provide historical and factual context, followed by three main resolved actions:
- Historical Context: It notes the Navy's establishment on October 13, 1775, by the Continental Congress to protect trade and intercept British supplies; the constitutional authority granted to Congress in Article I, Section 8 to "provide and maintain a Navy"; and the Navy's 250-year tradition of safeguarding U.S. interests on, under, and above the seas.
- Current Role and Achievements: Describes the Navy as a global force with over 290 ships, 3,700 aircraft, and 590,000 personnel; praises its involvement in conflicts, humanitarian missions, disaster relief, deterrence, and diplomacy; and emphasizes its leadership in technological innovation, all-domain warfare (operations across sea, air, land, space, and cyber), and strategic deterrence.
- Core Values and Support: Highlights the Navy's guiding principles of "Honor, Courage, and Commitment"; acknowledges the sacrifices of sailors, families, veterans, and civilians; and recognizes the role of U.S. communities in supporting fleet readiness.
- Resolved Actions:
- Recognize the historic significance of the Navy's 250th birthday.
- Express appreciation from the American people to current and former Navy personnel for 250 years of service.
- Reaffirm the Senate's commitment to the Navy as a key tool for national power and global stability.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force or effect. It introduces no changes to existing laws, statutes, or policies; instead, it serves as a symbolic statement of recognition and support.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Strengthens political backing for the Navy, potentially influencing future funding or policy priorities within the Department of Defense, though it has no direct budgetary implications.
- On Citizens: Raises public awareness and appreciation for the Navy's role, fostering national pride and support for military personnel, veterans, and their families; may encourage community involvement in Navy-related events or commemorations.
- On International Relations: Reinforces the U.S. commitment to maritime security and freedom of navigation, signaling to allies and adversaries the Navy's enduring global presence and readiness, which could enhance deterrence without altering diplomatic strategies.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Navy Personnel: Active duty, reserve, and civilian members (approximately 590,000 people) who are directly honored for their service.
- Veterans and Families: Past sailors and their supporters, recognized for sacrifices and contributions to maritime superiority.
- Communities and Workforce: U.S. regions providing industrial and labor support for Navy operations, such as shipbuilding and maintenance.
- Congress and Policymakers: Bipartisan sponsors (from both parties) demonstrate unified Senate support, potentially guiding future legislative efforts on defense.
- The American Public: Broadly benefits from the resolution's emphasis on the Navy's protective role in peace and war.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Constitutional Reference: Explicitly ties the resolution to Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, which empowers Congress to maintain a navy, underscoring the legislative branch's foundational role in military affairs without proposing amendments.
- Political Neutrality: As a bipartisan measure agreed to by the Senate on October 9, 2025, it promotes unity on defense issues amid partisan divides, serving as a low-stakes way to signal ongoing commitment to military readiness.
- Symbolic Nature: Lacks enforceable legal implications but could politically bolster the Navy's morale and public image, potentially aiding recruitment or advocacy for resources in a time of global tensions; no constitutional challenges are raised or implied.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (27)
Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD], Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Sen. Banks, Jim [R-IN], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC], Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME], Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV], Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR], Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI], Sen. Hyde-Smith, Cindy [R-MS], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA], Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI], Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI], Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV], Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD], Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA], Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL], Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT], Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK], Sen. Tuberville, Tommy [R-AL], Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]
Recent Actions
- 2025-10-09: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7101; text: CR S7097)
- 2025-10-09: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-10-09: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Recognizing the 250th birthday of the United States Navy. — issued 2025-10-09 — PDF (3 pages)