A resolution designating the week beginning on October 12, 2025, as "National Wildlife Refuge Week".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 449
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-10-15: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7141)
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-08T20:23:59Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 449) aims to designate the week of October 12, 2025, as "National Wildlife Refuge Week" to honor the National Wildlife Refuge System, raise public awareness about its role in conserving wildlife and habitats, and promote recreational activities like hunting, fishing, and environmental education.
Key Provisions
- Background and Recognition: The resolution includes numerous "Whereas" clauses highlighting the history, scope, and benefits of the National Wildlife Refuge System, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). These cover:
- Establishment in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt.
- Current scale: 573 refuges, 38 wetland districts, and 5 marine monuments across all states and territories, covering over 850 million acres.
- Biodiversity support: Protects 800 bird species, 220 mammals, and over 380 threatened or endangered species.
- Additional roles: Habitat conservation for waterfowl (via the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund), climate resilience, wildfire risk reduction, coastal flood protection, and cultural/historic preservation (e.g., Native American sites and WWII remnants).
- Community engagement: Collaboration with Tribes, Alaska Native groups, and Native Hawaiians; volunteer programs (nearly 24,000 volunteers in FY 2025); and urban outreach to include underserved communities.
- Economic and recreational value: 71 million annual visits generate $3.2 billion and support 41,000 jobs; offers hunting (2.7 million visits), fishing (8.4 million visits), birding, and education.
- Resolved Actions: The Senate:
- Officially designates the week as "National Wildlife Refuge Week."
- Encourages events and activities to observe it.
- Recognizes refuges' contributions to conservation, recreation, local economies, and traditions like wildlife observation and hunting/fishing.
- Highlights urban refuges' role in building diverse conservation coalitions, youth education, community improvement, and trust in government.
- Affirms co-stewardship with Native communities and support for waterfowl protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
- Reaffirms Senate commitment to wildlife conservation and USFWS management for future generations.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding Senate resolution with no legal force or amendments to existing laws. It does not alter statutes, regulations, or funding; it serves as a symbolic expression of congressional support, building on prior annual observances since 1995.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Boosts visibility for the USFWS, potentially encouraging increased public participation in refuge programs and volunteer efforts, though no new resources or mandates are imposed.
- Citizens: Promotes greater appreciation for nature through education, recreation, and events, particularly benefiting urban and underserved communities by fostering access to outdoor activities and conservation involvement.
- International Relations: Minimal direct impact, but indirectly supports U.S. biodiversity and habitat efforts that align with global conservation goals (e.g., protecting migratory birds under international treaties).
- Overall: Enhances economic benefits for local communities near refuges (e.g., tourism and jobs) without creating enforceable obligations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS): Primary beneficiary as administrator of the refuge system, gaining recognition for its conservation work.
- Wildlife and Conservation Groups: Organizations like "Friends" groups (180+ affiliates) and volunteers, who support refuge operations and events.
- Local Communities and Businesses: Gateway communities near refuges, which rely on tourism, hunting/fishing, and related economic activity.
- Tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, and Native Hawaiian Communities: Emphasized for co-stewardship, cultural resource protection, and consultation in management.
- Public Visitors: Hunters, fishers, birders, educators, and families (71 million annual visitors), including urban and diverse populations targeted by outreach programs.
- Youth and Underserved Groups: Beneficiaries of urban conservation initiatives aimed at education, employment, and nature connection.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution agreed to by the Senate (passed October 15, 2025, after committee discharge), it has no binding effect and requires no presidential approval. It references existing laws like the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (a federal law protecting migratory birds) but does not modify them.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's implied powers to recognize events and express policy support under Article I, without infringing on executive or judicial branches.
- Political: Symbolically reinforces bipartisan support for environmental conservation (introduced by a diverse group of senators). It highlights ongoing priorities like biodiversity, climate resilience, and equity in access, potentially influencing future funding debates or public policy advocacy without creating controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]
Cosponsors (14)
Sen. Kennedy, John [R-LA], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI], Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM], Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD], Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE], Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT], Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
Recent Actions
- 2025-10-15: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7141)
- 2025-10-15: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-10-15: Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-10-15: Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-10-09: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S7098-7099)
- 2025-10-09: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Designating the week beginning on October 12, 2025, as National Wildlife Refuge Week. — issued 2025-10-15 — PDF (8 pages)