A resolution expressing support for the designation of the week of October 24, 2025, to October 31, 2025, as "Bat Week".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 454
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Animals
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-10-28: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7787)
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-08T21:37:48Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 454) expresses support for designating the week of October 24, 2025, to October 31, 2025, as "Bat Week." It aims to raise awareness about the ecological, economic, and cultural importance of bats, while highlighting threats like white-nose syndrome—a fungal disease affecting bat populations—and the need for conservation efforts.
Key Provisions
- Designation and Observance: Supports the official recognition of "Bat Week" and encourages events and activities to educate the public about bats.
- Acknowledgment of Bats' Role: Recognizes bats' contributions to ecosystems (e.g., controlling insect pests, pollinating plants, dispersing seeds) and the economy (e.g., saving U.S. farmers over $3.7 billion annually in pest control).
- Threats and Conservation: Notes the global presence of bats (over 1,400 species), the devastating impact of white-nose syndrome (affecting 40 states and 12 bat species, including endangered ones like the northern long-eared bat under the Endangered Species Act), and ongoing collaborative efforts to combat it.
- Federal and Collaborative Efforts: Highlights leadership by U.S. agencies (e.g., U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey) in research, monitoring (via the North American Bat Monitoring Program with 94 million records), and partnerships with states, tribes, nongovernmental organizations, universities, and international entities.
- Senate Commitment: Affirms intent to conserve bat species and habitats and to work toward defeating white-nose syndrome through continued partnerships.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or regulations. It builds on prior protections, such as the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (a federal law that protects threatened or endangered wildlife like certain bats), by expressing symbolic support rather than enacting new mandates.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Reinforces support for agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Geological Survey, potentially aiding funding or prioritization for bat research and monitoring programs, though without enforceable requirements.
- On Citizens: Promotes public education and engagement through events, fostering greater appreciation for bats and encouraging participation in conservation, which could indirectly benefit agriculture by sustaining natural pest control.
- On International Relations: Strengthens collaborative ties with Canada and other partners in North American bat conservation, highlighting shared scientific efforts against diseases like white-nose syndrome, but with minimal direct diplomatic effects.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Wildlife and Environment: Bats and their habitats, including endangered species impacted by white-nose syndrome.
- Agriculture and Economy: Farmers and the agricultural sector, who benefit from bats' pest control services.
- Government Entities: Federal agencies (e.g., Department of the Interior, U.S. Forest Service), state agencies, tribes, and over 150 partners involved in conservation.
- Research and Conservation Groups: Universities, nongovernmental organizations, and scientists participating in monitoring and treatment development.
- Public and Educators: Citizens, educators, and communities engaging in outreach about bats' cultural and ecological value.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution agreed to by the Senate, it has no force of law and does not require House approval or presidential signature; it serves as a declarative statement without creating enforceable obligations.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's role in expressing policy priorities (under Article I), particularly on environmental matters, but raises no constitutional challenges.
- Political: Signals bipartisan support (introduced by Senators Welch, Booker, and Van Hollen) for wildlife conservation, potentially influencing future appropriations or policies on endangered species and ecosystem health; it underscores the value of federal-state-tribal-international partnerships in addressing environmental threats like disease outbreaks.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]
Recent Actions
- 2025-10-28: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7787)
- 2025-10-28: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-10-28: Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-10-28: Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-10-16: Referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (text: CR S7158)
- 2025-10-16: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of the week of October 24, 2025, to October 31, 2025, as Bat Week. — issued 2025-10-28 — PDF (3 pages)
- Expressing support for the designation of the week of October 24, 2025, to October 31, 2025, as Bat Week. — issued 2025-10-16 — PDF (3 pages)