A resolution designating November 1, 2025, as "National Bison Day".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 475
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Animals
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-10-29: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7830-7831; text: CR S7830)
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-01T19:12:12Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 475) aims to officially recognize the historical, cultural, economic, and ecological importance of the North American bison by designating a specific day for national celebration. It highlights the bison's role as a national symbol, its ties to Indigenous communities, and efforts to conserve and restore bison populations.
Key Provisions
- Designates November 1, 2025 (the first Saturday of November) as "National Bison Day."
- Encourages people across the United States to observe the day through appropriate ceremonies and activities, building on an annual tradition started in 2012.
The resolution includes extensive "whereas" clauses outlining the bison's significance, such as:
- Its adoption as the national mammal in 2016.
- Its cultural and spiritual importance to approximately 87 Indian Tribes via the InterTribal Buffalo Council.
- Economic contributions, including nearly 25,000 bison on Tribal lands and 192,477 head managed by private producers as of 2022, supporting jobs and food security.
- Conservation history, including initiatives by the Department of the Interior, the American Bison Society, and collaborative efforts across public, private, and Tribal sectors.
- Presence of bison in national parks, wildlife refuges, state-managed herds, and depictions in seals, flags, currency, and mascots.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding Senate resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic gesture rather than enforceable legislation, continuing a tradition without altering legal frameworks.
Potential Impacts
- On citizens: Raises public awareness of bison conservation, Indigenous heritage, and sustainable agriculture, potentially encouraging educational events, community gatherings, and tourism related to bison.
- On government agencies: Minimal direct impact, but it supports ongoing efforts like the Department of the Interior's Bison Conservation Initiative by promoting visibility; no new funding or mandates are required.
- On international relations: Indirectly fosters cross-border collaboration, as the resolution references bison restoration involving partners from Canada and Mexico through groups like the American Bison Society.
- Overall, the impact is largely cultural and promotional, with no significant economic or regulatory effects.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Indian Tribes: Key beneficiaries, with emphasis on their spiritual, economic, and restoration roles (e.g., 87 tribes in the InterTribal Buffalo Council managing large herds).
- Bison producers and ranchers: Private stewards of bison herds, supported through recognition of their economic contributions to jobs and sustainable meat production.
- Conservationists and agencies: Includes the Department of the Interior, national parks, wildlife refuges, and organizations like the American Bison Society, which coordinate restoration efforts.
- Educators, sportsmen, and the public: Encouraged to participate in observances, highlighting bison's role in education, wildlife health, and cultural symbols.
- Rural and Tribal communities: Benefit from economic and heritage promotion.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: None significant, as this is a simple resolution (not a bill requiring presidential signature) and does not infringe on rights or allocate resources; it aligns with Congress's power to recognize national observances under Article I.
- Political: Demonstrates strong bipartisan support, with 27 senators from both parties as cosponsors, underscoring unity on cultural and conservation issues. It reinforces federal acknowledgment of Indigenous contributions without controversial policy shifts.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (25)
Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM], Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY], Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO], Sen. Hyde-Smith, Cindy [R-MS], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM], Sen. Lummis, Cynthia M. [R-WY], Sen. Marshall, Roger [R-KS], Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS], Sen. Mullin, Markwayne [R-OK], Sen. Ricketts, Pete [R-NE], Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD], Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL], Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN], Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT], Sen. Thune, John [R-SD], Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA], Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]
Recent Actions
- 2025-10-29: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7830-7831; text: CR S7830)
- 2025-10-29: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-10-29: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Designating November 1, 2025, as National Bison Day. — issued 2025-10-29 — PDF (4 pages)