A resolution affirming that the Federal Government should support school district investment in clean school buses.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 563
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Energy
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-17: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-02T15:53:01Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 563) expresses the Senate's affirmation that the Federal Government should support school districts in investing in clean school buses. It highlights the health and environmental benefits of replacing diesel buses with cleaner alternatives, such as electric buses, to reduce air pollution.
Key Provisions
- Background on Diesel Bus Pollution: Diesel exhaust from school buses contributes to local air pollution, including fine particles (PM2.5), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This pollution can enter school buildings and affect indoor air quality.
- Health Risks to Children: Children are more vulnerable due to their developing lungs, facing higher risks of asthma, heart disease, lung disease, and related issues like missed school days that impact education.
- Usage Statistics: About 3 in 10 U.S. children ride school buses to school.
- Benefits of Clean Buses: Replacing diesel buses with clean options would significantly cut pollution, improve children's health, and enhance educational outcomes.
- Historical Federal Support: Congress has previously provided bipartisan funding for such replacements, including through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58).
- Core Affirmation: The resolution states that the Senate supports Federal Government backing for school district investments in clean school buses.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no legal changes or amendments to existing laws. It serves as a statement of congressional intent, building on prior bipartisan efforts like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, but does not create new mandates or appropriations.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Could lead to healthier environments for children, reducing respiratory illnesses, school absences, and long-term health costs. Benefits families and communities near schools by lowering local air pollution.
- On Government Agencies: Encourages federal agencies (e.g., Department of Education or Environmental Protection Agency) to prioritize funding and grants for clean bus programs, potentially influencing budget allocations without requiring new spending.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it aligns with broader U.S. environmental goals that could support global climate efforts.
- Broader Effects: May indirectly promote wider adoption of clean transportation, aiding air quality goals and equity in underserved school districts.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- School Districts and Students: Primary beneficiaries, gaining access to safer, less polluting buses that support student health and attendance.
- Federal Government (Congress and Agencies): Urged to continue or expand support through funding and policy.
- Children and Families: Especially those in areas with high diesel bus usage, facing pollution-related health risks.
- Environmental and Health Advocates: Groups focused on clean air and child welfare, who may use this resolution to push for action.
- Bus Manufacturers and Suppliers: Potential opportunities for companies producing electric or low-emission buses.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a "sense of the Senate" resolution, it has no enforceable effect and does not alter statutes or require action. It can, however, guide future legislation or appropriations.
- Constitutional: Falls within Congress's Article I powers to express policy views through resolutions, without infringing on executive or judicial branches.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by senators from both parties), signaling potential for continued federal investment in green infrastructure. It could influence debates on environmental funding amid broader climate policy discussions, but risks partisan divides if tied to larger spending bills.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]
Cosponsors (8)
Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI], Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT], Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-17: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 2025-12-17: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Affirming that the Federal Government should support school district investment in clean school buses. — issued 2025-12-17 — PDF (2 pages)