A resolution honoring the life, achievements, and legacy of Ben Nighthorse Campbell.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 585
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-15: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S263; text: CR S261)
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-21T16:09:01Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 585) expresses profound sorrow over the death of Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a former U.S. Senator from Colorado, and honors his life, military service, athletic achievements, business success, and legislative contributions, particularly in advancing Native American interests and bipartisan legislation.
Key Provisions
- Preamble Highlights Biography and Achievements:
- Born in 1933 in California; served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War (1951–1953), earning the Korean Service Medal and Air Medal.
- Excelled in judo, winning national titles, competing in the 1963 Pan-American Games, and becoming the first Native American on the U.S. Olympic judo team in 1964.
- Moved to Colorado, founded a successful family jewelry business (Nighthorse Jewelry) on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation.
- Served four years in the Colorado State Legislature (recognized as one of the top 10 legislators).
- Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1986 (one of few enrolled members of a federally recognized tribe to serve in Congress); authored key laws including the establishment of the National Museum of the American Indian, elevation of Black Canyon of the Gunnison to national park status, creation of the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site, and water projects for the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute Tribes.
- Elected to the U.S. Senate in 1993; chaired the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (1997–2005), the first and only Native American to do so; passed more legislation than any other Senator in the 105th Congress; member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe's Council of 44 Chiefs.
- Described as a trailblazer for bipartisan action and lifelong public service.
- Resolution Actions:
- Acknowledges Campbell's death with sorrow and honors his military service and congressional tenure.
- Directs the Secretary of the Senate to communicate the resolution to the House of Representatives and send an enrolled copy to Campbell's family.
- Calls for the Senate to recess as a mark of respect upon adjournment.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. This is a non-binding resolution (a formal statement of the Senate's position) that does not amend or create new laws; it serves a ceremonial purpose.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Minimal; requires brief administrative actions by the Senate Secretary (e.g., transmitting documents) and a symbolic recess, with no ongoing obligations.
- On Citizens: Symbolic recognition that celebrates Native American contributions, potentially inspiring public awareness of indigenous history, military service, and legislative achievements; may foster community pride in Colorado and among Native American groups.
- On International Relations: Negligible, though it indirectly highlights U.S. Olympic history and Native American representation on global stages.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Family of Ben Nighthorse Campbell: Direct recipients of the official copy, providing formal recognition of his legacy.
- U.S. Senate and House of Representatives: Involved in procedural steps like communication and recess; reflects broad bipartisan support (sponsored by Sen. Bennet with over 90 cosponsors from both parties).
- Native American Communities: Beneficiaries of highlighted achievements, including tribal leaders, the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, Southern Ute Indian Reservation, and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, emphasizing cultural and policy advancements.
- Residents of Colorado: Honors a prominent local figure who represented the state in Congress and contributed to regional projects like national parks and water rights.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: As a simple resolution agreed to by the Senate (without House concurrence needed), it aligns with Congress's constitutional power to set its own rules and express condolences (Article I, Section 5). No enforceable legal effects.
- Political: Demonstrates rare near-unanimous bipartisan consensus (cosponsors span nearly the entire Senate), underscoring Campbell's cross-party appeal and his role in advancing Native American issues. It politically reinforces the importance of indigenous representation in U.S. governance, potentially influencing future discussions on tribal affairs without binding precedent.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]
Cosponsors (99)
Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO], Sen. Thune, John [R-SD], Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY], Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD], Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Sen. Banks, Jim [R-IN], Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY], Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR], Sen. Britt, Katie Boyd [R-AL], Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC], Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA], Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA], Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX], Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV], Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR], Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND], Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID], Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX], Sen. Curtis, John R. [R-UT], Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL], Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA], Sen. Fetterman, John [D-PA], Sen. Fischer, Deb [R-NE], Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ], Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY], Sen. Graham, Lindsey [R-SC], Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA], Sen. Hagerty, Bill [R-TN], Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH], Sen. Hawley, Josh [R-MO], Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM], Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI], Sen. Hoeven, John [R-ND], Sen. Husted, Jon [R-OH], Sen. Hyde-Smith, Cindy [R-MS], Sen. Johnson, Ron [R-WI], Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA], Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ], Sen. Kennedy, John [R-LA], Sen. Kim, Andy [D-NJ] and 49 more
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-15: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S263; text: CR S261)
- 2026-01-15: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-01-15: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Honoring the life, achievements, and legacy of Ben Nighthorse Campbell. — issued 2026-01-15 — PDF (4 pages)