A resolution recognizing the Army-Navy football game as America's Game.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 613
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Sports and Recreation
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-25: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S689; text: CR S687)
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-16T14:33:33Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution (S. Res. 613) recognizes the annual Army-Navy football game—played between the United States Military Academy (West Point) and the United States Naval Academy (Annapolis)—as "America's Game." It emphasizes the game's historical and patriotic significance, dating back to 1890, and seeks to preserve its unique status as a symbol of national unity, military service, and college football tradition.
Key Provisions
- Declares the Army-Navy Game a cornerstone of U.S. collegiate sports and a key tool for military recruiting.
- Urges that the game maintain its exclusive scheduling on the second Saturday in December, with no other college football games airing in its time slot to maximize national viewership and civic engagement.
- Recommends that broadcasters, college athletic associations, conferences, and universities avoid scheduling competing games during this period.
- Encourages federal agencies, such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC, which regulates broadcasting) and the Department of Defense (DoD, which oversees the military), to review policies and promote the game's importance in fostering public support for the Armed Forces.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution expressing the "sense of the Senate," so it introduces no enforceable changes to existing laws or regulations. It does not amend statutes but provides congressional guidance on cultural and promotional priorities.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: The DoD may increase efforts to highlight the game for recruitment and public engagement with the military. The FCC could examine broadcasting rules to ensure the game's prominence without restricting free speech or commercial activities.
- On citizens: Enhances national awareness of military service and sacrifice, potentially boosting patriotism and interest in joining the Armed Forces among younger audiences.
- On international relations: Minimal direct impact, though it reinforces U.S. military traditions that could indirectly support global perceptions of American resolve and unity.
- No anticipated economic or regulatory burdens, as the resolution focuses on voluntary coordination rather than mandates.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Military institutions: United States Military Academy and Naval Academy (direct participants), and the broader Armed Forces (beneficiaries of recruitment and morale boosts).
- Broadcasting and sports entities: Networks, the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association), athletic conferences, and universities, who are encouraged to adjust scheduling to avoid conflicts.
- Federal agencies: DoD and FCC, tasked with policy reviews and promotion.
- Public and service members: Current and future military personnel, as well as the general public, who experience heightened civic engagement.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it carries no force of law and cannot compel action, respecting First Amendment protections for broadcasters and free scheduling by private entities.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's role in supporting the military (under Article I, Section 8) without infringing on executive or private sector autonomy.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by senators from both parties) for preserving military traditions, potentially influencing future appropriations or cultural policies related to defense recruitment. It highlights Congress's interest in soft power tools like sports for national unity, but risks criticism if seen as government overreach into private athletics.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (16)
Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI], Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL], Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA], Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR], Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR], Sen. Fischer, Deb [R-NE], Sen. Tuberville, Tommy [R-AL], Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID], Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT], Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-25: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S689; text: CR S687)
- 2026-02-25: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
Bill Versions
- A resolution recognizing the Army-Navy football game as America’s Game. — issued 2026-02-25 — PDF (3 pages)