A resolution designating March 21, 2026, as "National Osceola Turkey Day".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 647
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Animals
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-27: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1690)
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-13T12:19:23Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 647) designates March 21, 2026, as National Osceola Turkey Day to honor the historical, cultural, economic, and conservation significance of wild turkeys in the United States, with a focus on Florida's Osceola (Florida wild turkey) subspecies.
Key Provisions
- Officially designates March 21, 2026—the opening day of Florida's statewide turkey hunting season—as National Osceola Turkey Day.
- Encourages people across the U.S. to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
The resolution includes extensive "Whereas" clauses highlighting:
- Wild turkey's role in U.S. history (e.g., first Thanksgiving) and as a healthy protein source.
- Economic impact of turkey hunting (~$76.9 million spent annually by hunters, $128.7 million total impact since 1985).
- Florida's leadership in wild turkey management, including the Wild Turkey Cost Share Program (largest public-private partnership for habitat maintenance, funding ~1 million acres since 1994).
- Participation stats (e.g., ~28,162 hunters in Florida's 2025 spring season).
- Osceola turkey facts: One of five North American subspecies, found only in peninsular Florida, considered the hardest to hunt due to its habitat; required for a "Grand Slam" of U.S. turkey subspecies.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- None. This is a non-binding Senate resolution (agreed to on March 27, 2026), which expresses the Senate's sense but does not create enforceable law, allocate funds, or amend statutes.
Potential Impacts
- Minimal practical effects: Symbolic recognition to raise awareness of wild turkey conservation, hunting heritage, and Florida's programs; may boost tourism or participation in turkey hunting.
- No direct impacts on government agencies (beyond honorary mention of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission), citizens (voluntary observance), or international relations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Turkey hunters and enthusiasts: Especially in Florida (~28,000 participants annually, including non-residents).
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: Highlighted for using permit revenues for conservation and the Cost Share Program.
- Conservation groups and landowners: Benefiting from promoted habitat efforts.
- General public: Encouraged to participate in related events.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Ceremonial and non-binding: Common for Senate resolutions; no legal enforcement, funding mandates, or constitutional issues (falls under Congress's power to designate observances).
- Politically symbolic: Sponsored by Sens. Scott (FL) and Moody (FL), emphasizes state pride and bipartisan support for hunting/conservation traditions.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-27: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1690)
- 2026-03-27: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-03-27: Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-03-27: Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-03-17: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S1095)
- 2026-03-17: Submitted in Senate
Bill Versions
- Designating March 21, 2026, as National Osceola Turkey Day. — issued 2026-03-27 — PDF (3 pages)
- Designating March 21, 2026, as National Osceola Turkey Day. — issued 2026-03-17 — PDF (3 pages)