A resolution designating April 2026 as "National Native Plant Month".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 665
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-27: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1690; text: CR S1674-1675)
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-13T12:18:20Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution designates April 2026 as National Native Plant Month to highlight the importance of native plants—species that naturally occur in specific U.S. regions and have evolved with local wildlife—for environmental health, wildlife support, and ecosystem resilience.
Key Provisions
- Designation: Officially names April 2026 as "National Native Plant Month."
- Recognition: Acknowledges the benefits of native plants to the U.S. environment (e.g., air and water purification, soil stabilization, adaptation to local conditions) and economy.
- Supporting Facts (in "Whereas" clauses):
- Over 17,000 native plant species exist in the U.S., including trees, shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers.
- They provide essential food and shelter for wildlife like butterflies, birds, and bees, unlike non-native plants.
- More than 200 species have been lost since the early 1800s due to habitat loss, extreme weather, and invasive species.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- None. This is a non-binding Senate resolution (S. Res. 665), which expresses the Senate's view but does not create enforceable laws, allocate funds, or amend statutes.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Minimal; may encourage voluntary awareness efforts by agencies like the Department of the Interior or USDA, but no mandates.
- Citizens: Raises public awareness, potentially promoting gardening with native plants, conservation, and habitat restoration on private lands.
- International Relations: None.
- Overall: Symbolic gesture to educate on biodiversity and climate adaptation, with no direct costs or requirements.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Environmental and Conservation Groups: Benefits from heightened visibility for native plant preservation.
- Wildlife and Gardening Enthusiasts: Encourages use of native plants for pollinators and sustainable landscaping.
- Farmers and Landowners: Indirectly supports resilient ecosystems that aid agriculture and soil health.
- General Public: Gains awareness of native plants' role in combating habitat loss and climate change.
- Bipartisan sponsors include Senators from both parties (e.g., Hyde-Smith, Hirono, Booker).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: None significant; resolutions like this are routine, non-justiciable expressions of Congress with no force of law.
- Political: Demonstrates cross-party support for environmental awareness, agreed to by the Senate on March 27, 2026 (legislative day March 26).
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (8)
Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI], Sen. Husted, Jon [R-OH], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-27: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1690; text: CR S1674-1675)
- 2026-03-27: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
Bill Versions
- Designating April 2026 as National Native Plant Month. — issued 2026-03-27 — PDF (2 pages)