A resolution recognizing and honoring Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, and the Corps of Discovery, for their expedition to explore the Louisiana Purchase.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 729
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-14: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2296-2297; text: CR S2308)
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-03T13:29:30Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution recognizes and honors Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and the Corps of Discovery for their 1804–1806 expedition exploring the Louisiana Purchase territory. It marks the 222nd anniversary of the expedition's departure from St. Louis, Missouri, on May 14, 2026, and ties the event to broader themes of American exploration and national development.
Key Provisions
- Honors the expedition's legacy for its role in U.S. history, development, and identity.
- Recognizes the courage, endurance, and patriotism of Lewis, Clark, and the Corps, including contributions from Sacagawea, York, and others.
- Commemorates President Thomas Jefferson's vision in commissioning the expedition after the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled U.S. territory.
- Acknowledges the expedition's production of maps, scientific observations, and records that supported future settlement and commerce.
- Highlights the expedition's strengthening of U.S. sovereignty and its connection to Missouri as the departure point.
- Encourages Americans to study and reflect on the expedition's significance, including its links to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This resolution introduces no changes to existing law. As a non-binding Senate measure, it serves only as a symbolic statement without altering statutes, regulations, or legal frameworks.
Potential Impacts
- May promote public education and commemorative activities related to early U.S. exploration.
- Could influence cultural or historical programming at the national or state level, particularly in Missouri.
- No direct effects on government agencies, citizens' rights, or international relations, though it reinforces historical narratives around territorial expansion.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- The U.S. Senate and members of Congress, who adopted the resolution.
- American citizens, especially those interested in U.S. history and the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
- The State of Missouri, noted for its connection to the expedition's start.
- Descendants or historical interpreters of expedition members, including Native American and African American figures involved.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The resolution carries no legal or constitutional weight, as it lacks the force of law. Politically, it emphasizes themes of national ambition, self-reliance, and continental expansion, framing the expedition as central to U.S. identity without introducing new policy or binding commitments.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-14: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2296-2297; text: CR S2308)
- 2026-05-14: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
Bill Versions
- Recognizing and honoring Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, and the Corps of Discovery, for their expedition to explore the Louisiana Purchase. — issued 2026-05-14 — PDF (4 pages)