A resolution designating June 30, 2026, as "Asteroid Day".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 792
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-24: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3194; text: CR S3217-3218)
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-06T16:21:01Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation This Senate resolution designates June 30, 2026, as "Asteroid Day" to raise public awareness of near-Earth objects, their potential risks to Earth, and the value of planetary defense efforts. It highlights scientific, educational, and international aspects of asteroid monitoring and response.
Key Provisions Outlined
- Designates June 30, 2026, as "Asteroid Day."
- Encourages greater public awareness regarding risks from near-Earth objects and the importance of asteroid research, detection, tracking, and planetary defense.
- Supports ongoing efforts to enhance capabilities for identifying and responding to such threats.
The preamble provides background on historical asteroid events, existing NASA programs, and international initiatives without creating new mandates.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced This resolution introduces no changes to existing law. As a non-binding Senate resolution, it expresses support for current activities rather than amending statutes or establishing new legal requirements.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: Encourages continued work by NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office and related programs, such as the Near-Earth Object Surveyor mission, without allocating new funding or altering agency structures.
- Citizens: Promotes public education and participation in citizen science related to asteroid detection.
- International relations: Reinforces U.S. involvement in global efforts, including coordination with the United Nations and partners on data sharing and events like the 2029 International Year of Asteroid Awareness.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- NASA and other federal science agencies.
- Scientific and educational communities, including amateur astronomers and citizen science programs.
- International organizations such as the United Nations and bodies like the International Asteroid Warning Network.
- The general public, through awareness initiatives.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The resolution carries no legal or constitutional implications, as it lacks enforceable provisions. Politically, it signals Senate recognition of planetary defense as a priority and support for existing U.S. leadership in asteroid detection and international coordination.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX], Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-24: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3194; text: CR S3217-3218)
- 2026-06-24: 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 June 30, 2026, as "Asteroid Day". — issued 2026-06-24 — PDF (5 pages)