A resolution expressing support for the designation of February 15 through February 22, 2025, as "National FFA Week", recognizing the important role of the National FFA Organization in developing the next generation of leaders who will change the world, and celebrating the 90th anniversary of New Farmers of America and the 75th anniversary of the Future Farmers of America Federal charter.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 89
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Agriculture and Food
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-21: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1303; text: CR S1136-1137)
- Last Updated
- 2025-06-23T14:15:50Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of S. Res. 89
Purpose
This Senate resolution expresses support for designating February 15 through February 22, 2025, as "National FFA Week." It recognizes the National FFA Organization's role in developing future leaders through agricultural education and celebrates key anniversaries: the 90th anniversary of the New Farmers of America (NFA), which supported Black students in segregated schools until merging with FFA in 1965, and the 75th anniversary of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) receiving its federal charter in 1950.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes a preamble outlining FFA's history and impact, followed by four main directives for the Senate:
- Support the designation of February 15–22, 2025, as "National FFA Week."
- Recognize FFA's role in fostering leadership, personal growth, and career success for over 1,000,000 members across 9,235 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington, D.C.
- Celebrate the 90th anniversary of the New Farmers of America, which served Black vocational agriculture students until its integration with FFA.
- Commemorate the 75th anniversary of the federal charter for FFA, signed by President Harry S. Truman on August 30, 1950.
FFA is described as welcoming all students, providing career-ready skills, global awareness, and opportunities in agriculture, food, and natural resources through integrated education delivered by over 13,000 advisors and teachers.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a symbolic expression of congressional support rather than enacting new policy.
Potential Impacts
- On citizens: Raises public awareness of FFA's contributions to youth development, potentially encouraging more student participation in agricultural education and leadership programs. It highlights inclusivity and historical integration efforts, promoting education on agricultural careers and community involvement.
- On government agencies: Minimal direct impact, though it may indirectly support U.S. Department of Education or agricultural initiatives by endorsing FFA's educational model.
- On international relations: None, as the focus is domestic on U.S. youth and agricultural education.
Overall, the impacts are largely symbolic, fostering pride in FFA's legacy and motivating students to pursue agriculture-related paths.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- National FFA Organization and members: Direct beneficiaries through official recognition and celebration of milestones.
- Students and educators: Over 1,000,000 FFA members and 13,000+ advisors/teachers in agricultural programs, who gain validation for their efforts in leadership and career preparation.
- Agricultural community: Farmers, agribusinesses, and vocational schools, as the resolution promotes the sector's importance in developing future leaders.
- Historically marginalized groups: Recognition of the New Farmers of America underscores support for inclusive education, affecting Black students and communities in agricultural history.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: No enforceable legal effects; resolutions like this are expressions of sentiment and do not require presidential approval or create binding obligations. They align with Congress's power to recognize events under Article I but carry no constitutional weight.
- Political: Demonstrates strong bipartisan support, with cosponsorship from 58 senators across party lines, signaling broad consensus on youth education and agriculture. It highlights FFA's evolution toward inclusivity post-segregation, potentially influencing discussions on educational equity without partisan controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (51)
Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. Hagerty, Bill [R-TN], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV], Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ], Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT], Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE], Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC], Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV], Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID], Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL], Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME], Sen. Fetterman, John [D-PA], Sen. Lankford, James [R-OK], Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ], Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY], Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH], Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO], Sen. Marshall, Roger [R-KS], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA], Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Lummis, Cynthia M. [R-WY], Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ], Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN], Sen. Lujan, Ben Ray [D-NM], Sen. Britt, Katie Boyd [R-AL], Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR], Sen. Hyde-Smith, Cindy [R-MS], Sen. Ossoff, Jon [D-GA], Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. McConnell, Mitch [R-KY], Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA], Sen. Ricketts, Pete [R-NE], Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR], Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA], Sen. Thune, John [R-SD], Sen. Banks, Jim [R-IN], Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT], Sen. Fischer, Deb [R-NE], Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR], Sen. Mullin, Markwayne [R-OK], Sen. Schmitt, Eric [R-MO], Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC], Sen. Hoeven, John [R-ND], Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD] and 1 more
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-21: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1303; text: CR S1136-1137)
- 2025-02-21: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-02-21: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of February 15 through February 22, 2025, as National FFA Week, recognizing the important role of the National FFA Organization in developing the next generation of leaders who will change the world, and celebrating the 90th anniversary of New Farmers of America and the 75th anniversary of the Future Farmers of America Federal charter. — issued 2025-02-21 — PDF (3 pages)