A resolution honoring the life of Nebraska community leader Howard L. Hawks.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 97
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-25: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1359; text: CR S1358-1359)
- Last Updated
- 2025-05-08T12:28:59Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 97) honors the life and legacy of Howard L. Hawks, a prominent Nebraska community leader, business executive, and philanthropist, following his death. It recognizes his contributions to business, education, and civic causes in Nebraska.
Key Provisions
- Background on Hawks' Life and Career: Details Hawks' birth in 1935 in Carleton, Nebraska; his co-founding of Tenaska Energy in 1987, where he served as Chairman and CEO until 2010 and Chairman until 2022; and his role in growing the company into one of the largest private firms in the U.S., remaining active as Chairman Emeritus in 2022.
- Community and Philanthropic Service: Highlights his 18-year tenure as a Regent at the University of Nebraska and 12 years as a Board Member at Creighton University; his transformative support for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in athletics and academics, including receiving the Regents Medal in 2023 with his wife; and his involvement in the "Campaign for Nebraska: Unlimited Possibilities" (2005–2014), which raised $1.8 billion for the university.
- Specific Contributions: Lists funded projects across the University of Nebraska system, such as:
- Howard L. Hawks Hall and a business ethics chair at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Business.
- Kiewit Hall for engineering, Hawks Championship Center, and Hawks Field for athletics.
- Baxter Arena and sports complexes at University of Nebraska-Omaha.
- Renovations to the Durham Science Center.
- Chairs and fellowships in cancer prevention, neurological sciences, and a student-run clinic at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
- Student scholarships.
- Broader Philanthropy: Notes support for initiatives addressing homelessness, mental health, education, and the arts beyond the university system.
- Resolution Actions: The Senate expresses profound sorrow for Hawks' death; honors his dedication as a civic leader and philanthropist; and requests that an enrolled copy be sent to his family.
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 a ceremonial purpose only.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens and Community: Symbolically recognizes Hawks' contributions, potentially inspiring philanthropy and community involvement in Nebraska; may boost morale or awareness for supported institutions like universities.
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact, though it underscores the Senate's role in acknowledging local leaders, which could indirectly support educational funding or partnerships.
- On International Relations: None, as the resolution is focused on domestic Nebraska figures and institutions.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Family of Howard L. Hawks: Direct recipients of the resolution's tribute, providing official recognition of his legacy.
- University of Nebraska System and Creighton University: Beneficiaries of his philanthropy, with the resolution highlighting their programs and facilities.
- Tenaska Energy: Acknowledges the company's growth under Hawks' leadership.
- Nebraska Community: Broader residents, educators, and civic organizations that benefited from his efforts in education, health, and social services.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: None significant; as a simple resolution agreed to by the Senate, it requires no presidential approval and has no enforceable effect, aligning with Congress's ceremonial powers under the Constitution (Article I).
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support from Nebraska senators (Ricketts and Fischer), reinforcing regional pride and the Senate's tradition of honoring deceased local figures to foster goodwill and highlight philanthropy without partisan debate.
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
- 2025-02-25: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1359; text: CR S1358-1359)
- 2025-02-25: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-02-25: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Honoring the life of Nebraska community leader Howard L. Hawks. — issued 2025-02-25 — PDF (3 pages)