H. Res. 1240 (119th)Bill Overview

Expressing support for the designation of the week of May 8 through May 17, 2026, as "National American Birding Week".

domestic policy
Cosponsors
Support
Bipartisan
Introduced
Apr 30, 2026
Discussions
Bill Text
Current stageCommittee

Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Introduced
Committee
Floor
President
Law
Congressional Activities
01 · The brief

This House resolution expresses support for designating May 8–17, 2026, as “National American Birding Week.” It highlights migratory bird numbers and declines, cites the economic value of birding, and commends coordinated conservation and local events such as the Biggest Week in American Birding.

The resolution is advisory and encourages public participation in birding events and conservation awareness.

Passage5/100

As a House simple resolution it is symbolic and not designed to become law; passage in the House is likely but it does not create binding law.

CredibilityAligned

Relative to its intended legislative type, this bill is a straightforward commemorative House resolution that clearly states its purpose and uses the usual nonbinding language to designate and promote a national week of birding.

Contention15/100

Liberals want substantive conservation measures beyond symbolism

02 · What it does

Who stands to gain, and who may push back.

Who this appears to help vs burden50% / 50%
Local governmentsFederal agencies · Local governments
Likely helped
  • Local governmentsCould boost local tourism and related business revenue from increased birding visitation.
  • Targeted stakeholdersRaises public awareness of migratory bird declines and associated conservation needs.
  • Targeted stakeholdersSupports educational outreach that may increase volunteerism and public engagement in conservation.
Likely burdened
  • Federal agenciesThe resolution is symbolic and creates no federal funding or regulatory obligations.
  • Targeted stakeholdersEconomic benefit claims in the text may rely on broad estimates and assumptions.
  • Local governmentsIncreased visitation risks localized habitat disturbance and additional site management costs.
03 · Why people split

Why the argument around this bill splits.

Liberals want substantive conservation measures beyond symbolism
Progressive90%

Generally favorable; views the resolution as a useful awareness and conservation signal.

Would praise emphasis on declining migratory bird populations and cross-sector conservation partnerships.

Likely to want this symbolic step paired with concrete habitat protections and funding for conservation science.

Leans supportive
Centrist85%

Supportive but pragmatic; sees the resolution as a low-cost way to promote tourism and conservation awareness.

Values the cited economic benefits and cooperative approach among government, nonprofits, and businesses.

Would prefer clear metrics or follow-up to ensure awareness translates into effective conservation.

Leans supportive
Conservative75%

Generally not opposed; likely to view the resolution as a harmless, pro-commerce recognition of a recreational activity.

Appreciates economic tourism claims and local event support.

Some conservatives may question federal involvement in symbolic designations or prefer state/local leadership.

Leans supportive
04 · Can it pass?

The path through Congress.

Introduced

Reached or meaningfully advanced

Committee

Reached or meaningfully advanced

Floor

Still ahead

President

Still ahead

Law

Still ahead

Passage likelihood5/100

As a House simple resolution it is symbolic and not designed to become law; passage in the House is likely but it does not create binding law.

Scope and complexity
24%
Scopenarrow
24%
Complexitylow
Why this could stall
  • Whether House committee will prioritize advancing the resolution
  • Presence or absence of a Senate companion resolution
05 · Recent votes

Recent votes on the bill.

No vote history yet

The bill has not accumulated any surfaced votes yet.

06 · Go deeper

Go deeper than the headline read.

Included on this page

Liberals want substantive conservation measures beyond symbolism

As a House simple resolution it is symbolic and not designed to become law; passage in the House is likely but it does not create binding l…

Unlocked analysis

Relative to its intended legislative type, this bill is a straightforward commemorative House resolution that clearly states its purpose and uses the usual nonbinding language to designate and promote a national week of…

Go beyond the headline summary with full stakeholder mapping, legislative design analysis, passage barriers, and lens-by-lens tradeoff breakdowns.

Perspective breakdownsPassage barriersLegislative design reviewStakeholder impact map
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