Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.es420 - Supporting the designation of May 16, 2025, as Endangered Species Day. (119th Congress)

Summary

H.Res.420 supports the designation of May 16, 2025, as "Endangered Species Day." The resolution recognizes the value of plants and wildlife and the importance of the Endangered Species Act of 1973. It acknowledges the ongoing biodiversity crisis and the need for continued conservation efforts.

Expected Effects

The resolution itself is largely symbolic, aiming to raise awareness about endangered species and the importance of conservation. It does not create any new laws or allocate funding. However, it could influence public opinion and encourage further action on conservation issues.

Potential Benefits

  • Increased public awareness of endangered species and conservation efforts.
  • Recognition of the economic benefits of wildlife-related tourism and recreation.
  • Reinforcement of the importance of the Endangered Species Act.
  • Acknowledgment of the role of Tribal, indigenous, and Native Alaskan communities in species conservation.
  • Celebration of the success of species recovery efforts.

Potential Disadvantages

  • The resolution is largely symbolic and may not lead to concrete action.
  • It does not address the underlying causes of species endangerment, such as habitat loss and climate change.
  • There are no direct disadvantages, but some may argue that focusing on endangered species distracts from other environmental issues.
  • The resolution does not allocate any funding for conservation efforts, so it may not have a significant impact.
  • Some may view the resolution as unnecessary or redundant.

Constitutional Alignment

The resolution aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution's preamble, which aims to "promote the general Welfare." Congress's power to enact legislation related to conservation and environmental protection is generally accepted, and the Endangered Species Act itself has been upheld by the courts. The resolution does not infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).