Expressing support for the designation of the week of October 24, 2025, to October 31, 2025, as Bat Week.
Summary
This House Resolution expresses support for designating the week of October 24, 2025, to October 31, 2025, as "Bat Week." It highlights the vital role bats play in ecosystems, economies, and human health through pest control, pollination, and seed dispersal. The resolution also addresses the threat of white-nose syndrome to bat populations.
The document acknowledges the collaborative efforts of various federal and state agencies, tribes, and organizations in monitoring and conserving bat populations. It emphasizes the progress made in understanding and combating white-nose syndrome.
Ultimately, the resolution aims to raise awareness about the importance of bats and encourage continued efforts to protect them and their habitats.
Expected Effects
If passed, this resolution would formally express the House of Representatives' support for "Bat Week," encouraging events and activities to raise awareness about bats. It would also reinforce the House's commitment to conserving bat species and combating white-nose syndrome.
While the resolution itself does not create any legally binding obligations, it could influence future legislative action and funding decisions related to bat conservation. It may also encourage greater public engagement in bat conservation efforts.
This resolution serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the importance of bats and the need for continued conservation efforts.
Potential Benefits
- Increased public awareness of the ecological and economic importance of bats.
- Potential for greater public engagement in bat conservation efforts.
- Reinforcement of the importance of collaborative conservation efforts among various stakeholders.
- Potential influence on future legislative action and funding decisions related to bat conservation.
- Recognition of the progress made in understanding and combating white-nose syndrome.
Potential Disadvantages
- The resolution itself has no direct legal or financial impact.
- It relies on voluntary participation and awareness campaigns, which may have limited reach.
- The resolution does not address the underlying causes of habitat loss or other threats to bat populations beyond white-nose syndrome.
- There is no guarantee that the resolution will translate into concrete action or increased funding for bat conservation.
- The resolution is largely symbolic and may not significantly alter the trajectory of bat conservation efforts.
Constitutional Alignment
This resolution appears to align with the general welfare clause of the US Constitution, as it promotes the health of ecosystems and agriculture, which can be argued to contribute to the overall well-being of the nation. However, the resolution itself does not directly invoke any specific constitutional powers or limitations.
Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to make laws that are necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers. While this resolution does not directly enact any laws, it could be seen as a precursor to future legislation related to bat conservation, which could potentially fall under Congress's authority to regulate interstate commerce or manage federal lands.
Amendment I, which protects freedom of speech, could be relevant if the observance of Bat Week involves educational outreach and advocacy efforts.
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).