A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Safe Digging Month.

119th Congress Introduced by Maria Cantwell and 3 co-sponsors

The resolution expresses Senate support for National Safe Digging Month and promotes awareness of safe digging practices and contacting utility locate services before digging.

Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

Overview

Bill: SRES 673

Session: 119th Congress

Jurisdiction: United States

Title: A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Safe Digging Month

Status: Agreed to in the Senate by Unanimous Consent (April 15, 2026)

Sponsor/Co-sponsors:

Primary sponsor not listed here; co-sponsors include Sen. Maria Cantwell, Sen. Todd Young, Sen. Ted Cruz, and Sen. Gary Peters

Intent: A non-binding Senate resolution recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals associated with National Safe Digging Month, and encouraging awareness of safe digging practices.

Purpose and Intent

To express the Senate’s support for National Safe Digging Month, a period dedicated to promoting safe digging practices and reducing harm from unintended subsurface utility strikes.

To reinforce public awareness about the importance of contacting utility locate services (e.g., 811 in the U.S.) before any digging activities, whether at home or in professional projects.

Key Provisions

Non-binding Nature: As a resolution, it does not create new laws or impose regulatory requirements. It is a formal expression of the Senate's support.

Awareness and Education Emphasis: Encourages individuals, businesses, and organizations to follow best practices for safe digging, including timely notification to utility providers and adherence to established excavation guidelines.

Public and Private Sector Alignment: Encourages federal, state, local governments, and private sector stakeholders to promote and participate in safe digging awareness initiatives, training, and outreach.

Impact and Affected Parties

General Public: Reinforces the importance of safe digging to prevent injuries, fatalities, and damage to underground utilities.

Contractors and Employers: Emphasizes adherence to digging safety protocols and coordination with utility locate services.

Utility Companies and Locate Services: Encouraged to participate in educational efforts and to support public awareness campaigns.

Federal Agencies: May use the resolution to justify or reinforce safety communications and outreach during National Safe Digging Month.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduction and Consideration: The measure was introduced and considered in the Senate.

Adoption: Passed/agreed to in the Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent on April 15, 2026.

Next Steps: As a resolution, it does not require Senate floor action from the House to take effect beyond Senate adoption. It serves to publicly acknowledge and promote the goals of National Safe Digging Month.

Remarks

The resolution aligns with ongoing safety efforts to reduce damage from digging and to prevent injuries by promoting awareness and proper procedures before digging activities.

The presence of multiple co-sponsors from both major parties signals bipartisan support for safety and infrastructure awareness initiatives.

Bill