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

Overview

• Bill: H.Res.1240 (119th Congress, 2nd Session)
• Title: Expressing support for the designation of the week of May 8 through May 17, 2026, as “National American Birding Week”
• Sponsor(s): Rep. Marcy Kaptur (plus co-sponsors Tony Wied, Bob Latta, Jan Schakowsky, Frank Mrvan, Rashida Tlaib)
• Committee: House Committee on Natural Resources
• Date introduced: April 30, 2026

Purpose and Intent

• The resolution expresses support for designating May 8–17, 2026, as National American Birding Week.
• It highlights the cultural and economic importance of birding, and it urges participation in events to raise awareness about migratory birds and their conservation.

Key Provisions

• Formal designation: Supports establishing a national observance named “National American Birding Week” for the specified dates in 2026.
• Economic and cultural significance: Recognizes that birding generates substantial economic activity and employment, contributing billions in economic benefits annually.
• Threats to migratory birds: Acknowledges threats to migratory bird populations, including habitat loss, predation, and collisions with buildings, utility infrastructure, and vehicles.
• Collaborative conservation: Commends efforts by federal, state, and local governments, conservation organizations, and businesses to promote migratory bird conservation and economic development through birding.
• Public engagement: Encourages participation in birding events (e.g., the “Biggest Week in American Birding”) to learn about migration and support conservation and related initiatives.

Who/What is Affected

• General public and birding community: Encourages participation and awareness among birders and the broader public.
• Migratory birds: Addresses conservation needs and awareness for species that migrate through the United States.
• Government and organizations: Pins emphasis on collaboration among federal, state, local governments, conservation groups, and businesses to promote conservation and economic activity.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

• Legislative status: Introduced and referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources (April 30, 2026).
• Nature of action: A symbolic, non-binding resolution expressing support and recognizing the proposed observance; it does not establish new mandates or funding.
• Potential observance: If enacted (as a resolution, not a law), it would formally acknowledge and promote National American Birding Week for May 8–17, 2026.

Notable Details

• Estimated scope cited: Bird migration involves hundreds of millions of birds and over 350 species migrating north to breeding grounds each spring.
• Economic context: Birding activities are framed as supporting a large economy—claims include billions in economic benefits, millions of birders, and substantial employment impacts.

Bottom Line

H.Res.1240 is a non-binding House resolution designating May 8–17, 2026, as National American Birding Week. It emphasizes the cultural and economic importance of birding, notes threats to migratory birds, praises collaborative conservation efforts, and encourages public participation in related events.