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HRES 1361

Expressing support for the recognition of July 3 through July 10, 2026, as "National Extreme Heat Awareness Week", a national event educating the public on the dangers of extreme heat and the risks of extreme heat events to public safety, infrastructure, agriculture, and much more, and supporting the goals of a National Extreme Heat Awareness Week.

119th Congress Introduced by Suzanne Bonamici and 9 co-sponsors

Recognizes National Extreme Heat Awareness Week to educate the public on extreme heat dangers and promotes awareness efforts by public, schools, and organizations.

Submitted in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HRES 1361

Summary of H.Res. 1361 (119th Congress)

Purpose

  • Expresses support for recognizing July 3–10, 2026 as “National Extreme Heat Awareness Week.”
  • Aims to educate the public about the dangers of extreme heat, the risks posed by extreme heat events to public safety, infrastructure, agriculture, and related areas, and to support the goals of promoting awareness during the designated week.

Key Provisions

  • Formal acknowledgment by the House of Representatives that National Extreme Heat Awareness Week should be observed with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
  • Encourages:
    • Continued emphasis on research and policy development to address extreme heat.
    • Increased efforts and resources to raise public awareness about the dangers of extreme heat.
    • Public and private organization involvement, including schools and communities, to observe the week and educate the public.
  • Invites participation from all Americans to observe the week and engage in educational activities and initiatives.

Contextual Background and Rationale (as outlined in the bill)

  • Highlights that extreme heat is a major public health and safety concern, affecting infrastructure, agriculture, and economic activity.
  • Notes that heat risk varies by geography, creating region-specific challenges.
  • States that extreme heat is a leading weather-related cause of death in the United States, with annual fatalities cited (approximately 1,300 nationally as of 2024, including higher numbers in New York and Arizona based on reported data).
  • Points to preventable nature of many heat-related deaths and outlines preventative measures such as:
    • Public safety campaigns about heat illness (heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and prevention).
    • Adoption of cooling technologies and resilience measures.
    • Potential improvements to federal response, including possibilities for national extreme heat emergencies.

Who and What Is Affected

  • Broad audience: the general public, state and local governments, schools, employers, and organizations involved in public health, safety, and infrastructure planning.
  • Encourages participation by federal and non-federal entities to raise awareness and implement educational programs during National Extreme Heat Awareness Week.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction Date: June 11, 2026.
  • Referral: The bill was referred to the House committees with jurisdiction over energy and commerce, as well as science, space, and technology, for consideration of provisions within their scope.
  • No specific substantive changes to law are proposed beyond recognition and a call to observe and promote awareness during the designated week; no funding or regulatory amendments are included in the text as provided.
  • The resolution is non-binding and ceremonial in nature, serving to express support and encourage actions consistent with awareness-raising during the week.

Sponsor Information

  • Primary sponsors include Representatives Lawler, Stanton, Norton, Gottheimer, Menede, Carter (LA), Titus, Thanedar, Bonamici, McIver, Cleaver, and others.
  • Co-sponsors include several members across parties and caucuses, signaling broad congressional support for recognizing extreme heat awareness efforts.

Potential Impact

  • May catalyze public awareness campaigns, school and community outreach, and interagency coordination during the designated week.
  • Could inform future policy discussions on heat resilience, public health preparedness, and emergency response, though this resolution itself does not create new statutory requirements or spending authority.

Note: This summary reflects the bill’s explicit text and stated purpose as a non-binding resolution to recognize National Extreme Heat Awareness Week.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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