Summary of HRES 402 – Honoring Mothers and Recognizing the Significance of Motherhood (Mother’s Day)

Overview

HRES 402 is a House Resolution introduced in the 118th Congress on May 8, 2025. The resolution expresses national recognition of mothers and the importance of motherhood on the occasion of Mother's Day. It is a non-binding, symbolic measure (a resolution) submitted to the House and referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce.

Purpose and Intent

The bill’s stated purpose is to:
- Support policies that recognize mothers as mothers.
- Acknowledge that Mother's Day is intended specifically to commemorate motherhood and to honor the mothers of the United States.
- Recognize the importance of motherhood, the sacrifices women make when choosing to raise a family, and the invaluable contributions of motherhood to the family, community, states, and the country.
- Encourage the American public to observe Mother’s Day in celebration of the women who have chosen to bring life into the world and nurture the next generation.

Key Provisions (Version Content)

The introduced language outlines four main points:
1. The House supports policies recognizing mothers as mothers.
2. The House acknowledges Mother’s Day as a day dedicated to commemorating motherhood and honoring U.S. mothers.
3. The House recognizes the importance and sacrifices of motherhood and its contributions to family, community, states, and the nation.
4. The House encourages all Americans to observe Mother’s Day in celebration of women who have chosen to bear and nurture children.

Procedural and Timeline Details

• Introduced: May 8, 2025.
• Status: Submitted in the House.
• Legislative Action: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce on May 8, 2025.
• Type: Simple House Resolution (non-binding, symbolic).

Sponsors and Support

Cosponsors (all listed as sponsors or cosponsors) include:
- Brandon Gill
- Claudia Tenney
- Keith Self
- Ashley Hinson
- Dan Crenshaw
- Jake Ellzey
- Tony Gonzales
- Michael A. Rulli
- Barry Moore
- Mary E. Miller
- Monica De La Cruz
- Erin Houchin
- John R. Moolenaar
- Anna Paulina Luna
- Don Bacon
- Brian Babin
- Troy E. Nehls
- Burgess Owens
- Mike Ezell

These members are Republicans representing various districts.

Affected Parties and Potential Impact

• Direct effect: Formal, symbolic recognition by the House of Representatives of the importance of motherhood and the observance of Mother’s Day.
• Indirect effect: Encourages public observance and may influence accompanying education and workforce discussions around family policy, though no new policies, programs, or funding are established in the resolution.
• Since it is a resolution, it does not create enforceable requirements or allocate funds.

Additional Notes

• As a House Resolution, HRES 402 is non-binding and intended as a statement of sentiment and national recognition rather than a directive to implement new policies.
• The resolution’s impact is largely symbolic, aiming to honor mothers and highlight the cultural significance of Mother’s Day.