This House resolution supports naming the week of May 8 through May 17, 2026, as "National American Birding Week." The bill says about 3,500,000,000 songbirds, raptors, shore birds, and waterfowl of over 350 species migrate north through the United States each spring. It says many migratory bird populations are declining because of habitat loss, predation, and collisions with buildings, utility lines, and vehicles. The text cites an estimate that 96,000,000 American birders spend almost $107,000,000,000 each year on birdwatching, support 1,400,000 jobs, and generate billions in income and tax revenue. The resolution notes events like the "Biggest Week in American Birding" that bring together public, nonprofit, and private partners for research, education, outreach, conservation, and local economic activity. It then: (1) supports the designation of National American Birding Week; (2) recognizes birding’s economic value; (3) notes threats to migratory birds; (4) applauds coordinated conservation and development efforts; and (5) encourages birders and the public to attend birding events to learn and support conservation.
The resolution is a formal expression of support from the House for a week-long observance in May 2026. It encourages people to attend birding events to learn about bird migration and to support conservation efforts. It recognizes the size of birding activity and that migratory birds face natural and human-caused threats. The text does not describe new programs or funding.
No publicly available information on new federal spending, grants, or program costs is included in the resolution. The text does include an estimate of annual birdwatching spending by American birders (about $107,000,000,000) and job figures (about 1,400,000), but it does not assign government expenses.
Proponents say designating the week highlights bird migration, supports conservation, and recognizes the large economic role of birding. They point to coordinated efforts by federal, state, local governments, conservation groups, and businesses, and they encourage public participation in events like the "Biggest Week in American Birding" to promote research, education, outreach, and local economic development.
No publicly available information on opposition or criticisms of the resolution.