Summary#
This resolution asks the House to support calling July 2026 “American Grown Flower and Foliage Month.” It is a nonbinding statement that celebrates U.S. flower and foliage growers and encourages people to buy and showcase domestically grown flowers. The stated goal is to raise awareness of the domestic floral industry and its economic and cultural role.
- Main change: The House would formally express support for the designation and urge people to showcase U.S.-grown flowers and foliage.
- Nature of the action: This is a symbolic, nonbinding resolution (it does not create new laws, spending, or regulatory requirements).
- Industry facts cited in the text: The resolution cites annual consumer spending on floral products of over $70 billion, per-person spending of about $260, and that only about 15% of flowers sold in the U.S. are domestically grown.
- Examples in the text: The bill lists common U.S.-grown flowers and states that grow them (for example, peonies in Alaska and tulips in Washington).
- Call to action: It encourages consumers to buy U.S.-grown flowers and recognizes the “American Grown Flowers” logo.
What it means for you#
- Consumers: This resolution is a public encouragement to consider buying flowers and foliage grown in the United States. It does not require consumers to change behavior.
- Flower and foliage growers and florists: The resolution publicly recognizes and promotes the industry. It may raise awareness, but it does not provide funding, tax changes, or program support.
- Small businesses in the floral supply chain: The resolution may boost visibility for domestic producers and sellers if it leads to promotional activities, but it does not create legal or financial benefits.
- State and local governments: No direct obligations. They could choose to mark the month with events or promotions, but the resolution does not require or fund such actions.
- Federal agencies: The resolution does not require agencies to take action or to spend money. Any federal participation in promotion would need separate authorization or funding.
- General public: The practical effect is mainly symbolic—an official recognition intended to spotlight domestic flowers and the people who grow them.
Expenses#
No publicly available information.
- The resolution itself does not authorize spending or create programs.
- Any costs would come only if Congress, federal agencies, states, industry groups, or others chose to run events or campaigns to mark the month. The bill does not provide or require funding for that.
- There is no fiscal note or budget estimate included in the provided material.
Proponents' View#
- The bill appears intended to raise public awareness of U.S. flower and foliage growers and the domestic floral industry.
- Supporters may argue that highlighting domestic production could encourage consumers to buy locally grown flowers, which could support farmers, small businesses, and jobs.
- The resolution highlights economic figures and production examples to show the industry’s size and diversity.
- It could be seen as celebrating cultural traditions tied to flowers (holidays, weddings, memorials), reinforcing the idea that domestic flowers contribute to those traditions.
Opponents' View#
- One concern is that the resolution is only symbolic and does not address concrete challenges the domestic industry faces, such as competition from imports, labor, or infrastructure needs.
- The bill does not provide funding or policy measures to increase the share of domestically grown flowers in the market.
- It is unclear whether the designation will produce measurable changes in consumer behavior or industry economics.
- Any promotional activities that might follow would need separate funding or action; the resolution does not explain who would organize or pay for such efforts.