HRES-811-119
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Sponsored by Becca Balint (D-VT)
What it does
This non-binding House resolution would express support for designating October 24-31, 2025, as "Bat Week" and would encourage observance with events and activities. It would also acknowledge the role of bats in pollination and pest control, and state that the House intends to keep working to conserve bat species and habitat and to defeat white-nose syndrome. It would create no legal duty, program, or spending authority.
Who benefits
Conservation groups, wildlife agencies, and educators who run Bat Week events may gain public attention. Bats, especially species hit by white-nose syndrome, may benefit indirectly if attention leads to later conservation action. Farmers who rely on bats for pest control and pollination may benefit indirectly, though the resolution itself changes no policy.
Who is hurt
No group is meaningfully affected. The resolution is symbolic, imposes no requirements or costs, and changes no law or funding.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that a week of recognition raises public awareness of species facing white-nose syndrome, which the resolution's findings state has spread to 40 States. They contend that the House's attention costs nothing, supports ongoing federal and state conservation partnerships, and highlights the agricultural value of bats as pest controllers and pollinators.
Opponents argue
Opponents argue that commemorative resolutions are symbolic, do not fund research or habitat protection, and use limited House time that could go to binding legislation. They contend that conservation is already led by existing agencies and partners, and that the House's stated intentions create no enforceable commitment, so awareness does not by itself change outcomes.
Constitutional context
This resolution raises no constitutional question beyond each chamber's authority over its own proceedings and expressions under Article I, Section 5. It is non-binding and does not invoke the Commerce Clause or any regulatory power.
Checks and balances
The resolution shifts no power among the branches; it is a House-only statement that does not go to the Senate or the President and binds no agency.
Historical precedent
Congress has regularly passed non-binding resolutions supporting awareness weeks and observances for wildlife and conservation topics, including prior Bat Week resolutions.