SRES-452-119
Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7141; text: CR S7140-7141)
Sponsored by Chuck Grassley (R-IA)
What it does
This resolution designates the week of October 19, 2025, as "National Character Counts Week." It calls on Americans and interested organizations to embrace character traits such as trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship, and to observe the week with ceremonies, programs, and activities. The resolution carries no legal mandates, appropriates no funds, and creates no enforceable obligations.
Who benefits
Character education organizations and nonprofits (such as the Josephson Institute, which created the "Character Counts!" framework) that gain national visibility. Schools and educators who incorporate character education curricula may see renewed public interest. Youth-serving civic and religious organizations that promote values-based programming. Bipartisan sponsors may benefit from association with a broadly popular, uncontroversial message.
Who is hurt
There are no direct material harms. Some critics of government-endorsed values frameworks may object to the Senate implicitly endorsing a particular set of character traits, arguing it edges toward prescribing civic or moral norms. Organizations with competing character education frameworks not referenced in the resolution receive no recognition.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that character education has measurable benefits for school climate and youth outcomes, and that a national designation raises awareness at no cost to taxpayers. They contend that the resolution's broad, bipartisan sponsorship — spanning senators from both parties — reflects genuine consensus that traits like honesty, fairness, and responsibility are foundational to civic life and transcend political division.
Opponents argue
Opponents argue that Senate resolutions designating awareness weeks are largely symbolic and consume legislative time without producing enforceable policy change. They contend that the resolution's endorsement of specific character traits, while broadly worded, still represents the federal government nudging citizens toward a particular moral framework — a function traditionally left to families, communities, and local institutions under the Tenth Amendment.
Constitutional context
No significant constitutional issue is raised. The resolution is purely symbolic and creates no legal mandates, spending conditions, or regulatory requirements. Education is traditionally a state function under the Tenth Amendment, but a non-binding Senate resolution does not implicate that boundary.
Checks and balances
The Senate expresses a symbolic position; no executive branch authority is granted or expanded, and no judicial review is triggered, as the resolution creates no enforceable legal obligations.
Historical precedent
Congress has designated "National Character Counts Week" annually since the 1990s, making this a routine reauthorization of a long-standing commemorative designation.