119-hres194

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 194 Introduced in House

    (IH) ]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
 1st Session
H. RES. 194

 Expressing support for the designation of March 6, 2025, as ``Great 
 Lakes Day''.

_______________________________________________________________________

 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

 March 5, 2025

 Mr. James (for himself, Mr. Bergman, Mr. Thanedar, Ms. Tlaib, Mrs. 
 Dingell, Mr. Moolenaar, and Ms. Scholten) submitted the following 
 resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, 
for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case 
for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of 
 the committee concerned

_______________________________________________________________________

 RESOLUTION

 Expressing support for the designation of March 6, 2025, as ``Great 
 Lakes Day''.

Whereas the Great Lakes consist of Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, Lake 
 Ontario, and Lake Superior, and border the States of Michigan, 
 Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New 
 York;
Whereas the Great Lakes watershed provides habitats for numerous fascinating 
 species of wildlife, including moose, Canada lynx, river otter, bald 
 eagle, herring gull, northern harrier, common loon, Kirtland's warbler, 
 ring-necked duck, piping plover, whitefish, walleye, yellow perch, 
 muskellunge, and brook trout;
Whereas the Great Lakes have exceptional surrounding parks, forests, shorelines, 
 and islands, which are a source of enjoyment and wonder, and attract 
 tourism through recreational opportunities, including swimming, hiking, 
 picnics, boating, fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching;
Whereas the States bordering the Great Lakes are currently home to 35 million 
 people and have been the ancestral home for Native American Tribes for 
 millennia;
Whereas the Great Lakes are the largest surface freshwater system on Earth, with 
 over 90 percent of the United States freshwater supply and over 20 
 percent of the world's freshwater supply, providing drinking water for 
 over 40 million people;
Whereas the Great Lakes are vital for the region's economy, providing 
 transportation for goods and contributing $3.1 trillion in gross 
 domestic product;
Whereas the Great Lakes region employs over 25 million people and supports $1.3 
 trillion in wages;
Whereas the Great Lakes region's environment and economy depend on the health 
 and well-being of the Great Lakes;
Whereas the Great Lakes are an essential part of the heritage of the United 
 States; and
Whereas Lake St. Clair is the ``Heart of the Great Lakes'' because of its 
 location and size, and its contribution to drinking water, recreation, 
 and commerce: Now, therefore, be it
 Resolved, That the House of Representatives--

    (1) supports the designation of ``Great Lakes Day'';

    (2) recognizes the contribution of the Great Lakes to the 
 way of life of people in the United States;

    (3) commits to ensuring that the Great Lakes are preserved 
 and protected, through programs such as the Great Lakes 
 Restoration Initiative, for this generation and generations to 
 come; and

    (4) calls on all Americans and all levels of government in 
 the United States to take additional actions and accelerate 
 existing efforts to preserve and protect Lake St. Clair as a 
 vital natural resource.
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