[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 803 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]
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118th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. RES. 803
Recognizing the importance of purple martins to United States
ecosystems, tourism, and history by designating August 10, 2024, as
``Purple Martin Conservation Day''.
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IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
August 1, 2024
Mr. Braun (for himself and Mr. Fetterman) submitted the following
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
September 19, 2024
Committee discharged; considered and agreed to
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RESOLUTION
Recognizing the importance of purple martins to United States
ecosystems, tourism, and history by designating August 10, 2024, as
``Purple Martin Conservation Day''.
Whereas purple martins (Progne subis) are the largest swallows in North America
and have 3 subspecies that are unique to North and South America;
Whereas, every year, approximately 8,700,000 purple martins migrate from South
America to North America for breeding season, visiting 48 out of 50
States, as well as portions of southern Canada and Mexico;
Whereas, beginning in July of each year, adult and juvenile purple martins
congregate at roosts and migrate to South America for the winter months;
Whereas, thousands of years ago, Native Americans began providing man-made
dwellings for purple martins after recognizing their utility as pest and
insect regulators;
Whereas habitat loss and the spread of non-native invasive bird species have
pushed purple martins to transition to man-made dwellings, upon which
purple martins now depend for survival east of the Rocky Mountains;
Whereas, in the face of population decline, successful conservation efforts of
modern birders in the United States have helped the purple martin to
remain a species of least concern; and
Whereas, in 2024, there are more than 220,000 active purple martin colonies
across the United States that offer aesthetic benefits, foster tourism,
maintain ecological diversity, and provide immense educational
opportunity for children and adults alike: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) designates August 10, 2024, as ``Purple Martin
Conservation Day''; and
(2) recognizes the economic, educational, historical, and
aesthetic value that purple martins offer to people of the
United States of all ages.
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