[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.J. Res. 138 Introduced in House (IH)]
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119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. J. RES. 138
Expressing support for the designation of the second Saturday of
January as ``National Desert Day''.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 8, 2026
Mr. Ruiz submitted the following joint resolution; which was referred
to the Committee on Natural Resources
_______________________________________________________________________
JOINT RESOLUTION
Expressing support for the designation of the second Saturday of
January as ``National Desert Day''.
Whereas a desert is defined as an arid land with usually sparse vegetation,
especially such land having a very warm climate and receiving less than
25 centimeters (10 inches) of sporadic rainfall annually;
Whereas there are 4 major deserts in the United States, which are the Mojave
Desert, the Sonoran Desert, the Chihuahuan Desert, and the Great Basin
Desert;
Whereas there is growing concern in the United States and globally for
environmental protection and the threats to desert habitats and
conservation initiatives;
Whereas all living things are intertwined by sharing ecosystems, and desert
ecosystems contain biodiversity that only exist in deserts and rely on
sustainable practices; and
Whereas deserts are among of the most significant ecosystems in the country due
to their unique biodiversity, ecological functions, and cultural
importance: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, That Congress--
(1) supports the designation of ``National Desert Day'' and
requests the President to issue a proclamation calling upon the
people of the United States to observe such day with
appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities;
(2) acknowledges that deserts are a crucial stop for
migrating birds to spend the winter and are part of supporting
global biodiversity;
(3) reaffirms its advocacy for native landscapes by
committing to reduce invasive plant species and continue to
maintain a pollinator garden;
(4) honors the ongoing efforts by the United States to
educate citizens on their role in conserving desert
biodiversity; and
(5) encourages the pursuit of policies that ensure the
protection and preservation of the world's deserts.
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