Ami Bera (D-CA)
Expressing support for the annual designation of the first Saturday after the Spring Equinox as ''National Day of Play''.
A Democratic resolution with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
A House resolution is the House speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the House agrees to it, it is officially the House's word; it is not a law, so the Senate and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
This resolution expresses support for designating the first Saturday after the Spring Equinox as the "National Day of Play." It aims to recognize the importance of social connection for mental, physical, and social development. The resolution highlights concerns regarding an epidemic of loneliness, social isolation, and excessive device use. By establishing this day, the House of Representatives seeks to encourage people to put down their electronics and participate in play. This initiative serves to celebrate the essential role of social connections and community involvement.
Yes· 3 of 8
- Scored +5
Would children be better off under this?
The resolution notes that play is essential for children's brain development, social skills, and helps counter the negative impacts of excessive screen time.
- Scored +4
Would students be better off under this?
The resolution emphasizes play for social, emotional, and cognitive development which is vital for students.
- Scored +3
Would people over 65 be better off under this?
The resolution notes that social connection can help reduce the risk of dementia and heart disease.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Promotes Mental and Physical Health: The resolution notes that social connection can reduce the risk of chronic disease, serious illness, and help manage stress, anxiety, and depression. It also mentions that play can reduce obesity and associated diseases. (Resolution text)
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Encourages Social Development: Play is described as providing space to develop essential social skills like communication, cooperation, empathy, and negotiation. It also promotes brain development, executive function skills, and creativity. (Resolution text)
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Strengthens Community Bonds: The day encourages participation in community-organized events and helps strengthen community bonds by promoting social connections in places like neighborhoods, schools, and parks. (Resolution text)
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Reduces Negative Effects of Technology: The resolution encourages people to take a break from electronics and screen time, which can provide physical, mental, and social benefits and counter the "absent presence" caused by excessive device use. (Resolution text)
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly stated in the text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would children be better off under this? — The resolution notes that play is essential for children's brain development, social skills, and helps counter the negative impacts of excessive screen time. Would students be better off under this? — The resolution emphasizes play for social, emotional, and cognitive development which is vital for students. Would retired people be better off under this? — The resolution addresses health risks like dementia that are relevant to older age groups. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The resolution notes that social connection can help reduce the risk of dementia and heart disease. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — The resolution addresses the social isolation and physical activity levels of adults. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — The resolution targets the reduction of social isolation and excessive device use which affects adults.
- Healthcare
- Does this make mental health care easier to get? — The resolution highlights that social connection and play can help manage stress, anxiety, and depression. Does this do more about addiction and overdose deaths? — The resolution promotes social connection and activity as a way to improve overall well-being.
- 2/4/2026
- Submitted in House
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
Mike FloodRepublican · Nebraska