Valerie Foushee (D-NC)
Expressing support for the designation of August 1 as "National Woman Astronomers Day".
A Democratic resolution with no cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
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 August 1 as "National Woman Astronomers Day." It highlights the significant historical and scientific contributions made by American women in the field of astronomy. The text notes that women currently represent 30 percent of the astronomical workforce. The resolution aims to reflect on these notable contributions through various activities. Finally, it affirms a commitment to ensuring women have equal access to opportunities in astronomy.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +5
Would women be better off under this?
The resolution designates a national day to recognize the historical and contemporary achievements of women in astronomy.
- Scored +5
Does this narrow the gap between how men and women are treated?
The resolution affirms a commitment to ensuring women have equal access to opportunities in the field of astronomy.
- Scored +3
Would Black Americans be better off under this?
The resolution specifically honors Dr. Barbara A. Williams, the first African-American woman to earn a doctorate in astronomy.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Recognition of Achievements: The resolution recognizes and emphasizes the importance of American women in astronomy, including pioneers like Maria Mitchell, Dr. Annie Jump Cannon, and Dr. Andrea Ghez (Whereas clause 1-14). This provides historical recognition for women's contributions to the field.
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Workforce Development: The bill notes that increasing the number of women in astronomy is critical to maintaining a competitive workforce and programs (Whereas clause). This focus on diversity aims to bring different experiences that can lead to more creative and pioneering solutions (Whereas clause).
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Equal Opportunity: The resolution affirms a commitment to ensuring that all women have equal access to opportunity in the field of astronomy (Resolved clause 3).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly mentioned in the provided 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 women be better off under this? — The resolution designates a national day to recognize the historical and contemporary achievements of women in astronomy. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — The resolution specifically honors Dr. Barbara A. Williams, the first African-American woman to earn a doctorate in astronomy.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow the gap between how men and women are treated? — The resolution affirms a commitment to ensuring women have equal access to opportunities in the field of astronomy.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The resolution highlights the importance of increasing the female workforce to maintain competitive astronomical programs.
- 7/22/2026
- Submitted in House
- Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.