Mike Thompson (D-CA)
Supporting the designation of the week beginning on October 10, 2026, as "National Wildlife Refuge Week".
A Democratic resolution with 2 Republican cosponsors · See all 12 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
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
H. Res. 1628 is a resolution supporting the designation of the week beginning on October 10, 2026, as National Wildlife Refuge Week. The text highlights the history, size, and ecological importance of the National Wildlife Refuge System managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. It notes that the system includes hundreds of refuges, marine monuments, and wetland management districts providing habitats for diverse species and threatened wildlife. Furthermore, the resolution emphasizes the economic, recreational, educational, and cultural value these lands bring to local communities and Tribes across the country. Ultimately, the House of Representatives resolves to support this designation, encourage public observance, and reaffirm its commitment to wildlife conservation.
Yes· 3 of 14
- Scored +6
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The resolution strongly affirms support for the National Wildlife Refuge System and its mission to conserve, manage, and restore fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats.
- Scored +5
Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests?
The resolution commends and reaffirms support for the management of the National Wildlife Refuge System's more than 850,000,000 acres of protected lands.
- Scored +4
Would children be better off under this?
The resolution notes that national wildlife refuges provide important opportunities for children to discover and gain a greater appreciation for the natural world.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Recreational Opportunities: The text notes in resolved clause (4) and the preamble that refuges offer sustainable hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, and environmental education. This benefits individuals by providing accessible outdoor spaces for recreation and tourism.
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Support for Local Economies: As highlighted in the preamble and recognized in resolved clause (4), national wildlife refuges are important to local businesses and gateway communities. This can positively impact local economies by drawing visitors and tourists to the surrounding areas.
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Inclusivity and Community Engagement: According to resolved clause (6) and the preamble detailing the Urban Wildlife Conservation Program, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service works to dismantle barriers blocking underserved communities from outdoor participation. This benefits individuals by fostering conservation coalitions, employing youth, and connecting all people with nature.
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Cultural and Historical Preservation: The preamble points out that refuges protect important cultural and historic resources, such as Native American archaeological sites, World War II sites, and the home of the father of Harriet Tubman. This benefits the public by preserving shared national history and heritage.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No Negative Impacts Identified: Based strictly on the text provided in H. Res. 1628, there are no specific sections or provisions that outline negative consequences, burdens, or penalties for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
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 national wildlife refuges provide important opportunities for children to discover and gain a greater appreciation for the natural world. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The resolution emphasizes collaboration and co-stewardship of refuge lands and waters with Tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, and Native Hawaiian communities. Would gun owners be better off under this? — The resolution explicitly recognizes national wildlife refuges for offering sustainable hunting opportunities and securing the hunting heritage of the United States. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The resolution highlights efforts by the Urban Wildlife Conservation Program to dismantle barriers and provide equal access to outdoor recreation for underserved communities. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The resolution acknowledges the positive economic and recreational impacts of refuges on gateway communities, many of which are rural. Would students be better off under this? — The resolution highlights the environmental education and interpretive opportunities provided by national wildlife refuges. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — The resolution highlights youth education and employment opportunities provided through programs like the Urban Wildlife Conservation Program.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The resolution strongly affirms support for the National Wildlife Refuge System and its mission to conserve, manage, and restore fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats. Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests? — The resolution commends and reaffirms support for the management of the National Wildlife Refuge System's more than 850,000,000 acres of protected lands. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — The resolution supports the National Wildlife Refuge System, which protects climate-resilient habitats supporting biodiversity and nature-based solutions. Does this invest in rural communities? — The resolution recognizes the value that national wildlife refuges bring to gateway communities and local economies in rural and regional areas.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The resolution acknowledges that national wildlife refuges benefit local businesses and gateway communities through tourism and recreation.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The text notes that refuges utilize wildlife health assessments, inventory and monitoring of species, and other scientific management tools.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The resolution highlights the Urban Wildlife Conservation Program's efforts to dismantle barriers blocking underserved communities from outdoor recreation and conservation participation.
- 10/22/2026
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- 10/19/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 10/15/2026
- Submitted in House
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 7 Cosponsors added.
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Julia BrownleyDemocrat · California
Ed CaseDemocrat · Hawaii
André CarsonDemocrat · Indiana
Debbie DingellDemocrat · Michigan
Michael GuestRepublican · Mississippi
Jared HuffmanDemocrat · California
Val HoyleDemocrat · Oregon
Marcy KapturDemocrat · Ohio
Raja KrishnamoorthiDemocrat · Illinois
Kevin MullinDemocrat · California
Mary Gay ScanlonDemocrat · Pennsylvania
Robert WittmanRepublican · Virginia