Pete Ricketts (R-NE)
A resolution expressing support for the annual designation of the first Saturday after the Spring Equinox as "National Day of Play".
A Republican resolution with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See all 8 cosponsors
Last activity — Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1523; text: CR S1517)
Adopted
The chamber formally agreed to it, and for a resolution that is the finish line: what it says is now officially the chamber's position, rule or tribute.
Nothing more is needed. A resolution is how a chamber speaks for itself or sets its own rules, so adopting it is what puts it into effect. It is not a law, so there is nothing for the President to sign.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Officially Recorded
- Adopted by the Senate unanimous consent
A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.
The Senate by unanimous consent (no one objected, so there was no vote): no senator's position on it was recorded.
What this bill would do
This resolution expresses support for designating the first Saturday after the Spring Equinox annually as the ``National Day of Play''. The proposal aims to address the epidemic of loneliness, social isolation, and the negative health impacts of excessive device use. It highlights how play and social connection can improve mental and physical health. By designating this day, the Senate recognizes the importance of social connection for development. The resolution ultimately encourages people to put down their electronics and participate in play.
Yes· 3 of 5
- Scored +5
Would children be better off under this?
The resolution highlights the importance of play for children's brain development and social growth.
- Scored +3
Would students be better off under this?
The resolution encourages breaking from screen time to improve cognitive and social functions.
- Scored +3
Does this make mental health care easier to get?
The resolution advocates for play to help manage stress, anxiety, and depression.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Improved Mental and Physical Health: The resolution notes that social connection can help reduce the risk of chronic disease, serious illness, and help manage stress, anxiety, and depression (Resolution clauses).
- Promotion of Physical Activity: Play is identified as a way to reduce obesity and associated diseases, and the resolution notes that social connection encourages physical activity (Resolution clauses).
- Development of Social Skills: Play provides space to develop and practice essential social skills such as communication, cooperation, empathy, and negotiation (Resolution clauses).
- Cognitive and Emotional Benefits: Play is described as a tool that promotes brain development, executive function skills, creativity, and problem-solving skills (Resolution clauses).
- Strengthening Community Bonds: A National Day of Play is intended to strengthen community bonds and encourage a national focus on creating safe and healthy environments (Resolution clauses).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly stated in the text provided.
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 highlights the importance of play for children's brain development and social growth. Would students be better off under this? — The resolution encourages breaking from screen time to improve cognitive and social functions. Would retired people be better off under this? — Social connection is noted to help reduce the risk of chronic disease and dementia in older populations. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The resolution notes that social connection can help reduce the risk of dementia and chronic disease.
- Healthcare
- Does this make mental health care easier to get? — The resolution advocates for play to help manage stress, anxiety, and depression.
- 3/22/2026
- Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1523; text: CR S1517)
- Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1523; text: CR S1517)
- 8 Cosponsors added.
- Bill introduced.
Katie BrittRepublican · Alabama
John CornynRepublican · Texas
Kevin CramerRepublican · North Dakota
Steve DainesRepublican · Montana
Chuck GrassleyRepublican · Iowa
Cynthia LummisRepublican · Wyoming
Christopher MurphyDemocrat · Connecticut
James RischRepublican · Idaho