Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
A resolution designating July 2026 as "Plastic Pollution Action Month".
A Democratic resolution with 4 Democratic cosponsors · See all 4 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S4140)
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 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.
What this bill would do
This bill officially designates July 2026 as Plastic Pollution Action Month. It points out the massive global and national problems caused by plastic waste, including low recycling rates and pollution in our oceans. The text highlights how plastic harms marine life and poses risks to human health because microplastics have been found inside the human body. It notes that people already take part in efforts like Plastics Free July and the International Coastal Cleanup to tackle this issue. Ultimately, the Senate resolves to recognize these dangers and encourages everyone in the United States to protect the environment and public health by taking part in plastic reduction activities.
Yes
- Scored +3
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The resolution raises public awareness and encourages citizens to protect the environment by reducing plastic pollution.
- Scored +2
Would children be better off under this?
Promoting a cleaner environment and reducing microplastic health hazards benefits the long-term well-being of children.
- Scored +1
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?
Encourages civic participation and environmental awareness among young adults.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Encouraging Public Health Protection: Through the resolution text, the Senate recognizes the well-established human health risks associated with ingesting plastics and microplastics found in human blood, lungs, colons, and placentas. This brings important public attention to a hidden health threat.
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Promoting Environmental Stewardship: Under Resolved (3), the Senate encourages all individuals in the United States to protect, conserve, maintain, and rebuild public health and the environment by responsibly participating in activities to reduce plastic pollution in July 2026 and year round. This gives everyday folks a clear, positive push to clean up their communities and cut down on waste.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No Negative Impacts Identified: Based strictly on the provided text, there are no specific sections or provisions that create burdens, mandates, or negative consequences 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? — Promoting a cleaner environment and reducing microplastic health hazards benefits the long-term well-being of children. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Encourages civic participation and environmental awareness among young adults.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The resolution raises public awareness and encourages citizens to protect the environment by reducing plastic pollution.
- 7/16/2026
- Submitted in Senate
- Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S4140)
- 4 Cosponsors added.
3 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland
Peter WelchDemocrat · Vermont
Sheldon WhitehouseDemocrat · Rhode Island