119 HJ 138 IH: Expressing support for the designation of the second Saturday of January as “National Desert Day”. U.S. House of Representatives 2026-01-08 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IA119th CONGRESS 2d SessionH. J. RES. 138IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESJanuary 8, 2026Mr. Ruiz submitted the following joint resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Natural ResourcesJOINT RESOLUTIONExpressing support for the designation of the second Saturday of January as National Desert Day.

Whereas a desert is defined as an arid land with usually sparse vegetation, especially such land having a very warm climate and receiving less than 25 centimeters (10 inches) of sporadic rainfall annually; Whereas there are 4 major deserts in the United States, which are the Mojave Desert, the Sonoran Desert, the Chihuahuan Desert, and the Great Basin Desert; Whereas there is growing concern in the United States and globally for environmental protection and the threats to desert habitats and conservation initiatives;Whereas all living things are intertwined by sharing ecosystems, and desert ecosystems contain biodiversity that only exist in deserts and rely on sustainable practices; andWhereas deserts are among of the most significant ecosystems in the country due to their unique biodiversity, ecological functions, and cultural importance: Now, therefore, be it

That Congress—(1)supports the designation of National Desert Day and requests the President to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe such day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities;(2)acknowledges that deserts are a crucial stop for migrating birds to spend the winter and are part of supporting global biodiversity;(3)reaffirms its advocacy for native landscapes by committing to reduce invasive plant species and continue to maintain a pollinator garden;(4)honors the ongoing efforts by the United States to educate citizens on their role in conserving desert biodiversity; and(5)encourages the pursuit of policies that ensure the protection and preservation of the world’s deserts.