[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 48 (Monday, March 15, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1527-S1528]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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  SENATE RESOLUTION 109--DESIGNATING APRIL 2021 AS ``NATIONAL NATIVE 
                             PLANT MONTH''

  Mr. PORTMAN (for himself and Ms. Hirono) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 109

       Whereas native plants are indigenous species that have 
     evolved and occur naturally in a particular region, 
     ecosystem, and habitat;
       Whereas there are more than 17,000 native plant species in 
     the United States, which include trees, shrubs, vines, 
     grasses, and wildflowers;
       Whereas native plants help prevent flooding, drought, and 
     erosion and can help restore damaged ecosystems;
       Whereas native plants provide shelter as well as nectar, 
     pollen, and seeds that serve as food for native butterflies, 
     insects, birds, and other wildlife in ways that non-native 
     plants cannot;
       Whereas more than 200 of the native plant species in the 
     United States are estimated to have been lost since the early 
     19th century;
       Whereas habitat loss and degradation, extreme weather 
     events, and invasive species have contributed to the decline 
     of native plants in the United States; and
       Whereas native plants are essential components of resilient 
     ecosystems and our natural heritage: Now, therefore, be it

[[Page S1528]]

       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates April 2021 as ``National Native Plant 
     Month''; and
       (2) recognizes the benefits of native plants to the 
     environment and economy of the United States.

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