Merkley, Panetta Announce Bicameral Resolution Marking National Pollinator Week 2026

Washington, D.C. - Oregon's U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) announced a bicameral resolution to recognize the importance of pollinators to ecosystem health and agriculture in the United States.

The resolution designates June 22 through June 28, 2026, as "National Pollinator Week," to emphasize the vital role native pollinators play in the health of our ecosystems and economies, and highlight the difficulties many pollinator species face, including the iconic Western Monarch butterfly.

"In celebration of National Pollinator Week, this resolution recognizes that pollinators are critical to maintaining life as we know it. By working together to restore habitat and address the threats pollinators face, we can help iconic species like the Western Monarch recover and flourish in Oregon and across the nation. I will continue working to ensure America's pollinators have the support they need to thrive," said Merkley.

"Pollinators, including the iconic western monarch butterfly, are increasingly threatened by climate change and habitat loss, putting our ecosystems at risk," said Panetta. "Pollinator Week recognizes the vital role pollinators play in sustaining the beauty and bounty we are fortunate to enjoy in California's 19th Congressional District and across our nation. I'm proud to partner with my colleagues in the House and Senate to shine a light on the growing challenges our pollinators face and the work needed at every level to rescue, restore, and revitalize these essential species."

The resolution is endorsed by the Xerces Society, Nature Conservancy, National Wildlife Federation, Defenders of Wildlife, Sierra Club, Animal Welfare Institute, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Oregon Farm Bureau.

"Pollinators are vital to life on our planet, and we are very happy to support designating June 22 through June 28, 2026, as 'National Pollinator Week.' Raising awareness through the National Pollinator Week designation is important to ensure pollinators continue to grace our farms, meadows and cities into the future," said Scott Hoffman Black, Xerces Society Executive Director.

"Bees, bats, butterflies, and other wildlife play an important role in ensuring we all have food on the table. They pollinate approximately one-third of all food crops. Unfortunately, pollinators are under threat, due to such things as dwindling habitat, disease, and other threats. The Nature Conservancy fully supports resolutions like this one that raise awareness about the importance of pollinators," said Sarah Murdock, Nature Conservancy Senior Director of U.S. Land and Water Policy.

"Fostering a nationwide culture that values and conserves pollinators is about nurturing a deeper connection to our natural ecosystems and the vital creatures that sustain them. By championing pollinators' invaluable role in nature and recognizing the dire situation they face, Senator Merkley and Representative Panetta inspire a collective commitment to strengthen efforts to protect native pollinators for generations to come," said Rebeca Quiñonez-Piñón, National Wildlife Federation Senior Scientist.

"Native pollinators like bees, bats and butterflies, including the iconic and threatened monarch butterfly, are critical to maintaining healthy ecosystems essential for human well-being. We support this resolution and are grateful to Senator Merkley for highlighting the importance of pollinators. National Pollinator Week will help create the dialogue for policies that can protect and sustain pollinators for future generations," said Taylor Rush, Defenders of Wildlife Government Relations Representative.

"Pollinators and the native plants they rely on play a vital role in the health of our ecosystems. It is more important than ever to recognize the importance of species like the Monarch Butterfly as they face increased threats to their habitat and declining populations. We applaud the introduction of this resolution and Senator Merkley's strong support for our native pollinators," said Bradley Williams, Sierra Club Deputy Legislative Director.

"In Oregon, food and agriculture production and pollinators depend on each other. By building partnerships, the Oregon Bee Project has united growers, beekeepers, and scientists to protect our food supply, our working lands, and natural landscapes. I'm proud to join Senator Merkley in recognizing National Pollinator Week," said Lisa Charpilloz Hanson, Oregon Department of Agriculture Director.

"ODFW believes that our biodiversity is worth protecting. That is why I am pleased to support National Pollinator Week as a celebration of our birds, bees, and butterflies and the critical role that these species play in sustaining the Oregon way of life," said Debbie Colbert, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Director.

"Oregon Farm Bureau is proud to support the U.S. Congress's designation of June 22-28, 2026, as National Pollinator Week. We also appreciate Senator Merkley's longstanding recognition of the essential contributions that pollinators make to agriculture and healthy ecosystems. Pollinators are vital to sustaining the health and productivity of U.S. agriculture by enabling farmers and ranchers to supply our nation with healthy and affordable food. Oregon's agricultural producers are committed to responsible stewardship and support voluntary, locally led, science-based efforts to promote pollinator health on our working lands. We thank Senator Merkley for his leadership on this important issue," said Angi Bailey, Oregon Farm Bureau President.

Full text of the resolution can be found by clicking here.

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