Rep. Panetta Introduces Bicameral Resolution Marking National Pollinator Week 2026

Washington, D.C. - United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced 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.

"Pollinators, including the iconic western monarch butterfly, are increasingly threatened by climate change and habitat loss, putting our ecosystems at risk," said Rep. 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 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."

"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 Sen. Merkley.

The resolution is endorsed by organizations including the Xerces Society, Nature Conservancy, National Wildlife Federation, Defenders of Wildlife, Sierra Club, and the Animal Welfare Institute.

"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.

Full text of the resolution is available here.