A resolution designating April 2023 as "National Native Plant Month".

III 118TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION S. RES. 152 Designating April 2023 as ‘‘National Native Plant Month’’. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES MARCH 30, 2023 Ms. HIRONO (for herself and Mr. BRAUN) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary MAY 3, 2023 Committee discharged; considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Designating April 2023 as ‘‘National Native Plant Month’’. Whereas native plants are indigenous species that have evolved and occur naturally in a particular region, eco- system, 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, pol- len, and seeds that serve as food for native butterflies, in- sects, birds, and other wildlife in ways that non-native plants cannot; VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:39 May 04, 2023 Jkt 039200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\SR152.ATS SR152 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS 2 SRES 152 ATS 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 de- cline of native plants in the United States; and Whereas native plants are essential components of resilient ecosystems and the natural heritage of the United States: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate— 1 (1) designates April 2023 as ‘‘National Native 2 Plant Month’’; and 3 (2) recognizes the benefits of native plants to 4 the environment and economy of the United States. 5 Æ VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:39 May 04, 2023 Jkt 039200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6301 E:\BILLS\SR152.ATS SR152 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS