Bill Summary
The resolution permits Senators, Senate officers, and Senate employees to collect nonmonetary donations, such as clothing, toys, food, and housewares, within Senate buildings during the holiday season. The donations are aimed at supporting individuals in need, including members of the Armed Forces and their families. This collection can occur as long as it complies with existing Senate rules and federal laws. Additionally, participants are allowed to collaborate with nonprofit organizations to facilitate the delivery of these donations. The authority to collect these items will end at the conclusion of the first session of the 119th Congress.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the resolution permitting the collection of clothing, toys, food, and housewares during the holiday season in Senate buildings could affect people:
1. **Increased Support for Vulnerable Populations**: By allowing Senators and Senate employees to collect and donate items for charitable purposes, this resolution can directly benefit individuals and families in need, especially during the holiday season. The provision enables a more organized and visible way for Senate members to contribute to community welfare, potentially resulting in increased donations of essential items for those facing economic hardships or homelessness.
2. **Strengthening Community Ties and Awareness**: The resolution encourages Senators and their staff to engage with nonprofit organizations, fostering partnerships that can enhance community outreach efforts. This collaboration can raise awareness about the needs of certain populations, such as veterans and their families, promoting a culture of giving and compassion within the Senate and the broader community. As a result, it can stimulate further charitable actions beyond the holiday season.
3. **Empowerment of Senate Employees**: The ability for Senate employees to actively participate in charitable initiatives can create a more positive work environment and boost morale. Employees may feel empowered and motivated when they see their contributions making a difference in the lives of others, leading to increased job satisfaction and a sense of purpose in their roles. Additionally, it can cultivate a spirit of teamwork as employees collaborate on donation drives and related activities.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 497 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. RES. 497
Permitting the collection of clothing, toys, food, and housewares
during the holiday season for charitable purposes in Senate buildings.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
November 10, 2025
Mr. Moran (for himself and Mr. Blumenthal) submitted the following
resolution; which was considered and agreed to
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Permitting the collection of clothing, toys, food, and housewares
during the holiday season for charitable purposes in Senate buildings.
Resolved,
SECTION 1. COLLECTION OF CLOTHING, TOYS, FOOD, AND HOUSEWARES DURING
THE HOLIDAY SEASON FOR CHARITABLE PURPOSES IN SENATE
BUILDINGS.
(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of the rules
or regulations of the Senate--
(1) a Senator, officer of the Senate, or employee of the
Senate may collect from another Senator, officer of the Senate,
or employee of the Senate within a Senate building or other
office secured for a Senator nonmonetary donations of clothing,
toys, food, and housewares for charitable purposes related to
serving persons in need or members of the Armed Forces and the
families of those members during the holiday season, if the
charitable purposes do not otherwise violate any rule or
regulation of the Senate or Federal law; and
(2) a Senator, officer of the Senate, or employee of the
Senate may work with a nonprofit organization with respect to
the delivery of donations described under paragraph (1).
(b) Expiration.--The authority provided by this resolution shall
expire at the end of the first session of the 119th Congress.
<all>