Values for America · Brief for congressional offices

To the office of U.S. Senator Gary C. Peters

Re: SRES 849 (119th Congress), A resolution expressing support for the designation of the week of September 11 through September 17, 2026, as "Patriot Week". · Latest action (2026-09-14): Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4690)
VFA SI Solution #238 · published 2026-08-09 · https://www.valuesforamerica.com/solutions/238
Office of record (Congress.gov): 724 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510, Washington, DC · (202) 224-6221

Patriot Week Recognition Resolution of 2026

The measure, as described from the official record: Express symbolic congressional support for designating September 11–17, 2026, as 'Patriot Week' to honor American patriotism and unity.

The proposal

This resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that the week of September 11 through September 17, 2026, should be designated as 'Patriot Week.' The Senate encourages citizens, schools, and community organizations to observe this week with patriotic activities, remembrance of the victims of September 11, 2001, and acts of service to strengthen national unity. The resolution affirms that this designation is purely symbolic, does not appropriate any funds, and does not mandate any action by any federal or state agency. The resolution shall expire at the conclusion of the designated week, and no further action is required. The Senate Committee on the Judiciary shall transmit copies of this resolution to the President and to the heads of relevant federal agencies for informational purposes, but no enforcement mechanism is required because the resolution is non-binding.

Operative provisions (VFA proposal)

funding source: Not applicable (no funds appropriated)
funding amount: 0
sunset years: 1 years
oversight body: Senate Committee on the Judiciary
enforcement mechanism: None required; resolution is non-binding and informational
effective date: Upon adoption

Constitutional basis

Article I, Section 1 (vests all legislative powers in Congress, including the power to express sentiments)
First Amendment (freedom of speech supports congressional expression)
Tenth Amendment (respects state and local autonomy by non-binding designation)

Why both sides can back it (VFA’s assessment)

Honors Democratic priorities of national unity, remembrance, and community service after 9/11, and Republican priorities of patriotism, honoring American heritage, and limited government (no spending or mandates). The resolution is purely symbolic, respecting federalism and not imposing burdens on states.

Values for America is a nonpartisan, constitution-first SI think tank. This brief is informational. It is a policy proposal, not law, and it does not support or oppose any candidate or party. Full analysis and sources: https://www.valuesforamerica.com/solutions/238 · Methodology: https://www.valuesforamerica.com/methodology