119-HRES-1199 Journalist Public Summary
A bipartisan House resolution would designate April 18, 2026 as National Lineman Appreciation Day, formally honor lineworkers’ role in keeping the power on, and recognize them as first responders; it was introduced on April 20, 2026 and referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. (govinfo.gov)
Headline Summary
A bipartisan House resolution would honor electric lineworkers and set April 18, 2026 as National Lineman Appreciation Day, recognizing them as first responders. (govinfo.gov)
What It Does
The measure is a simple House resolution that: (1) recognizes the work of linemen in keeping the power on and protecting public safety; (2) supports designating April 18, 2026 as “National Lineman Appreciation Day”; and (3) explicitly recognizes linemen as first responders. As a simple resolution, it expresses the House’s views and does not create programs or funding. (govinfo.gov)
Why It Matters
- Lineworkers do dangerous, essential work to restore and maintain electricity—risks that are reflected in elevated fatal‑injury rates for electrical power‑line installers and repairers compared with the average U.S. job. (bls.gov)
- A national day of recognition can raise public awareness and morale for crews who respond around the clock during storms and other emergencies. (govinfo.gov)
Who’s For It
- Sponsor: Rep. David Rouzer (R‑NC), with bipartisan cosponsors from both parties (e.g., Reps. Deborah Ross (D‑NC), Mike Flood (R‑NE), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D‑WA), and others). (govinfo.gov)
- Electric utilities and cooperatives regularly mark National Lineman Appreciation Day, indicating broad industry support for recognizing the trade. (electric.coop)
- Background tradition: The U.S. Senate first recognized April 18 as National Lineman Appreciation Day in 2013, and communities have observed it annually since. (congress.gov)
Who’s Against It
- No organized opposition is typical for honorary, nonbinding measures like this. Critics sometimes argue that simple resolutions are largely symbolic because they don’t change law or allocate money. (house.gov)
What’s Next
Status as of April 21, 2026: Introduced on April 20, 2026 and referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. If scheduled and adopted by the House, it would express the House’s position only; simple resolutions are not sent to the President and do not become law. (govinfo.gov)
Discussion