H.Res. 1036

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1036 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 1036

Expressing support for the annual designation of the first Saturday 
after the Spring Equinox as ``National Day of Play''.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

February 4, 2026

Mr. Bera (for himself and Mr. Flood) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

_______________________________________________________________________

RESOLUTION

Expressing support for the annual designation of the first Saturday 
after the Spring Equinox as ``National Day of Play''.

Whereas the U.S. Surgeon General has formally declared an epidemic of loneliness 
and social isolation, highlighting its health impacts such as higher 
risk for anxiety, depres-sion, heart disease, dementia, and a shorter 
life span;
Whereas people are spending less time with family and friends and are less 
involved in their communities;
Whereas a 2022 study found that families spend a significant portion of shared 
physical spaces in alone-together time, meaning individuals are present 
but engaged in their own activities such as using devices;
Whereas studies suggest that 21 percent of adults in the U.S. feel lonely;
Whereas only about one in three adults receives the recommended amount of 
physical activity each week, with less than 5 percent participating in 
30 minutes of activity each day;
Whereas community-focused events, shared activities that re-quire collaboration, 
and acts of service for the common good can bring a community together 
and promote social connection;
Whereas social connectedness reflects the continuum of meet-ing social 
connection needs;
Whereas social connection can help reduce the risk of chronic disease and 
serious illness;
Whereas social connection can improve our ability to manage stress, anxiety, and 
depression;
Whereas social connection encourages healthy eating habits and physical 
activity;
Whereas important communities such as neighborhoods, schools, places of worship, 
workplaces, and parks and recreation centers, offer social connections;
Whereas play can be defined as an activity that is self-chosen, intrinsically 
motivated, and conducted in an active, but relatively non-stressed frame 
of mind;
Whereas play is fundamentally connected to social connection as it provides 
space to develop and practice essential so-cial skills such as 
communication, cooperation, empathy, and negotiation;
Whereas play promotes brain development, executive function skills, stress 
reduction, creativity, and problem-solving skills, while also 
strengthening relationships and fostering healthy social-emotional 
growth;
Whereas play is a proven stress reliever for both children and adults, promoting 
overall well-being;
Whereas play reduces obesity and associated diseases;
Whereas children today spend up to 35 percent less time playing freely outdoors 
due to a combination of factors including increased screen time;
Whereas excessive device use has detrimental physical and mental health impacts;
Whereas long-term consequences of excessive device use in-clude impaired social 
development and cognitive function, particularly in children;
Whereas excessive device use can foster an absent presence, where individuals 
are physically together but mentally disengaged, leading to reduced 
quality in face-to-face interactions and increased feelings of social 
isolation;
Whereas taking a break from electronics and screen time can provide significant 
physical, mental, and social benefits;
Whereas a National Day of Play advocates for and celebrates the essential role 
of play and social connections;
Whereas a National Day of Play encourages individuals to put down their devices 
and participate in community or-ganized events;
Whereas a National Day of Play strengthens community bonds and encourages a 
national focus on creating safe and healthy environments for all;
Whereas the Spring Equinox represents the official start of Spring in the 
Northern Hemisphere, signifying rebirth, renewal, and balance;
Whereas the Spring Equinox marks when days begin to get longer; and
Whereas March 21st, 2026, is the first Saturday after the Spring Equinox: Now, 
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) designates a ``National Day of Play'';
(2) expresses support for the annual designation of a 
``National Day of Play'';
(3) recognizes the importance of social connection for 
mental, physical, and social development; and
(4) encourages people to put their electronics down and 
play.
<all>