H.Res. 1296

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [H. Res. 1296 Introduced in House (IH)] <DOC> 119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. RES. 1296 Expressing support for the designation of May 16, 2026, as the ``National Day of Light''. _______________________________________________________________________ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 15, 2026 Mr. Morelle (for himself and Mr. Mast) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology _______________________________________________________________________ RESOLUTION Expressing support for the designation of May 16, 2026, as the ``National Day of Light''. Whereas the National Day of Light is aimed at raising awareness of the vital role of light in our daily lives and its importance to 21st-century technology and innovation; Whereas, for centuries, light-based technologies have provided solutions to worldwide challenges in energy, agriculture, manufacturing, telecommunications, national security, and health; Whereas optics and photonics is the study of the fundamental properties of light and harnessing them for practical applications; Whereas light has revolutionized medicine through technologies such as x-ray imaging, laser surgery, and cancer treatments; Whereas light has transformed communication via the internet, a tool we cannot imagine living without today; Whereas light has helped us improve transportation safety with sensors in vehicles and advanced infrastructure monitoring; Whereas light has greatly enhanced the ability of the United States to gather intelligence, defend the Nation, and protect its troops in the field; Whereas most of what we have observed in the universe is known only through light-based technologies, first from the visible wavelengths observed by Galileo into x-ray, infrared, and radio waves, and even gravitational waves detected by lasers; Whereas advanced manufacturing is possible due to light-based technologies that can provide custom, precise, and high-added value through means such as additive manufacturing; Whereas quantum computing, sensing, and communication systems are largely enabled by light-based technologies; Whereas, through the National Quantum Initiative Act (Public Law 115-368), the United States is accelerating our investment in quantum information science and the development of commercially available quantum-based technologies, thereby facilitating growth in the economy of the United States and protecting our national security; Whereas chirped pulse amplification, a technique used to amplify ultrashort laser pulses, was recognized with the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics and has become the basis of all modern high-power lasers, enabling revolutionary applications of ultraintense light, including LASIK laser eye surgery, cancer treatment, commercial laser materials processing, fundamental physics research, and ultrafast imaging, including attosecond science; Whereas 2026 marks the 50-year anniversary of the compact fluorescent lamp, an United States innovation that transformed energy-efficient lighting and changed how homes, schools, workplaces, and public buildings across the United States are illuminated; and Whereas May 16 is already recognized internationally as the Day of Light: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives-- (1) supports the designation of a ``National Day of Light''; (2) recognizes the continuing importance of the United States as the world leader in light-based science and technologies; (3) recognizes the importance of inspiring the next generation of scientists, researchers, innovators, technicians, and entrepreneurs; and (4) encourages schools, community colleges, and universities to observe the day with appropriate activities. <all>