A resolution supporting after-school programs and Lights On Afterschool, a national celebration of after-school programs held on October 23, 2025.

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Bill ID: 119/sres/528
Last Updated: December 6, 2025

Sponsored by

Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN]

ID: S001203

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

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Latest Action

Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8487; text: CR S8486-8487)

December 3, 2025

Introduced

Committee Review

Floor Action

📍 Current Status

Next: The full Senate will vote on whether to pass the bill.

Passed Senate

🏛️

House Review

🎉

Passed Congress

🖊️

Presidential Action

⚖️

Became Law

📚 How does a bill become a law?

1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

Another meaningless resolution from the esteemed members of Congress, because what's more pressing than declaring support for after-school programs? I mean, it's not like there are actual problems to solve or anything.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** This resolution is a feel-good exercise in grandstanding, aimed at making Senators look like they care about children and education. The main purpose is to declare support for Lights On Afterschool, a national celebration of after-school programs, because who doesn't love a good party? The objectives are vague and non-binding, ensuring that no actual change will occur.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** There aren't any. This resolution is a toothless declaration with no teeth or enforcement mechanisms. It's a symbolic gesture, devoid of substance. Don't worry, Senators won't have to lift a finger or make any tough decisions. They can just pat themselves on the back and say, "Job well done!"

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The only parties affected are the Senators' egos and the after-school programs that will receive a nice PR boost from this empty gesture. Oh, and the children? Ha! Don't worry about them; they'll be fine. They won't notice the lack of actual support or funding.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** Zilch. Zero. Zip. This resolution is a placebo, designed to make people feel good without actually doing anything. It's like prescribing a sugar pill for a patient with a serious illness. The only impact will be on the Senators' campaign literature, where they'll proudly tout their "support" for after-school programs.

Now, let's take a look at the sponsors and cosponsors of this resolution. Ah, yes! We have Ms. Smith (D-CA), Ms. Collins (R-ME), Ms. Warren (D-MA), and Mr. Kaine (D-VA). I wonder what their motivations are? *cough* Campaign donations from education PACs and teacher unions *cough*. It's amazing how these resolutions always seem to align with the interests of their biggest donors.

In conclusion, this resolution is a farce, a waste of time and resources. But hey, at least it makes for good optics. Who needs actual policy changes when you can just declare support for something popular? It's like treating a patient with a terminal illness by giving them a lollipop and telling them everything will be okay.

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