Supporting the designation of November 9 of each year as “Gold Star Father’s Day”.
Latest action (3 Aug 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
H.J.Res. 209 is a joint resolution expressing congressional support for designating November 9 of each year as "Gold Star Father's Day." The measure does not create new federal benefits, programs, or legal requirements; it is a symbolic statement recognizing fathers who have lost a child while that child served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The resolution cites the existing designation of the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother's Day since 1936, past presidential proclamations recognizing Gold Star mothers and families, and similar recognitions already adopted in Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
The bill primarily affects Gold Star fathers—parents whose children died while serving in the military—by formally acknowledging their sacrifice and loss. It also touches on broader themes of supporting military families, though it does not alter any existing benefit programs, such as those addressed by the 2015 Gold Star Fathers Act referenced in the text.
The resolution was introduced on August 3, 2026, by Rep. Hank Johnson of Georgia, with several cosponsors, and has been referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. As a newly introduced measure, it must be considered by that committee and could be brought to a vote in the House; if passed there, it would need Senate action as well, since it is styled as a joint resolution from both chambers.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This resolution is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on August 3, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.J.Res. 209 do?
- H.J.Res. 209 is a joint resolution expressing congressional support for designating November 9 of each year as "Gold Star Father's Day." The measure does not create new federal benefits, programs, or legal requirements; it is a symbolic statement recognizing fathers who have lost a child while that child served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The resolution cites the existing designation of the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother's Day since 1936, past presidential proclamations recognizing Gold Star mothers and families, and similar recognitions already adopted in Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee. The bill primarily affects Gold Star fathers—parents whose children died while serving in the military—by formally acknowledging their sacrifice and loss. It also touches on broader themes of supporting military families, though it does not alter any existing benefit programs, such as those addressed by the 2015 Gold Star Fathers Act referenced in the text. The resolution was introduced on August 3, 2026, by Rep. Hank Johnson of Georgia, with several cosponsors, and has been referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. As a newly introduced measure, it must be considered by that committee and could be brought to a vote in the House; if passed there, it would need Senate action as well, since it is styled as a joint resolution from both chambers.
- Has H.J.Res. 209 become law?
- Not yet. As of 3 Aug 2026, H.J.Res. 209 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.J.Res. 209?
- H.J.Res. 209 was sponsored by Rep. Henry C. “Hank” Johnson [D-GA4] (Democrat-GA), with 6 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.J.Res. 209?
- Introduced (3 Aug 2026).
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