Expressing support for the designation of October 5, 2026, as the "National Beyond the Milky Way Day" and celebrating a transformative achievement in American science.
Recognizes the discovery of galaxies beyond the Milky Way and encourages educational and public events for National Beyond the Milky Way Day.
In the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee since Oct. 5, 2026, 3 days after it was introduced. Most bills never leave committee.
- INTRODUCEDINTROOCT 5, 2026
- COMMITTEECOMM.IN COMMITTEE
- AGREED TOAGREED—
What the bill would do, and why it matters
Astronomy helps people understand the scale and structure of the universe. This resolution would recognize the discovery that galaxies exist beyond the Milky Way, honor the scientists whose work made it possible, and encourage educational and public events to mark the occasion.
- NON-BINDING A simple resolution carries no force of law. It expresses the chamber's opinion or sets internal rules — it does not bind agencies, the President, or anyone outside Congress.
- COMMEMORATIVE This measure honors, congratulates or commemorates, or marks an observance such as an awareness day or month. It creates no legal obligations.
- DATA NOTE No Congressional Research Service summary was available.
- Recognizes the discovery beyond our galaxy
The resolution would commemorate Edwin Hubble’s observation at Mount Wilson Observatory and honor Henrietta Swan Leavitt, whose work helped make the discovery possible.
- Encourages science education and public events
It would encourage schools, science organizations, museums, observatories, and communities to mark the milestone with STEM education, other educational programs, and public engagement.
The resolution says the discovery showed that the Milky Way is not the whole universe and helped lay the foundation for modern cosmology. It presents the anniversary as a chance to celebrate scientific discovery, research, and public engagement with astronomy.
Written from the bill text.
The path it took, step by step
- IntroducedOCT 5, 2026HOUSEOCT 5, 2026By Rep. Chu with 3 original cosponsorsReferred to Science, Space, and Technology
- SAME DAYNOWCommitteeOCT 5, 2026SCIENCE, SPACE, & TECHNOLOGY NOWOCT 5, 2026In committee for 3 daysNo hearing yet
- 3 DAYS SO FARAgreed to in the House—HOUSE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- OCT 52026OCT 5, 2026REFERREDHOUSEReferred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- OCT 52026OCT 5, 2026INTRODUCEDHOUSESubmitted in House
Where your members stand on it
Support from one state
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Rep. Chu’s record: sponsored 44 bills this Congress. 1 passed the House; 0 became law.
- Sydney Kamlager-DoveD-CA-37ORIGINAL
- Ted LieuD-CA-36ORIGINAL
- Zoe LofgrenD-CA-18ORIGINAL
What readers think
Discussion
Get an alert when it gets a floor vote in the House or is agreed to.