[Congressional Bills 118th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [H. Res. 293 Introduced in House (IH)] <DOC> 118th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 293 Supporting the designation of April 2023 as ``National Native Plant Month''. _______________________________________________________________________ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 13, 2023 Mr. Neguse (for himself, Mr. Buck, Mr. Case, and Mr. Joyce of Ohio) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources _______________________________________________________________________ RESOLUTION Supporting the designation of April 2023 as ``National Native Plant Month''. Whereas native plants are indigenous species that have evolved and occur naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, and habitat; Whereas there are more than 17,000 native plant species in the United States, which include trees, shrubs, vines, grasses, and wildflowers; Whereas native plants help prevent flooding, drought, and erosion and can help restore damaged ecosystems; Whereas native plants provide shelter as well as nectar, pollen, and seeds that serve as food for native butterflies, insects, birds, and other wildlife in ways that non-native plants cannot; Whereas more than 200 of the native plant species in the United States are estimated to have been lost since the early 19th century; Whereas habitat loss and degradation, extreme weather events, and invasive species have contributed to the decline of native plants in the United States; and Whereas native plants are essential components of resilient ecosystems and the natural heritage of the United States: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives-- (1) supports the designation of ``National Native Plant Month''; and (2) recognizes the benefits of native plants to the environment and economy of the United States. <all>