H.Res. 1296

119 HRES 1296 IH: Expressing support for the designation of May 16, 2026, as the “National Day of Light”.
 U.S. House of Representatives
 2026-05-15
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 IV  119th CONGRESS  2d Session  H. RES. 1296  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
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.