S.Res. 782 is a resolution that acknowledges the crucial role pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, play in maintaining ecosystem health and supporting agriculture in the United States. The resolution designates the week of June 22 through June 28, 2026, as 'National Pollinator Week' to raise awareness about the importance of these species and promote conservation efforts.
Media coverage has praised S.Res. 782 for its recognition of pollinators' vital contributions to food production and biodiversity. Environmental advocates have commended the resolution as a step towards raising public awareness and fostering initiatives aimed at protecting pollinator populations, which are facing significant threats from habitat loss and pesticide use.
Some critics have expressed concerns that the resolution may be a symbolic gesture without any accompanying legislative action to address the challenges faced by pollinators. There are worries that designating a week for awareness might not lead to meaningful change or funding for conservation efforts, potentially rendering the resolution ineffective.
The analysis of S.Res. 782, which recognizes the importance of pollinators, reveals no direct industry overlaps between the bill's subject matter and the sponsor Jeff Merkley's top donor industries. The lobbying activity related to this bill primarily involves healthcare and technology sectors, with significant contributions from OSF Healthcare System ($60,000) and Egan-Jones Ratings Company ($50,000). However, these contributions do not directly relate to pollinator health or agriculture, indicating a low risk of conflict of interest. Voters should be aware that while lobbying exists in the broader agricultural and environmental sectors, the specific financial ties do not suggest a direct influence on this resolution.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| OSF HEALTHCARE SYSTEM | OSF HEALTHCARE SYSTEM | $60,000 |
| EGAN-JONES RATINGS COMPANY | INVARIANT LLC | $50,000 |
| GRADIUM MEGA COIN | HARTWELL CAPITOL CONSULTING | $50,000 |
| DRAI HEALTH | HARTWELL CAPITOL CONSULTING | $50,000 |
| VALTHOS INC. | INVARIANT LLC | $40,000 |
| SANDY BAY PARTNERS, LLC | GRACE BAY STRATEGIES, LLC | $20,000 |
| ORGANOGENESIS | DONOVAN STRATEGIES LLC | $15,000 |
| ANTENNA RESEARCH ASSOCIATES | DONOVAN STRATEGIES LLC | $15,000 |
| NETSCOUT | DONOVAN STRATEGIES LLC | $10,000 |
| ALLLIANCE OF MARINE MAMMAL PARKS AND AQUARIUMS | MEA STRATEGIES LLC | undisclosed |
| REGIONAL FISHERIES ENHANCEMENT GROUP COALITION | ALL OF THE ABOVE CONSULTING, LLC | undisclosed |
| JACKSON WALKER LLP ON BEHALF OF SAN MIGUEL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. | INVARIANT LLC | undisclosed |
| ANTHEIA | INVARIANT LLC | undisclosed |
| RAILROAD INVESTIGATION PROJECT GROUP | EAGLE 1 RESOURCES, LCC | undisclosed |
| EAGLE 1 RESOURCES, LCC | EAGLE 1 RESOURCES, LCC | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Jeff Merkley, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
