A resolution observing the 50th anniversary of the date on which the SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank in Lake Superior, and remembering the 29 lives lost in one of the worst storms ever recorded on the Great Lakes.

Senate Resolution

S.Res. 494

119th Congress

A resolution observing the 50th anniversary of the date on which the SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank in Lake Superior, and remembering the 29 lives lost in one of the worst storms ever recorded on the Great Lakes.

Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimou

Introduced:Nov 10, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Jeff Merkley

D - OR

Cosponsors

6

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Environmental Protection

Summary

This resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, a large freighter that went down in a severe storm on Lake Superior in 1975, resulting in the loss of 29 lives. The resolution honors the crew, recognizes the impact on the Great Lakes region, and reaffirms the government's commitment to improving shipping safety.

Latest Action

Referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, a large freighter that went down in a severe storm on Lake Superior in 1975, resulting in the loss of 29 lives. The resolution honors the crew, recognizes the impact on the Great Lakes region, and reaffirms the government's commitment to improving shipping safety.

Last updated: 12/29/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

<p>This resolution calls for the federal government to establish a national biodiversity strategy, which must include a goal of conserving at least 30% of U.S. lands and waters to protect biodiversity and address climate change by 2030 and other goals necessary to reduce the threats to biodiversity.</p>

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Commemorates the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, a major Great Lakes freighter that went down in a severe 1975 storm, killing 29 crew members
Expresses support for the families of those who lost their lives and commends the rescue crews and others involved in the search efforts
Recognizes the cultural legacy of the ship and its tragedy, including the famous Gordon Lightfoot song
Reaffirms the government's commitment to ensuring safe shipping on the Great Lakes
Highlights the importance of the Great Lakes maritime system to the regional economy

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This resolution would have a symbolic impact, honoring the memory of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald and its crew, as well as reaffirming the government's focus on improving shipping safety on the Great Lakes. It would not directly change any laws or regulations, but could help raise awareness of maritime safety issues in the region.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Environmental Protection

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

494, 119th Congress (2025). "A resolution observing the 50th anniversary of the date on which the SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank in Lake Superior, and remembering the 29 lives lost in one of the worst storms ever recorded on the Great Lakes.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-sres-494