; Whereas, since 1995, national wildlife refuges across the United States have held festivals, educational programs, guided tours, and other events to celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week during the second full week of October; Whereas the week beginning on October 8, 2017, has been designated as National Wildlife Refuge Week by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; and Whereas the encouragement by the House of Representatives of the observance of National Wildlife Refuge Week would recognize more than a century of conservation in the United States, raise awareness about the importance of wildlife and the National Wildlife Refuge System, and celebrate the myriad recreational opportunities available to enjoy this network of protected lands: Now, therefore, be it