Expressing the condolences of the House of Representatives and honoring the memory of the victims of the mass shooting in Aurora, Illinois, on February 15, 2019.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1066
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-13: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-01T21:46:12Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 1066) aims to formally express the condolences of the U.S. House of Representatives for the victims of a mass shooting at the Henry Pratt Company warehouse in Aurora, Illinois, on February 15, 2019. It honors the memory of those killed, recognizes the bravery of first responders, and shows solidarity with affected communities amid broader concerns about gun violence in the United States.
Key Provisions
- Condolences for Victims: Expresses sincere sympathy to the families and loved ones of the five individuals killed: Russell Beyer (age 47), Vicente Juarez (age 54), Clayton "Clay" Parks (age 32), Josh Pinkard (age 37), and Trevor Wehner (age 21). The resolution details their personal backgrounds, such as family roles, careers, and community involvement.
- Support for the Injured: Extends prayers and wishes for a speedy recovery to those wounded, including six Aurora Police Department officers: Diego Avila, John Cebulski, Marco Gomez, Adam Miller, Reynaldo Rivera, and James Zegar.
- Commendation of Responders: Praises the swift and heroic actions of Aurora Police Department officers, who arrived within four minutes and engaged the gunman despite being fired upon. It also acknowledges the support from the Aurora Fire Department, municipal, county, state, and federal agencies, including law enforcement, medical teams, firefighters, and 911 dispatchers.
- Community Solidarity: Offers support to the Aurora community, noting its resilience and unity in the aftermath, as described by Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin. It connects the event to the ongoing "epidemic of gun violence" in the U.S. and references a prior mass shooting at Northern Illinois University in 2008.
- Broader Statement: The House stands in solidarity with victims of senseless gun violence nationwide.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. As a non-binding resolution, this document does not amend, repeal, or introduce any new laws. It serves as a symbolic gesture rather than enforceable legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens and Communities: Provides emotional recognition and support to the families of victims and the Aurora community, potentially fostering a sense of national solidarity and aiding in public mourning or healing processes. It highlights the human cost of gun violence, which may raise public awareness but does not directly alter policies or services.
- On Government Agencies: Commends federal, state, and local law enforcement and emergency services, which could indirectly boost morale or public appreciation for their roles. No direct funding, regulatory changes, or operational mandates are imposed.
- On International Relations: No impacts, as the resolution is focused on a domestic incident.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Families and Loved Ones of Victims: Primary recipients of condolences, including relatives of the five deceased and the injured officers.
- Aurora Community and Illinois Residents: Directly supported through expressions of solidarity, with broader relevance to communities affected by gun violence.
- Law Enforcement and Emergency Responders: Honored for their bravery, particularly the Aurora Police Department and supporting agencies.
- U.S. House of Representatives: The resolution reflects the chamber's collective stance, introduced by multiple Illinois representatives.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: No binding legal effects; resolutions like this are procedural tools for the House to voice opinions without requiring presidential approval or Senate concurrence.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority under Article I to express sentiments on national issues, including public safety and community tragedies, without infringing on individual rights.
- Political: Serves as a bipartisan or unifying gesture (introduced by a group of Illinois Democrats) to address gun violence sensitively, potentially influencing public discourse on the issue without proposing specific policy changes. It underscores the House's role in commemorating domestic tragedies, which may resonate in politically charged debates on gun control.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (13)
Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3], Rep. García, Jesús G. "Chuy" [D-IL-4], Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5], Rep. Casten, Sean [D-IL-6], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. Schneider, Bradley Scott [D-IL-10], Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14], Rep. Sorensen, Eric [D-IL-17]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-13: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2026-02-13: Submitted in House
- 2026-02-13: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing the condolences of the House of Representatives and honoring the memory of the victims of the mass shooting in Aurora, Illinois, on February 15, 2019. — issued 2026-02-13 — PDF (5 pages)