Honoring the life and legacy of Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr.

Bill Number

H.Res. 1106

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-03-04: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Last Updated

2026-07-01T08:08:21Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This resolution (H. Res. 1106) aims to honor the life, leadership, and legacy of Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr., a prominent civil rights leader, activist, and politician, upon his passing. It recognizes his contributions to equality, peace, and public service, while expressing condolences and encouraging Americans to continue his work.

Key Provisions

• Recognition of Achievements: The resolution outlines Rev. Jackson's biography, including his birth in 1941, education at segregated schools and North Carolina A&T State University, involvement in the civil rights movement under Martin Luther King, Jr., founding of Operation PUSH and the National Rainbow Coalition, leadership in anti-apartheid efforts, international diplomacy (e.g., securing releases of hostages in Syria, Cuba, and Iraq), presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988, and service as a shadow delegate for the District of Columbia.
• Personal and Health Details: Notes his family life (husband to Jaqueline "Jackie" Brown, father of six, including two congressional representatives), diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy (a neurological disorder with symptoms like Parkinson's disease) in 2025, and his desire for the nation to respond to his death with courage rather than grief.
• House Actions:
• Honors his dedication to equality for disadvantaged groups, peace among nations, and success as a Black leader.
• Extends condolences to his family.
• Calls on all Americans, regardless of race, party, or beliefs, to advance with hope and reject fear and division.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

None. This is a non-binding House resolution that expresses sentiments and does not amend, create, or repeal any laws. It is symbolic and ceremonial in nature.

Potential Impacts

• On Citizens: May inspire public reflection on civil rights history and encourage ongoing advocacy for equality and peace, particularly among African American communities and younger generations.
• On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact; it could foster a supportive congressional environment for related civil rights initiatives but has no enforcement mechanisms.
• On International Relations: Indirect and symbolic; highlights U.S. civil rights leadership globally but does not affect foreign policy or treaties.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Family and Close Associates: Rev. Jackson's wife, children (including Rep. Jonathan Jackson), and extended network, who receive formal condolences.
• Civil Rights and Activist Communities: Organizations like the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Operation PUSH, and the National Rainbow Coalition, as well as broader African American advocacy groups benefiting from recognition of his legacy.
• Political Figures: Sponsors (over 50 Democratic House members) and the Democratic Party, which gains visibility for its historical ties to civil rights; also Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (former) and Rep. Jonathan Jackson (current).
• General Public: All Americans, urged to uphold values of unity and progress.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal/Constitutional: No implications, as resolutions like this do not carry the force of law and do not invoke constitutional issues (e.g., no challenges to rights or powers).
• Political: Reinforces the Democratic Party's commitment to civil rights and diversity in leadership; politically significant for highlighting milestones like Jackson's presidential runs, which paved the way for figures like Barack Obama. It promotes bipartisan unity on social issues but is sponsored entirely by Democrats, potentially underscoring partisan divides in recognizing historical figures. The referral to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform suggests a focus on governmental acknowledgment of public service legacies.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Waters, Maxine [D-CA-43]

Cosponsors (114)

Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Jeffries, Hakeem S. [D-NY-8], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Ivey, Glenn [D-MD-4], Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3], Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20], Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12], Rep. Fields, Cleo [D-LA-6], Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2], Rep. Pressley, Ayanna [D-MA-7], Rep. Menefee, Christian D. [D-TX-18], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5], Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37], Rep. McBath, Lucy [D-GA-6], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3], Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Sydney [D-CA-37], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33], Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Walkinshaw, James R. [D-VA-11], Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12], Rep. Larson, John B. [D-CT-1], Rep. Brown, Shontel M. [D-OH-11], Rep. Omar, Ilhan [D-MN-5], Rep. Casten, Sean [D-IL-6], Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12], Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10], Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1], Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-14], Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26], Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3], Rep. Clyburn, James E. [D-SC-6] and 64 more

Recent Actions

• 2026-03-04: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
• 2026-03-04: Submitted in House
• 2026-03-04: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Honoring the life and legacy of Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. — issued 2026-03-04 — PDF (5 pages)