Expressing support for the staff of public, school, academic, and special libraries in the United States and the essential services those libraries provide to communities, recognizing the need for funding commensurate with the broad scope of social service and community supports provided by libraries, preserving the right of all citizens of the United States to freely access information and resources in their communities, supporting a strong union voice for library workers, and defending the civil rights of library staff.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1212
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Arts, Culture, Religion
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-23: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-15T14:52:18Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H. Res. 1212 (119th Congress, 2nd Session)
Purpose
This House resolution expresses strong support for library staff in public, school, academic, and special libraries across the U.S. It highlights their vital community services, calls for adequate funding to match their broad roles (like social support and crisis response), upholds free public access to information and resources, backs union rights for library workers, and protects their civil rights against threats or harassment.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes detailed "Whereas" clauses outlining library contributions (e.g., internet access, job resources, opioid crisis aid, COVID-19 support, safe spaces for unhoused people) and challenges (e.g., funding cuts, book bans, staff intimidation, proposed elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services). It resolves that the House:
- (1) Commends library staff's work.
- (2) Supports the goals of National Library Week (April 19-25, 2026).
- (3) Recognizes libraries as essential national infrastructure.
- (4) Calls for full funding of library services at federal, state, and local levels.
- (5) Reaffirms:
- Public right to information access via library staff.
- Library workers' rights to unionize, collectively bargain, and exercise duties without threats.
- (6) Recognizes library staff's rights to:
- Speak on public issues.
- Address elected officials and employers.
- Educate the public on information access rights and threats to them.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. This is a non-binding resolution that expresses congressional opinion and does not create, amend, or repeal any laws.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: May encourage federal agencies (e.g., those handling library grants) and Congress to prioritize funding and oppose cuts, like the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
- Citizens and communities: Reinforces public access to diverse library resources, potentially aiding underserved groups (rural, Tribal, unhoused, job seekers) amid crises.
- Library staff: Symbolic boost for workplace safety, union organizing, and resistance to book bans or harassment.
- No direct international effects.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Library staff and unions: Gain recognition for rights, safety, and collective bargaining.
- Libraries (public, school, academic, special): Benefit from calls for funding and protection against censorship.
- Communities: Especially underserved populations relying on libraries for internet, social services, education, and crisis support.
- Government: Congress, state/local funders, and agencies like the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
- Advocacy groups: Those opposing book bans (e.g., PEN America) or supporting libraries (e.g., EveryLibrary Institute).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Constitutional: Emphasizes First Amendment rights to free speech, information access, and diverse ideas (especially for youth), framing libraries as democratic pillars.
- Labor rights: Supports unionization and bargaining, aligning with federal labor laws like the National Labor Relations Act (law protecting workers' rights to organize unions).
- Political: Critiques specific policies (e.g., Project 2025, Executive Order 14238 on bureaucracy reduction) and trends like book bans (6,870 cases in 2024-2025 per PEN America), signaling partisan divides on censorship, funding, and cultural issues. As a simple resolution, it aims to build bipartisan or public support without forcing action.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7]
Cosponsors (27)
Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Boyle, Brendan F. [D-PA-2], Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Grijalva, Adelita S. [D-AZ-7], Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12], Rep. McCollum, Betty [D-MN-4], Rep. McGovern, James P. [D-MA-2], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Pingree, Chellie [D-ME-1], Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2], Rep. Salinas, Andrea [D-OR-6], Rep. Sánchez, Linda T. [D-CA-38], Rep. Scanlon, Mary Gay [D-PA-5], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. Scholten, Hillary J. [D-MI-3], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-23: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2026-04-23: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the staff of public, school, academic, and special libraries in the United States and the essential services those libraries provide to communities, recognizing the need for funding commensurate with the broad scope of social service and community supports provided by libraries, preserving the right of all citizens of the United States to freely access information and resources in their communities, supporting a strong union voice for library workers, and defending the civil rights of library staff. — issued 2026-04-23 — PDF (6 pages)