Calling on elected officials and civil society leaders to counter antisemitism and educate the public on the contributions of the Jewish-American community.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1251
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-13: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-15T08:07:48Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This resolution recognizes Jewish American Heritage Month, honors the historical contributions of Jewish Americans to the United States, and addresses the rise in antisemitic incidents by calling for public condemnation, education, and protective measures.
Key Provisions
- Acknowledges the origins of Jewish American Heritage Month, tracing it back to 1980 proclamations and ongoing presidential recognitions since 2006.
- Highlights specific historical examples of Jewish American service in the military, including Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and recent conflicts.
- Notes statistics on increasing antisemitic incidents, such as FBI data on hate crimes and surveys showing reduced feelings of safety among Jewish Americans.
- Resolves that the House of Representatives:
- Calls on elected officials, faith leaders, and civil society to condemn antisemitism.
- Urges the executive branch and state/local leaders to educate the public on Jewish American contributions.
- Commits to steps ensuring the safety and dignity of Jewish Americans in workplaces, campuses, synagogues, and homes.
- Honors Jewish American servicemembers' contributions to protecting freedom.
- Affirms commitment to religious freedom without fear of violence.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This non-binding House resolution introduces no amendments to statutes or existing laws; it serves as an expression of congressional sentiment to promote awareness and action.
Potential Impacts
- Encourages federal, state, and local governments to prioritize education and security initiatives related to Jewish American heritage.
- May influence public institutions, such as schools and universities, to address antisemitism through awareness programs.
- Affects citizens by fostering broader societal understanding of Jewish contributions and hate prevention, without creating new legal obligations.
- No direct effects on international relations are outlined.
Main Stakeholders
- Jewish American communities and organizations, including synagogues, schools, and advocacy groups.
- Elected officials, executive branch agencies, and state/local governments.
- Faith leaders, civil society organizations, and educational institutions such as colleges and universities.
- The general public, through calls for education and reduced bias.
Notable Implications
- Supports constitutional principles of religious freedom by emphasizing protection from persecution.
- Politically reinforces efforts to combat hate through non-legislative means like awareness and leadership statements.
- Highlights the use of resolutions for symbolic recognition and public policy guidance without enforceable mandates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-25]
Cosponsors (11)
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1], Rep. Moskowitz, Jared [D-FL-23], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Schneider, Bradley Scott [D-IL-10], Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4], Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5], Rep. Frankel, Lois [D-FL-22], Rep. Foxx, Virginia [R-NC-5], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-13: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2026-05-13: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 419 - 0 (Roll no. 166). (Roll call 166)
- 2026-05-13: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 419 - 0 (Roll no. 166). (Roll call 166)
- 2026-05-13: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3437)
- 2026-05-12: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
- 2026-05-12: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1251.
- 2026-05-12: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3359-33362; text: CR H3359-3360)
- 2026-05-12: Mr. Knott moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
- 2026-04-30: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-04-30: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-04-30: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Calling on elected officials and civil society leaders to counter antisemitism and educate the public on the contributions of the Jewish-American community. — issued 2026-05-13 — PDF (6 pages)
- Calling on elected officials and civil society leaders to counter antisemitism and educate the public on the contributions of the Jewish-American community. — issued 2026-04-30 — PDF (6 pages)