Expressing condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims of the crash of American Eagle Flight 5342 and PAT 25, and for other purposes.

Bill Number

H.Res. 153

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Transportation and Public Works

Status

Passed House

Latest Action

2025-03-03: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Last Updated

2025-06-06T14:17:56Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

H. Res. 153 is a House Resolution that expresses official condolences and sympathy from the U.S. House of Representatives for the tragic crash of American Eagle Flight 5342 and U.S. Army flight callsign "PAT 25" on January 29, 2025, near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The crash resulted in the loss of 67 lives, many of whom were connected to Wichita, Kansas, known as the "Air Capital of the World" due to its aviation history.

Key Provisions

• Expression of condolences: The House extends sympathies to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims.
• Honoring the victims: The resolution lists the names of 50 identified victims (and notes 7 others) to honor their memory, including civilians, military personnel, and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Broader sympathies: It conveys support to the people of Wichita, the state of Kansas, the National Capital Region (around Washington, D.C.), the entire nation, and multiple countries affected by the loss.
• Commendation of responders: The House praises the heroic efforts of first responders, emergency services personnel, and others involved in recovery operations, particularly in challenging freezing water conditions.
• Acknowledgment of cooperation: The resolution recognizes the collaborative response by federal, state, and local officials in emergency aid, investigation, and family support.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This resolution introduces no changes to existing laws. As a non-binding House Resolution (H. Res.), it serves a ceremonial and symbolic purpose rather than enacting legislation or amending statutes.

Potential Impacts

• On citizens: Provides emotional recognition and validation to grieving families and communities, potentially aiding in public mourning and healing without direct financial or legal effects.
• On government agencies: Highlights the effective coordination among federal (e.g., military, NTSB for investigations), state, and local agencies, which may indirectly encourage continued support for aviation safety and emergency response resources.
• On international relations: Acknowledges victims from multiple countries, fostering goodwill and shared grief, though it has no formal diplomatic implications.
• Overall, the impact is primarily symbolic, reinforcing national unity in the face of tragedy but not altering policies or budgets.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Families and loved ones of victims: Direct recipients of the House's condolences and honors.
• Residents of Wichita, Kansas, and the National Capital Region: Communities hit hardest by the loss, with Wichita's aviation ties adding local significance.
• First responders and emergency personnel: Recognized for their bravery, which may boost morale in public safety roles.
• Broader U.S. public and international communities: Affected through national and global sympathies, including military families due to the involvement of U.S. Army personnel.
• Government officials: Federal, state, and local entities involved in the response, commended for their cooperation.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal/Constitutional: None significant; resolutions like this are routine expressions of the House's sentiments under Article I of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to set its own rules, including ceremonial actions. They carry no enforceable legal weight.
• Political: Serves as a bipartisan gesture of unity (engrossed in the House on March 3, 2025), potentially highlighting aviation safety concerns in a politically sensitive area near the nation's capital. It may prompt informal discussions on air traffic control or military-civilian flight coordination without mandating action.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Estes, Ron [R-KS-4]

Cosponsors (93)

Rep. Graves, Sam [R-MO-6], Rep. Larsen, Rick [D-WA-2], Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1], Rep. Schmidt, Derek [R-KS-2], Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8], Rep. Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10], Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11], Rep. Vindman, Eugene [D-VA-7], Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4], Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1], Rep. McGuire, John [R-VA-5], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Rep. Hoyer, Steny H. [D-MD-5], Rep. Edwards, Chuck [R-NC-11], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2], Rep. Harrigan, Pat [R-NC-10], Rep. Knott, Brad [R-NC-13], Rep. Moore, Tim [R-NC-14], Rep. Murphy, Gregory F. [R-NC-3], Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12], Rep. McDowell, Addison [R-NC-6], Rep. Rouzer, David [R-NC-7], Rep. Scott, Austin [R-GA-8], Rep. McCormick, Richard [R-GA-7], Rep. Scott, David [D-GA-13], Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1], Rep. Collins, Mike [R-GA-10], Rep. Jack, Brian [R-GA-3], Rep. Clyde, Andrew S. [R-GA-9], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Baird, James R. [R-IN-4], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Turner, Michael R. [R-OH-10], Rep. Taylor, David [R-OH-2], Rep. Miller, Max L. [R-OH-7], Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1], Rep. Rulli, Michael A. [R-OH-6], Rep. Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16], Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-5], Rep. McCollum, Betty [D-MN-4], Rep. Stauber, Pete [R-MN-8], Rep. Finstad, Brad [R-MN-1], Rep. Begich, Nicholas [R-AK-At Large], Rep. Rogers, Mike D. [R-AL-3], Rep. Moore, Barry [R-AL-1], Rep. Aderholt, Robert B. [R-AL-4], Rep. Crawford, Eric A. "Rick" [R-AR-1] and 43 more

Recent Actions

• 2025-03-03: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
• 2025-03-03: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H935)
• 2025-03-03: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H935)
• 2025-03-03: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 153.
• 2025-03-03: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H935-937)
• 2025-03-03: Mr. Mann moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
• 2025-02-24: Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
• 2025-02-24: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, 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.
• 2025-02-24: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, 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.

Bill Versions

• Expressing condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims of the crash of American Eagle Flight 5342 and PAT 25, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-03-03 — PDF (3 pages)
• Expressing condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims of the crash of American Eagle Flight 5342 and PAT 25, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-02-24 — PDF (4 pages)