Recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims in the United States and throughout the world for their faith.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 192
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-05: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2025-06-05T08:06:02Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 192) aims to formally recognize the start of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and to commend Muslims in the United States and around the world for their faith. It expresses solidarity and respect from the U.S. House of Representatives toward the Islamic community.
Key Provisions
- Background Clauses ("Whereas"): These provide context, including:
- An estimated 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide and 4.5 million in the U.S.
- Ramadan as the ninth month of the Muslim lunar calendar, beginning at dusk on February 28, 2025, and lasting one lunar month.
- The purpose of fasting during Ramadan to foster empathy for the less fortunate.
- Contributions of American Muslims to charity (e.g., food aid, medical help, disaster relief) and society (e.g., as professionals, educators, military personnel, and elected officials).
- The racial diversity of the American Muslim community.
- Historical U.S. government traditions, such as Presidents hosting iftar dinners (meals breaking the daily fast) since Thomas Jefferson in 1805, and iftar events by agencies like the State Department, USAID, Department of Agriculture (since 2008), and Pentagon (since 1999).
- Over 5,500 active-duty and 2,300 reserve Muslim service members in the U.S. Armed Forces.
- Resolved Section: The House:
- Recognizes Islam as one of the world's great religions to show support for Muslims in the U.S. and globally.
- Acknowledges the start of Ramadan and expresses deepest respect to Muslims on this occasion.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, not a law, so it introduces no changes to existing statutes, regulations, or legal frameworks. It serves as a symbolic statement of congressional intent rather than enforceable policy.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Promotes inclusivity and recognition for the American Muslim community, potentially fostering greater interfaith dialogue and reducing feelings of marginalization. It highlights Muslim contributions to society, which may encourage civic participation.
- On Government Agencies: Reinforces existing traditions of iftar events in federal agencies (e.g., Defense, Agriculture, State), but imposes no new requirements. It may subtly support ongoing interfaith initiatives without altering operations.
- On International Relations: Signals U.S. solidarity with the global Muslim population (1.9 billion people), which could enhance diplomatic goodwill in Muslim-majority countries and counter perceptions of anti-Muslim bias abroad. No direct policy shifts are mandated.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- American Muslims: Primary beneficiaries, as the resolution commends their faith, diversity, and contributions, providing official acknowledgment during Ramadan.
- Global Muslim Community: Indirectly supported through expressions of respect and recognition of Islam's global significance.
- U.S. House of Representatives: The body adopting the resolution, demonstrating institutional support for religious observance.
- U.S. Government Agencies and Military: Noted for their historical involvement in Ramadan events, with emphasis on Muslim service members.
- Charitable and Community Organizations: Highlighted for their work in aid and relief, potentially gaining visibility.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: As a simple resolution, it aligns with the First Amendment's protection of free exercise of religion and does not establish or favor any religion (e.g., no funding or mandates). It promotes pluralism without violating separation of church and state principles.
- Political: Introduced by Representatives Carson, Omar, Simon, and Tlaib (Democrats) and referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee, it reflects bipartisan historical precedents (e.g., presidential iftars across parties). It could serve as a gesture of unity in a diverse Congress, though its non-binding nature limits enforcement or controversy. No partisan divisions are evident in the text.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (6)
Rep. Omar, Ilhan [D-MN-5], Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Peters, Scott H. [D-CA-50], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-05: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 2025-03-05: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims in the United States and throughout the world for their faith. — issued 2025-03-05 — PDF (3 pages)