Supporting the recognition of April 4, 2025, as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, and reaffirming the leadership of the United States in eliminating landmines and unexploded ordnance.

Bill Number: H.Res. 361
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: International Affairs
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-04-30: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, 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.
Last Updated: 2025-06-18T20:11:07Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 361) aims to formally recognize April 4, 2025, as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action. It also reaffirms the United States' commitment to leading global efforts to eliminate landmines (explosive devices buried in the ground) and unexploded ordnance (leftover explosives from wars that did not detonate). The resolution highlights the ongoing dangers these pose to civilians and the need for humanitarian demining (clearing operations to remove them).

Key Provisions

Reaffirmation of U.S. Commitment: The House recommits to supporting international efforts to remove landmines and unexploded ordnance.
Recognition of Affected Communities: It honors communities in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, including ethnic groups like Hmong, Cham, and others who aided U.S. forces during the Vietnam War era.
Commemoration of Historical Events: It marks the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War's end and honors U.S. military sacrifices.
Acknowledgment of Deminers: It praises individuals worldwide who risk their lives to detect and remove these explosives.
Support for Global Goals: It endorses the 2014 Maputo +15 declaration's target to clear all mined areas as soon as possible, aiming for intensified efforts by 2025.
Calls to Action for the U.S. Government:
Continue funding humanitarian demining programs.
Maintain U.S. leadership in global clearance initiatives.
Prioritize addressing long-term (legacy) mine contamination as a humanitarian issue.
Reaffirmation of the International Day: It supports the United Nations-designated day (established in 2005) to raise awareness and promote assistance in mine action.

The resolution is supported by extensive "Whereas" clauses detailing the global impact of landmines, U.S. funding history (over $4.6 billion since 1993), and specific regional challenges (e.g., Ukraine, Middle East, Southeast Asia).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, meaning it expresses the House of Representatives' views but does not create, amend, or repeal any laws. It does not introduce enforceable changes to U.S. policy or statutes. Instead, it builds on existing U.S. support for demining without altering legal frameworks, such as the U.S. not being a party to the 1997 Ottawa Convention (which bans anti-personnel landmines).

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: Encourages continued funding from agencies like the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Department of Defense, potentially influencing budget priorities for demining in over 60 affected countries. It highlights needs in conflict zones like Ukraine and legacy sites from U.S. operations (e.g., Iraq, Syria).
On Citizens: Raises awareness among U.S. citizens about global mine risks, survivor assistance (e.g., via the Leahy War Victims Fund, which has provided over $337 million for prosthetics and training), and the human cost in regions like Southeast Asia (e.g., over 40,000 deaths in Vietnam since the war).
On International Relations: Strengthens U.S. image as a humanitarian leader, supporting alliances and aid in mine-affected nations. It addresses recent conflicts (e.g., Russia's actions in Ukraine contaminating one-third of its territory) without reducing focus on other global needs, potentially aiding diplomatic efforts for recovery and development.

Main Stakeholders Affected

U.S. Government and Military: Congress, USAID, and Armed Forces, as funders and operators in demining.
International Communities and Survivors: Civilians in 60+ countries, including millions in Ukraine, Afghanistan, the Middle East, Burma, and Southeast Asia (e.g., 135,000+ recorded casualties since 2001).
Demining Workers and Organizations: Non-governmental groups and individuals conducting clearance, who face high risks.
Veterans and Allied Groups: U.S. Vietnam War veterans and ethnic communities (e.g., Hmong, Vietnamese) impacted by legacy ordnance.
Global Bodies: United Nations and parties to the Ottawa Convention (164 countries), influencing collaborative efforts.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: No direct legal effects, but it underscores U.S. non-participation in the Ottawa Convention while supporting its humanitarian goals, potentially pressuring future policy shifts without binding commitments.
Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's role in foreign affairs and appropriations (Article I), expressing collective sentiment to guide executive actions like foreign aid.
Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by Reps. Bera and Valadao) and ties into historical remembrance (Vietnam War anniversary), which could foster goodwill with affected diaspora communities in the U.S. It also highlights urgent funding needs amid new conflicts, influencing debates on foreign assistance budgets without partisan framing.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Bera, Ami [D-CA-6]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22]

Recent Actions

2025-04-30: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, 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.
2025-04-30: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, 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.
2025-04-30: Submitted in House
2025-04-30: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

Supporting the recognition of April 4, 2025, as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action, and reaffirming the leadership of the United States in eliminating landmines and unexploded ordnance. — issued 2025-04-30 — PDF (5 pages)