Condemning Hamas for its premeditated, coordinated, and brutal terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023, against Israel and demanding that Hamas immediately release all remaining hostages and return them to safety, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 413
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-05-14: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2025-11-30T06:57:55Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 413) aims to formally condemn Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist group backed by Iran, for its October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. It highlights the brutality of the attacks, including killings, kidnappings, and mistreatment of hostages, and demands the immediate release of all remaining hostages to ensure their safety.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes a series of "Whereas" clauses detailing the events and impacts of the attacks, followed by seven specific actions for the House of Representatives:
- Condemnation of attacks: Strongly denounces Hamas's premeditated, coordinated, and brutal terrorist actions against Israeli civilians.
- Criticism of abductions: Decries the kidnapping of over 250 people from more than 20 nationalities, including acts of sexual violence, psychological torture, and threats to use hostages as human shields.
- Demand for medical access: Calls for Hamas to provide immediate access and medical care to all hostages, noting their dire conditions such as starvation, abuse, and underground confinement.
- Demand for release: Insists on the immediate release of the 58 remaining hostages (including four Americans: Itay Chen, Omer Neutra, Judi Weinstein, and Gad Haggai), and notes the recent U.S.-secured release of Edan Alexander on May 12, 2025.
- Recognition of violations: Affirms that hostage-taking violates international humanitarian law, specifically Common Article 3 of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, which prohibits such acts in all circumstances.
- Praise for U.S. efforts: Applauds the Biden Administration for securing Edan Alexander's release and urges continued White House actions to free all captives.
- Expression of sympathy: Offers condolences to hostages, the wounded, their families, and mourns those killed during the attacks or in captivity.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, meaning it expresses the House's opinion but does not create, amend, or repeal any laws. It reinforces existing U.S. designations of Hamas as a terrorist organization but introduces no legal changes.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: Encourages the White House and State Department to prioritize diplomatic efforts for hostage releases, potentially influencing U.S. foreign policy and negotiations in the Middle East.
- On citizens: Provides moral support to affected American families (e.g., those of the four U.S. hostages) and underscores U.S. commitment to protecting its citizens abroad.
- On international relations: Strengthens U.S. solidarity with Israel against terrorism, may pressure Iran (Hamas's backer) and international bodies to address violations of humanitarian law, and could affect aid or sanctions related to Gaza and hostage situations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Hostages and families: Primarily the 58 remaining captives (including Americans) and their loved ones, who may benefit from heightened diplomatic pressure.
- Israeli government and citizens: Supports Israel's position post-attacks, affecting over 1,200 killed and 4,000 wounded.
- U.S. government: The House, White House, and foreign policy agencies, as it guides executive actions on hostages.
- Hamas and affiliated groups: Faces direct condemnation, potentially isolating them further internationally.
- International community: Includes victims from over 20 nationalities and organizations enforcing the Geneva Conventions.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: References international law (e.g., Geneva Conventions) to frame hostage-taking as a war crime, aligning U.S. policy with global norms without creating new domestic obligations.
- Constitutional: As a House resolution, it falls under Congress's power to express foreign policy views (Article I), but it is advisory and does not bind the executive branch.
- Political: Serves as a bipartisan statement (introduced by Ms. Stevens and Mr. Hill) reinforcing U.S. anti-terrorism stance, potentially shaping public discourse on Israel-Palestine relations and U.S. involvement in the conflict; it highlights ongoing humanitarian crises without addressing broader peace efforts.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]
Cosponsors (29)
Rep. Hill, J. French [R-AR-2], Rep. Scott, David [D-GA-13], Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Gillen, Laura [D-NY-4], Rep. Vargas, Juan [D-CA-52], Rep. Sherrill, Mikie [D-NJ-11], Rep. Garcia, Robert [D-CA-42], Rep. Messmer, Mark B. [R-IN-8], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Rep. Loudermilk, Barry [R-GA-11], Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27], Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3], Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5], Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Latimer, George [D-NY-16], Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21], Rep. Yakym, Rudy [R-IN-2], Rep. Kustoff, David [R-TN-8], Rep. Auchincloss, Jake [D-MA-4], Rep. Stanton, Greg [D-AZ-4], Rep. Ansari, Yassamin [D-AZ-3], Rep. Walkinshaw, James R. [D-VA-11], Rep. Kean, Thomas H. [R-NJ-7]
Recent Actions
- 2025-05-14: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 2025-05-14: Submitted in House
- 2025-05-14: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Condemning Hamas for its premeditated, coordinated, and brutal terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023, against Israel and demanding that Hamas immediately release all remaining hostages and return them to safety, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-05-14 — PDF (4 pages)