Condemning antisemitism and remembering Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim.

Bill Number

H.Res. 447

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Crime and Law Enforcement

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-05-23: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Last Updated

2025-06-20T13:05:58Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 447) aims to formally condemn antisemitism—a form of hatred and discrimination against Jewish people—as a persistent global issue that has caused widespread suffering, including the Holocaust. It also honors the memory of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, two Israeli Embassy employees killed in an antisemitic attack, by recognizing their contributions to peace and dialogue.

Key Provisions

• Condemnation of Antisemitism: The resolution denounces antisemitism in various forms, such as physical violence, vandalism, online harassment, and discriminatory policies or actions.
• Remembrance of Victims: It commemorates Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, who were murdered while attending a panel on peace and conflict resolution; both worked at the Israeli Embassy promoting education, dialogue, and opposition to hatred.
• Condemnation of the Attack: It labels the murders as acts of terrorism committed by a far-left activist affiliated with the Party for Socialism and Liberation, highlighting the dangers of rising antisemitism.
• Support for Law Enforcement: It endorses the application of current laws that address hate crimes (crimes motivated by bias against a group), protect religious freedom, and deliver justice to victims of antisemitic acts.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, meaning it expresses the House of Representatives' opinion and does not create, amend, or repeal any laws. It reinforces existing legal frameworks without introducing new requirements or penalties.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: May encourage federal agencies, like the Department of Justice, to prioritize enforcement of hate crime laws, though it has no mandatory effect.
• On Citizens: Raises public awareness of antisemitism's dangers, potentially fostering greater vigilance and support for Jewish communities amid rising incidents in the U.S., such as attacks on synagogues and schools.
• On International Relations: Signals U.S. solidarity with Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, possibly strengthening diplomatic ties but without direct policy changes.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Jewish Communities and Victims' Families: Directly honors the deceased and addresses threats to their safety and rights.
• Israeli Government and Embassy Staff: Recognizes the victims' roles in U.S.-Israel relations and peace advocacy.
• Law Enforcement and Advocacy Groups: Supports their efforts in combating hate crimes and promoting religious freedoms.
• General Public and Congress: Influences broader societal and political discourse on tolerance and extremism.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Reinforces the First Amendment's protection of religious freedom while condemning hate-motivated violence; it aligns with statutes like the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act (2009), which expands federal hate crime prosecutions, but adds no new legal tools.
• Constitutional: Balances free speech by targeting discriminatory actions rather than opinions, avoiding potential conflicts with protected expression.
• Political: Serves as a bipartisan statement (introduced by multiple representatives) to combat rising antisemitism, potentially shaping legislative agendas on civil rights and counter-terrorism without enforceable outcomes; it may influence public opinion or future bills on similar issues.

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

Sponsor

Rep. McDowell, Addison P. [R-NC-6]

Cosponsors (72)

Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4], Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6], Rep. McClain, Lisa C. [R-MI-9], Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1], Rep. Hamadeh, Abraham J. [R-AZ-8], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Rep. Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4], Rep. Wagner, Ann [R-MO-2], Rep. Huizenga, Bill [R-MI-4], Rep. Carey, Mike [R-OH-15], Rep. Edwards, Chuck [R-NC-11], Rep. Taylor, David J. [R-OH-2], Rep. Rouzer, David [R-NC-7], Rep. Patronis, Jimmy [R-FL-1], Rep. Stutzman, Marlin A. [R-IN-3], Rep. Burchett, Tim [R-TN-2], Rep. James, John [R-MI-10], Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1], Rep. Foxx, Virginia [R-NC-5], Rep. Crank, Jeff [R-CO-5], Rep. Calvert, Ken [R-CA-41], Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14], Rep. Shreve, Jefferson [R-IN-6], Rep. Cammack, Kat [R-FL-3], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Balderson, Troy [R-OH-12], Rep. Miller, Max L. [R-OH-7], Rep. Alford, Mark [R-MO-4], Rep. Harrigan, Pat [R-NC-10], Rep. Moore, Riley M. [R-WV-2], Rep. Haridopolos, Mike [R-FL-8], Rep. Luna, Anna Paulina [R-FL-13], Rep. Baumgartner, Michael [R-WA-5], Rep. Moore, Tim [R-NC-14], Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9], Rep. Kennedy, Mike [R-UT-3], Rep. Harris, Mark [R-NC-8], Rep. Jack, Brian [R-GA-3], Rep. Barrett, Tom [R-MI-7], Rep. Knott, Brad [R-NC-13], Rep. Onder, Robert F. [R-MO-3], Rep. Fedorchak, Julie [R-ND-At Large], Rep. Bresnahan, Robert P. [R-PA-8], Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11], Rep. Goldman, Craig A. [R-TX-12], Rep. Murphy, Gregory F. [R-NC-3], Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2], Rep. Smucker, Lloyd [R-PA-11], Rep. Joyce, David P. [R-OH-14] and 22 more

Recent Actions

• 2025-05-23: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
• 2025-05-23: Submitted in House
• 2025-05-23: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Condemning antisemitism and remembering Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim. — issued 2025-05-23 — PDF (3 pages)