Calling for the urgent delivery and disbursement of humanitarian aid to address the needs of civilians in Gaza.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 473
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-04: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-24T08:08:03Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 473) expresses the U.S. House of Representatives' concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and urges the U.S. government to take immediate diplomatic action. Its main goal is to highlight the severe hunger, malnutrition, and collapse of health services affecting Gaza's civilians and to call for the urgent delivery of aid, the release of hostages, and a lasting end to the conflict.
Key Provisions
- Background on the Crisis (Whereas Clauses):
- Describes Gaza's 2.2 million residents facing extreme hunger.
- Notes that about 10,000 children have acute malnutrition since January 2025, signaling potential famine.
- States that Gaza's borders were closed from March 2 to May 19, 2025, blocking food, medicine, fuel, and other essentials.
- Highlights that limited aid entering since May 19, 2025, must be expanded and distributed widely.
- Reports the closure of all 25 World Food Programme (WFP) bakeries on March 31, 2025, due to shortages, and exhaustion of food rations.
- Quotes WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain on widespread starvation risks.
- Emphasizes that women suffer most in food shortages and that Gaza's health system is collapsing.
- House Actions (Resolved Section):
- Expresses grave concern for Palestinian civilians' suffering and the plight of hostages and their families.
- Urges the White House, Department of State, and other U.S. agencies to use all diplomatic tools to:
- Secure the release of hostages.
- Ensure immediate and safe delivery of food and humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians.
- Achieve a durable end to the Gaza conflict.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, not a law, so it introduces no changes to existing statutes. It serves as a formal statement of the House's position rather than enforceable policy.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: May pressure the White House and State Department to prioritize diplomatic efforts on Gaza aid and hostage negotiations, potentially influencing U.S. foreign aid allocations or international advocacy.
- On Citizens: Could indirectly benefit Gaza's civilians by amplifying calls for aid, though it has no direct enforcement. For U.S. citizens, it underscores congressional focus on humanitarian issues without domestic effects.
- On International Relations: Might strengthen U.S. support for UN and WFP efforts, signal expectations to allies like Israel on aid access, and affect U.S. ties with Palestinian authorities or regional partners by promoting de-escalation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Palestinian Civilians in Gaza: Primary beneficiaries, as the resolution targets their immediate aid needs amid famine risks.
- Hostages and Families: Directly addressed through calls for their release.
- U.S. Government Entities: White House, State Department, and aid agencies, urged to act diplomatically.
- International Organizations: UN agencies and WFP, whose reports form the resolution's basis and whose operations could see boosted U.S. support.
- Cosponsors and Congress: Over 70 House members (mostly Democrats) who introduced it, reflecting broad internal support.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it requires only House approval and has no legal force, unlike bills that become law. It aligns with U.S. commitments under international humanitarian law (e.g., Geneva Conventions) but doesn't create new obligations.
- Constitutional: Reinforces Congress's advisory role in foreign affairs under Article I, complementing the executive branch's lead on diplomacy without infringing on presidential powers.
- Political: Demonstrates multipartisan concern (introduced by Rep. Jayapal with many cosponsors) on a divisive issue, potentially shaping public debate, elections, or U.S. aid policy toward the Middle East without binding outcomes. Referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee for review.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7]
Cosponsors (125)
Rep. Raskin, Jamie [D-MD-8], Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9], Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. Balint, Becca [D-VT-At Large], Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Rep. Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Casar, Greg [D-TX-35], Rep. Castro, Joaquin [D-TX-20], Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-28], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Conaway, Herbert C. [D-NJ-3], Rep. Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2], Rep. Crockett, Jasmine [D-TX-30], Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4], Rep. DeGette, Diana [D-CO-1], Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3], Rep. DeSaulnier, Mark [D-CA-10], Rep. Dexter, Maxine [D-OR-3], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37], Rep. Escobar, Veronica [D-TX-16], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Fields, Cleo [D-LA-6], Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10], Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8], Rep. Garcia, Robert [D-CA-42], Rep. García, Jesús G. "Chuy" [D-IL-4], Rep. Garcia, Sylvia R. [D-TX-29], Rep. Gomez, Jimmy [D-CA-34], Rep. Green, Al [D-TX-9], Rep. Himes, James A. [D-CT-4], Rep. Hoyle, Val T. [D-OR-4], Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Kaptur, Marcy [D-OH-9], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17], Rep. Larsen, Rick [D-WA-2], Rep. Larson, John B. [D-CT-1], Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12], Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3] and 75 more
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-04: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 2025-06-04: Submitted in House
- 2025-06-04: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Calling for the urgent delivery and disbursement of humanitarian aid to address the needs of civilians in Gaza. — issued 2025-06-04 — PDF (3 pages)