Denouncing the antisemitic terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 488
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-09: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-11T20:54:31Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
H. Res. 488 is a non-binding House resolution that condemns a specific terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado, on June 1, 2025, carried out by Mohammed Sabry Soliman, an Egyptian national in the U.S. illegally. It highlights failures in visa compliance and immigration enforcement, while emphasizing the importance of law enforcement cooperation to prevent such incidents. The resolution aims to express solidarity with victims, promote better vetting of visa applicants, and underscore the need for timely removal of non-compliant immigrants.
Key Provisions
- Condemnation of the Attack: The House condemns Soliman's antisemitic terrorist act, which involved throwing homemade Molotov cocktails (firebombs made from bottles filled with flammable liquid) at peaceful demonstrators supporting the release of hostages held by Hamas, injuring at least 14 people, including a Holocaust survivor.
- Affirmation of Law Enforcement Cooperation: It reaffirms that open communication between state, local, and federal law enforcement is essential for public safety and preventing terrorism.
- Expression of Gratitude: The House thanks law enforcement officers, including those from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), for their role in protecting the country.
The resolution includes "whereas" clauses detailing the attack's background: Soliman's illegal entry and stay, his asylum application shortly after arrival, his stated antisemitic motives, and prior encounters with Colorado authorities since 2022.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This resolution introduces no changes to existing law. As a House resolution (H. Res.), it is a declarative statement expressing the House's views and does not have the force of law, nor does it amend statutes or create new legal obligations.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: It may encourage federal agencies like the Department of State (for visa vetting) and ICE (for enforcement) to prioritize screening for antisemitic or anti-American views and expedite removals of visa violators, though without binding requirements. It reinforces the value of inter-agency communication, potentially supporting ongoing anti-terrorism efforts.
- On Citizens: Provides symbolic support to victims of antisemitic violence and promotes public awareness of immigration-related security risks, which could influence public discourse on safety during demonstrations.
- On International Relations: Highlights concerns about visa issuance to foreign nationals, potentially affecting U.S. relations with countries like Egypt by underscoring the need for aggressive vetting, but it has no direct diplomatic effects.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Victims and Demonstrators: Those injured in the attack, including the reported Holocaust survivor, who receive explicit calls for prayers and healing.
- Law Enforcement Personnel: State, local, and federal officers (e.g., ICE) praised for their efforts, potentially bolstering morale and justifying resource allocation for homeland security.
- Immigration System Users: Foreign nationals applying for visas or asylum, as the resolution spotlights risks of non-compliance and the need for enhanced screening.
- U.S. Public and Jewish Communities: Affected indirectly through heightened awareness of antisemitic threats and support for anti-terrorism measures.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: No direct legal impact, but it underscores potential gaps in immigration law enforcement, such as visa overstays and asylum processes, without proposing reforms. It aligns with existing federal authority under laws like the Immigration and Nationality Act for deportations.
- Constitutional: Supports First Amendment protections for peaceful demonstrations while condemning violence against them; it does not infringe on rights but politically frames antisemitism as a security threat.
- Political: Serves as a partisan statement in the context of U.S.-Israel relations and domestic debates on immigration and terrorism post-October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. It could influence future legislation on visa vetting or border security, signaling House priorities without bipartisan mandate (passed in the House on June 9, 2025).
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (7)
Rep. Crank, Jeff [R-CO-5], Rep. Hurd, Jeff [R-CO-3], Rep. Boebert, Lauren [R-CO-4], Rep. Shreve, Jefferson [R-IN-6], Rep. Foxx, Virginia [R-NC-5], Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2]
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-09: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-06-09: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 280 - 113, 6 Present (Roll no. 158). (text: CR H2542) (Roll call 158)
- 2025-06-09: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 280 - 113, 6 Present (Roll no. 158). (text: CR H2542) (Roll call 158)
- 2025-06-09: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2558-2559)
- 2025-06-09: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
- 2025-06-09: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 488.
- 2025-06-09: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2542-2546)
- 2025-06-09: Mr. Van Drew moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.
- 2025-06-09: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2025-06-09: Submitted in House
- 2025-06-09: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Denouncing the antisemitic terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado. — issued 2025-06-09 — PDF (3 pages)