Recognizing the significance of "National Caribbean American Heritage Month".

Bill Number

H.Res. 547

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Arts, Culture, Religion

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-06-26: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Last Updated

2026-07-10T08:05:56Z

AI-Generated Summary

Summary of H. Res. 547

Purpose

This resolution recognizes the significance of "National Caribbean American Heritage Month" and supports its annual observance in June. It highlights the historical presence, cultural contributions, and ongoing role of people of Caribbean heritage in the United States.

Key Provisions

• Historical Context: Notes emigration from the Caribbean beginning in 1619, the impact of slavery and colonialism, and the current estimated population of 13.2 million people in the U.S. born in or with ancestry from the Caribbean.
• Contributions: Lists influential Caribbean Americans across fields including government, arts, military, business, and civil rights, such as Alexander Hamilton, Shirley Chisholm, Kamala Harris, Colin Powell, and others.
• Cultural and Economic Ties: Emphasizes shared values with Caribbean nations, their role as economic partners, and the diaspora’s remittances supporting both U.S. prosperity and Caribbean development.
• Organizational Recognition: Acknowledges the Institute of Caribbean Studies and Dr. Claire A. Nelson for promoting the month’s celebration.
• Resolutions: The House of Representatives supports the month’s goals, encourages U.S. citizens to observe it with ceremonies and activities, and affirms the contributions of Caribbean Americans to U.S. history and the value of ethnic and racial diversity.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This non-binding resolution introduces no changes to existing law. It builds on a prior concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 71 from the 109th Congress) that led to annual presidential proclamations but does not amend statutes or create new legal requirements.

Potential Impacts

• On Citizens: May encourage public events, education, and cultural activities highlighting Caribbean American heritage, fostering greater awareness of diversity.
• On Government Agencies: No direct mandates; it could indirectly influence federal agencies to participate in related commemorations or outreach.
• On International Relations: Reinforces ties with Caribbean nations by recognizing shared history and economic partnerships, potentially supporting diplomatic goodwill without creating new obligations.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• People of Caribbean heritage living in the U.S.
• Organizations such as the Institute of Caribbean Studies and the National Caribbean American Heritage Month Commemorative Committee.
• Federal government entities involved in cultural or heritage recognitions.
• Broader U.S. public through encouraged participation in observances.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

As a simple House resolution, it carries no legal force and does not alter constitutional powers or create enforceable rights. It serves a symbolic and political role in affirming national diversity and historical contributions, consistent with similar heritage month recognitions.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7]

Cosponsors (33)

Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Frost, Maxwell [D-FL-10], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rescom. Hernández, Pablo Jose [D-PR-At Large], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. McCormick, Richard [R-GA-7], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Simon, Lateefah [D-CA-12], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7], Del. Plaskett, Stacey E. [D-VI-At Large], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Torres, Ritchie [D-NY-15], Rep. Mfume, Kweisi [D-MD-7], Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20], Rep. Pou, Nellie [D-NJ-9], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2], Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24], Rep. Scott, David [D-GA-13], Rep. Horsford, Steven [D-NV-4], Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5], Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-25], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9], Rep. Green, Al [D-TX-9], Rep. Waters, Maxine [D-CA-43]

Recent Actions

• 2025-06-26: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
• 2025-06-26: Submitted in House
• 2025-06-26: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E628)
• 2025-06-26: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Recognizing the significance of "National Caribbean American Heritage Month". — issued 2025-06-26 — PDF (6 pages)