Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that all 50 States should include the events of the September 11th terrorist attacks in the curriculum of elementary and secondary schools so that people in the United States may never forget that fateful day.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 692
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-10: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Last Updated
- 2025-09-24T16:19:10Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This resolution (H. Res. 692) expresses the sense of the U.S. House of Representatives that all 50 states should incorporate the events of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks into the curricula of elementary and secondary schools. The goal is to ensure that future generations in the United States remember the attacks, honor the victims and first responders, and understand their lasting impact on national security and society.
Key Provisions
- Sense of the House Statement: The resolution urges states to include education on the September 11 attacks in school programs to prevent the events from being forgotten.
- Supporting Whereas Clauses: These provide context, including:
- The attacks' scale: 2,977 lives lost on the day, plus ongoing deaths from related injuries and illnesses.
- Heroism of first responders in New York City, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Pennsylvania, who conducted the largest rescue operation in U.S. history.
- Long-term effects: A shift in U.S. national security approach, emphasizing vigilance against threats.
- Current gap: Only 14 states currently require such education, as the first post-9/11 generation reaches adulthood.
- Importance: Educating youth honors victims, prepares future leaders (e.g., in Congress, military, homeland security), and preserves the "American story."
The resolution was introduced on September 10, 2025, by Rep. Garbarino and co-sponsors, and referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, meaning it does not create new laws, mandate actions, or amend existing statutes. It expresses an opinion without enforceable requirements, so there are no direct changes to federal or state laws. Education standards are primarily a state responsibility under the U.S. Constitution (via the 10th Amendment, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states), and this resolution respects that by making a recommendation rather than imposing rules.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: May encourage the U.S. Department of Education to provide resources or guidance to states voluntarily, but no funding or mandates are included. State education departments could face informal pressure to update curricula.
- On Citizens: Promotes broader public awareness and remembrance among students and families, potentially fostering a shared national understanding of 9/11's history and lessons. It could benefit survivors, first responders, and their families by ensuring ongoing recognition of their sacrifices.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it reinforces U.S. commitment to counter-terrorism vigilance, which could indirectly support diplomatic efforts on global security.
- Overall, impacts are symbolic and educational, relying on voluntary state adoption to influence school programs.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Students and Educators: Elementary and secondary school students (K-12) would gain required knowledge of 9/11; teachers may need to integrate this into lessons.
- State Governments: Education departments and school boards in all 50 states, particularly the 36 without current mandates, as they decide curriculum standards.
- Victims' Families and First Responders: Groups like the 9/11 families, firefighters, police, and military personnel, who are honored through preserved memory of the events.
- Federal Lawmakers and Policymakers: House members and future leaders (e.g., in homeland security) who may use this education to inform policies on national defense.
- General Public: All Americans, especially younger generations, to maintain historical awareness.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a "sense of the House" resolution, it has no legal force and cannot be challenged in court. It avoids federal overreach into state education by using persuasive language rather than directives.
- Constitutional: Aligns with the 10th Amendment by recommending rather than requiring state action, preserving federalism (the division of powers between national and state governments).
- Political: Signals bipartisan support for patriotism and historical education (introduced by Republicans with diverse co-sponsors). It could spark debates on curriculum content, such as balancing remembrance with sensitivity to trauma, or influence future legislation on education funding for historical topics. Politically, it commemorates the 24th anniversary of 9/11, potentially boosting unity on security issues amid ongoing global threats.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2]
Cosponsors (6)
Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11], Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23]
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-10: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 2025-09-10: Submitted in House
- 2025-09-10: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that all 50 States should include the events of the September 11th terrorist attacks in the curriculum of elementary and secondary schools so that people in the United States may never forget that fateful day. — issued 2025-09-10 — PDF (3 pages)