Recognizing the victims, survivors, and thousands of other Americans impacted by the September 11, 2001, attacks, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 698
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-10: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2025-09-23T17:49:53Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 698) aims to honor the victims, survivors, and broader impacts of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. It also expresses the House of Representatives' commitment to national security by recognizing past efforts to prevent future attacks and opposing any measures that could weaken counterterrorism and preparedness.
Key Provisions
- Recognition of 9/11 Impacts: Acknowledges the events of September 11, 2001, including the hijackings and crashes of four flights by al-Qaida terrorists into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania; notes the deaths of over 2,600 at the World Trade Center, 125 at the Pentagon, 256 on the planes, and more than 400 first responders and military personnel.
- Long-Term Effects: Highlights ongoing health issues, with nearly 7,000 deaths from exposure-related illnesses and tens of thousands suffering physical and mental health problems.
- Historical Response: Recalls the creation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in 2002 to prevent terrorism and disasters, and credits its personnel, along with intelligence, law enforcement, and military efforts, for preventing complex foreign terrorist attacks on U.S. soil since 9/11.
- Concerns Raised: Points to recent terminations of DHS experts in counterterrorism, intelligence, and related areas; criticizes delays and cuts in terrorism-prevention funding (e.g., $134 million reductions for high-risk cities like New York City and Washington, D.C.); and references the 9/11 Commission's finding on intelligence failures ("failing to connect the dots").
- Resolved Actions:
- Recognize victims, survivors, and affected Americans.
- Honor public servants' ongoing security efforts.
- Oppose any weakening of U.S. counterterrorism and preparedness.
- Urge the U.S. government to apply lessons from 9/11 and support DHS's mission to protect the homeland and American values.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution expressing the sense of the House, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a formal statement rather than enforceable legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Reinforces support for DHS, intelligence agencies, and first responders by highlighting their roles and criticizing funding cuts or personnel losses, which could influence budget allocations or policy priorities in Congress.
- On Citizens: Provides symbolic recognition and validation for 9/11 victims, survivors, and their families, potentially raising awareness of long-term health needs; may indirectly encourage sustained funding for preparedness in high-risk communities, enhancing public safety.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, but it underscores U.S. resolve against terrorism, which could signal ongoing commitment to global counterterrorism efforts without altering foreign policy.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Victims and Survivors: Individuals directly impacted by the 9/11 attacks, including those with ongoing health issues from exposure at Ground Zero.
- First Responders and Public Servants: Firefighters, police, paramedics, military personnel, DHS employees, and intelligence/law enforcement officials who responded to the attacks or work on security.
- High-Risk Communities: Residents and governments in targeted cities like New York City and Washington, D.C., affected by funding cuts for terrorism prevention.
- Federal Agencies: Primarily DHS and its Office of Intelligence and Analysis, which could benefit from renewed emphasis on their mission and expertise.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: As a simple resolution, it has no legal force but aligns with Congress's constitutional role in overseeing national security and providing for the common defense (Article I, Section 8). It does not infringe on executive powers but urges action on intelligence and funding.
- Political: Represents a bipartisan statement (introduced by Democrats) emphasizing unity on homeland security post-9/11; critiques recent administrative actions (e.g., personnel terminations and funding delays) without naming specifics, potentially fueling debates on budget priorities and counterterrorism strategy in an election-year context. It may serve as a platform for future legislative efforts on DHS funding or reforms.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2]
Cosponsors (9)
Rep. Correa, J. Luis [D-CA-46], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32], Rescom. Hernández, Pablo Jose [D-PR-At Large], Rep. Green, Al [D-TX-9], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26]
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-10: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-09-10: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-09-10: Submitted in House
- 2025-09-10: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Recognizing the victims, survivors, and thousands of other Americans impacted by the September 11, 2001, attacks, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-09-10 — PDF (4 pages)