Honoring the victims of Hurricane Helene and expressing condolences and support for the affected communities in western North Carolina, specifically North Carolina's 11th Congressional District, 1 year after the hurricane made landfall in the State on September 27, 2024.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 711
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Emergency Management
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-16: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
- Last Updated
- 2025-10-07T08:05:29Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 711) aims to honor the victims of Hurricane Helene one year after the storm made landfall on September 27, 2024, in North Carolina. It expresses condolences and solidarity with affected communities, particularly in western North Carolina and the state's 11th Congressional District, while recognizing the disaster's impacts and the resilience of those involved in recovery.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes the following main actions for the House of Representatives:
- Honoring victims: Commemorates those who lost their lives due to the hurricane.
- Extending condolences: Offers deepest sympathies to families of the victims and all impacted individuals and communities still facing hardships.
- Recognizing efforts: Thanks first responders, volunteers, local leaders, emergency personnel, community organizations, faith-based groups, and neighbors for their courageous actions in saving lives and aiding recovery.
- Affirming commitment: Declares ongoing support for disaster relief, recovery, and rebuilding in the affected areas.
- Encouraging partnerships: Urges executive branch agencies (such as those handling disaster response) to collaborate with Congress to speed up recovery efforts.
The resolution is introduced by multiple representatives from North Carolina and referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for consideration.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It serves as a formal expression of sentiment rather than enacting new policies or mandates.
Potential Impacts
- On citizens: Provides emotional and symbolic support to residents of western North Carolina, potentially boosting morale and highlighting the need for continued aid. It may indirectly encourage federal funding or resources for rebuilding homes, infrastructure (like roads, bridges, schools, and hospitals), and community recovery.
- On government agencies: Prompts executive agencies (e.g., FEMA or similar disaster relief bodies) to work more closely with Congress, which could accelerate administrative processes for relief without creating new obligations.
- On international relations: No direct impact, as the resolution focuses solely on a domestic natural disaster.
Overall, the effects are primarily symbolic, fostering national awareness and unity in response to the hurricane's widespread destruction, displacement, and loss of life.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Victims and communities: Primarily residents, families, and displaced individuals in western North Carolina, especially the 11th Congressional District, who suffered losses and ongoing hardships.
- First responders and volunteers: Emergency personnel, local leaders, community and faith-based organizations, and neighbors recognized for their recovery efforts.
- Government entities: The House of Representatives (as the adopting body), North Carolina congressional delegation (bipartisan sponsors), and executive agencies involved in disaster management.
- Broader public: The resolution inspires national solidarity and may influence public support for federal disaster aid programs.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: As a simple resolution, it requires only a House majority vote and has no binding effect on law or the Constitution. It aligns with Congress's role in expressing collective sentiments on national issues but does not alter rights, budgets, or executive powers.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan cooperation (sponsored by representatives from both parties) in addressing a regional crisis, potentially strengthening advocacy for disaster funding in future appropriations. It underscores Congress's oversight role in supporting states during natural disasters, without partisan commentary on response effectiveness.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (13)
Rep. Foxx, Virginia [R-NC-5], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2], Rep. Murphy, Gregory F. [R-NC-3], Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12], Rep. Harrigan, Pat [R-NC-10], Rep. McDowell, Addison P. [R-NC-6], Rep. Moore, Tim [R-NC-14], Rep. Knott, Brad [R-NC-13], Rep. Rouzer, David [R-NC-7], Rep. Hudson, Richard [R-NC-9], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. Harris, Mark [R-NC-8]
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-16: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
- 2025-09-15: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2025-09-15: Submitted in House
- 2025-09-15: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Honoring the victims of Hurricane Helene and expressing condolences and support for the affected communities in western North Carolina, specifically North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District, 1 year after the hurricane made landfall in the State on September 27, 2024. — issued 2025-09-15 — PDF (3 pages)