Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives condemning all forms of political violence and rejecting rhetoric that dehumanizes or demonizes political opponents.

Bill Number: H.Res. 746
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-09-18: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Last Updated: 2025-11-11T09:05:31Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 746) expresses the collective view of the U.S. House of Representatives in condemning all forms of political violence and rejecting rhetoric that dehumanizes or demonizes political opponents. It aims to reaffirm the importance of peaceful democratic processes and highlight the dangers of escalating political threats and attacks.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes a series of "Whereas" clauses that provide context by citing specific incidents of political violence from 2020 to 2025, such as:

Assassinations and attempts on figures like conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Minnesota legislators (including House Speaker Melissa Hortman), and former President Donald J. Trump.
Attacks including arson at the Pennsylvania Governor's Residence, the assault on Paul Pelosi, a threat to Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, and a plot against Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
A broader pattern of threats, harassment, and intimidation against public officials.

The core "Resolved" section outlines seven commitments by the House:

Condemning all political violence, including assassinations and attempts, regardless of political party or ideology.
Affirming that violence and threats have no place in politics and that disputes must be resolved peacefully through democratic means.
Reaffirming commitment to the safety, dignity, and respect for Members of Congress, state legislators, elected officials, and public servants.
Urging law enforcement at all levels to investigate, prosecute, and hold accountable those who commit or incite political violence.
Commending law enforcement and public officials who respond to such violence.
Calling on public officials, community leaders, and media to reject dehumanizing rhetoric and promote civil discourse.
Declaring that threats or acts of violence against officials undermine the dignity, safety, and integrity of the House and democratic institutions.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution that expresses the House's sense and does not amend or create new laws. It has no legal force and introduces no changes to statutes, regulations, or existing legal frameworks.

Potential Impacts

On government agencies: May encourage enhanced coordination among federal, state, and local law enforcement to address political threats, potentially leading to increased resources for protection of officials without mandating action.
On citizens: Promotes a cultural shift toward civil political engagement, potentially reducing intimidation and fostering greater public trust in democratic processes, though its symbolic nature limits direct enforcement.
On international relations: Minimal direct impact, but it could signal U.S. commitment to democratic norms globally, influencing perceptions of American political stability.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Public officials and elected representatives: Including Members of Congress, state legislators, governors, and candidates across political parties, who face heightened risks from violence and threats.
Law enforcement agencies: Federal (e.g., FBI, Capitol Police), state, and local authorities responsible for investigating and responding to political violence.
Citizens and public figures: Activists, journalists, and community leaders involved in political discourse, as well as the general public affected by chilled civic participation.
Media and community influencers: Encouraged to moderate rhetoric and promote respectful dialogue.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: As a sense of Congress resolution, it carries no enforceable legal weight but could support future legislation on protecting officials or free speech limits related to incitement (e.g., under the First Amendment, which protects speech but not true threats).
Constitutional: Reinforces core democratic principles like free speech and peaceful assembly under the First Amendment, while emphasizing that violence undermines representative government as outlined in Article I of the Constitution.
Political: Serves as a bipartisan (though introduced by Democrats) statement of unity against violence, potentially bridging partisan divides post-2024 election events; it highlights escalating threats without assigning blame to specific ideologies, but its timing and examples may fuel political debates on rhetoric and accountability.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33]

Cosponsors (167)

Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7], Rep. Amo, Gabe [D-RI-1], Rep. Adams, Alma S. [D-NC-12], Rep. Auchincloss, Jake [D-MA-4], Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Rep. Bera, Ami [D-CA-6], Rep. Boyle, Brendan F. [D-PA-2], Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. Bynum, Janelle S. [D-OR-5], Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Casar, Greg [D-TX-35], Rep. Casten, Sean [D-IL-6], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Correa, J. Luis [D-CA-46], Rep. Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2], Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4], Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3], Rep. DeGette, Diana [D-CO-1], Rep. DeSaulnier, Mark [D-CA-10], Rep. Dexter, Maxine [D-OR-3], Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37], Rep. Escobar, Veronica [D-TX-16], Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3], Rep. Frankel, Lois [D-FL-22], Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11], Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4], Rep. Garcia, Sylvia R. [D-TX-29], Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Gonzalez, Vicente [D-TX-34], Rep. Green, Al [D-TX-9], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5], Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6], Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2], Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32], Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17], Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1], Rep. Larsen, Rick [D-WA-2], Rep. Mannion, John W. [D-NY-22], Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Mrvan, Frank J. [D-IN-1], Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2], Rep. Norcross, Donald [D-NJ-1] and 117 more

Recent Actions

2025-09-18: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
2025-09-18: Submitted in House
2025-09-18: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives condemning all forms of political violence and rejecting rhetoric that dehumanizes or demonizes political opponents. — issued 2025-09-18 — PDF (5 pages)