Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Ukrainian famine of 1932-1933, known as the Holodomor, is recognized as a genocide and should serve as a reminder of repressive Soviet policies against the people of Ukraine.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 915
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-11-28: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-08T09:07:01Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This resolution (H. Res. 915) aims to formally recognize the Ukrainian famine of 1932-1933, known as the Holodomor, as a genocide committed by the Soviet Union. It seeks to honor the victims, condemn the repressive policies involved, and highlight ongoing issues related to Ukraine's sovereignty and Russian aggression.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes several "Whereas" clauses providing historical context, followed by a "Resolved" section outlining the House of Representatives' positions:
- Recognition of the Holodomor: Declares the famine as a genocide engineered by the Soviet Union to suppress Ukrainian resistance to communist rule, involving forced collectivization, grain confiscation, sealed borders, and denial of aid, resulting in millions of deaths (nearly a quarter of Ukraine's rural population).
- Historical Findings: References the 1988 U.S. Commission on the Ukraine Famine report, which concluded the Soviet actions constituted genocide.
- Actions by the House:
- Recognizes the Holodomor as genocide.
- Remembers the atrocities and extends sympathies to victims, survivors, and families.
- Condemns Soviet human rights violations, including starvation, repression, and persecution of Ukrainians.
- Encourages spreading information about the Holodomor to counter historical denial by the Kremlin.
- Condemns Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine and his denials of Ukrainian identity and sovereignty.
- Supports efforts for lasting peace in Ukraine and deterring future Russian aggression.
The resolution was introduced on November 28, 2025, by Rep. Rogers of Alabama and co-sponsors, and referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution expressing the sense of the House, so it does not create, amend, or repeal any laws. It builds on prior U.S. acknowledgments, such as the 1988 Commission report, but introduces no enforceable legal changes.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: May influence U.S. Department of State messaging on Ukraine and human rights, potentially guiding diplomatic efforts or educational programs without mandating action.
- On Citizens: Raises public awareness among Americans, particularly Ukrainian-American communities, about the Holodomor, fostering education and remembrance; could encourage cultural or commemorative events.
- On International Relations: Strengthens U.S. support for Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia, signaling solidarity that might bolster alliances (e.g., NATO) and pressure Russia diplomatically; no direct economic or military impacts, but reinforces U.S. stance against historical denial and current aggression.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Ukrainian People and Diaspora: Victims' families, survivors, and Ukrainian communities in the U.S. and worldwide benefit from official recognition and sympathy, aiding efforts for awareness and justice.
- U.S. Congress and Policymakers: Shapes congressional discourse on foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine and Russia.
- Russian Government: Faces implicit condemnation, potentially straining U.S.-Russia relations.
- Historians and Educators: Encouraged to disseminate information, impacting academic and public understanding of 20th-century history.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no force of law and cannot compel executive action, but it aligns with U.S. precedents on recognizing genocides (e.g., Armenian Genocide resolutions), potentially supporting future legislation or international advocacy.
- Constitutional: Falls within Congress's power to express views on foreign affairs under Article I, without infringing on executive treaty-making authority.
- Political: Serves as a bipartisan statement (with diverse co-sponsors) amid U.S. involvement in Ukraine aid debates, reinforcing anti-Russian sentiment and pro-Ukraine policies; could influence public opinion and electoral discussions on human rights and international security without partisan bias in the text.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (18)
Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5], Rep. Kaptur, Marcy [D-OH-9], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large], Rep. Boyle, Brendan F. [D-PA-2], Rep. Sorensen, Eric [D-IL-17], Rep. Gimenez, Carlos A. [R-FL-28], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-25], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
Recent Actions
- 2025-11-28: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 2025-11-28: Submitted in House
- 2025-11-28: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Ukrainian famine of 1932–1933, known as the Holodomor, is recognized as a genocide and should serve as a reminder of repressive Soviet policies against the people of Ukraine. — issued 2025-11-28 — PDF (3 pages)