Condemning the antisemitic shooting in Sydney, Australia, and all forms of hatred and violence directed at religious communities.

Bill Number

H.Res. 956

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

International Affairs

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-12-17: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Last Updated

2026-01-13T09:05:21Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 956) aims to condemn a specific antisemitic shooting incident in Sydney, Australia, and to denounce all forms of hatred and violence targeting religious communities. It expresses solidarity with affected individuals and reaffirms U.S. values on religious freedom and anti-discrimination.

Key Provisions

• Condemnation of the Incident: Strongly denounces the December 14, 2025, shooting during a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, which targeted Jewish individuals and caused deaths, injuries, and fear.
• Expression of Sympathy: Offers condolences to the victims, their families, and the Australian people.
• Affirmation of Rights: Supports the universal right of people to practice their religion freely and without fear.
• U.S. Commitment: Reaffirms the United States' dedication to fighting antisemitism (prejudice against Jewish people) and terrorism globally.
• Call to Action: Urges the Australian government to address increasing antisemitism and enhance protections for its Jewish community.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, meaning it does not create, amend, or repeal any laws. It serves as an official statement of the House of Representatives without legal enforcement power.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: May encourage U.S. diplomatic efforts, such as through the State Department, to support anti-hate initiatives internationally, but has no direct mandate.
• On Citizens: Provides moral support to Jewish and other religious communities in the U.S. and abroad, potentially raising public awareness of antisemitism.
• On International Relations: Strengthens U.S.-Australia ties by showing solidarity; could influence bilateral discussions on countering extremism and protecting minorities.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Victims and Jewish Communities: Worldwide Jewish populations, particularly in Australia and the U.S., who receive explicit support and recognition.
• Australian Government and People: Directly addressed to enhance protections against antisemitism.
• U.S. House of Representatives: Sponsors (e.g., Mr. Meeks and Mr. Mast) and the Foreign Affairs Committee, which handles the resolution.
• Broader Religious Groups: All faith-based communities vulnerable to violence or hatred.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no force of law and does not require presidential approval; it is symbolic rather than prescriptive.
• Constitutional: Aligns with First Amendment protections for religious freedom by affirming safe worship, without imposing restrictions.
• Political: Represents bipartisan House action (introduced by representatives from different parties) to combat rising global antisemitism, potentially influencing future U.S. foreign policy or resolutions on similar issues, but risks being seen as performative if not followed by concrete actions.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Meeks, Gregory W. [D-NY-5]

Cosponsors (21)

Rep. Mast, Brian J. [R-FL-21], Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12], Rep. Fedorchak, Julie [R-ND-At Large], Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9], Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-32], Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Tran, Derek [D-CA-45], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Rep. Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2], Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-14], Rep. Walberg, Tim [R-MI-5], Rep. Brown, Shontel M. [D-OH-11], Rep. Schrier, Kim [D-WA-8], Rep. Amo, Gabe [D-RI-1], Rep. Moskowitz, Jared [D-FL-23], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1], Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-25]

Recent Actions

• 2025-12-17: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
• 2025-12-17: Submitted in House
• 2025-12-17: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• Condemning the antisemitic shooting in Sydney, Australia, and all forms of hatred and violence directed at religious communities. — issued 2025-12-17 — PDF (2 pages)