Original Resolution Honoring Harriet Tubman
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 962
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-18: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-05T15:14:17Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 962) aims to formally recognize and honor Harriet Tubman for her bravery, strong resistance to slavery, and enduring impact on American history. It highlights her life story and achievements to celebrate her legacy.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The resolution is titled the "Original Resolution Honoring Harriet Tubman."
- Acknowledgment by the House: The House of Representatives explicitly acknowledges and honors Tubman's:
- Extraordinary courage in escaping slavery via the Underground Railroad (an informal network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to free states and Canada).
- Role as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, where she led 13 missions to rescue about 70 enslaved people.
- Service during the Civil War as a scout, spy, nurse, and leader of a U.S. military operation—the first woman to do so—resulting in the liberation of 700 enslaved people during the Combahee River Raid in South Carolina.
- Lifelong advocacy for human rights and women's suffrage (the right to vote) after the war.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. This is a non-binding resolution, meaning it expresses the House's sentiments but does not create, amend, or repeal any laws. It serves as a symbolic gesture rather than enforceable legislation.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Promotes public awareness and education about Tubman's contributions, potentially inspiring discussions on civil rights, equality, and historical figures in schools, museums, or community events. It has no direct legal effects on individuals.
- On Government Agencies: Minimal impact; it may encourage the House or related committees (e.g., Judiciary) to reference Tubman's legacy in future historical or educational initiatives, but no operational changes.
- On International Relations: Negligible, as it focuses on U.S. domestic history without addressing foreign policy.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Primary: The U.S. House of Representatives, which adopts the resolution to affirm its historical recognition.
- Secondary: Historians, educators, civil rights organizations, and the public interested in African American history, women's rights, and abolitionism. Descendants or institutions related to Tubman's legacy (e.g., her home site in New York) may benefit from increased visibility.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: No implications, as resolutions like this do not require presidential approval or affect the Constitution. They are internal House actions under Article I of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to determine its rules and proceedings.
- Political: Reinforces themes of freedom, resistance to oppression, and gender equality in congressional records, potentially influencing public discourse or bipartisan support for related historical commemorations. Introduced by Rep. Green of Texas and referred to the House Judiciary Committee, it signals political recognition of underrepresented historical narratives without controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-18: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2025-12-18: Submitted in House
- 2025-12-18: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Original Resolution Honoring Harriet Tubman — issued 2025-12-18 — PDF (2 pages)