A resolution condemning the rise in ideologically motivated attacks on Jewish individuals in the United States, including the recent violent assault in Boulder, Colorado, and reaffirming the commitment of the Senate to combating antisemitism and politically motivated violence.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 288
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-07: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S90; text: CR 6/18/2025 S3474)
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-12T15:00:28Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 288) condemns the increasing number of ideologically motivated attacks on Jewish individuals in the United States, highlighting specific recent incidents such as the violent assault in Boulder, Colorado. It reaffirms the Senate's dedication to fighting antisemitism (prejudice or discrimination against Jewish people) and politically motivated violence, emphasizing that no one should face harm due to their religion, heritage, or peaceful activities.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes the following main elements in its "Whereas" clauses (background statements) and "Resolved" section (formal actions):
- Background on Incidents:
- Describes the June 1, 2025, attack in Boulder, Colorado, where an individual used incendiary devices (fire-starting tools) against a peaceful "Run for Their Lives" gathering, injuring multiple people, including elderly participants; authorities labeled it targeted terrorism.
- Notes other events, such as the May 21, 2025, fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staff outside a Jewish museum in Washington, DC, with the suspect shouting "Free, free Palestine!"; and the April 13, 2025, arson attack on the Pennsylvania Governor's Residence during a Passover event, motivated by the governor's views on Israel and Palestinians.
- Highlights these as part of a broader trend of violence against Jewish people or symbols of Jewish life.
- Formal Senate Actions:
- Strongly condemns the Boulder attack as cowardly, ideologically driven violence.
- Acknowledges it as part of a pattern of aggression against Jewish individuals.
- Reaffirms protection of rights to peaceful assembly and religious practice without fear.
- Urges federal, state, and local law enforcement to fully investigate and prosecute such incidents.
- Encourages elected officials, community leaders, and civil society to publicly oppose antisemitism and politically motivated violence.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, meaning it expresses the Senate's opinion and does not create, amend, or repeal any laws. It does not introduce new legal requirements or penalties.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Encourages law enforcement at all levels to prioritize investigations and prosecutions of hate-motivated crimes, potentially leading to increased resources or focus on antisemitism cases without mandating changes.
- On Citizens: Provides symbolic support to Jewish communities and victims, reinforcing that violence based on religion or ideology is unacceptable; it may heighten public awareness and promote safer environments for religious gatherings and advocacy.
- On International Relations: Indirectly addresses tensions related to Israel-Palestine issues (as seen in some incidents), but focuses domestically; it could signal U.S. commitment to combating global antisemitism trends without direct foreign policy shifts.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Jewish Individuals and Communities: Primary targets of the condemned violence, benefiting from the resolution's affirmation of their safety and rights.
- Victims and Families: Including those from the Boulder, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania incidents, who may feel validated by official recognition.
- Law Enforcement Agencies: Federal (e.g., FBI), state, and local police, called upon to enhance responses to hate crimes.
- Elected Officials and Leaders: Bipartisan sponsors (from both Democratic and Republican parties) and others urged to speak out, potentially influencing public discourse.
- Civil Society Groups: Organizations focused on civil rights, interfaith dialogue, or anti-hate efforts, encouraged to combat antisemitism.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Supports enforcement of existing hate crime laws (e.g., under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act) by calling for thorough prosecutions, but adds no new legal tools or obligations.
- Constitutional: Aligns with First Amendment protections for free speech, assembly, and religion by condemning violence while upholding peaceful advocacy; it underscores that threats or harm based on protected characteristics violate these rights.
- Political: Demonstrates rare bipartisan unity (over 40 senators from diverse states sponsored it), signaling broad consensus against antisemitism amid rising incidents; as a resolution passed by the Senate in January 2026, it carries moral weight but no enforcement power, potentially influencing future legislation on hate crimes or domestic security.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (40)
Sen. Fetterman, John [D-PA], Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA], Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO], Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT], Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO], Sen. Lankford, James [R-OK], Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV], Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY], Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID], Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH], Sen. Hoeven, John [R-ND], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Moreno, Bernie [R-OH], Sen. Hyde-Smith, Cindy [R-MS], Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC], Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC], Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL], Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT], Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT], Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN], Sen. Graham, Lindsey [R-SC], Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA], Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV], Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME], Sen. Scott, Tim [R-SC], Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND], Sen. Kennedy, John [R-LA], Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA], Sen. Britt, Katie Boyd [R-AL], Sen. Fischer, Deb [R-NE], Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ], Sen. Hawley, Josh [R-MO], Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY], Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT], Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-07: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S90; text: CR 6/18/2025 S3474)
- 2026-01-07: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-01-07: Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-01-07: Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-06-18: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2025-06-18: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Condemning the rise in ideologically motivated attacks on Jewish individuals in the United States, including the recent violent assault in Boulder, Colorado, and reaffirming the commitment of the Senate to combating antisemitism and politically motivated violence. — issued 2026-01-07 — PDF (3 pages)
- Condemning the rise in ideologically motivated attacks on Jewish individuals in the United States, including the recent violent assault in Boulder, Colorado, and reaffirming the commitment of the Senate to combating antisemitism and politically motivated violence. — issued 2025-06-18 — PDF (3 pages)