A resolution commemorating the passage of 4 years since the tragic building collapse in Surfside, Florida, on June 24, 2021.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 297
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Emergency Management
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-24: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S3518)
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-06T18:24:30Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 297) aims to mark the fourth anniversary of the catastrophic partial collapse of the Champlain Towers South condominium building in Surfside, Florida, on June 24, 2021. It serves as a formal expression of remembrance, honoring the victims, survivors, and responders while offering condolences and support to the affected community.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes background details (preamble) followed by specific actions for the Senate:
- Background (Whereas clauses):
- Notes the date of the collapse and the scale of the rescue and recovery operation, described as one of the largest in U.S. history.
- Highlights the immediate response by local first responders, including firefighters, police, medical teams, and others from Florida.
- Acknowledges international aid from rescue crews in Israel and Mexico.
- Recognizes deployment of National Urban Search and Rescue Response System task forces from multiple states (Florida, Virginia, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey) and specialists from California.
- Describes round-the-clock efforts to rescue survivors and recover remains.
- Mentions the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) announcement of a formal investigation into the collapse's cause on June 30, 2021.
- Senate Actions (Resolved clause):
- Commemorate the fourth anniversary of the tragedy.
- Honor the 98 lives lost and the survivors, extending condolences to families, loved ones, and friends.
- Commend the bravery and service of local, state, national, and international first responders.
- Express support for the survivors and the Surfside community.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. This is a non-binding commemorative resolution, which does not amend laws, create new regulations, or enforce any mandates. It is symbolic and expressive in nature.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: Minimal direct impact; it recognizes the roles of agencies like NIST and federal search-and-rescue teams but imposes no new requirements or funding.
- On citizens: Provides emotional recognition and support for victims' families and the Surfside community, potentially fostering public awareness of building safety and disaster response. No tangible policy or financial effects.
- On international relations: Indirectly positive by acknowledging aid from Israel and Mexico, which could strengthen goodwill in future collaborations on emergency response, though it has no formal diplomatic implications.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Victims and survivors: The 98 individuals who died and those who survived the collapse, along with their families and friends, who receive formal condolences and honors.
- First responders and emergency teams: Local (Florida), state, national (e.g., FEMA-affiliated task forces), and international personnel (from Israel and Mexico) praised for their efforts.
- Surfside community: Residents and local government in Surfside, Florida, who benefit from expressed Senate support for recovery and rebuilding.
- Broader public and policymakers: Raises awareness of structural safety issues, potentially influencing future discussions on building codes without direct action.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: No enforceable outcomes; resolutions like this are ceremonial and do not carry the weight of statutes or bills.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's broad authority under Article I to express sentiments on national tragedies, without infringing on individual rights or federal powers.
- Political: Introduced by Senators from Florida (Mr. Scott and Mrs. Moody) on the anniversary date (June 24, 2025), it demonstrates bipartisan or state-specific solidarity on a local disaster with national resonance. Referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, it may highlight ongoing concerns about infrastructure safety post-NIST investigation, though it avoids policy recommendations.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-24: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S3518)
- 2025-06-24: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Commemorating the passage of 4 years since the tragic building collapse in Surfside, Florida, on June 24, 2021. — issued 2025-06-24 — PDF (3 pages)