A resolution condemning the brutal Hamas-led terrorist attack on the State of Israel on October 7, 2023, and supporting an outcome that ensures the forever survival of Israel, the complete denial of Hamas's ability to reconstitute in the region, and the release of all the remaining hostages from the Gaza Strip, including two United States citizens.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 438
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-10-07: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S6982)
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-13T11:56:17Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution (S. Res. 438) condemns the Hamas-led terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and expresses support for outcomes that ensure Israel's long-term security, prevent Hamas from regaining power in the region, and secure the release of all remaining hostages held in Gaza, including two U.S. citizens.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes the following main elements in its "Resolved" section:
- Condemnation of Hamas: Denounces Iran-backed Hamas for its attacks on Israel, the killing and hostage-taking of U.S. citizens (noting 40 Americans killed and hostages taken), and the use of rape as a weapon of war, along with the torture and murder of hostages.
- Condemnation of U.S. Protests: Criticizes antisemitic protests in the United States that have involved property damage, burning or tearing down American flags, and threats to the safety of Jewish Americans.
- Support for Negotiations: Praises ongoing cease-fire talks aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza.
- Desired Outcomes: Advocates for a resolution to the conflict that:
- Guarantees Israel's permanent survival as a nation.
- Completely eliminates Hamas's ability to rebuild leadership or influence in the Middle East.
- Ensures the return of all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, including the remains of U.S. citizens Omer Neutra and Itay Chen.
The resolution is supported by a bipartisan group of 50 senators and was referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, meaning it expresses the Senate's opinion but does not create, amend, or repeal any laws. It introduces no changes to existing U.S. statutes, such as those designating Hamas as a foreign terrorist organization (already in place since 1997).
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: May influence U.S. foreign policy decisions by the State Department or executive branch, signaling strong congressional backing for Israel's defense and anti-Hamas measures, potentially affecting aid allocations or diplomatic efforts.
- On Citizens: Reinforces protections for U.S. citizens abroad (e.g., hostages) and highlights concerns for Jewish Americans' safety amid domestic protests, possibly encouraging law enforcement focus on hate crimes or protest regulations.
- On International Relations: Strengthens U.S.-Israel ties, criticizes Iran and its proxies, and could pressure international mediators in cease-fire talks; it may strain relations with groups or nations sympathetic to Hamas or Palestinian causes.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Government and Citizens: Senators (bipartisan sponsors), the executive branch (e.g., for hostage recovery), U.S. hostages and their families, and Jewish Americans facing threats from protests.
- Israel and Hamas: Israel as a key ally benefiting from affirmed support; Hamas as the primary target of condemnation and calls for dismantlement.
- International Actors: Iran (accused of backing Hamas), Palestinian groups in Gaza, and global mediators involved in cease-fire negotiations.
- Domestic Groups: Protesters and activists in the U.S., particularly those involved in demonstrations related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: No direct legal effects, as resolutions are advisory and not enforceable; it aligns with existing U.S. law treating Hamas as a terrorist group but adds no new obligations.
- Constitutional: Upholds Congress's role in foreign affairs under Article I (e.g., influencing policy through resolutions), without infringing on the president's executive powers.
- Political: Demonstrates rare bipartisan unity (50 co-sponsors from both parties) on Israel policy, potentially shaping public discourse, electoral politics, and U.S. Middle East strategy amid ongoing tensions; it could polarize views on free speech regarding protests while emphasizing national security priorities.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (52)
Sen. Fetterman, John [D-PA], Sen. Lankford, James [R-OK], Sen. Thune, John [R-SD], Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY], Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT], Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX], Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK], Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME], Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC], Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID], Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Sen. Mullin, Markwayne [R-OK], Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA], Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR], Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV], Sen. Johnson, Ron [R-WI], Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC], Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX], Sen. Britt, Katie Boyd [R-AL], Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND], Sen. Banks, Jim [R-IN], Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA], Sen. Marshall, Roger [R-KS], Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN], Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN], Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR], Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT], Sen. Graham, Lindsey [R-SC], Sen. Schmitt, Eric [R-MO], Sen. Ricketts, Pete [R-NE], Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK], Sen. McConnell, Mitch [R-KY], Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL], Sen. Husted, Jon [R-OH], Sen. Tuberville, Tommy [R-AL], Sen. Hawley, Josh [R-MO], Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT], Sen. Lummis, Cynthia M. [R-WY], Sen. McCormick, David [R-PA], Sen. Scott, Tim [R-SC], Sen. Hoeven, John [R-ND], Sen. Moreno, Bernie [R-OH], Sen. Fischer, Deb [R-NE], Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD], Sen. Kennedy, John [R-LA], Sen. Curtis, John R. [R-UT], Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID], Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS], Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS], Sen. Paul, Rand [R-KY] and 2 more
Recent Actions
- 2025-10-07: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S6982)
- 2025-10-07: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Condemning the brutal Hamas-led terrorist attack on the State of Israel on October 7, 2023, and supporting an outcome that ensures the forever survival of Israel, the complete denial of Hamas’s ability to reconstitute in the region, and the release of all the remaining hostages from the Gaza Strip, including two United States citizens. — issued 2025-10-07 — PDF (3 pages)