A resolution honoring the memory of the victims of the tragic mid-air collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and United States Army Aviation Brigade Priority Air Transport 25 on January 29, 2025.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 64
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-06: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S767; text: CR S798-799)
- Last Updated
- 2025-03-27T10:38:42Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 64) aims to honor the memory of the 67 victims killed in a mid-air collision on January 29, 2025, between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Aviation Brigade aircraft near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. It expresses national mourning, condolences to families, and appreciation for first responders.
Key Provisions
- Description of the Incident: The resolution details the collision's location and outcome, noting the loss of passengers, airline crew, and military members from multiple U.S. states (e.g., Kansas, Virginia, North Carolina) and several countries.
- Recognition of First Responders: It lists 42 specific local, state, federal, and military agencies and departments involved in rescue and recovery efforts under challenging conditions, including fire, police, emergency medical services, and environmental teams from the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia areas.
- National Mourning and Support: Acknowledges the global impact on families, friends, and colleagues, and highlights public demonstrations of solidarity through prayers and assistance.
- Senate Actions:
- Commemorate the 67 lives lost.
- Offer condolences to victims' loved ones.
- Express gratitude to law enforcement and emergency personnel for their bravery.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force, so it introduces no changes to existing laws, regulations, or statutes. It serves as a formal expression of the Senate's sentiments rather than enacting policy.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Provides emotional recognition and solidarity to affected families and communities, potentially aiding in grief processing and fostering national unity in response to tragedy. Victims from multiple countries may highlight international condolences.
- On Government Agencies: Offers symbolic appreciation to the listed first responders and agencies, which could boost morale but imposes no new requirements, funding, or operational changes.
- On International Relations: Indirectly acknowledges foreign victims, promoting a message of shared mourning, though it has no formal diplomatic effects.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Victims' Families and Loved Ones: Primary recipients of condolences, representing diverse U.S. states and international backgrounds.
- First Responders and Agencies: Over 40 local, state, and federal entities (e.g., fire departments, police, military branches like the Army and Coast Guard) praised for their response.
- Military and Airline Personnel: Includes U.S. Armed Forces members from the Army Aviation Brigade and American Airlines staff.
- Broader Community: The public, including residents of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, who participated in or were impacted by recovery efforts.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: None, as resolutions like this are ceremonial and do not create enforceable rights or obligations (unlike binding laws passed by both chambers of Congress).
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's implied powers under Article I to express official sentiments, demonstrating bipartisan cooperation (sponsored by 32 senators from both parties).
- Political: Highlights unity across party lines in honoring service members and civilians, potentially influencing public discourse on aviation safety and emergency response without advancing specific policy reforms.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (31)
Sen. Marshall, Roger [R-KS], Sen. Warner, Mark R. [D-VA], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA], Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX], Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC], Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC], Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY], Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA], Sen. Blunt Rochester, Lisa [D-DE], Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN], Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY], Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN], Sen. Hyde-Smith, Cindy [R-MS], Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI], Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela [D-MD], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI], Sen. Moreno, Bernie [R-OH], Sen. Hagerty, Bill [R-TN], Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS], Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA], Sen. Scott, Tim [R-SC], Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK], Sen. Banks, Jim [R-IN], Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT], Sen. Thune, John [R-SD], Sen. Husted, Jon [R-OH]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-06: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S767; text: CR S798-799)
- 2025-02-06: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-02-06: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Honoring the memory of the victims of the tragic mid-air collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and United States Army Aviation Brigade Priority Air Transport 25 on January 29, 2025. — issued 2025-02-06 — PDF (4 pages)