A resolution relating to the life and death of Chuck Norris.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 681
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-22: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-27T22:12:16Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 681) honors the life and achievements of Carlos Ray "Chuck" Norris upon his death on March 19, 2026, at age 86, expressing the Senate's sorrow and recognizing his contributions to the military, martial arts, acting, charity, and veterans.
Key Provisions
- Biographical Recap: Details Norris's life, including:
- Birth in Oklahoma (1940), move to California, U.S. Air Force service (1958–1962) in Korea where he learned martial arts and earned a black belt.
- Martial arts career: Won multiple karate championships (1968–1974), created "Chun Kuk Do" style (1990).
- Acting career: Debut in 1968, starred with Bruce Lee (1972), over 20 films, "Walker, Texas Ranger" TV series (1993–2002) and sequel (2005).
- Charity: Founded "Kickstart" for middle-school martial arts training to build discipline and self-esteem.
- Awards and Honors: Veteran of the Year (2001), honorary Marine (2007), honorary Texas Ranger (2010) and Texan (2017); visited troops overseas.
- Famous quotes on faith, hard work, and humor.
- Resolution Actions:
- Expresses profound sorrow for his death.
- Requests the Secretary of the Senate to notify the House of Representatives.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force or amendments to statutes.
Potential Impacts
- Symbolic Recognition: Provides official congressional tribute, potentially boosting public awareness of Norris's legacy in military service, fitness, and Texas culture.
- No Practical Effects: Does not allocate funds, create programs, or affect government operations, citizens' rights, or international relations.
Main Stakeholders
- Family: Wife Gena, children, and grandchildren.
- Veterans and Military: U.S. Air Force, Marines, Texas Rangers (honorary ties).
- Fans and Community: Martial arts practitioners, actors, and charitable beneficiaries (e.g., "Kickstart" students).
- Congress: Senate (sponsors: Sens. Lankford and Armstrong) and House (notified).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: None; resolutions like this are ceremonial expressions of sentiment, protected under Congress's Article I powers for internal proceedings.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship implied; highlights cultural icon status without partisan debate, agreed to by voice vote on April 20, 2026.
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
- 2026-04-22: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- 2026-04-20: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S1843; text: CR S1842)
- 2026-04-20: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Voice Vote.
Bill Versions
- Relating to the life and death of Chuck Norris. — issued 2026-04-20 — PDF (3 pages)