A resolution recognizing the significance of Jewish American Heritage Month and calling on elected officials and civil society leaders to counter antisemitism.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 738
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-19: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2351; text: CR S2379-2380)
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-01T16:31:06Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of S. Res. 738
Purpose of the Legislation
This Senate resolution recognizes the significance of Jewish American Heritage Month as a time to celebrate Jewish American contributions to U.S. society and culture. It also urges elected officials, faith leaders, and civil society leaders to condemn and counter antisemitism while promoting public education on Jewish heritage.
Key Provisions Outlined
- Acknowledges the history of Jewish Americans in the United States, dating back to 1654, including their support for the American Revolution and contributions in areas such as government, science, military service, arts, and business.
- Highlights specific examples of Jewish American military valor, including Medal of Honor recipients from the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and recent conflicts.
- Notes the growth of the Jewish American community to over 6 million people and their role as patriotic citizens.
- Addresses recent rises in antisemitism since October 2023, citing incidents such as attacks on Israeli embassy staff and community events, along with statistics from organizations showing increased feelings of insecurity among Jewish Americans, online harassment, and hate crimes.
- Calls for actions including condemning antisemitism, educating the public on Jewish contributions, ensuring safety in workplaces, schools, and places of worship, honoring military service, and protecting religious freedom for all Americans.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced
This resolution introduces no changes to existing law. It is a non-binding Senate resolution that builds on prior congressional recognitions of Jewish Heritage Week from 1980 and Jewish American Heritage Month since 2006, but it does not amend statutes or create new legal requirements.
Potential Impacts
- May encourage greater public awareness and educational efforts about Jewish American history among citizens and institutions.
- Could prompt elected officials and community leaders to take steps addressing safety concerns and hate incidents, though it imposes no mandatory obligations on government agencies.
- Has limited direct effects on international relations, focusing instead on domestic recognition and protection of religious practices.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Jewish American individuals and communities, including those in synagogues, schools, and campuses.
- Elected officials at federal, state, and local levels.
- Civil society leaders, faith organizations, and educational institutions such as universities.
- Law enforcement and security entities referenced in discussions of rising threats.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Reinforces the principle of religious freedom by committing to protect worship without fear, aligning with longstanding U.S. traditions of tolerance.
- Serves as a symbolic statement on combating discrimination against minority groups, with no enforceable legal powers but potential influence on public policy discussions and institutional responses to hate.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (20)
Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV], Sen. Lankford, James [R-OK], Sen. Graham, Lindsey [R-SC], Sen. Paul, Rand [R-KY], Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Sen. Moody, Ashley [R-FL], Sen. Hoeven, John [R-ND], Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY], Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO], Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR], Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA], Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY], Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. Fetterman, John [D-PA], Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ], Sen. Slotkin, Elissa [D-MI], Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-19: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2351; text: CR S2379-2380)
- 2026-05-19: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
Bill Versions
- Recognizing the significance of Jewish American Heritage Month and calling on elected officials and civil society leaders to counter antisemitism. — issued 2026-05-19 — PDF (8 pages)