HRES-1511-119
Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, Armed Services, Transportation and Infrastructure, Veterans' Affairs, Homeland Security, and Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sponsored by Andrew Garbarino (R-NY)
What it does
This is a House resolution that formally recognizes the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, honors the victims and first responders, and reaffirms Congress's commitment to remember the event. As a simple resolution, it expresses the House's sentiment but does not create, fund, or change any law or program.
Who benefits
Victims' families, survivors, first responders, and veterans of the September 11 attacks and Global War on Terror receive formal congressional recognition; charitable and nonprofit organizations supporting these groups are acknowledged for their work. No group receives any financial, legal, or regulatory benefit.
Who is hurt
No group is meaningfully affected. The resolution carries no funding, regulatory, or legal changes, so no one bears a cost or burden.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that formally commemorating the 25th anniversary honors the 2,977 victims and the first responders who sacrificed their lives, and that such recognition preserves historical memory for future generations who did not live through the attacks. They contend that Congress has a longstanding tradition of marking significant national tragedies through resolutions like this one.
Opponents argue
Critics of commemorative resolutions in general argue that floor time and committee referrals spent on symbolic measures could instead go toward substantive legislation, such as further strengthening health programs for 9/11 survivors. They contend that meaningful support for affected communities comes through funded programs, not nonbinding statements, though few would object to this particular resolution's content.