Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives with respect to Marcus Garvey.
Summary
House Resolution 654 expresses the sense of the House of Representatives regarding Marcus Garvey. The resolution acknowledges Garvey's contributions as Jamaica's first national hero and founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association. It also recognizes the surveillance and prosecution he faced, deeming his conviction unjust and politically motivated.
Expected Effects
If passed, the resolution would formally recognize Marcus Garvey's innocence and his role as a human rights leader. It urges the President to take measures to exonerate Garvey and restore his reputation. This action is largely symbolic, as a House Resolution does not have the force of law.
Potential Benefits
- Acknowledges historical injustices against Marcus Garvey.
- Recognizes Garvey's contributions to the struggle for human rights.
- May lead to a formal exoneration, clearing his name.
- Could improve the United States' standing in the eyes of those who view Garvey as a hero.
- Symbolically affirms the importance of rectifying past wrongs.
Potential Disadvantages
- The resolution is largely symbolic and may not have any tangible effects.
- It could be seen as divisive by those who believe Garvey was guilty of the charges against him.
- May open the door for similar resolutions regarding other controversial historical figures, potentially consuming legislative time.
- Could be interpreted as an attempt to rewrite history, regardless of the actual intent.
- The resolution does not address any current issues or provide any concrete solutions to present-day problems.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution aligns with the spirit of the First Amendment, which protects the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances. While not directly related to specific enumerated powers, it falls within the implied powers of Congress to address historical injustices and express its opinions on matters of public concern. The resolution does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional provision.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).