H.R.es295 - Expressing Support for the President’s Actions to Safeguard National Security and Eliminate Threats from Foreign Terrorist Organizations. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.Res.295 expresses the House of Representatives' support for President Trump's actions to safeguard national security by designating certain organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs). The resolution specifically references Executive Order 14157, the designation of Tren de Aragua (TdA) as an FTO, and actions taken in cooperation with El Salvador to detain and imprison members of TdA and MS-13.
The resolution supports the President's use of the Alien Enemies Act to remove foreign terrorists and affirms the President's authority as Commander in Chief to detain, deport, or restrict non-citizens from FTOs. It also endorses the complete elimination of these organizations from the United States.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on April 7, 2025, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Expected Effects
If passed, this resolution would formally express the House's support for the President's actions, potentially strengthening the legal and political basis for those actions. It could also lead to increased cooperation between the U.S. and other countries in combating transnational criminal organizations.
Furthermore, it could result in stricter enforcement measures against individuals and groups designated as FTOs, including detention and deportation. The resolution could also influence future policy decisions related to immigration and national security.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced national security through the removal of individuals affiliated with foreign terrorist organizations.
- Reduced crime rates and increased public safety by targeting criminal organizations like Tren de Aragua and MS-13.
- Strengthened cooperation with international partners, such as El Salvador, in combating transnational crime.
- Increased deterrence against foreign terrorist organizations seeking to operate within the United States.
- Clearer legal framework for the President's actions in addressing national security threats.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for overreach and abuse of power in designating organizations as FTOs.
- Risk of violating due process rights of individuals detained or deported under the Alien Enemies Act.
- Possible strain on diplomatic relations with countries that may not agree with the U.S.'s designation of certain organizations as FTOs.
- Concerns about the humanitarian implications of deporting individuals to countries with unstable political or security situations.
- Potential for increased discrimination and xenophobia towards immigrant communities.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution references the Alien Enemies Act (50 U.S.C. 21 et seq.), which has historical precedent, but its application to modern-day situations involving transnational criminal organizations could be subject to legal challenges. The President's authority as Commander in Chief, as affirmed in the resolution, is derived from Article II of the Constitution, but the extent of that authority in relation to immigration and deportation is a complex legal issue.
The resolution's endorsement of the complete elimination of FTOs from the United States aligns with the government's responsibility to provide for the common defense and ensure domestic tranquility, as stated in the Preamble of the Constitution. However, actions taken to achieve this goal must be consistent with the Bill of Rights, particularly the Fifth Amendment's guarantee of due process.
Potential constitutional concerns arise regarding the rights of non-citizens and the application of the Alien Enemies Act in contemporary contexts. The First Amendment could also be implicated if the designation of FTOs is seen as infringing on freedom of association or expression.
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).