H.R.es34 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Government should drop all charges against Edward Snowden. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.Res.34 expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Government should drop all charges against Edward Snowden. The resolution cites concerns over the National Security Agency's (NSA) bulk collection of telephone records and argues that Snowden's disclosures were in the public interest. It references court rulings that deemed the NSA's program illegal and potentially unconstitutional.
Expected Effects
If passed, this resolution would signal Congressional support for dropping charges against Edward Snowden. However, it is a non-binding resolution, meaning it does not compel the Department of Justice to take any specific action. The resolution primarily serves as a statement of opinion from the House of Representatives.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially strengthens protections for whistleblowers who expose government misconduct.
- Could lead to a re-evaluation of surveillance programs and their impact on civil liberties.
- Reinforces the importance of transparency and accountability in government.
- May deter future illegal or unconstitutional government actions.
- Could improve public trust in government by demonstrating a willingness to address past overreach.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could be perceived as undermining the rule of law if Snowden is seen as having violated valid laws.
- May discourage government employees from following proper channels for reporting concerns.
- Could embolden individuals to disclose classified information without considering the potential consequences for national security.
- May strain relationships with intelligence agencies and allies.
- Could set a precedent for selectively enforcing laws based on political considerations.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution touches on several constitutional issues. The Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, is relevant to the discussion of bulk data collection. The First Amendment, guaranteeing freedom of speech and the press, is implicated by Snowden's disclosures and the government's response. The resolution also raises questions about the balance between national security and individual liberties, a recurring theme in constitutional law.
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).