Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

S.Res.178 - Honoring the life and legacy of the late George Foreman. (119th Congress)

Summary

Senate Resolution 178 honors the life and legacy of George Foreman, recognizing his achievements in boxing, his community service, and his entrepreneurial success. The resolution acknowledges his impact on sports, his dedication to youth, and his contributions to Houston, Texas. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to communicate the resolution to the House of Representatives and transmit a copy to Foreman's family.

The resolution highlights Foreman's boxing career, including his Olympic gold medal, world heavyweight championships, and his comeback in the 1990s. It also emphasizes his work as an ordained minister and his establishment of the George Foreman Youth and Community Center.

Ultimately, this resolution serves as a formal recognition of Foreman's positive influence and lasting impact on American society.

Expected Effects

This resolution will primarily serve as a symbolic gesture, formally recognizing George Foreman's contributions. It will likely have a positive, though limited, impact on public perception of Foreman's legacy.

The resolution's communication to the House and transmission to Foreman's family will ensure that his achievements are formally acknowledged within the government and by his loved ones.

There will be no direct legal or economic changes resulting from this resolution.

Potential Benefits

  • Recognition of a positive role model: Highlights Foreman's achievements and contributions, providing an example for others.
  • Celebration of community service: Acknowledges Foreman's dedication to youth and his community center in Houston.
  • Promotion of sportsmanship and perseverance: Recognizes Foreman's boxing career and his comeback, inspiring athletes and others.
  • Honoring a successful entrepreneur: Acknowledges Foreman's success in business, particularly with the George Foreman Lean Mean Grilling Machine.
  • Symbolic unity: Demonstrates bipartisan support for honoring an American figure.

Potential Disadvantages

  • No direct material benefits: The resolution is purely symbolic and does not provide any tangible benefits to the American people.
  • Opportunity cost: Time and resources spent on this resolution could have been directed towards addressing more pressing issues.
  • Potential for political grandstanding: The resolution could be perceived as a way for senators to gain positive publicity.
  • Limited impact: The resolution's impact is primarily limited to honoring Foreman's legacy and may not have broader societal effects.
  • Risk of trivializing legislative processes: Focusing on symbolic gestures could detract from addressing more substantive policy matters.

Constitutional Alignment

This resolution appears to align with the spirit of the Constitution, particularly the preamble's goal to "promote the general Welfare" by recognizing and celebrating individuals who have made positive contributions to society. While the Constitution does not explicitly address commemorative resolutions, such actions fall within the implied powers of Congress to conduct its affairs and express the sentiments of the nation.

The resolution does not infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations. It does not establish a religion, abridge freedom of speech, or violate any other protected liberties under the Bill of Rights.

Therefore, the resolution can be considered constitutionally sound as it does not contravene any explicit or implicit constitutional principles.

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).