Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

S.Res.282 - Commemorating June 17, 2025, as the tenth anniversary of the Mother Emanuel AME Church shooting. (119th Congress)

Summary

Senate Resolution 282 commemorates June 17, 2025, as the tenth anniversary of the Mother Emanuel AME Church shooting. The resolution remembers the victims, honors their legacy, and acknowledges the church's resilience in the face of tragedy. It also includes specific references to faith and forgiveness, quoting Romans and Matthew.

Expected Effects

This resolution serves as a formal recognition of the tragic event and its impact on the community. It reinforces the importance of remembering the victims and honoring their memory. The resolution also highlights themes of faith, forgiveness, and resilience.

Potential Benefits 4/5

  • Provides a formal acknowledgment of the tragedy and its impact.
  • Honors the victims and their legacy.
  • Reinforces the importance of faith, forgiveness, and resilience in the face of adversity.
  • Offers a message of hope and healing to the community.
  • Promotes unity and understanding in the aftermath of a hate crime.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Does not directly address the root causes of hate crimes or offer concrete solutions to prevent future incidents.
  • May be perceived as a symbolic gesture without tangible impact.
  • Could potentially re-traumatize victims' families and the community.
  • May be interpreted differently by individuals with varying perspectives on faith and forgiveness.
  • Risks politicizing a tragedy, depending on how it is framed and discussed.

Constitutional Alignment 5/5

The resolution aligns with the principles of religious freedom and expression, as protected by the First Amendment. While the resolution references specific religious texts, it does so in the context of commemorating an event and honoring the victims' faith. The resolution does not establish a religion or prohibit the free exercise thereof. It is also aligned with the general welfare clause of the Constitution.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to citizens. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).