Bills of Congress June 23, 2025 by U.S. Congress

S.Res.296 - Condemning antisemitism and recent antisemitic attacks in the United States. (119th Congress)

Summary

S.Res.296 is a resolution condemning antisemitism and recent antisemitic attacks in the United States. It specifically addresses the murders of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, as well as an attack in Boulder, Colorado. The resolution highlights the surge in antisemitism since the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel, citing statistics from the American Jewish Committee and the Anti-Defamation League.

Expected Effects

The resolution aims to express the Senate's solidarity with the Jewish community and to encourage society to combat antisemitism. It also recognizes the importance of resources, such as the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, in the aftermath of attacks. Passage of this resolution would signal a formal condemnation of antisemitism by the Senate.

Potential Benefits 4/5

- Reinforces the commitment to combat hate, bigotry, and violence against Jewish Americans.
- Sends a clear message that antisemitism will not be tolerated.
- Encourages society to denounce and combat all manifestations of antisemitism.
- Supports the allocation of resources for security in the aftermath of attacks.
- Stands in solidarity with Jewish communities in the United States and worldwide.

Most Benefited Areas:

Religious Freedom & Expression ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Social Equity & Poverty Reduction ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Public Safety & Crime Reduction ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Potential Disadvantages

- The resolution is largely symbolic and may not directly lead to concrete policy changes.
- Could be perceived as focusing on one form of hate crime while potentially overshadowing others.
- May not fully address the root causes of antisemitism or provide comprehensive solutions.
- Could be interpreted as taking a position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, potentially alienating some groups.
- The resolution itself does not allocate new funding or resources; it only recognizes the importance of existing programs.

Constitutional Alignment 4/5

The resolution aligns with the principles of the US Constitution by promoting domestic tranquility and ensuring the general welfare. While the First Amendment protects freedom of speech, it does not protect speech that incites violence or promotes hate. The resolution's condemnation of antisemitism is consistent with the Constitution's commitment to equality and protection against discrimination, although it does not create any new laws that might infringe on protected speech.