Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HR354

Introduced
5/2/23  

Caption

Expressing condemnation for police brutality wherever in the world it occurs.

Impact

HR354 advocates for the United States government to take decisive steps toward eliminating police brutality and preventing impunity for law enforcement personnel. It suggests that the U.S. should cease sales of arms and equipment to nations with documented records of human rights abuses and to end the militarization of policing both domestically and abroad. The resolution promotes reallocating funding from military uses to initiatives focused on peacebuilding, mental health services, and violence prevention, which could reshape governmental priorities in terms of law enforcement funding and operations.

Summary

House Resolution 354 expresses condemnation for police brutality occurring worldwide, highlighting the critical need for justice and accountability. The resolution acknowledges the significant global protests against police violence and underlines that brutality often disproportionately affects vulnerable populations such as racial and ethnic minorities, women, migrants, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. It emphasizes the detrimental impact of police brutality on public trust in governmental institutions and social cohesion, calling for immediate action to address these issues domestically and internationally.

Contention

The resolution raises important debates regarding police conduct, national security interests, and the arms trade. On one hand, proponents argue that the U.S. should be a leader in human rights and that taking a firm stance against police brutality reflects this commitment. Opponents may question the feasibility and implications of prohibiting arms sales and the impact of reducing military support to other nations, particularly in light of security concerns. Moreover, there may be differing views on the best approaches toward dismantling systemic issues within policing and balancing them with necessary law enforcement capabilities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HR451

Expressing condemnation for police brutality wherever in the world it occurs.

US HR86

Condemning the Burmese military for perpetrating gross violations of human rights as part of its brutal campaign to suppress the democratic aspirations of the people of Burma, two years after the coup d'etat on February 1, 2021.

US SR191

A resolution recognizing widening threats to freedom of the press and free expression around the world, reaffirming the vital role that a free and independent press plays in combating the growing threats of authoritarianism, misinformation, and disinformation, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2023.

US HR192

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States condemns the Russian Government's gross violations of international law amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity, stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, and supports the efforts of international organizations to help people displaced by war and conflict.

US HR613

Recognizing Tunisia's leadership in the Arab Spring and expressing support for upholding its democratic principles and norms.

US HR357

Responding to growing threats to freedom of the press and expression around the world, reaffirming the centrality of a free and independent press to the health of democracy, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance on World Press Freedom Day.

US HR146

Expressing strong support for the people of Moldova and for the Moldovan Government in their demonstrated commitment to advancing democracy, strengthening civil society, and European integration in the face of Russia's illegal and full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

US HR100

Expressing support for the Iranian people's desire for a democratic, secular, and nonnuclear Republic of Iran, and condemning violations of human rights and state-sponsored terrorism by the Iranian Government.

US HR441

Condemning the authoritarian repression of the Belarusian democracy movement by the Lukashenka regime and calling for the release of all political prisoners as well as free and fair elections.

US HR143

Reaffirming the commitment of the House of Representatives to fortify relations with the people and Government of Nigeria and calling for the country to commit to a peaceful, credible, and timely electoral process.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.