Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HCR26

Introduced
4/10/25  

Caption

Calling for the end of impunity of unpunished Serbian sexual war crimes during the 1999 Kosovo war in the case of United States citizen and sexual war crime survivor Vasfije Krasniqi Goodman and other survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.

Impact

This resolution addresses broader implications for U.S. foreign policy as it commits to countering gender-based violence globally. By pressing for accountability and rigorous investigation into past war crimes, HCR26 may influence how similar cases are handled in the future, not just in Kosovo but also in other contexts where sexual violence is used as a weapon of war. Furthermore, it reinforces the concept that states must be held responsible for war crimes, potentially impacting international law and commitments made by governments concerning human rights violations.

Summary

HCR26 is a concurrent resolution calling for an end to the impunity surrounding unpunished sexual war crimes committed by Serbian forces during the 1999 Kosovo War. It specifically highlights the case of U.S. citizen Vasfije Krasniqi Goodman, a survivor of sexual violence, demanding justice for her and other victims. The resolution underscores the importance of investigations into gender-based war crimes and calls for accountability from both the Serbian government and international bodies. The bill recognizes the significance of the United States in advocating for justice and human rights, emphasizing the need for continued attention to this issue in bilateral engagements with Serbia.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the claim that justice has not been served for the numerous sexual violence cases that occurred during the Kosovo War, with statistics revealing that around 20,000 individuals suffered sexual violence without sufficient legal reckoning. Critics may argue that enacting such resolutions without effective mechanisms for change can lead to tokenistic gestures that fail to address systemic issues. The government of Serbia is also under pressure to confront its past actions, which could affect diplomatic relationships depending on how they respond to these demands.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

US HCR10

Emergency Border Control Resolution

US SB919

GENIUS Act of 2025 Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act of 2025

US SCR7

This concurrent resolution establishes the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2025, sets forth budgetary levels for FY2026-FY2034, and provides reconciliation instructions for legislation that increases or decreases the deficit by specified amounts. The resolution recommends levels and amounts for FY2025-FY2034 forfederal revenues,new budget authority,budget outlays,deficits,public debt,debt held by the public, andthe major functional categories of spending.It also recommends levels and amounts for Social Security and Postal Service discretionary administrative expenses for the purpose of budget enforcement in the Senate.The resolution includes reconciliation instructions that direct several House and Senate committees to report legislation that will increase or decrease the deficit over FY2025-FY2034 by specified amounts. The committees must submit the legislation to the applicable congressional budget committee by March 7, 2025. (Under current law, reconciliation bills are considered by Congress using expedited legislative procedures that prevent a filibuster and restrict amendments in the Senate.)In addition, the resolution establishes reserve funds that allow certain adjustments to committee allocations and other budgetary levels to accommodate (1) reconciliation legislation, and (2) legislation that would not increase the deficit over FY2025-FY2034. The resolution also exempts reconciliation legislation that complies with this resolution from various budget points of order.Finally, the resolution sets forth budget enforcement procedures that address issues such as adjustments to committee allocations and the budgetary treatment of the discretionary administrative expenses for the Social Security Administration and the U.S. Postal Service. 

US HCR14

Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034.

US SB1096

Preserve Access to Affordable Generics and Biosimilars Act

US SB298

Returning SBA to Main Street Act

US SB1198

Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act

US HB1331

Teacher and School Leader Quality Partnership Grants Act