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HR 112

A resolution to urge the Federal Bureau of Investigation to condemn the use of the expression “8647” due to its symbolism and implications, including the use of this code by James Comey, former Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in a social media post on May 15, 2025.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Carra and 4 co-sponsors

The bill asks the FBI to publicly condemn the numeric code “8647” for its alleged malice and symbolism in political discourse.

referred to Committee on Government Operations
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 112

Summary — H.R. 112 (House Resolution): Urging the FBI to condemn the expression “8647”

Purpose

H.R. 112 is a House resolution that urges the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to publicly condemn the use of the numeric expression “8647” because of the expression’s alleged symbolism and implications. The resolution calls attention to a May 15, 2025 social‑media post by James Comey (former FBI Director) that displayed seashells arranged as “8647,” and it frames that use as an example warranting condemnation.

Key provisions

  • States that the expression “8647” is commonly used to connote malicious intent — described in the text as combining “86” (slang for “remove” or “get rid of”) with “47” (referring to the 47th President, Donald J. Trump).
  • Cites James Comey’s Instagram post on May 15, 2025 (a photograph of seashells arranged in the pattern “8647”), which the resolution says was deleted after criticism.
  • References a prior example (Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s alleged prominent display of “8645” during an October 18, 2020 interview) as similar conduct the resolution deems dangerous.
  • Asserts that while the First Amendment protects free speech, it does not protect “public encouragement of political violence,” and that such encouragement should be disavowed.
  • Urges the FBI to condemn the use of the expression “8647” because of its symbolism and implications.
  • Directs that copies of the resolution be transmitted to: the Director of the FBI, the Governor of Michigan, and James Comey.

Legal effect

  • This is a non‑binding resolution (a statement of the House’s position), not a statute. It requests a public condemnation but imposes no legal obligations, penalties, or changes to federal law.

Who would be affected

  • The resolution targets public discourse and signaling; primary addressees are the FBI and the named individuals (James Comey and the Governor of Michigan). More broadly, it addresses public figures and commentators who use symbolic numeric codes in public communications.
  • Because it is non‑binding, it does not create legal consequences for private citizens or officials.

Procedural status and sponsors

  • Classified as a House resolution. According to the provided information it was introduced (filed) August 28, 2025 and referred to the Committee on Government Operations.
  • Multiple named sponsors and cosponsors are associated with the measure; primary sponsor(s) listed include Andy Biggs and several others.

Potential impact and considerations

  • The resolution is primarily symbolic; its immediate practical effect would be limited to prompting public statements or guidance from the FBI if the Bureau chooses to respond.
  • It raises constitutional considerations (First Amendment/free speech) and questions about selective condemnation of speech and the role of law‑enforcement agencies in responding to political expression.
  • It may lead to public debate about the use of codes and symbolic language in political discourse and about appropriate institutional responses to perceived threats.

Related legislation: companion resolution HCR 116 (as noted).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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