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Bill

HRES 956

Condemning the antisemitic shooting in Sydney, Australia, and all forms of hatred and violence directed at religious communities.

119th Congress Introduced by Brian Mast and 1 co-sponsor

Non-binding House resolution condemns the Sydney antisemitic attack, expresses solidarity with victims and Jewish communities, urges Australia to curb antisemitism, reaffirms U.S. commitment.

Submitted in House
6
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HRES 956

Summary of H. Res. 956 (119th Congress, 1st Session)

Purpose and intent

  • H. Res. 956 is a non-binding House resolution that condemns the antisemitic shooting in Sydney, Australia, and denounces all forms of hatred and violence directed at religious communities.
  • The resolution expresses solidarity with the victims and with the Jewish community worldwide, and it calls on the Australian Government to take action to address rising antisemitism and to protect its Jewish community.
  • It also reaffirms the United States’ commitment to combating antisemitism and terrorism in all forms and upholds the right of all people to worship freely and safely.

Key provisions and changes

  • Strong condemnation: States that the antisemitic shooting in Sydney is an act of violence rooted in hatred toward Jewish people and is part of broader antisemitic violence.
  • Condolences: Expresses heartfelt condolences to the victims, their families, and the people of Australia.
  • Religious freedom: Affirms the right of every person to worship freely and safely.
  • U.S. commitment: Reiterates the United States’ ongoing commitment to combating antisemitism and terrorism in all forms.
  • Call to action for Australia: Urges the Australian Government to take concrete steps to address antisemitism and to protect its Jewish community.

Who/what would be affected

  • This resolution primarily affects U.S. political messaging and diplomacy, signaling U.S. moral support and solidarity with Australia and Jewish communities.
  • It may influence ongoing U.S.-Australia bilateral discourse on security, antisemitism, and protection of religious freedom, but as a resolution, it does not itself impose or authorize new policy or funding.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: December 17, 2025, by Rep. Meeks (for himself and Rep. Mast).
  • Status: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
  • Legislative type: House Resolution (non-binding).
  • Summary date: Incident referenced occurred December 14, 2025, during a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney.
  • The resolution is a formal expression of the House’s position and does not create enforceable legal obligations.

Why this matters

  • Provides a clear, bipartisan statement of support for victims and for religious freedom.
  • Reaffirms U.S. commitment to combating antisemitism and terrorism worldwide.
  • Encourages international cooperation to protect Jewish communities and other religious groups from violence.

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

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