Summary: H.Res. 153 – Expressing condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims of the crash of American Eagle Flight 5342 and PAT 25, and for other purposes

Overview

H.Res. 153 is a non-binding House resolution that expresses condolences, honors the victims, and salutes first responders related to the crash of American Eagle Flight 5342 and PAT 25. It is a memorial gesture, not legislation creating or funding programs.

Purpose and Intent

• Extend heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of all victims.
• Honor the lives lost and recognize the individuals by name.
• Express sympathies to affected communities, including Wichita, Kansas; the National Capital Region; the Nation; and other countries grieving for the victims.
• Acknowledge and commend the heroic actions of first responders, emergency services personnel, and others who aided in recovery efforts in freezing waters.

Key Provisions

• Condolences: The House expresses condolences to the families and loved ones of the crash victims.
• Honoring victims: Names listed in the measure (a long roster of individuals) are recognized and honored.
• Sympathies: Expressions of sympathy to Wichita, Kansas, the National Capital Region, the Nation, and international communities grieving the victims.
• Commendations: Praise for first responders and recovery personnel who assisted in freezing-water conditions.

Named Victims (illustrative)

The resolution explicitly honors many individuals by name, including, but not limited to: Franco Aparicio, Luciano Aparicio, Sarah Lee Best, Brielle Beyer, Justyna Beyer, Jonathan D. Boyd, James “Tommy” Clagett Jr., Captain Rebecca M. Lobach, Staff Sergeant Ryan A. O’Hara, Olesya Taylor, Angela Yang, Yu Zhou, and others (the text lists dozens of named victims and notes “7 others”). The list underscores the collective impact on families and communities.

Affected Parties and Scope

• Families and friends of the victims.
• Communities in Wichita, Kansas, and broader national and international audiences connected to the victims.
• First responders, emergency services personnel, and recovery workers.

Procedural and Timeline Highlights

• Introduced: February 24, 2025.
• Referred to: Subcommittee on Aviation; Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure; and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services for provisions within jurisdiction.
• Motion to reconsider laid on the table and agreed to without objection: March 3, 2025.
• On the same day: The resolution was agreed to by voice vote after a debate (approximately 40 minutes) and considered under suspension of the rules (CR H935-937) with text noted as CR H935.
• Status: Final disposition in the House on March 3, 2025, under suspension of the rules.

Sponsors and Support

A broad coalition of cosponsors supported the resolution, including primary sponsor Rep. Ron Estes and numerous otros across parties, committees, and leadership. The wide sponsorship signals cross-party and cross-committee recognition of the tragedy and the need for a formal memorial response.

Practical Impact

• No fiscal impact or regulatory changes; serves as an official expression of mourning and solidarity.
• May influence public remembrance and community healing, and provide a formal record of congressional empathy for the affected families and communities.