Summary of HRES 68: Expressing strong disapproval of the President's announcement to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement

Purpose and core intent

HRES 68 is a non-binding House resolution expressing strong disapproval of the President’s decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement. It advocates for reversing that decision and maintaining U.S. participation in the agreement. The resolution also urges Congress to prioritize U.S. global leadership on addressing climate change and acknowledges broad domestic support for the Paris framework.

Key provisions (as introduced)

1) Strong disapproval of the President’s announcement to withdraw from the Paris Agreement.

2) Commends the broad coalition publicly supporting the Paris Agreement, including states, cities, colleges and universities, businesses, investors, and individuals.

3) Urges the President to reverse the decision and keep the United States party to the Paris Agreement.

4) Urges Congress to prioritize the United States’ global leadership on addressing climate change.

Who/what would be affected

• Legal effect: As a concurrent resolution (non-binding), the measure expresses the sentiment of the House rather than creating new law or spending authority. It does not require action by the President or alter existing treaties or statutes.
• Domestic actors highlighted: The resolution recognizes and commends states, local governments, higher education institutions, businesses, investors, and individuals who support the Paris Agreement.
• International perception: By publicly opposing withdrawal, the resolution signals the House’s stance on climate diplomacy and U.S. participation in international climate efforts.

Procedural and timeline details

• Introduced: January 24, 2025.
• Status: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. No further action is listed in the provided information.
• Classification: Resolution (non-binding).
• Legislative path: As a House resolution, it would typically proceed through committee, potentially reach floor consideration, and—if adopted—serve as a formal expression of the House’s position rather than imposing obligations or directing policy changes.

Sponsors

• Primary sponsor: Brad Schneider.
• Cosponsors: A large group of Democratic members, reflecting broad party support. Notable names among the cosponsors (as listed) include Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Pramila Jayapal, Jamie Raskin, Rosa DeLauro, Steny Hoyer, Ro Khanna, Adam Smith, Karen Bass, and numerous others. The full roster demonstrates a wide, party-wide alignment on the measure’s stance.

Practical implications

• Policy signaling: The bill reinforces congressional support for the Paris Agreement and global climate leadership.
• Legislative impact: It does not create funding, mandates, or binding requirements; its influence is primarily political and diplomatic.
• Next steps: If referred and advanced, it could be considered and potentially adopted or amended by the House; any action in the Senate or by the President would be outside the measure’s direct control.