Summary of House Resolution H.Res. 403

Overview

H.Res. 403 is a non-binding House of Representatives resolution that expresses the sense of the House in appreciation of public servants. It specifically recognizes Public Service Recognition Week and urges ongoing celebration and promotion of public service careers. The resolution does not create new laws or funding obligations.

Purpose and Intent

• To commend and thank public servants for their dedication and continued service to the United States, during Public Service Recognition Week and throughout the year.
• To salute government employees and members of the uniformed services for their dedication and enthusiasm in serving the public.
• To honor those who have given their lives in service to their communities and the country.
• To encourage efforts to promote and celebrate public service careers at every level of government.
• To express gratitude to public servants who have selflessly answered the call to serve country, state, or local communities.

Key Provisions (What the bill says)

The five substantive elements of the introduced text are:
1. Commends public servants during Public Service Recognition Week for outstanding year-round contributions.
2. Salutes government employees and members of the uniformed services for their unyielding dedication and enthusiasm for the public they serve.
3. Honors government employees and uniformed services members who have given their lives in service.
4. Encourages efforts to promote and celebrate public service careers across all levels of government.
5. Expresses gratitude to public servants who have selflessly answered the call to serve.

Affected Entities

• Public servants at all levels of government (federal, state, and local).
• Government employees and members of the uniformed services.
• Potentially institutions and programs promoting public service careers.

Procedural and Timeline Details

• Introduced: May 9, 2025.
• Status: Submitted in the House.
• Legislative action: Referred on May 9, 2025 to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
• Next steps (not specified in the bill): If advanced, it could move through committee and, potentially, to the full House for consideration; any action in the Senate would be necessary for enactment.

Sponsors

• Primary Sponsor: Gerald E. Connolly
• Cosponsors (examples): Suhas Subramanyam, Robert Garcia, Steny H. Hoyer, Jennifer L. McClellan, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Kweisi Mfume, Johnny Olszewski, Dave Min, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Stephen F. Lynch, Maxwell Frost, Shontel M. Brown, Jasmine Crockett, among others.

Impact and Policy Implications

• This is a ceremonial, non-binding expression of sentiment. It does not establish new policy, authorize programs, or allocate funding.
• The resolution signals broad political support for recognizing public service and could bolster public messaging around recruitment, retention, and appreciation of civil servants.
• By explicitly honoring those who died in service, it reinforces recognition of sacrifice and the value of public service.

Notes

• The bill centers on recognition, appreciation, and encouragement of public service careers, rather than on substantive policy changes.