Bill

HRES 717

Honoring Juan López, a Honduran Catholic leader and human rights advocate murdered in the Tocoa municipality of the Bajo Aguán region of Honduras and commemorating one year since his assassination.

119th Congress Introduced by Greg Casar and 6 co-sponsors

HRES 717 honors Juan López, a murdered Honduran human rights advocate, and urges U.S. support for anti-corruption efforts and protection for activists in Honduras.

Submitted in House

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · HRES 717

Summary of HRES 717: Honoring Juan López

Bill Number: HRES 717
Title: Honoring Juan López, a Honduran Catholic leader and human rights advocate murdered in the Tocoa municipality of the Bajo Aguán region of Honduras and commemorating one year since his assassination.
Status: Submitted in House
Introduced: September 15, 2025
Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

HRES 717 is a resolution introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to honor the life and legacy of Juan López, a prominent Honduran Catholic leader and human rights advocate who was murdered in September 2024. The resolution aims to commemorate the one-year anniversary of his assassination and to express solidarity with the people of Honduras in their struggle for justice, human rights, and environmental protection.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes several significant provisions:

Honor and Grieve:
- The House honors Juan López's contributions and expresses condolences to his family and loved ones.
Support for Anti-Corruption Measures:
- The resolution calls for the establishment of:
  - A new commission against corruption and impunity within the Government of Honduras.
  - An international commission to assist in investigating the murder of Juan López and related judicial matters.
Commendation of Activists:
- It commends the efforts of the Guapinol water defenders and others working to protect the land and environment in the Bajo Aguán region.
Commitment to Legacy:
- The resolution reaffirms the commitment to remembering Juan López's legacy and ensuring that the Honduran people can live free from fear of corruption and violence.
Call to Action for U.S. Government:
- The resolution urges the U.S. Government to:
  - Collaborate with the people of Honduras to foster a secure, democratic, and prosperous nation.
  - Increase support for communities defending human rights and democracy in Honduras.

Affected Parties

The resolution primarily affects:
- The family and community of Juan López.
- Human rights defenders and environmental activists in Honduras, particularly in the Bajo Aguán region.
- The broader Honduran population, who are impacted by corruption and violence.

Legislative Actions

September 15, 2025: The resolution was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and submitted in the House.

Conclusion

HRES 717 serves as a significant statement of support for human rights in Honduras, honoring the legacy of Juan López while advocating for systemic changes to combat corruption and protect activists. The resolution reflects a commitment to international solidarity and the promotion of democratic values in Honduras.

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