Summary of HRES 255

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HRES 255

Title: Of inquiry requesting the President and directing the Secretary of State to transmit to the House of Representatives any record created on or after January 20, 2025, under the control of the President or the Secretary, respectively, relating to strikes on the Houthis in Yemen and the disclosure of confidential information to a journalist on the Signal application.

Status: Submitted in House

Introduced: March 26, 2025

Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

HRES 255 aims to request the President and the Secretary of State to provide the House of Representatives with specific records related to military operations against the Houthis in Yemen. The resolution seeks to ensure transparency regarding the use of confidential communications, particularly concerning the involvement of journalist Jeffrey Goldberg in discussions about sensitive military strategies.

Key Provisions

The resolution outlines several key provisions, requiring the transmission of various types of documents created on or after January 20, 2025, including:

1. Signal Application Chats: Full transcripts of group chats that included journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, particularly those discussing sensitive military plans against the Houthis.
2. Strikes Information: Documentation related to the strikes on the Houthis, including operational details.
3. Coordination Details: Records of coordination with international partners and allies regarding the strikes.
4. Legal Justifications: Documentation explaining the legal basis for the military actions taken.
5. Consequences Documentation: Any materials related to the implications of including a journalist in discussions of classified military operations.
6. Process Reforms: Information on any new safeguards or reforms implemented in response to the incident involving the journalist.
7. Sensitive Communications: Any other group chats or transcripts that pertain to the development of military plans or discussions of national security.

Affected Parties

The resolution primarily affects:
- U.S. Government Officials: Those involved in the planning and execution of military operations against the Houthis.
- Journalists: Particularly those who may be included in sensitive discussions, as highlighted by the involvement of Jeffrey Goldberg.
- Members of Congress: Who will receive the requested documentation to assess the appropriateness and legality of the military actions taken.

Procedural Aspects

• The resolution was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on March 26, 2025.
• The President and Secretary of State are required to respond within 14 days of the resolution's adoption by providing the requested documents.

Sponsors

The resolution is sponsored by:
- Gregory W. Meeks (Primary Sponsor)
- Sydney Kamlager-Dove
- Madeleine Dean
- Greg Stanton
- Jared Moskowitz
- Brad Sherman
- Dina Titus
- Sarah McBride
- Gerald E. Connolly
- Pramila Jayapal
- Kweisi Mfume
- Ami Bera
- Sara Jacobs
- George Latimer
- Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick
- Jim Costa
- Johnny Olszewski
- Bradley Scott Schneider
- Ted Lieu
- Gabe Amo
- Joaquin Castro
- Julie Johnson
- William R. Keating
- Jonathan L. Jackson

Conclusion

HRES 255 seeks to enhance accountability and transparency regarding U.S. military operations in Yemen and the handling of sensitive information involving journalists. By mandating the disclosure of specific records, the resolution aims to clarify the legal and procedural frameworks governing such operations and the implications of including journalists in classified discussions.