Summary of HRES 110 (2025)
Overview
HRES 110 is a House of Representatives resolution introduced February 5, 2025 and referred to the House Administration Committee. It establishes an internal policy change for distribution of certain CCP-controlled publications within House facilities. As a resolution, it sets House internal procedures and guidance rather than creating or changing federal law.
Purpose and Intent
- Prohibit the distribution of Chinese Communist Party (CCP)-controlled publications within House facilities (the House wing of the Capitol, House Office Buildings, and other House-owned facilities).
- Limit the use of internal House mail systems for delivering such publications.
- Ensure all relevant House offices are informed of this policy shift.
- Preserve certain related rights and access (see exceptions) while removing in-house distribution of CCP-controlled publications.
Key Provisions
1) Duties of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)
- Immediately cease accepting or distributing CCP-controlled publications (specifically citing China Daily and similar publications) within House facilities.
- Prohibit the use of internal House mail systems to deliver CCP-controlled publications.
- Notify all relevant House offices about the policy change.
2) Exceptions and clarifications (non-restrictive elements)
- The policy does not restrict:
- Private receipt of CCP-controlled publications by Members or House employees.
- Access to such publications via public or research facilities.
- The Library of Congress collecting CCP-controlled publications.
3) Definition of “Chinese Communist Party-controlled publication”
- A publication that:
- Is required to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) of 1938; and
- Is owned, controlled, or directed by the Chinese Communist Party or its affiliates.
4) Effective date
- The requirements take effect immediately upon adoption of the resolution.
Affected Parties and Impacts
- Affected:
- Chief Administrative Officer and House administration staff (policy implementation).
- House offices and members/staff (changes to in-house distribution and mail usage).
- Library of Congress (existing collection authority remains unaffected; it may continue collecting CCP publications under current policy).
- Impacts:
- Reduces in-building distribution of China Daily and other CCP-controlled publications.
- Maintains private receipt and external access pathways, reducing internal dissemination while preserving external/public access options.
- Could affect daily information flow for offices that previously received CCP-controlled materials via internal mail.
Procedural and Timeline Aspects
- Status: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration (as of introduction date).
- Timeline: Immediate effect upon adoption; not a law but an internal House policy directive via resolution.
- Legislative path: As a House Resolution, it expresses policy and directs administrative action rather than establishing or funding new programs.
Sponsors
Cosponsors include: Michael Lawler, Brandon Gill, Robert J. Wittman, Mike Haridopolos, Darrell Issa, Gary J. Palmer, Sheri Biggs, Young Kim, Derek Schmidt, W. Gregory Steube, Eric Burlison, James R. Baird, Lance Gooden, John W. Rose, Darin LaHood, Joe Wilson, Troy E. Nehls, and Burgess Owens.
This summary captures the bill’s purpose, main provisions, affected parties, and procedural status, presenting a clear, accessible view of HRES 110 and its potential internal impact on House operations.