Summary of HRES 336 (2025)

Overview

HRES 336 is a House Resolution introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on April 17, 2025 by Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton. The resolution is a symbolic, non-binding measure that recognizes and honors the abolitionist movement and the historical abolitionist events surrounding “the Pearl,” emphasizing their significance to the history of the District of Columbia and to American history.

Purpose and Intent

• To honor the legacy of all individuals who advanced freedom from slavery and all those involved in abolitionist events associated with the Pearl.
• To recognize the importance of these events and figures to the history of the District of Columbia (DC) and to broader American history.
• To express a formal acknowledgment by the House of Representatives of this historical contribution and its enduring impact.

Key Provisions

• The introduced language states: “That the House of Representatives honors the legacy of all those who furthered freedom from slavery and all of those who were involved in the historic abolitionist events surrounding the Pearl, and recognizes their importance to the history of the District of Columbia and to American history itself.”
• As a House Resolution, the measure is non-binding and does not create new laws, programs, or funding.
• The resolution serves as an official statement of recognition and remembrance intended to educate and inform the public and to honor the historical record.

Who/What Is Affected

• Primarily symbolic recognition affecting the District of Columbia’s historical narrative and national acknowledgement of abolitionist history.
• Could influence educational and public commemorations or discussions surrounding DC history and abolitionist movements, though no specific programs or funding are authorized.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

• Status: Introduced and submitted in the House on April 17, 2025.
• Legislative Action: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on April 17, 2025.
• Sponsor: Eleanor Holmes Norton (primary).
• Next steps (not specified in the provided information): Committee consideration and potential floor action; no further actions or votes are indicated in the current record.

Potential Impact

• Increases public awareness and formal recognition of abolitionist history connected to the Pearl.
• Enhances the historical narrative surrounding DC and its role in the abolitionist movement.
• As a non-binding measure, it does not impose new duties, regulatory requirements, or funding obligations on government agencies.

Notes

• The specific location or events referred to as “the Pearl” are not elaborated in the provided text. The resolution acknowledges their abolitionist associations and their significance to DC and U.S. history.