[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 796 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
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119th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. RES. 796
Recognizing the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States of
America and reaffirming the commitment of the Senate to the Nation's
founding ideals of liberty, equality, and opportunity for all immigrant
communities in the United States.
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IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
June 24, 2026
Mr. Markey (for himself, Ms. Alsobrooks, Mr. Bennet, Ms. Hirono, Mr.
Schiff, Mr. Van Hollen, Ms. Warren, Mr. Wyden, Mr. Padilla, and Mr.
Booker) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the
Committee on the Judiciary
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RESOLUTION
Recognizing the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States of
America and reaffirming the commitment of the Senate to the Nation's
founding ideals of liberty, equality, and opportunity for all immigrant
communities in the United States.
Whereas, as the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its founding,
the people of the United States reflect on the Nation's history,
progress, and enduring commitment to the principles of liberty and
justice;
Whereas, despite attacks from the current Administration, the Senate reaffirms
that all people are created equal in dignity and worth and are entitled
to unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of
happiness;
Whereas, when the Federal Government fails to secure these ideals, it is the
responsibility of Members of Congress to challenge and transform systems
that deny dignity and justice;
Whereas these founding ideals have not always been fully realized and each
generation bears responsibility for advancing these ideals more fully in
law, policy, and practice;
Whereas, in recognition of the barriers and hardships faced by asylum seekers,
refugees, and all immigrant communities, including conditions that
undermine internationally recognized human rights and constitutional
protections, the Senate must continue to advance systemic change;
Whereas, in the absence of consistent Federal leadership in upholding the
Nation's commitments and obligations to asylum seekers, refugees, and
immigrant communities, the Senate plays a critical role in advancing
inclusion, equity, and opportunity for all residents regardless of
immigration status;
Whereas barriers such as limited English proficiency, employment obstacles, and
restricted access to essential services prevent many immigrants from
fully engaging in the social, economic, and civic life of their
communities;
Whereas existing pathways to the United States, including pathways to
citizenship, face increasing restrictions and adverse policy shifts,
creating obstacles that undermine stability, opportunity, and full
participation in communities represented by Members of the Senate;
Whereas ensuring access to health care, legal services, social services,
housing, food security, education, and safe and humane migration
pathways are essential components of an equitable and inclusive United
States, promoting the health, safety, and well-being of communities
across the United States;
Whereas immigrant communities in the United States make significant social,
cultural, economic, and civic contributions to the United States,
strengthening the United States and enriching its shared future, and
reflecting the enduring promise of the founding ideals of the United
States; and
Whereas the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America
serves not only as a celebration, but as a moment for reflection, civic
participation, and renewed commitment to building a more inclusive,
equitable, and united future for all who call the United States home:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) supports efforts, consistent with this commitment, to
expand and strengthen programs that assist individuals in
overcoming common barriers to full participation in the social,
economic, and civic life of the United States, including
language access programs, workforce and employment assistance,
legal support, and naturalization services;
(2) encourages collaboration with local community-based
organizations, nonprofit organizations serving immigrants and
refugees, faith institutions, educational institutions,
advocacy groups, and labor and business partners to provide
critical services and ensure that integration programs are
culturally responsive, accessible, and effective;
(3) urges Federal, State, and local governments to increase
investments in initiatives that advance opportunity, strengthen
communities, and uphold the Nation's commitments to equity and
inclusion;
(4) calls for a commitment to building a more inclusive,
equitable, and united future for all who call the United States
home;
(5) celebrates the contributions of immigrant communities
in the United States to the Nation's social, cultural, and
economic life; and
(6) recognizes the significance of global solidarity in
upholding the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights, and in advancing dignity, justice, and freedom for all
people confronting systemic oppression across borders and
continents.
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