CONGRESS FOR VOTERS

Jamie Raskin (D-MD)

Expressing concern about the growing problem of book banning and the proliferation of threats to freedom of expression in the United States.

H.Res. 1603 · House resolution Arts, Culture, Religion

A Democratic resolution with 75 Democratic cosponsors · See all 75 cosponsors

Last activity — Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

In committee

Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.

The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.

Its path through Congress

  1. Introduced
  2. In Committee

A House resolution is the House speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the House agrees to it, it is officially the House's word; it is not a law, so the Senate and the President have no part in it.

What this bill would do

This resolution expresses deep concern over the growing trend of book banning and threats to freedom of expression across the United States. It highlights how thousands of books have been banned or restricted in schools and libraries, often targeting marginalized communities, authors of color, and LGBTQ+ themes. The text points out actions taken by various state governments and federal executive orders that limit access to literature and history. Finally, the resolution calls on local governments, school districts, and federal leaders to protect First Amendment rights, follow library guidelines, and repeal content-based restrictions on reading.

Yes· 3 of 12

  • Scored +8

    Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?

    The resolution strongly reaffirms commitment to First Amendment protections and the freedom to read without government censorship.

  • Scored +7

    Would students be better off under this?

    The text calls on school districts to protect students' rights to learn and explore a wide array of viewpoints.

  • Scored +6

    Would children be better off under this?

    The resolution advocates for students' access to diverse literature and protection of their educational rights.

The opposite

No question was scored the opposite.