Mazie Hirono (D-HI)
A resolution expressing support for the staff of public, school, academic, and special libraries in the United States and the essential services those libraries provide to communities, recognizing the need for funding commensurate with the broad scope of social service and community supports provided by libraries, preserving the right of all citizens of the United States to freely access information and resources in their communities, supporting a strong union voice for library workers, and defending the civil rights of library staff.
A Democratic resolution with 8 Democratic cosponsors · See all 8 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S2055-2056)
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
- Introduced
- In Committee
A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
This resolution expresses support for the staff working in public, school, academic, and special libraries throughout the United States. It recognizes the essential services these libraries provide to their communities and the need for funding that matches the scope of their social services. The resolution aims to preserve the right of all citizens to access information and resources freely. Additionally, it supports a strong union voice for library workers and seeks to defend their civil rights. Finally, it recognizes the critical role libraries play in the nation's democracy and future.
Yes· 3 of 17
- Scored +8
Would union members be better off under this?
The resolution specifically supports the right of library workers to organize and collectively bargain.
- Scored +8
Does this strengthen the rights of workers to organise?
The resolution explicitly supports the right of library workers to organize and collectively bargain.
- Scored +7
Does this get reliable internet to more people?
The resolution highlights the role of libraries in providing essential internet access to underserved communities.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Access to Information and Resources: The resolution supports the fundamental right of all citizens to freely access information and resources in their communities (Resolution Text).
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Economic and Skill Development: Libraries act as an economic powerhouse by providing resources to job seekers, small business owners, and people learning new skills (Whereas clauses).
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Community Support and Safety: Libraries serve as a safe haven for unhoused individuals and families, providing a supportive environment and necessary resources (Whereas clauses).
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Public Health Services: Library staff provide lifesaving care, such as administering medication to treat overdoses during the opioid epidemic (Whereas clauses).
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Digital Inclusion: Libraries provide essential internet access, which is often the only source of internet for underserved communities (Whereas clauses).
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Educational Benefits: Library staff help students by curating diverse book offerings, which is linked to increased reading time and higher reading scores (Whereas clauses).
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Worker Rights and Protection: The resolution supports the right of library workers to organize, collectively bargain, and exercise their civil rights without fear of intimidation or threats (Resolution Section 5).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Loss of Critical Resources: The elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services could harm the ability of libraries to provide critical resources, particularly to rural, Tribal, and underserved communities (Whereas clauses).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would union members be better off under this? — The resolution specifically supports the right of library workers to organize and collectively bargain. Would children be better off under this? — The text notes that libraries provide diverse book offerings that help increase reading time and scores for young readers. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The resolution supports the role of libraries in providing internet access and social services to underserved communities. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The text emphasizes the importance of protecting library services for rural communities. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The resolution highlights the need to protect resources for Tribal communities through library funding. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — The resolution highlights the importance of libraries for young people to learn and debate ideas. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — The resolution supports the continuation of community-wide library services.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this strengthen the rights of workers to organise? — The resolution explicitly supports the right of library workers to organize and collectively bargain. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The text recognizes that libraries provide essential resources to small business owners.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The resolution advocates for the protection of underserved, Tribal, and minority communities through library services. Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — The text highlights that libraries act as a safe haven and resource center for unhoused individuals and families. Is this likely to reduce homelessness? — The resolution recognizes libraries as a safe haven and supportive environment for unhoused individuals.
- Education And Technology
- Does this get reliable internet to more people? — The resolution highlights the role of libraries in providing essential internet access to underserved communities. Does this put more money into public schools? — The resolution supports prioritizing full funding for library services, including school libraries.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect the individual right to speak freely? — The resolution supports the right of library staff to speak out on public concerns and the public's right to access information without censorship. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The resolution emphasizes the importance of the public's right to access information and the role of libraries in democracy.
- Healthcare
- Does this do more about addiction and overdose deaths? — The resolution notes that library staff provide lifesaving care by administering medication to treat overdoses.
- 4/27/2026
- Submitted in Senate
- Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S2055-2056)
- 8 Cosponsors added.
4 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
- 119-HRES-328: Expressing support for the staff of public, school, academic, and special libraries in the United States and the essential services those libraries provide to communities, recognizing the need for funding commensurate with the broad scope of social service and community supports provided by libraries, preserving the right of all citizens of the United States to freely access information and resources in their communities, supporting a strong union voice for library workers, and defending the civil rights of library staff.
- 119-HRES-1212: Expressing support for the staff of public, school, academic, and special libraries in the United States and the essential services those libraries provide to communities, recognizing the need for funding commensurate with the broad scope of social service and community supports provided by libraries, preserving the right of all citizens of the United States to freely access information and resources in their communities, supporting a strong union voice for library workers, and defending the civil rights of library staff.
- 119-SRES-169: A resolution expressing support for the staff of public, school, academic, and special libraries in the United States and the essential services those libraries provide to communities, recognizing the need for funding commensurate with the broad scope of social service and community supports provided by libraries, preserving the right of all citizens of the United States to freely access information and resources in their communities, supporting a strong union voice for library workers, and defending the civil rights of library staff.
- 118-SRES-637 (not yet synced)
Lisa Blunt RochesterDemocrat · Delaware
Richard DurbinDemocrat · Illinois
Ben LujánDemocrat · New Mexico
Edward MarkeyDemocrat · Massachusetts
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California
John ReedDemocrat · Rhode Island
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland
Ron WydenDemocrat · Oregon