Bill Summary
This resolution honors the legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the occasion of the 97th anniversary of his birth, January 19, 2026. It emphasizes the importance of celebrating diversity, promoting tolerance, and condemning hate in all its forms. The resolution underscores Dr. King's teachings about the strength found in diversity and the essential rights of all individuals, particularly their right to participate in democracy. It calls for civil discourse and mutual respect among different racial, ethnic, gender, cultural, and religious groups, affirming that discrimination and prejudice have no place in society. Furthermore, it condemns all forms of harassment and violence against minority communities and encourages people to uphold Dr. King's values of justice, equality, and peace.
Possible Impacts
The resolution honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. could affect people in several significant ways:
1. **Promotion of Inclusivity and Diversity**: By celebrating Dr. King's teachings on the blessing of diversity, the resolution encourages individuals and communities to embrace inclusivity. This can lead to increased awareness and acceptance of different backgrounds, fostering environments where people of all races, ethnicities, and identities feel welcome and valued. This cultural shift can reduce social tensions and promote harmony in diverse communities.
2. **Encouragement of Civic Engagement**: The resolution underscores the importance of voting and making one’s voice heard in a representative democracy, reflecting Dr. King's commitment to civil rights. This could inspire individuals, particularly marginalized groups, to engage more actively in the political process, leading to higher voter turnout. As more people participate in democracy, it can result in more representative governance and policy-making that reflects the needs and interests of all citizens.
3. **Condemnation of Hate and Discrimination**: By explicitly condemning harassment, discrimination, and prejudice against various minority groups, the resolution sends a strong message against intolerance. This can empower individuals who face discrimination by validating their experiences and promoting legal and social frameworks that protect their rights. Furthermore, it may encourage allies to stand up against hate, contributing to a societal norm that rejects bigotry and supports equality and justice for all.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1004 Introduced in House (IH)]
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119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 1004
Honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by celebrating
diversity, promoting tolerance, and condemning hate.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 15, 2026
Ms. Brown (for herself, Mr. Bishop, Mr. Ivey, Mr. Figures, Ms. Ansari,
Mrs. Ramirez, Mr. Tonko, Mr. Conaway, Mr. Krishnamoorthi, Ms. Norton,
Ms. Dean of Pennsylvania, Mr. Garamendi, Mrs. Watson Coleman, Ms.
Wilson of Florida, Mrs. Beatty, Mr. Espaillat, Mr. Cleaver, Mr.
Thompson of Mississippi, Mr. Foster, Mr. Mullin, Ms. Tlaib, Mrs.
McBath, Mr. Carter of Louisiana, Mr. Jackson of Illinois, Ms. Kelly of
Illinois, Ms. Clarke of New York, Mr. Johnson of Georgia, Ms. Kamlager-
Dove, Ms. Strickland, Ms. Tokuda, Mr. Mrvan, Mr. Frost, Mr. Veasey, Ms.
Titus, Mr. Kennedy of New York, Mr. Courtney, Ms. Meng, Ms. Simon, Ms.
Scanlon, Mr. Panetta, Mr. Green of Texas, Ms. Williams of Georgia, Mrs.
Sykes, Ms. Sewell, Mr. Meeks, Ms. Bynum, Mrs. McClain Delaney, and Mr.
Landsman) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the
Committee on the Judiciary
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by celebrating
diversity, promoting tolerance, and condemning hate.
Whereas the Nation will celebrate the 97th anniversary of the birth of Reverend
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on Monday, January 19, 2026;
Whereas Dr. King taught that the blessing of diversity is our strength;
Whereas Dr. King fought, marched, and preached for the inalienable rights of all
people, particularly Black Americans;
Whereas among these rights is the inviolable right of every person to cast their
vote and make their voice heard in a representative democracy;
Whereas tolerance for one another's difference in race, ethnicity, gender,
culture, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability is a profound
virtue;
Whereas civil discourse in a land of democratic freedom is the true promise of
our country; and
Whereas Dr. King once wrote in his 1963 Letter from a Birmingham Jail,
``Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly'': Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) celebrates the 97th anniversary of the birthday of
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on January 19, 2026,
which shall serve as a reminder that hate and hateful conduct
based on differences has no place in the United States in
tribute to his life and teachings;
(2) affirms the words of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr., ``Anyone who lives inside the United States can never be
considered an outsider anywhere within its bounds'';
(3) honors the life, legacy, works, and heroism of Reverend
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.;
(4) condemns any form of harassment, discrimination, or
prejudice targeted at any minority ethnic group, including the
Black community, Indigenous people, the Jewish community, the
Asian-American and Pacific Islander community, the Muslim
community, and the Hispanic and Latino communities;
(5) condemns any form of harassment, discrimination, or
prejudice based on a person's gender, including the trans
community and LGBTQ+ individuals;
(6) abhors the violence and animus that led to the untimely
death of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; and
(7) calls on all people across the Nation and the world to
uphold Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s values and
teachings of justice, equality, peace, advocacy, and tolerance.
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