Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

Expressing the condolences of the House of Representatives and honoring the memory of the victims of the mass shooting in Aurora, Illinois, on February 15, 2019.

Summary

This House Resolution expresses condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of the mass shooting in Aurora, Illinois, on February 15, 2019. It honors the memory of the deceased, extends support to the wounded, and commends the first responders for their bravery and dedication. The resolution also expresses support for the Aurora community and stands in solidarity with victims of gun violence across the United States.

Expected Effects

The resolution serves as a formal expression of sympathy and support from the House of Representatives. It does not create any new laws or allocate funding. The primary effect is symbolic, offering comfort and recognition to the affected community and individuals.

Potential Benefits

  • Provides a formal acknowledgment of the tragedy and its impact on the Aurora community.
  • Honors the victims and first responders, offering a measure of comfort to their families and colleagues.
  • Raises awareness about the issue of gun violence in the United States.
  • Offers support and encouragement to the Aurora community as they heal and rebuild.
  • Symbolically unites the House of Representatives in a moment of shared grief and solidarity.

Potential Disadvantages

  • The resolution is largely symbolic and does not offer concrete solutions to prevent future tragedies.
  • It may be perceived as insufficient by some, who may call for more substantive action on gun violence.
  • It does not address the underlying causes of gun violence or offer specific policy recommendations.
  • The resolution does not provide direct financial assistance to the victims or the Aurora community.
  • It could be seen as a reactive measure rather than a proactive effort to address gun violence.

Constitutional Alignment

The resolution aligns with the spirit of the Constitution, particularly the preamble's goal of ensuring domestic tranquility and promoting the general welfare. While it doesn't directly invoke any specific constitutional provision, it reflects the government's role in acknowledging and responding to tragedies that affect the American people. The First Amendment protects the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances, and this resolution can be seen as a response to such grievances related to gun violence.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).