Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States must recommit to defend and uphold the rights and protections guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution to ensure that our democracy works for all of us, not just a powerful few. | ChamberLight
Bills · HRES 1038
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House Res.HRES 1038Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States must recommit to defend and uphold the rights and protections guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution to ensure that our democracy works for all of us, not just a powerful few.
INTRO FEB 4· LAST ACTION FEB 4
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
15
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Non-binding
Commemorative
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it's a public and formal statement by a chamber of the U.S. government about its position on fundamental constitutional rights. While it doesn't create new laws or mandates, it clearly signals the priorities and values of certain lawmakers regarding the Fourteenth Amendment, which guarantees birthright citizenship, fair legal processes, and equal protection for all people.
If this resolution passes, it means the House, or at least a majority of its members, publicly supports defending these core rights. If it doesn't pass, it could indicate a lack of consensus on these issues. For voters, it highlights where their representatives stand on critical constitutional principles that affect everyone's fundamental freedoms and the overall nature of American democracy.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Affirms the Fourteenth Amendment as a cornerstone of American multiracial democracy and a guarantor of birthright citizenship, due process, and equal protection.
Establishes the House's strong foundational belief in these essential constitutional principles.
PROVISION 02
States that every branch of the Federal Government must act to defend and uphold the rights and protections guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment.
Calls for active commitment and vigilance from all parts of the federal government, not just Congress.
PROVISION 03
Calls for Congress to reject and oppose any legislation, executive action, or policy that seeks to dismantle, weaken, or circumvent the guarantees of birthright citizenship, due process, or equal protection.
Sets a clear stance against proposed changes that could diminish these fundamental constitutional rights.
PROVISION 04
Pledges Congress to work toward the full realization of equal protection and due process for all.
Indicates a commitment to not just defending existing rights but also to ensuring their comprehensive application and effectiveness.
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · JUDICIARY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 4, 2026
House Res.HRES 1038Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States must recommit to defend and uphold the rights and protections guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution to ensure that our democracy works for all of us, not just a powerful few.
This bill matters because it's a public and formal statement by a chamber of the U.S. government about its position on fundamental constitutional rights. While it doesn't create new laws or mandates, it clearly signals the priorities and values of certain lawmakers regarding the Fourteenth Amendment, which guarantees birthright citizenship, fair legal processes, and equal protection for all people.
If this resolution passes, it means the House, or at least a majority of its members, publicly supports defending these core rights. If it doesn't pass, it could indicate a lack of consensus on these issues. For voters, it highlights where their representatives stand on critical constitutional principles that affect everyone's fundamental freedoms and the overall nature of American democracy.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Affirms the Fourteenth Amendment as a cornerstone of American multiracial democracy and a guarantor of birthright citizenship, due process, and equal protection.
Establishes the House's strong foundational belief in these essential constitutional principles.
med
States that every branch of the Federal Government must act to defend and uphold the rights and protections guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment.
Calls for active commitment and vigilance from all parts of the federal government, not just Congress.
high
Calls for Congress to reject and oppose any legislation, executive action, or policy that seeks to dismantle, weaken, or circumvent the guarantees of birthright citizenship, due process, or equal protection.
Sets a clear stance against proposed changes that could diminish these fundamental constitutional rights.
med
Pledges Congress to work toward the full realization of equal protection and due process for all.
Indicates a commitment to not just defending existing rights but also to ensuring their comprehensive application and effectiveness.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Sense of the House
A formal, non-binding statement that reflects the opinion or sentiment of the House of Representatives on a particular issue, but does not become law.
Fourteenth Amendment
An amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1868, that grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. and guarantees equal protection of the laws and due process for all citizens.
Birthright citizenship
The legal principle that anyone born within a country's territory automatically becomes a citizen of that country, regardless of their parents' citizenship status.
Due process of law
The legal requirement that the government must respect all legal rights owed to a person, ensuring fair treatment through the judicial system and adherence to established rules and principles.
Equal protection under the law
A clause in the Fourteenth Amendment stating that all individuals must be treated equally by the government and cannot be denied the same legal protections enjoyed by others.
Resolution
A formal expression of opinion or intention agreed to by a legislative body, but which generally does not have the force of law.