Recognizing Russian actions in Ukraine as a genocide.

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Bill ID: 119/hres/16
Last Updated: February 27, 2025

Sponsored by

Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9]

ID: C001068

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

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Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

January 6, 2025

Introduced

Committee Review

📍 Current Status

Next: The bill moves to the floor for full chamber debate and voting.

🗳️

Floor Action

âś…

Passed House

🏛️

Senate Review

🎉

Passed Congress

🖊️

Presidential Action

⚖️

Became Law

📚 How does a bill become a law?

1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

(sigh) Oh joy, another exercise in legislative theater. Let's dissect this farce.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The main purpose of HRES 16 is to grandstand on the world stage, pretending to care about human rights while doing nothing meaningful to address them. The objectives are twofold: (1) to virtue-signal about Russia's actions in Ukraine, and (2) to provide a feel-good resolution that won't actually change anything.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** This resolution is a masterclass in empty rhetoric. It "condemns" Russia for committing genocide, as if words have any real impact on the Kremlin's behavior. The key provisions are:

1. A laundry list of atrocities allegedly committed by Russia (because who needs evidence when you can just assert it?). 2. A call to support Ukraine with unspecified measures (read: more empty promises). 3. Support for tribunals and international investigations that will likely go nowhere.

No changes to existing law, because why bother when you can just make a symbolic gesture?

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The affected parties are:

1. Russia: Who won't care about this resolution any more than they cared about the last dozen. 2. Ukraine: Who will continue to suffer while politicians posture. 3. The United States and its allies: Who get to pretend they're doing something meaningful.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** The potential impact is zero, zilch, nada. This resolution won't change Russia's behavior, nor will it provide any tangible support to Ukraine. It's a PR stunt designed to make politicians look good while accomplishing nothing.

Implications? Well, it might lead to more of the same empty rhetoric and inaction on human rights issues. But hey, at least our politicians can say they "did something."

Diagnosis: This bill is suffering from a severe case of "Legislative Theater-itis," a disease characterized by grandstanding, empty promises, and a complete lack of substance. The prognosis is poor, as this condition often leads to further erosion of trust in government institutions.

Treatment? None needed. Just more of the same ineffective posturing will suffice.

Related Topics

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đź’° Campaign Finance Network

Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9]

Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle

Total Contributions
$60,518
28 donors
PACs
$5,000
Organizations
$0
Committees
$0
Individuals
$55,518
1
SEIU COPE (SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION COMMITTEE ON POLITICAL EDUCATION)
2 transactions
$5,000

No organization contributions found

No committee contributions found

1
KEENEY, MIKE
1 transaction
$3,300
2
RITCHEY, JANICE C
1 transaction
$3,300
3
RITCHEY, KENT
1 transaction
$3,300
4
WALTON, CHRISTY
1 transaction
$3,300
5
KEENEY, MICHAEL
1 transaction
$3,300
6
SEGAL, GORDON
1 transaction
$3,300
7
SMITH, FREDERICK
1 transaction
$3,300
8
BEKTAS, MELIH
1 transaction
$3,000
9
DOGAN, GOKHAN
1 transaction
$3,000
10
MIMEHDI, MIKE
1 transaction
$2,504
11
GILLILAND, JAMES JR.
1 transaction
$2,500
12
RAOFI, BEHZAD
1 transaction
$2,500
13
BARNETT, BERT E
1 transaction
$2,500
14
BARNETT, CAROL
1 transaction
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15
ZEA, TRACY
1 transaction
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16
DADVAND, BABAK
1 transaction
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17
BELZ, RONALD
1 transaction
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18
FOGELMAN, HAL
1 transaction
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19
FINE, RICHARD
1 transaction
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20
ROBINSON, GILES
1 transaction
$1,500
21
NOVY, PENNY
2 transactions
$806
22
CZEREPAK, TYMOTEUSZ
1 transaction
$520
23
PORTER, RICHARD
1 transaction
$520
24
TRACY, DON
1 transaction
$500
25
BOBRICK, EDWARD
1 transaction
$300

Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance

This bill has 10 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.

Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2]

ID: W000795

Top Contributors

10

1
MAGELLAN HOUSING
Organization SUGAR LAND, TX
$1,500
Mar 27, 2024
2
UFCW LOCAL 1059
Organization COLUMBUS, OH
$2,500
Jun 15, 2024
3
CATAWBA INDIAN NATION
Organization ROCK HILL, SC
$2,000
May 6, 2024
4
LEHMAN, WILLIAM JR.
LEHMAN DEALERSHIP ENTERPRISES • PRESIDENT
Individual MIAMI, FL
$5,000
Jul 18, 2024
5
LEHMAN, WILLIAM JR.
Individual MIAMI, FL
$3,400
Aug 2, 2024
6
SANDBERG, SHERYL
NOT EMPLOYED • PHILANTHROPIST
Individual SAN FRANCISCO, CA
$3,300
Dec 21, 2023
7
ARISON, MADELEINE
HOMEMAKER • HOMEMAKER
Individual BAL HARBOUR, FL
$3,300
Mar 6, 2023
8
ARISON, MICKY
NOT EMPLOYED • RETIRED
Individual BAL HARBOUR, FL
$3,300
Mar 6, 2023
9
LEHMAN, WILLIAM JR.
LEHMAN DEALERSHIP ENTERPRISES • PRESIDENT
Individual MIAMI, FL
$3,300
Jun 28, 2023
10
MOISE, RUDOLPH
SELF-EMPLOYED • PHYSICIAN
Individual DAVIE, FL
$3,300
Jul 18, 2024

Rep. Boyle, Brendan F. [D-PA-2]

ID: B001296

Top Contributors

10

1
POARCH BAND OF CREEK INDIANS
Organization ATMORE, AL
$1,000
Mar 21, 2024
2
WARD, SEAN
BLUE OWL CAPITAL • FINANCE
Individual BROOKLYN, NY
$6,600
May 25, 2023
3
WARD, HEATHER
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
Individual BROOKLYN, NY
$6,600
May 25, 2023
4
CALLISON, EDWIN H JR
BREAKTHRU BEVERAGE GROUP • EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Individual BELLEVILLE, IL
$5,400
Oct 23, 2023
5
SINGH, PRITPAL
SINGH SEMICONDUCTORS, INC • VICE PRESIDENT
Individual FREMONT, CA
$5,000
Dec 31, 2023
6
WALTERS, CLELIA
CHARTERHOUSE LLC • FOUNDER
Individual MCLEAN, VA
$3,700
Apr 16, 2024
7
RUBINSTEIN, ANDREW
OBERLAND CAPITAL • HEALTHCARE
Individual TENAFLY, NJ
$3,300
Dec 5, 2023
8
FRIEDMAN, AVI
NOT EMPLOYED • RETIRED
Individual WHITE PLAINS, NY
$3,300
Nov 20, 2023
9
SANDBERG, SHERYL
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
Individual SAN FRANCISCO, CA
$3,300
Dec 21, 2023
10
SMITH, MICHAEL D.
CORNERSTONE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS • GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Individual CHEVY CHASE, MD
$3,300
Oct 14, 2023

Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]

ID: F000466

Top Contributors

10

1
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization SANTA YNEZ, CA
$1,500
Dec 31, 2024
2
STATA FAMILY OFFICE
Organization
$500
Apr 26, 2024
3
ASHER, ROBERT B.
Individual GWYNEDD VALLEY, PA
$10,000
Oct 9, 2024
4
ASHER, ROBERT B.
ASHER CHOCOLATES • CHAIRMAN
Individual GWYNEDD VALLEY, PA
$10,000
Sep 30, 2024
5
LEVY, EDWARD JR
EDW C LEVY CO • CHAIRMAN
Individual BIRMINGHAM, MI
$6,600
Feb 26, 2024
6
CROTTY, THOMAS
RETIRED • RETIRED
Individual SCOTTSDALE, AZ
$6,600
Feb 27, 2024
7
EVANS, ROGER
GREYLOCK PARTNERS • PARTNER EMERITUS
Individual SAN FRANCISCO, CA
$6,600
Feb 27, 2024
8
LEACH, RONALD
NPX ONE • CHAIRMAN & CEO
Individual GENEVA, IL
$6,600
Feb 28, 2024
9
MCCLAIN, MARK
SAILPOINT • CEO
Individual AUSTIN, TX
$6,600
Mar 2, 2024
10
CROTTY, THOMAS
Individual SCOTTSDALE, AZ
$6,600
Mar 8, 2024

Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37]

ID: D000399

Top Contributors

10

1
ALABAMA-COUSHATTA TRIBE OF TEXAS
Organization LIVINGSTON, TX
$1,000
Oct 1, 2024
2
DENNISON, ROBERT A. III
SELF-EMPLOYED • ATTORNEY
Individual AUSTIN, TX
$3,300
Jun 28, 2024
3
WEBER, THOMAS M
MCELROY, SULLIVAN, MILLER, & WEBER LLP • ATTORNEY
Individual WEST LAKE HILLS, TX
$3,300
Apr 19, 2024
4
CONYNGHAM, JIM
N/A • NOT EMPLOYED
Individual AUSTIN, TX
$3,300
Jun 28, 2024
5
BARNES, BEN F.
BEN BARNES GROUP • CONSULTANT
Individual AUSTIN, TX
$3,300
Apr 24, 2024
6
LOOK JAMESON, MARION
N/A • RETIRED
Individual AUSTIN, TX
$3,300
Sep 1, 2023
7
MOK, AMY WONG
ASIAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER • EDUCATION
Individual AUSTIN, TX
$3,300
Aug 29, 2023
8
LINEBARGER, DALE
N/A • RETIRED
Individual AUSTIN, TX
$3,300
Sep 18, 2023
9
VARNEY, LANA K.
KING & SPALDING • ATTORNEY
Individual AUSTIN, TX
$3,300
Sep 17, 2023
10
YANCY, HOWARD CHARLES
ZYDECO DEVELOPMENT • REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER
Individual AUSTIN, TX
$3,300
Aug 28, 2023

Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]

ID: S001215

Top Contributors

10

1
MATCH-E-BE-NASH-SHE-WISH BAND OF POTTAWATOMI INDIANS
Organization SHELBYVILLE, MI
$3,300
Oct 31, 2024
2
EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS
Organization CHEROKEE, NC
$3,300
Nov 6, 2024
3
MATCH-E-BE-NASH-SHE-WISH BAND OF POTTAWATOMI INDIANS
Organization SHELBYVILLE, MI
$3,300
Dec 29, 2023
4
NOTTAWASEPPI HURON BAND OF THE POTAWATOMI
Organization FULTON, MI
$3,300
Mar 6, 2024
5
POKAGON BAND OF POTAWATOMI INDIANS
Organization DOWAGIAC, MI
$3,300
Sep 29, 2023
6
SAGINAW CHIPPEWA INDIAN TRIBE
Organization MT PLEASANT, MI
$3,300
Sep 29, 2023
7
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
Organization PRIOR LAKE, MN
$1,650
Jun 5, 2023
8
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
Organization PRIOR LAKE, MN
$1,650
Apr 29, 2024
9
SYCUAN BAND OF THE KUMEYAAY NATION
Organization EL CAJON, CA
$1,500
Oct 24, 2023
10
SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization LOS ANGELES, CA
$1,000
Dec 29, 2023

Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5]

ID: Q000023

Top Contributors

10

1
BARONA BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization LAKESIDE, CA
$1,500
Jun 28, 2024
2
DIAZ, REMEDIOS
RETIRED • RETIRED
Individual MIAMI, FL
$3,500
Jun 1, 2024
3
MURPHY, KATHRYN
NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED
Individual BARRINGTON, IL
$3,300
Oct 20, 2024
4
TREASURE, MATTHEW
AC HUMPHREY LLC • SELF EMPLOYED
Individual CHICAGO, IL
$3,300
Nov 8, 2024
5
CLIFFORD, ROBERT A.
CLIFFORD LAW OFFICES • ATTORNEY
Individual CHICAGO, IL
$3,300
Oct 26, 2023
6
CONWAY, KEVIN J
COONEY & CONWAY • ATTORNEY
Individual RIVER FOREST, IL
$3,300
Nov 6, 2023
7
COONEY, ROBERT J JR.
COONEY AND CONWAY • ATTORNEY
Individual RIVER FOREST, IL
$3,300
Oct 26, 2023
8
KEEFE JR., THOMAS
KEEFE KEEFE & UNSELL P.C. • ATTORNEY
Individual SWANSEA, IL
$3,300
Oct 26, 2023
9
POWER, JOSEPH A JR.
POWER ROGERS • ATTORNEY
Individual CHICAGO, IL
$3,300
Oct 26, 2023
10
ROGERS JR., LARRY
POWER ROGERS LLP • ATTORNEY
Individual CHICAGO, IL
$3,300
Oct 26, 2023

Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]

ID: L000599

Top Contributors

10

1
MURTAGH, COSSU, VENDITTI & CASTRO-BLANCO, LLP
Organization WHITE PLAINS, NY
$1,000
Feb 24, 2024
2
BATMASIAN, JAMES
INVESTMENTS LIMITED • OWNER
Individual BOCA RATON, FL
$6,600
Sep 27, 2023
3
BATMASIAN, JAMES
Individual BOCA RATON, FL
$6,600
Sep 29, 2023
4
AUSTIN, ROBERT
UNAKA CO., INC. • BUSINESSMAN
Individual DALLAS, TX
$6,600
Jul 18, 2024
5
SILVERMAN, JEFFREY
RETIRED • RETIRED
Individual SURFSIDE, FL
$6,534
Feb 15, 2024
6
SILVERMAN, JEFFREY
Individual SURFSIDE, FL
$6,534
Feb 22, 2024
7
SCALA, MARY ELLEN
RETIRED • RETIRED
Individual PORT CHESTER, NY
$5,300
Aug 27, 2023
8
DEUTSCH, SHMULEY
SELF • PRESIDENT
Individual SPRING VALLEY, NY
$3,900
Jun 24, 2024
9
DEUTSCH, SHMULEY
Individual SPRING VALLEY, NY
$3,900
Jun 25, 2024
10
PERLMUTTER, RAFUEL
GOLDEN TASTE • CEO
Individual SPRING VALLEY, NY
$3,400
Jun 24, 2024

Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21]

ID: C001059

Top Contributors

10

1
TABLE MOUNTAIN RANCHERIA
Organization FRIANT, CA
$3,300
Oct 30, 2023
2
EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE INDIANS
Organization CHEROKEE, NC
$3,300
Sep 18, 2024
3
JJF SP TRUST
Organization SAN FRANCISCO, CA
$3,300
Sep 30, 2024
4
SAN JOAQUIN RIVER RANCH
Organization FRESNO, CA
$3,300
Jun 30, 2023
5
SALT RIVER PIMA MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY
Organization SCOTTSDALE, AZ
$1,000
Jul 31, 2023
6
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization BANNING, CA
$1,000
Sep 8, 2023
7
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization SANTA YNEZ, CA
$1,000
May 19, 2023
8
CHAPPELL-MCLULLAR TRUST
Organization HONOLULU, HI
$500
Mar 2, 2024
9
ARK, MANDEEP
SELF EMPLOYED • INTERPRETER
Individual FRESNO, CA
$6,500
Aug 14, 2024
10
AFZAL, TEHMINA
SELF EMPLOYED • INTERPRETER
Individual CHINO HILLS, CA
$6,500
Aug 14, 2024

Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC]

ID: N000147

Top Contributors

0

No contribution data available

Rep. Torres, Norma J. [D-CA-35]

ID: T000474

Top Contributors

10

1
OPEN HAND ASSOCIATION, INC.
Organization BRONX, NY
$5,000
Jan 10, 2024
2
JANNEY MONTGOMERY SCOTT
Organization PHILADELPHIA, PA
$4,589
May 31, 2023
3
HABEMATOLEL POMO OF UPPER LAKE TRIBE OF CALIFORNIA
Organization UPPER LAKE, CA
$3,300
Jul 18, 2023
4
OTOE MISSOURIA TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA
Organization RED ROCK, OK
$3,300
Jul 18, 2023
5
TURTLE MOUNTAIN BAND OF CHIPPEWA OF NORTH DAKOTA
Organization BELCOURT, ND
$3,300
Jul 17, 2023
6
JANNEY MONTGOMERY SCOTT
Organization PHILADELPHIA, PA
$2,976
Apr 28, 2023
7
JANNEY MONTGOMERY SCOTT
Organization PHILADELPHIA, PA
$682
Jun 6, 2023
8
JANNEY MONTGOMERY SCOTT
Organization PHILADELPHIA, PA
$270
Jul 5, 2023
9
JANNEY MONTGOMERY SCOTT
Organization PHILADELPHIA, PA
$227
Jul 31, 2023
10
JANNEY MONTGOMERY SCOTT
Organization PHILADELPHIA, PA
$48
Jun 30, 2023

Donor Network - Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9]

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Showing 48 nodes and 45 connections

Total contributions: $110,218

Top Donors - Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9]

Showing top 25 donors by contribution amount

1 PAC27 Individuals

Project 2025 Policy Matches

This bill shows semantic similarity to the following sections of the Project 2025 policy document. Higher similarity scores indicate stronger thematic connections.

Introduction

Low 54.9%
Pages: 214-216

— 182 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise l One school of conservative thought holds that as Moscow’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine drags on, Russia presents major challenges to U.S. interests, as well as to peace, stability, and the post-Cold War security order in Europe. This viewpoint argues for continued U.S. involvement including military aid, economic aid, and the presence of NATO and U.S. troops if necessary. The end goal of the conflict must be the defeat of Russian President Vladimir Putin and a return to pre-invasion border lines. l Another school of conservative thought denies that U.S. Ukrainian support is in the national security interest of America at all. Ukraine is not a member of the NATO alliance and is one of the most corrupt nations in the region. European nations directly affected by the conflict should aid in the defense of Ukraine, but the U.S. should not continue its involvement. This viewpoint desires a swift end to the conflict through a negotiated settlement between Ukraine and Russia. l The tension between these competing positions has given rise to a third approach. This conservative viewpoint eschews both isolationism and interventionism. Rather, each foreign policy decision must first ask the question: What is in the interest of the American people? U.S. military engagement must clearly fall within U.S. interests; be fiscally responsible; and protect American freedom, liberty, and sovereignty, all while recognizing Communist China as the greatest threat to U.S. interests. Thus, with respect to Ukraine, continued U.S. involvement must be fully paid for; limited to military aid (while European allies address Ukraine’s economic needs); and have a clearly defined national security strategy that does not risk American lives. Regardless of viewpoints, all sides agree that Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is unjust and that the Ukrainian people have a right to defend their homeland. Furthermore, the conflict has severely weakened Putin’s military strength and provided a boost to NATO unity and its importance to European nations. The next conservative President has a generational opportunity to bring res- olution to the foreign policy tensions within the movement and chart a new path forward that recognizes Communist China as the defining threat to U.S. interests in the 21st century. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Peace and stability in Northeast Asia are vital interests of the United States. The Republic of Korea (South Korea) and Japan are critical allies for ensuring a free and open Indo–Pacific. They are indispensable military, economic, diplomatic, and technology partners. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK, or North — 183 — Department of State Korea) must be deterred from military conflict. The United States cannot permit the DPRK to remain a de facto nuclear power with the capacity to threaten the United States or its allies. This interest is both critical to the defense of the Amer- ican homeland and the future of global nonproliferation. The DPRK must not be permitted to profit from its blatant violations of international commitments or to threaten other nations with nuclear blackmail. Both interests can only be served if the U.S. disallows the DPRK’s rogue regime behavior. OTHER INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENTS Western Hemisphere The United States has a vested interest in a relatively united and economically prosperous Western Hemisphere. Nonetheless, the region now has an overwhelm- ing number of socialist or progressive regimes, which are at odds with the freedom and growth-oriented policies of the U.S. and other neighbors and who increasingly pose hemispheric security threats. A new approach is therefore needed, one that simultaneously allows the U.S. to re-posture in its best interests and helps regional partners enter a new century of growth and opportunity. The following core policies must be part of this new direction: l A “sovereign Mexico” policy. Mexico is currently a national security disaster. Bluntly stated, Mexico can no longer qualify as a first-world nation; it has functionally lost its sovereignty to muscular criminal cartels that effectively run the country. The current dynamic is not good for either U.S. citizens or Mexicans, and the perfect storm created by this cartel state has negative effects that are damaging the entire hemisphere. The next Administration must both adopt a posture that calls for a fully sovereign Mexico and take all steps at its disposal to support that result in as rapid a fashion as possible. l A fentanyl-free frontier. The same cartels that parasitically run Mexico are also working with the PRC to fuel the largest drug crisis in the history of North America. These Mexican cartels are working closely with Chinese fentanyl precursor chemical manufacturers, importing those precursor chemicals into Mexico, manufacturing fentanyl on Mexican soil, and shipping it into the United States and elsewhere. The highly potent narcotic is having an unprecedented lethal impact on the American citizenry. The next Administration must leverage its new insistence on a sovereign Mexico and work with other Western Hemisphere partners to halt the fentanyl crisis and put a decisive end to this unprecedented public health threat.

Introduction

Low 46.6%
Pages: 590-592

— 557 — Department of Justice such as increases in “sextortion,” ransomware, and the continued proliferation of child pornography. DEFENDING THE RULE OF LAW The DOJ’s actions over the course of the Biden Administration exhibit scorn for its stated mission: “to uphold the rule of law, to keep our country safe, and to pro- tect civil rights.”54 The Biden Administration’s unprecedented politicization and weaponization of the department therefore demand a comprehensive response from the next Administration. Restoration of the department’s values of independence, impartiality, honesty, integrity, respect, and excellence must serve as first principles for its efforts on all fronts. Concretely, the DOJ must identify and address all individuals, policies, and directives that have fueled the destruction of these core values and the American people’s loss of trust in the department and its officials. The next Administration will need to exert significant energy to dismantle the two-tiered system of justice currently in place at the department while simultaneously applying the rule of law evenly and with neutrality. Specific examples of department corruption, such as the Russia collusion hoax, will need to be tackled, exposed, and addressed head-on. This will require not just winning in a court of law, but also demonstrating culpability to the public and the media in a concrete and nonrefutable manner. These efforts will require commitment and willpower, but they will be essential to restoring the trust of the American people. Promptly and Properly Eliminating Lawless Policies, Investigations, and Cases, Including All Existing Consent Decrees. Few things undermine the DOJ’s credibility more than brazenly partisan and ideologically driven prosecution of an Administration’s perceived political enemies, yet the department has readily indulged in such misadventures during the Biden Administration. Before even entering the Robert F. Kennedy building on January 20, 2025, the next Adminis- tration should: l Conduct a thorough review of all publicly available policies, investigations, and cases. l In a manner consistent with applicable law, prepare a plan to end immediately any policies, investigations, or cases that run contrary to law or Administration policies. l Ensure that upon the next President’s inauguration, appointees at the department obtain information about anything that was not learned before taking office and conduct the same analysis.

Introduction

Low 46.6%
Pages: 590-592

— 557 — Department of Justice such as increases in “sextortion,” ransomware, and the continued proliferation of child pornography. DEFENDING THE RULE OF LAW The DOJ’s actions over the course of the Biden Administration exhibit scorn for its stated mission: “to uphold the rule of law, to keep our country safe, and to pro- tect civil rights.”54 The Biden Administration’s unprecedented politicization and weaponization of the department therefore demand a comprehensive response from the next Administration. Restoration of the department’s values of independence, impartiality, honesty, integrity, respect, and excellence must serve as first principles for its efforts on all fronts. Concretely, the DOJ must identify and address all individuals, policies, and directives that have fueled the destruction of these core values and the American people’s loss of trust in the department and its officials. The next Administration will need to exert significant energy to dismantle the two-tiered system of justice currently in place at the department while simultaneously applying the rule of law evenly and with neutrality. Specific examples of department corruption, such as the Russia collusion hoax, will need to be tackled, exposed, and addressed head-on. This will require not just winning in a court of law, but also demonstrating culpability to the public and the media in a concrete and nonrefutable manner. These efforts will require commitment and willpower, but they will be essential to restoring the trust of the American people. Promptly and Properly Eliminating Lawless Policies, Investigations, and Cases, Including All Existing Consent Decrees. Few things undermine the DOJ’s credibility more than brazenly partisan and ideologically driven prosecution of an Administration’s perceived political enemies, yet the department has readily indulged in such misadventures during the Biden Administration. Before even entering the Robert F. Kennedy building on January 20, 2025, the next Adminis- tration should: l Conduct a thorough review of all publicly available policies, investigations, and cases. l In a manner consistent with applicable law, prepare a plan to end immediately any policies, investigations, or cases that run contrary to law or Administration policies. l Ensure that upon the next President’s inauguration, appointees at the department obtain information about anything that was not learned before taking office and conduct the same analysis. — 558 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise An egregious example of the need for such a review is provided by the depart- ment’s use of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act55 to harass pro-life demonstrators while not pursuing similar investigations of shocking acts of violence committed against pro-life pregnancy resource centers. On the morning of September 23, 2022, pro-life activist Mark Houck was arrested by more than 15 FBI agents at his home in Pennsylvania in front of his wife and small children. Agents came to his door with guns drawn to arrest the 48-year-old father of seven whose alleged crime involved a minor altercation with an activist who was harass- ing one of his children in front of an abortion clinic almost one year before Mr. Houck’s arrest by the FBI.56 Similarly, Paul Vaughn, a 55-year-old father of 11, was arrested at his home in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, by armed FBI agents for allegedly participating in a peaceful protest at an abortion clinic one year earlier.57 These arrests stand in stark contrast to the department’s virtual silence on the wave of vandalism and violence directed at religiously affiliated institutions, includ- ing pregnancy resource centers, following the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.58 The Catholic News Agency reported more than one hundred such incidents as of September 2022.59 By engaging in disparate and viewpoint-based enforcement of an already con- troversial law like the FACE Act against pro-life activists, the DOJ has needlessly undermined its credibility with law-abiding people of faith. The department should make every effort to uphold equal protection of the law and avoid politically moti- vated and viewpoint-based prosecutions. Specifically, it should: l Ensure that its review extends beyond ending the absurd double standards embodied in the ongoing campaign of FACE Act prosecutions and instead be a thorough and holistic review of all DOJ activities, including all consent degrees and settlement agreements currently in force. l Seek to terminate any unnecessary or outdated consent decree to which the United States is a party. l Consider pursuing intervention in other matters where consent decrees or settlement agreements continue to bind parties years or decades after the fact. l As its review concludes, and consistent with applicable law, take appropriate action in all cases, including those on appeal. l Enact policies and regulations that prohibit settlement payments to third parties.

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About These Correlations

Policy matches are calculated using semantic similarity between bill summaries and Project 2025 policy text. A score of 60% or higher indicates meaningful thematic overlap. This does not imply direct causation or intent, but highlights areas where legislation aligns with Project 2025 policy objectives.