Bill · H.Res. 34· House(119-HRES-34)
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Government should drop all charges against Edward Snowden.
- Introduced
- 1/13/2025
- Last activity
- 1/13/2025 — Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Marjorie Greene
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
A House resolution is the House speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the House agrees to it, it is officially the House's word; it is not a law, so the Senate and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
This resolution states the opinion of the House of Representatives regarding Edward Snowden and government surveillance. It points out that a past Director of National Intelligence gave an erroneous response during a Senate hearing regarding data collection on Americans. It notes that Edward Snowden disclosed National Security Agency documents in 2013 that exposed the bulk collection of telephone records. The text mentions that the Department of Justice unsealed charges against Snowden for violating the Espionage Act and theft of government property. It highlights various court rulings and board reports finding the telephone records program unlawful and unconstitutional. Finally, the resolution declares that the Federal Government should drop all charges against Edward Snowden.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?+7
The resolution asserts that bulk collection of telephone records was illegal and unconstitutional, supporting privacy protections.
Does this give people more control over their personal data?+6
The resolution challenges the bulk collection of telephone records which threatens individual privacy.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The resolution highlights the public interest in disclosures that expose government surveillance programs.
The opposite
Does this give the government more power to monitor people inside the country?-5
By criticizing the bulk collection of records, the resolution opposes expanded domestic surveillance practices.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Protecting Whistleblowers: The text states that the United States Government must protect whistleblowers who expose illegal and unconstitutional acts of abuse within our government. This is considered positive because it supports individuals who bring government overreach to light.
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Dropping Charges: The resolution states that the Federal Government should drop all charges against Edward Snowden because his disclosure of the phone records program was in the public interest. This would positively benefit Snowden by removing his legal charges.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Lack of Explicit Negative Provisions: The provided text does not contain explicit provisions detailing potential negative impacts, burdens, or consequences for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Privacy Rights+7Improves Government Transparency+5
- Education And Technology
- Improves Data Privacy+6
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Increases Domestic Surveillance-5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Policing Reform+5
- 1/13/2025
- Submitted in House
- Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
Thomas MassieRepublican · Kentucky