Bill · S.Res. 443· Senate(119-SRES-443)
A resolution expressing concern about the growing problem of book banning, and the proliferation of threats to freedom of expression in the United States.
- Introduced
- 10/8/2025
- Last activity
- 10/8/2025 — Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Brian Schatz
- Cosponsors
- - 17 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
This resolution expresses deep concern regarding the increasing problem of book banning and threats to freedom of expression in the United States. It highlights how various books, particularly those regarding race, LGBTQ+ themes, and diversity, are being targeted and removed. The text notes that these bans impact students, educators, and community members while occurring across many states. The resolution aims to reaffirm the constitutional right to freedom of speech and the freedom to read. Finally, it calls for the return of books removed from Department of Defense schools and the repeal of specific executive orders and directives.
Yes· 3 of 14
Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life?+8
The resolution reaffirms the First Amendment right to freedom of speech and the freedom to read without censorship.
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?+8
The resolution explicitly calls for protecting the constitutional right to freedom of expression and the freedom to read.
Would students be better off under this?+6
The resolution aims to protect the educational rights and curiosity of students in public schools.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Protection of Constitutional Rights: The resolution reaffirms the commitment to freedom of expression protected by the First Amendment, which protects the freedom to read and write. (Resolution Section 2)
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Access to Diverse Perspectives for Students: It calls for protecting the rights of students to have access to a wide array of books that reflect a full breadth of viewpoints and perspectives. (Resolution Section 4)
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Support for Educators and Librarians: The resolution seeks to protect the ability of educators and librarians to teach without being subjected to punitive or surveillance-oriented environments. (Resolution Section 4)
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Restoration of Materials: The resolution calls for the return of all books removed from Department of Defense schools and libraries under executive orders issued since January 2025. (Resolution Section 5)
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Reduction of Censorship: By calling for the repeal of executive orders and directives that enact content-based or viewpoint-based restrictions, the resolution seeks to end the censorship of classroom instruction and student activities. (Resolution Section 6)
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly identified within the text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Students+6Good For African Americans+5Good For Children+5Good For L G B T Q Community+5Good For Native Americans+5Good For Young Adults+5Good For Asian Americans+3Good For Hispanic Americans+3Good For Women+3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Freedom Of Speech+8Improves L G B T Q Rights+5Improves Racial Equity+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Freedom Of Speech+8Improves Government Transparency+3
- 10/9/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 10/8/2025
- Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 18 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Angela AlsobrooksDemocrat · Maryland
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey
Richard DurbinDemocrat · Illinois
John FettermanDemocrat · Pennsylvania
Mazie HironoDemocrat · Hawaii
Martin HeinrichDemocrat · New Mexico
Angus KingIndependent · Maine
Edward MarkeyDemocrat · Massachusetts
Christopher MurphyDemocrat · Connecticut
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California
John ReedDemocrat · Rhode Island
Bernie SandersIndependent · Vermont
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland
Ron WydenDemocrat · Oregon
Raphael WarnockDemocrat · Georgia
Peter WelchDemocrat · Vermont
Sheldon WhitehouseDemocrat · Rhode Island