Bill · S.Res. 852· Senate(119-SRES-852)
A resolution requesting information on Israel's human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
- Introduced
- 9/14/2026
- Last activity
- 9/29/2026 — Motion to discharge Senate Committee on Foreign Relations rejected by Yea-Nay Vote. 47 - 51. Record Vote Number: 252. (consideration: CR S5158-5159)
- Sponsored by
- Chris Van Hollen
- Cosponsors
- - 24 - 0
- Introduced
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
S. Res. 852 is a Senate resolution that requests the Secretary of State to provide a formal statement on Israel's human rights practices. The document specifically asks for detailed information regarding the deaths of United States citizens in the West Bank since January 1, 2022. It also demands assessments concerning United States citizens currently held in Israeli prisons. Additionally, the resolution asks for descriptions of the human rights situation for Palestinian children in Israeli military detention. Finally, it outlines the steps taken by the United States government to promote human rights and mitigate violence in the region.
Yes· 3 of 7
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+6
This resolution directly mandates an unclassified statement from the Department of State to congressional committees regarding human rights practices and investigations into the deaths of United States citizens.
Would children be better off under this?+3
The resolution specifically requests information and assessments concerning the human rights situation and detention conditions of Palestinian children.
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?+3
The resolution emphasizes diplomatic engagement and reporting regarding human rights practices and the protection of United States citizens in the West Bank.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
What Congress actually voted on
One recorded vote has been taken on this bill.
None of them settled the bill — every vote so far has been about whether to keep going.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 1(b)(1) and Section 1(b)(2): This provision requires the State Department to gather and report all credible information and the status of investigations regarding the killings of specific United States citizens in the West Bank. This could benefit families seeking accountability and transparency from our elected and appointed officials regarding the deaths of Americans abroad.
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Section 1(b)(4): This section mandates an assessment of all United States citizens currently held in Israeli prisons, including details on their charges, prison conditions, and whether they have access to United States Embassy officials. This provision ensures that our government actively monitors the welfare and safety of Americans detained overseas.
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Section 1(b)(5): This part requires a detailed description and assessment of the human rights situation for Palestinian children in Israeli military detention, including information on charges, access to attorneys, and reports of mistreatment or torture. Bringing this information to light allows the public and lawmakers to evaluate human rights conditions more clearly.
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Section 1(b)(6): This provision asks for a clear description of the steps the United States government has taken to promote human rights, protect U.S. citizens and Palestinians from violence, and urge foreign authorities to investigate wrongdoings. This holds federal agencies accountable for defending the safety and rights of people in the region.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
The provided text does not contain any specific sections or provisions that outline negative consequences or burdens 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 Government Transparency+6Increases Federal Power+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+3Good For Immigrants+2Good For Veterans+2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Diplomatic Engagement+3Improves Veterans Benefits+2
- 9/29/2026
- Motion to discharge Senate Committee on Foreign Relations made. (Pursuant to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961).
- Motion to discharge Senate Committee on Foreign Relations rejected by Yea-Nay Vote. 47 - 51. Record Vote Number: 252. (consideration: CR S5158-5159)
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/28/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/22/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/16/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/14/2026
- Submitted in Senate
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S4675-4677)
- 21 Cosponsors added.
Tammy BaldwinDemocrat · Wisconsin
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut
Lisa Blunt RochesterDemocrat · Delaware
Christopher CoonsDemocrat · Delaware
Richard DurbinDemocrat · Illinois
Tammy DuckworthDemocrat · Illinois
Mazie HironoDemocrat · Hawaii
Martin HeinrichDemocrat · New Mexico
Timothy KaineDemocrat · Virginia
Andy KimDemocrat · New Jersey
Ben LujánDemocrat · New Mexico
Edward MarkeyDemocrat · Massachusetts
Patty MurrayDemocrat · Washington
Christopher MurphyDemocrat · Connecticut
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon
John ReedDemocrat · Rhode Island
Bernie SandersIndependent · Vermont
Jeanne ShaheenDemocrat · New Hampshire
Brian SchatzDemocrat · Hawaii
Tina SmithDemocrat · Minnesota
Ron WydenDemocrat · Oregon
Raphael WarnockDemocrat · Georgia
Peter WelchDemocrat · Vermont
Sheldon WhitehouseDemocrat · Rhode Island
Elizabeth WarrenDemocrat · Massachusetts