Bill · S.Res. 920· Senate(119-SRES-920)
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
- 9/29/2026
- Last activity
- 9/29/2026 — Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S5175-5176)
- Sponsored by
- Brian Schatz
- Cosponsors
- - 16 - 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 concern over the growing problem of book banning and threats to freedom of expression in the United States. It highlights thousands of instances of book bans across various states and federal institutions between 2025 and 2026. The text supports designating the week of October 4 through October 10, 2026, as Banned Books Week. It reaffirms the commitment to the First Amendment and the freedom to read without government censorship. The resolution calls on local governments and school districts to follow best practice guidelines for book challenges and protect the rights of students, educators, and librarians. Finally, it calls for the repeal of executive orders and directives that enact content-based and viewpoint-based restrictions on reading and learning.
Yes· 3 of 14
Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life?+8
The resolution strongly reaffirms the commitment to First Amendment protections and freedom from government censorship.
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?+8
The text directly addresses and defends individual freedom of expression and the freedom to read without censorship.
Would students be better off under this?+7
The resolution calls on school districts to protect the rights of students to learn by providing access to a wide array of books.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Support for Freedom of Expression: Resolution paragraph (3) reaffirms the commitment of the United States to supporting the freedom of expression protected under the First Amendment and the freedom of all individuals to read books without government censorship. This is positive because it defends basic constitutional rights for everyday citizens.
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Protection for Education and Teaching: Resolution paragraph (5) calls on local governments and school districts to protect the rights of students to learn and the ability of educators and librarians to teach by providing access to a wide array of books. This benefits students, teachers, and librarians who want an open learning environment.
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Promotion of Best Practices: Resolution paragraph (4) calls on local governments and school districts to follow best practice guidelines when addressing challenges to books, which helps bring fairness and transparency to the book review process.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
Based on the text provided, there are no specific sections or provisions identified that create negative outcomes, burdens, or consequences for individuals or groups of people. The text itself describes negative impacts already happening due to existing book bans and executive orders, but the resolution text itself only proposes support for Banned Books Week, reaffirmation of free expression, and calls to repeal restrictions.
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+7Good For Children+6Good For L G B T Q Community+6Good For Young Adults+6Good For African Americans+5Good For Asian Americans+5Good For Hispanic Americans+5Good For Immigrants+5Good For Native Americans+5
- 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+5
- 9/29/2026
- Submitted in Senate
- Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S5175-5176)
- 18 Cosponsors added.
Angela AlsobrooksDemocrat · Maryland
Richard BlumenthalDemocrat · Connecticut
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey
Richard DurbinDemocrat · Illinois
John FettermanDemocrat · Pennsylvania
Mazie HironoDemocrat · Hawaii
Angus KingIndependent · Maine
Ben LujánDemocrat · New Mexico
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
Sheldon WhitehouseDemocrat · Rhode Island