Expressing the sense of the House with respect to the brutal killing of Mr. Matthew Shepard.
Latest action (15 Oct 1998): On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
What this bill does
H.Res. 597 is a simple resolution expressing the House of Representatives' formal reaction to the death of Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old University of Wyoming student who was beaten, tortured, and left tied to a fence, dying from his injuries on October 12, 1998. The resolution states these facts, condemns the attack as "unacceptable and outrageous," and urges members of Congress and American citizens to denounce the killing through their churches, workplaces, and community organizations. It also has the House pledge to work toward ending such crimes, to encourage Americans to dedicate themselves to reducing violence, and to fight the prejudice and intolerance that leads to such killings.
As a resolution expressing the "sense of the House," it does not create new law, establish criminal penalties, or direct any federal agency action; it is a statement of position rather than binding legislation. It primarily affects public discourse and signals the House's collective condemnation of the crime, rather than imposing obligations on any individual, group, or government body.
The resolution was introduced by Rep. Barbara Cubin of Wyoming on October 14, 1998, and the House agreed to it by voice vote the next day, October 15, 1998, under a motion to suspend the rules. Because simple resolutions apply only to the House and do not go to the Senate or the President, this vote completed the legislative process for the measure.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This simple resolution was agreed to on October 15, 1998. That is the end of the legislative process for a simple resolution.
Timeline
15 Oct 1998
On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
Common questions
- What does H.Res. 597 do?
- H.Res. 597 is a simple resolution expressing the House of Representatives' formal reaction to the death of Matthew Shepard, a 21-year-old University of Wyoming student who was beaten, tortured, and left tied to a fence, dying from his injuries on October 12, 1998. The resolution states these facts, condemns the attack as "unacceptable and outrageous," and urges members of Congress and American citizens to denounce the killing through their churches, workplaces, and community organizations. It also has the House pledge to work toward ending such crimes, to encourage Americans to dedicate themselves to reducing violence, and to fight the prejudice and intolerance that leads to such killings. As a resolution expressing the "sense of the House," it does not create new law, establish criminal penalties, or direct any federal agency action; it is a statement of position rather than binding legislation. It primarily affects public discourse and signals the House's collective condemnation of the crime, rather than imposing obligations on any individual, group, or government body. The resolution was introduced by Rep. Barbara Cubin of Wyoming on October 14, 1998, and the House agreed to it by voice vote the next day, October 15, 1998, under a motion to suspend the rules. Because simple resolutions apply only to the House and do not go to the Senate or the President, this vote completed the legislative process for the measure.
- Has H.Res. 597 become law?
- Yes. H.Res. 597 has been enacted. Status last updated 15 Oct 1998.
- Who sponsored H.Res. 597?
- H.Res. 597 was sponsored by Rep. Barbara Cubin [R-WY, 1995-2008] (Republican-WY), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.Res. 597?
- On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote. (15 Oct 1998).
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