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H.Res.597 / 105th Congress

Expressing the sense of the House with respect to the brutal killing of Mr. Matthew Shepard.

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Oct 14, 1998

Condemns the actions which occurred in Laramie, Wyoming, whereby Matthew Shepard was physically beaten, tortured, tied to a wooden fence, and left for dead, resulting in his death. Urges each Member of Congress and every U.S. citizen to join in denouncing and encouraging others to denounce this outrageous murder. Pledges to: (1) join in efforts to bring an end to such crimes and to encourage all Americans to dedicate themselves to ending violence in the United States; and (2) fight the sort of prejudice and intolerance that leads to the murder of innocent people.

Read the summary on Congress.gov
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Who introduced it

Rep. Cubin, Barbara [R-WY-At Large] · R–WY

Committees

  • Judiciary Committee
1 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

  2. On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

  3. Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

  4. DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate.

  5. Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H10928-10935)

  6. Mr. Gekas moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

  7. Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

  8. Introduced in House

  9. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: Apr 7, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

Explore the bill from different angles

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.Res.597 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.Res.597 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine H.Res.597 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine H.Res.597 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

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