Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Government should drop all charges against Edward Snowden.

2/6/2025, 3:23 PM
Congress
119

Number
HRES - 34

Introduced on
2025-01-13

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
Thomas Massie

Variations and Revisions

1/13/2025

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the National Security Agency's bulk collection telephone records program was unconstitutional and that all federal charges against Edward Snowden should be dropped. (Mr. Snowden disclosed information about the program and was subsequently charged for unauthorized disclosure of national defense information, unauthorized disclosure of classified communication intelligence, and theft of government property).

Bill 119 H.Res. 34, titled "Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Government should drop all charges against Edward Snowden," is a resolution that calls for the dismissal of all charges against Edward Snowden, a former National Security Agency contractor who leaked classified information in 2013.

The resolution argues that Snowden's actions, while illegal, were motivated by a desire to expose government surveillance programs that he believed violated the privacy rights of American citizens. It acknowledges that Snowden's actions sparked an important national debate about government surveillance and privacy rights.

The resolution also highlights the fact that Snowden's leaks led to reforms in government surveillance programs, including the passage of the USA Freedom Act in 2015, which placed limits on the bulk collection of phone records by the NSA. Supporters of the resolution argue that Snowden's actions were a public service and that he should be pardoned for his role in exposing government surveillance programs. They believe that dropping the charges against Snowden would be a step towards accountability and transparency in government. Opponents of the resolution argue that Snowden's actions were illegal and that he should be held accountable for his actions. They believe that pardoning Snowden would set a dangerous precedent and undermine national security efforts. Overall, Bill 119 H.Res. 34 is a resolution that calls for the dismissal of charges against Edward Snowden, citing his role in sparking a national debate about government surveillance and privacy rights.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedExpressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Government should drop all charges against Edward Snowden.

Policy Areas
Armed Forces and National Security

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary1/29/2025

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the National Security Agency's bulk collection telephone records program was unconstitutional and that all federal charges against Edward Snowden should be dropped. (Mr. Snow...


Latest Action1/13/2025
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdict...