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

House Resolution

H.Res. 34

119th Congress

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

In Committee

Introduced:Jan 13, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Christopher H. Smith

Representative

Republican

NJ-4

Cosponsors

1

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Summary

This resolution expresses the sense of the House that the NSA bulk telephone records collection program was unconstitutional and that all federal charges against Edward Snowden should be dropped. Snowden disclosed classified information about government surveillance programs and was charged with unauthorized disclosure of national defense information, unauthorized disclosure of classified communications intelligence, and theft of government property. The resolution argues his whistleblowing revealed unconstitutional government activity.

Latest Action

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 jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This resolution expresses the sense of the House that the NSA bulk telephone records collection program was unconstitutional and that all federal charges against Edward Snowden should be dropped. Snowden disclosed classified information about government surveillance programs and was charged with unauthorized disclosure of national defense information, unauthorized disclosure of classified communications intelligence, and theft of government property. The resolution argues his whistleblowing revealed unconstitutional government activity.

Last updated: 1/4/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

<p>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).<br/><br/></p>

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Declares NSA bulk telephone records collection program unconstitutional
Calls for dropping all federal charges against Edward Snowden
References charges of unauthorized disclosure and theft of government property
Frames Snowden as a whistleblower who exposed government overreach
Expresses House sense on balancing national security with civil liberties

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

For Edward Snowden: Symbolic congressional support for dropping charges and potential path to return. For intelligence agencies: Signal of congressional concern about surveillance program legality. For civil liberties advocates: Validation of concerns about government surveillance overreach. For national security establishment: Challenge to classification and prosecution policies for leakers. For future whistleblowers: Potential precedent affecting decisions to disclose classified information.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Related Subjects

Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation

Intelligence activities, surveillance, classified information

National Security Agency

Telephone and wireless communication

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

34, 119th Congress (2025). "Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Government should drop all charges against Edward Snowden.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hres-34