Expressing concern about the growing problem of book banning and the proliferation of threats to freedom of expression in the United States.

House Resolution

H.Res. 797

119th Congress

Expressing concern about the growing problem of book banning and the proliferation of threats to freedom of expression in the United States.

In Committee

Introduced:Oct 8, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Jamie Raskin

D - MD

Cosponsors

59

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues

Summary

Expresses concern about book banning in schools and libraries, citing PEN America data showing 6,870 book ban instances affecting 3,751 titles between July 2024 and June 2025. Notes disproportionate targeting of books with LGBTQ+ themes and characters of color.

Latest Action

Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Armed Services, 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

Expresses concern about book banning in schools and libraries, citing PEN America data showing 6,870 book ban instances affecting 3,751 titles between July 2024 and June 2025. Notes disproportionate targeting of books with LGBTQ+ themes and characters of color.

Last updated: 12/29/2025

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Cites 6,870 book ban instances (July 2024-June 2025)
Notes 3,751 unique titles by 2,589 authors affected
Highlights LGBTQ+ and racial minority books disproportionately targeted
References Supreme Court rulings protecting student speech rights
Lists classic works like To Kill a Mockingbird among banned books

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Educators, librarians, authors, and free speech advocates would receive congressional recognition of book ban concerns. Resolution expresses House sentiment without creating binding restrictions on local school board decisions.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

797, 119th Congress (2025). "Expressing concern about the growing problem of book banning and the proliferation of threats to freedom of expression in the United States.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/119-hres-797