Supporting the designation of October 30 as the "International Day of Political Prisoners".

House Resolution

H.Res. 843

119th Congress

Supporting the designation of October 30 as the "International Day of Political Prisoners".

In Committee

Introduced:Oct 31, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Steve Cohen

D - TN

Cosponsors

8

Quick Stats

Policy Area

International Affairs

Summary

This resolution supports designating October 30 as the International Day of Political Prisoners, honoring an estimated one million political prisoners worldwide. The date commemorates when Soviet Gulag prisoners first marked this day in 1974 to draw attention to those imprisoned for their beliefs.

Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This resolution supports designating October 30 as the International Day of Political Prisoners, honoring an estimated one million political prisoners worldwide. The date commemorates when Soviet Gulag prisoners first marked this day in 1974 to draw attention to those imprisoned for their beliefs.

Last updated: 12/29/2025

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Supports October 30 as International Day of Political Prisoners
Estimates approximately 1 million political prisoners worldwide
Names authoritarian regimes including China, Russia, Iran, Cuba, and Venezuela
Commemorates 1974 Soviet Gulag prisoner protests on this date
Notes recent US success in securing prisoner releases through negotiations

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Political prisoners worldwide could benefit from increased international attention and pressure for their release. Human rights organizations would gain congressional support for their advocacy work. Authoritarian governments may face heightened criticism for imprisoning dissidents.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

International Affairs

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

843, 119th Congress (2025). "Supporting the designation of October 30 as the "International Day of Political Prisoners".". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/119-hres-843