SRES-650-119
Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1202; text: CR S1208-1209)
Sponsored by Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
What it does
This resolution formally recognizes the heritage, culture, and contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women in the United States. It also acknowledges the importance of providing for the safety and upholding the interests of these women. As a Senate resolution, it does not create new law, establish programs, or appropriate funds — it is a symbolic statement of the Senate's position.
Who benefits
American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women, who receive formal congressional recognition of their cultural heritage and contributions. Tribal nations and Native Hawaiian communities broadly, whose histories and cultures are acknowledged at the federal level. Advocacy organizations focused on Indigenous and Native Hawaiian women's issues, who may use the resolution to draw attention to safety and policy concerns affecting these communities.
Who is hurt
No group is directly or materially harmed by this resolution, as it carries no binding legal effect, creates no mandates, and appropriates no funds. There are no direct cost-bearers.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women have made profound contributions to American society while facing disproportionately high rates of violence — the CDC reports that more than 4 in 5 Native women have experienced violence in their lifetimes. They contend that formal congressional recognition is a meaningful step toward elevating the visibility of these communities and reinforcing the federal government's trust responsibility to Indigenous peoples.
Opponents argue
Opponents might argue that symbolic resolutions without accompanying legislation, funding, or enforcement mechanisms do little to address the concrete safety and systemic challenges facing American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women. They contend that congressional time and attention would be better directed toward substantive policy action — such as strengthening the Violence Against Women Act's tribal provisions or fully funding Indian Health Service programs — rather than non-binding statements.