Brief Explanation of Bill H. CON. RES. 99

Brief Explanation of Bill H. CON. RES. 99

This bill, known as H. CON. RES. 99, is a concurrent resolution that is currently being discussed in the United States House of Representatives. The purpose of this bill is to honor a young boy named Wadee Alfayoumi, who was 6 years old and of Palestinian-American descent. Wadee was tragically murdered in the state of Illinois as the victim of a hate crime due to his Palestinian-Muslim identity.

The bill highlights several important facts surrounding Wadee's murder. It states that he was a loved child, known for his energy, love, and happiness. On October 14, 2023, at 11:30 a.m., Wadee was brutally stabbed 26 times by an individual driven by hate, ultimately leading to his death.

The bill acknowledges that Wadee's perpetrator has been indicted by a grand jury for committing a hate crime. It also mentions that the Department of Justice has initiated a hate crimes investigation into the events surrounding Wadee's death. This investigation is based on evidence that the perpetrator shouted derogatory statements during the attack, expressing anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian sentiments.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of condemning hate crimes and ensuring safety for individuals based on their ethnicity or religion. It states that nobody should be targeted with hate simply because of their background or how they express their faith through clothing, such as wearing a hijab, keffiyeh, turban, or other religious attire.

The bill also recognizes the historical presence of Palestinian-Americans in the United States and the contributions they have made to various fields, including law, medicine, education, and business. It emphasizes the need to address dehumanizing misinformation and disinformation, as such false representations often fuel hatred and violence against specific ethnic and religious groups.

Lastly, the bill acknowledges the impact of the recent Israel-Gaza conflict on children in the region and emphasizes the importance of peace and freedom from discrimination, hate crimes, and violence for all children globally.

In conclusion, this bill intends to bring attention to Wadee Alfayoumi's tragic murder, condemn hate crimes, and advocate for a society that values truth, peaceful protest, and equality for all individuals regardless of their background.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal

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