H.Res. 34 explained · 119th Congress · Pending in Congress
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Government should drop all charges against Edward Snowden.
Cosponsors: 1 (0 D, 1 R) · per Congress.gov, 2026-10-12
Introduced: 2025-01-13
Latest action (2025-01-13): 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.
What H.Res. 34 does, in plain terms
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).
Official summary by the Congressional Research Service, via Congress.gov.
Constitution Index
“VFA Constitution grade”
Constitutionally sound
Graded 2026-10-13
SI-generated grade · five published checks · not individually reviewed by a person · methodology
This resolution expresses a non-binding sense of the House that the NSA's bulk telephone records program was unconstitutional and that charges against Edward Snowden should be dropped. As a non-binding resolution, it does not itself exercise any government power, infringe any rights, or take any property. It merely states an opinion. Therefore, it passes all constitutional checks with no violations.
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✓ Passes · Enumerated powers
The resolution is a non-binding 'sense of the House' measure. Article I, Section 1 vests legislative powers in Congress, and the House has inherent authority to adopt resolutions expressing its views. No enumerated power is exceeded because the resolution does not compel any action or expenditure. Severity: none. -
✓ Passes · Bill of Rights
The resolution does not restrict speech, press, assembly, religion, or any other right protected by the Bill of Rights. It merely expresses an opinion. The First Amendment protects the right to petition the government for redress of grievances, and this resolution is itself an exercise of that right by the House. No infringement occurs. Severity: none. -
✓ Passes · Individual sovereignty
The resolution imposes no restriction on any individual's person, property, speech, labor, or belief. It does not command, prohibit, or penalize any conduct. Individual sovereignty is fully preserved. Severity: none. -
✓ Passes · Decentralization
This is a non-binding resolution that does not consolidate any decision-making authority. It does not preempt state or local action, nor does it impose any requirement on individuals. The Tenth Amendment is not implicated because no federal power is exercised. Severity: none. -
✓ Passes · Due process and takings
The resolution does not deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, nor does it take any property for public use. It does not bypass any procedural or substantive due process protections. The Fifth Amendment is not implicated. Severity: none.
Sources: Congress.gov: HRES 34 summary
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