H.Res. 570 explained  ·  119th Congress  ·  Pending in Congress

Commending Petty Officer 3d Class Scott Ruskan for his heroic efforts to rescue victims during the devastating flooding in central Texas.

Create a free account or sign in to follow H.Res. 570 and get alerts. Policy area: Transportation and Public Works Create a free account or sign in to follow the Transportation and Public Works policy area and get alerts. ▲ 466 days since action Sponsor: Tony Gonzales, TX-23, R → Congress.gov

Cosponsors: 55 (11 D, 44 R) · per Congress.gov, 2026-10-11

Introduced: 2025-07-10

Latest action (2025-07-11): Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.

What H.Res. 570 does, in plain terms

This resolution commends and congratulates Petty Officer Third Class Scott Ruskan for his bravery and heroic efforts to rescue 165 victims during the July 2025 catastrophic flooding in central Texas. It also extends gratitude to all members of the Coast Guard, other federal and state agencies, first responders, and volunteers who risked their lives to protect and rescue others.

Official summary by the Congressional Research Service, via Congress.gov.

Constitution Index

“VFA Constitution grade”

A

Constitutionally sound

Graded 2026-10-11

SI-generated grade · five published checks · not individually reviewed by a person · methodology

This resolution is a ceremonial commendation that expresses gratitude and recognition for heroic actions. It does not enact any law, impose any restriction, or authorize any government action. It is fully consistent with the Constitution, as it falls within the legislative branch's broad authority to express its sentiments and does not infringe upon any constitutional rights.

  • ✓ Passes · Enumerated powers
    The resolution is a simple expression of congressional sentiment, which is within the inherent authority of the legislative branch. While Article I, Section 8 enumerates specific legislative powers, the Constitution does not prohibit Congress from passing resolutions that commend individuals or express gratitude. Such resolutions are a customary and accepted exercise of legislative discretion and …
  • ✓ Passes · Bill of Rights
    The resolution does not infringe upon any of the protections in the Bill of Rights. It does not restrict speech, religion, assembly, press, or petition (First Amendment), nor does it implicate the Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, or Tenth Amendments. It is purely honorary and has no coercive effect.
  • ✓ Passes · Individual sovereignty
    The resolution does not restrict any individual's person, property, speech, labor, or belief. It merely commends an individual and extends gratitude to others. There is no burden imposed on any person, and therefore no compelling constitutional justification is required.
  • ✓ Passes · Decentralization
    This resolution does not consolidate decision-making authority at any level of government. It is a purely ceremonial act by the federal legislature that does not preempt state or local action, nor does it involve any regulatory or administrative function. It passes all four questions of the decentralization test.
  • ✓ 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 involve any adjudicative or administrative process, and therefore no due process or takings concerns arise.

Sources: Congress.gov: HRES 570 summary

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VFA Constitution grade for H.Res. 570

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