2025 House Resolution 15

Whereas, The peaceful transfer of power is a cornerstone of the United States of America. The fabric of our democracy, the stability of our county, and the continued progress of our nation require adherence to this principle; and

Whereas, On January 6, 2021, in what is usually a ceremonial affair, a joint session of Congress gathered to count the Electoral College votes and affirm the victory of President-elect Joe Biden was interrupted by a group of terrorists looking to take control of the United States Capitol Building. The insurrection contributed to the deaths of five people, including an officer of the United States Capitol Police. Moreover, dozens of law enforcement officers and others were injured, and the violence left a wake of damage and destruction in our hallowed Capitol; and

Whereas, At a political rally earlier that day, President Donald Trump, who has continually sought to invalidate our duly held election, encouraged attendees to march to the United States Capitol Building in protest of the Electoral College vote certification. The inflammatory speech included false claims of voter fraud in Michigan, with an eye toward unjustifiably challenging the clear and convincing decision of Michigan voters to award the state’s electoral votes to President-elect Joe Biden. In this rally and throughout past rallies, President Donald Trump’s harmful rhetoric and unsubstantiated, conspiratorial, and irregular allegations of election fraud had provided fuel for hate and violence; and

Whereas, Among this group of insurrectionists encouraged to march upon the United States Capitol Building by the sitting President of the United States were members of hate groups, those armed with zip ties and pepper spray, and those chanting for the execution of a sitting Vice President; and

Whereas, On January 20, 2025, on his first day back in office, President Donald Trump granted full, complete, and unconditional pardons or commutations to all individuals convicted of a criminal offense related to the violent attack on the United States Capitol. This includes at least twenty-six individuals arrested in or from Michigan; and

Whereas, Leaders across the country must unite to condemn the acts of the President of the United States, namely, releasing violent criminals back into our community; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we condemn the sweeping presidential pardons for those involved in the attempted coup to overturn the 2020 presidential election at the United States Capitol; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.