HRES 271119th CongressIn Committee

Honoring the accomplishments and legacy of César Estrada Chávez.

Introduced: Mar 31, 2025

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

H. Res. 271 is a nonbinding House Resolution that honors Cesar Estrada Chavez, his life, leadership of the farmworkers’ movement, and his commitment to nonviolence. It recounts Chavez’s biographical milestones, his role in founding the United Farm Workers (initially the National Farm Workers Association), and his advocacy for fair wages, safe working conditions, housing, and an end to child labor. The resolution expresses the House’s intent to promote Chavez’s legacy and to encourage Americans to commemorate his life and the slogan “Sí se puede.” Because this is a resolution, it is a symbolic statement of honor and does not create new law or authorize funding or new government actions.

Key Points

1Nonbinding recognition: H. Res. 271 is a ceremonial resolution that honors Chavez and expresses support for promoting his legacy; it does not establish policy or grant new authority or money.
2Biographical emphasis: The resolution summarizes Chavez’s life—from migrant farmworker to national civil rights organizer, his Navy service, founding the United Farm Workers, and his commitment to nonviolence and social justice.
3Legacy and impact: It highlights Chavez’s achievements (e.g., organizing for better wages, housing, health care, and the 1975 California Agricultural Labor Relations Act) and notes his influence on human rights and workers’ rights movements.
4Commemoration call: The House is encouraged to commemorate Chavez’s legacy and to remember his rallying cry, “Sí se puede” (Yes, we can).
5Procedural status: Introduced in the 119th Congress by Rep. Carbajal and several co-sponsors, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. It does not itself enact policy or funding.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- Farmworkers and the Latino community: the resolution centers Chavez’s work on improving wages, working conditions, and dignity for farmworkers, reinforcing historical recognition of their rights.Secondary group/area affected- Education, public remembrance, and service programs: by urging commemoration and ongoing promotion of Chavez’s legacy, it could bolster public education, service initiatives, and community activities tied to Cesar Chavez Day and related observances.Additional impacts- Public institutions and symbols: the resolution references Chavez’s national and local recognitions (e.g., Chavez Day observances in some states, monuments, and honors) and reinforces the cultural and historical significance of his legacy.- Policy signaling: as a symbolic measure, it signals congressional support for honoring civil rights and labor organizing history, which may influence related commemorations or educational initiatives, though it does not change laws or funding.

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