HR 1702: General Assembly; protection of constitutional conscience, rule of law, and lawful exercise of conscientious objection; urge

House Resolution 1702

By: Representatives Davis of the 87th, Scott of the 76th, Bell of the 75th, Jackson of the 68th, and Griffin of the 149th

A RESOLUTION

Urging for the protection of constitutional conscience, the rule of law, and the lawful exercise of conscientious objection; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, this resolution shall be known and may be cited as "The Constitutional Conscience Objectors and Guardians of the Rule of Law Resolution"; and

WHEREAS, the United States Constitution establishes the rule of law as the foundation of our democratic republic, ensuring that government actions are accountable to constitutional limits; and

WHEREAS, members of the United States Armed Forces swear an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; and

WHEREAS, the First Amendment protects freedom of religion, freedom of conscience, and the right of individuals to have deeply held moral, ethical, or religious beliefs; and

WHEREAS, the longstanding American tradition of conscientious objection recognizes that individuals may lawfully decline participation in war when their deeply held beliefs prohibit them from bearing arms or participating in armed conflict; and

WHEREAS, historically, conscientious objection has been recognized for individuals whose beliefs arise from religious traditions promoting peace, including but not limited to the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), Mennonites, and the Church of the Brethren; and

WHEREAS, modern interpretations of conscientious objection within the United States recognize that such objections may also arise from ethical, moral, or philosophical beliefs, even when those beliefs are not tied to a specific religious doctrine; and

WHEREAS, federal law provides a process for individuals to apply for conscientious objector status through the Selective Service System, allowing eligible individuals to perform alternative service in support of public health, safety, or national welfare rather than combat roles; and

WHEREAS, transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law are essential to maintaining public trust in the decisions that lead a nation into armed conflict; and

WHEREAS, the American people have the right to expect that decisions regarding war and military engagement will be conducted in accordance with the Constitution, federal law, and principles of justice; and

WHEREAS, questions regarding transparency, sealed records, delayed accountability, and potential violations of constitutional principles raise serious concerns regarding adherence to the rule of law; and

WHEREAS, the United States military exists to defend the Constitution and the freedoms of the American people—not to shield wrongdoing or circumvent constitutional protections; and

WHEREAS, a healthy democracy requires vigilance, transparency, and adherence to lawful procedures when matters of war and peace are considered.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body urge for the protection of constitutional conscience, recognizing the lawful right of individuals to seek conscientious objector status when their deeply held moral, ethical, or religious beliefs prohibit participation in armed conflict. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body recognize that individuals exercising conscientious objection should do so through lawful channels and established procedures under federal law; the rule of law must be followed in all matters related to war authorization, military engagement, and the protection of constitutional rights; and that transparency and accountability must guide the actions of public officials responsible for decisions that affect the lives of service members and the security of the nation. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of this body affirm their support for members of the United States Armed Forces and veterans who have faithfully served under their constitutional oath.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the public and the press.