The Senate Resolution 91 (S.Res.91) is a symbolic gesture from the U.S. Senate, marking the third anniversary of Russia's further invasion of Ukraine. It expresses support for the Ukrainian people and reaffirms the U.S. commitment to international law and sovereignty, without creating any new laws or obligations.
What This Bill Does
S.Res.91 is a simple resolution introduced in the U.S. Senate that acknowledges the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022. This resolution is not a law but rather a formal expression of the Senate's stance on the issue. It highlights the violation of Ukraine's sovereignty by Russia and underscores the importance of international law.
The resolution includes several "Whereas" clauses that provide context for the invasion, such as Russia's breach of the United Nations Charter and the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, where Russia had pledged to respect Ukraine's borders. The resolution calls for continued U.S. solidarity with Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of supporting the Ukrainian people during this ongoing conflict.
As a simple Senate resolution, S.Res.91 does not have any binding legal effect. This means it does not change existing laws or create new ones. Instead, it serves as a symbolic affirmation of U.S. values and a public statement of support for Ukraine.
Why It Matters
While S.Res.91 does not directly impact the daily lives of Americans, it holds symbolic significance. It sends a message of solidarity to the Ukrainian people and reaffirms the U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression. This can boost the morale of Ukrainian-Americans and others who have been affected by the conflict.
For everyday Americans, the resolution indirectly impacts global stability, which can affect things like gas prices and food costs. The conflict in Ukraine has previously led to spikes in energy prices and food shortages, which can trickle down to affect the cost of living in the U.S. Additionally, the resolution serves as a deterrent to potential aggressors, helping to maintain international peace and security.
Key Facts
- Cost/Budget Impact: Zero cost, as it is a non-binding resolution.
- Timeline for Implementation: No implementation required; effective upon Senate adoption.
- Number of People Affected: Minimal direct impact; symbolic for Ukrainian diaspora in the U.S.
- Key Dates: Introduced on February 24, 2025, marking the invasion's third anniversary.
- Record Bipartisan Cosponsors: Over 20 senators from both parties, showing rare consensus.
- No House Counterpart Yet: Standalone effort in the Senate.
- "Further Invasion" Phrasing: Acknowledges the conflict's escalation since 2014.
Arguments in Support
- Symbolic affirmation of U.S. values and international law: Reinforces the commitment to sovereignty and condemns Russia's violation of the UN Charter.
- Solidarity with Ukraine amid ongoing war: Honors the resilience of the Ukrainian people and boosts morale without requiring new aid.
- Bipartisan unity on foreign policy: Demonstrates rare consensus across party lines, with support from both Democrats and Republicans.
- Deterrence signal to aggressors: Publicly condemns Russian actions, potentially discouraging further escalations.
- Humanitarian acknowledgment: Highlights the war's toll on civilians, fostering empathy and future support.
Arguments in Opposition
- Perceived escalation risks: Critics may argue it signals endless U.S. involvement, potentially risking broader conflict with Russia.
- Domestic priority neglect: Some believe it diverts attention from pressing U.S. issues like border security or inflation.
- Fatigue with foreign resolutions: Seen by some as performative, with concerns about the high cost of U.S. aid to Ukraine.
- Questioning "further invasion" framing: The phrasing may be seen as ignoring the conflict that began with the 2014 annexation of Crimea.