A Resolution recognizing January 27, 2025, as "International Holocaust Remembrance Day" in Pennsylvania.
Summary
House Resolution 22 recognizes January 27, 2025, as "International Holocaust Remembrance Day" in Pennsylvania. The resolution recounts the history of the Holocaust, including Nazi persecution of Jewish people and other targeted groups, the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau on January 27, 1945, and the United Nations’ 2005 designation of that date as an international day of remembrance. It frames the observance as a time to honor victims, reject Holocaust denial, and educate future generations about genocide and human rights abuses.
The resolution does not create a new program, mandate, or regulatory requirement. Its legal effect is symbolic and commemorative: it expresses the House’s recognition of the day and encourages remembrance, education, and condemnation of intolerance and violence based on ethnicity or religion. Because it is a resolution, it does not amend the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes or impose obligations on state agencies, schools, or private parties.
Impact
HR 22 has no direct impact on Pennsylvania statutory law or administrative rules. It functions as a ceremonial House resolution that formally designates a remembrance day within the Commonwealth, with the practical effect of encouraging public observance, historical education, and anti-hate messaging rather than changing rights, duties, or funding.
Sentiment
The sentiment around the resolution appears strongly supportive and largely noncontroversial. It passed the House State Government Committee 25-1 and then passed the full House 202-0, indicating broad bipartisan agreement on the importance of Holocaust remembrance and opposition to antisemitism and other forms of intolerance. The bill’s sponsors also reflect cross-party support.
Contention
There is little visible contention in the available record. The only recorded dissent was a single committee vote against adoption, but no committee transcript or floor debate is provided to explain the objection. Based on the text, any disagreement would likely be limited to the symbolic nature of the resolution rather than its substance, since it simply commemorates Holocaust remembrance and condemns intolerance.