# What This Resolution Actually Does

This is a symbolic statement from Congress condemning Joanne Chesimard (also known as Assata Shakur) for crimes committed decades ago and calling for her extradition from Cuba. It's important to understand that this is a resolution, not a law—it doesn't create new rules or punishments. Instead, it's Congress going on record with an official position about a specific person and their actions.

Here's the basic situation: Chesimard was convicted in 1977 of murdering a New Jersey State Trooper and other violent crimes connected to the Black Liberation Army, a militant group active in the 1970s. She escaped from prison in 1979 and fled to Cuba, where she has lived for decades. The FBI still lists her as wanted. This resolution condemns her actions, honors the police officers killed in incidents connected to her, and asks the Cuban government to send her back to the United States to serve her life sentence.

The practical impact of this resolution is limited since it's not enforceable law—it won't force Cuba to extradite anyone or change any actual policies. However, it does represent an official Congressional statement about how the government views Chesimard's crimes and those who might celebrate her. The resolution also specifically rejects any celebration of Chesimard or her actions, which appears to be a response to some public figures and groups who have portrayed her as a political figure or activist rather than focusing on her criminal convictions. For most Americans, this resolution won't directly affect their daily lives, but it does reflect ongoing tensions between how different groups view historical figures connected to 1970s radical movements.

Condemning Joanne Chesimard and those who celebrate her and her actions, and honoring the law enforcement members killed by her and groups she was connected to.

D'Esposito, Anthony

<p>This resolution condemns the actions of Joanne Chesimard, also known as Assata Shakur, for her heinous crimes. It also honors the life and heroic actions of law enforcement members whose deaths were connected to Chesimard.&nbsp;</p><p>The resolution calls on the Cuban government to immediately extradite Chesimard.</p>