# Understanding This Congressional Resolution

This is a resolution—not a law—that Congress passed to officially recognize and condemn a tragic bombing attack that happened at a girls' school in Kabul, Afghanistan on May 8, 2021. In that attack, dozens of students and teachers were killed. The resolution expresses the U.S. Congress's sympathy for the Afghan people and solidarity with them following this devastating event.

Since this is a resolution rather than legislation, it doesn't create new laws, change government policies, or allocate money. Instead, it's essentially Congress making an official statement about an important international tragedy. It serves as a formal acknowledgment of the attack and a symbolic gesture of support for Afghanistan. Resolutions like this are often used by Congress to take positions on world events, honor victims, or express the country's values on international matters.

For everyday Americans, this resolution doesn't directly affect your life or change any rules you need to follow. However, it does represent how the U.S. government officially views the attack and signals America's commitment to standing with Afghan civilians who suffered from violence. It's the kind of action Congress takes to make clear where the country stands on human rights issues and international tragedies, even when it doesn't involve changing laws or spending money.

A resolution recognizing the devastating attack on a girls' school in Kabul, Afghanistan, on May 8, 2021, and expressing solidarity with the Afghan people.

Shaheen, Jeanne

 <p>This resolution expresses the Senate's condolences to the people of Afghanistan and the Hazara, an ethnic minority community in Afghanistan. The resolution also condemns all forms of violence against women and girls in Afghanistan and supports U.S. and international efforts to ensure that girls in Afghanistan can safely attend school. </p> <p>(On May 8, 2021, a bomb attack at the Sayed Ul-Shuhada High School in Kabul killed more than 85 people.)</p>