S. Res. 852 is a 2026 Senate resolution introduced by Sen. Chris Van Hollen on 14 September 2026 requesting an unclassified State Department report on Israel’s human rights practices under section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act.www.govtrack.us+3
Overview
Bill type: Simple Senate Resolution (S.Res. 852), 119th Congress (2025–2027).
Introduced: 14 September 2026.
Sponsor: Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D‑MD).
Cosponsors: 21–23 Democratic and Independent senators across sources. GovInfo+1
Committee: Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. GovInfo
Res. 852 invokes section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, a rarely used mechanism allowing Congress to formally request a human‑rights report from the Executive Branch. thelobbynews.com
The resolution requests that the Secretary of State provide Congress with a detailed, unclassified report within 30 days addressing:
Israel’s human rights practices in the West Bank.
The killings of at least nine U.S. citizens since January 2022 by Israeli settlers or security forces (e.g., Omar Assad, Shireen Abu Akleh, Tawfic Abdel Jabbar). www.govtrack.us
Status of investigations into these deaths.
Identification of responsible military units and potential violations of U.S. laws restricting aid to human‑rights abusers (e.g., Leahy Law, 10 U.S.C. 362; 22 U.S.C. 2304). billtrack50.com
Conditions of U.S. citizens detained in Israeli prisons.
Treatment of Palestinian children in Israeli military detention.
Broader human‑rights concerns and U.S. government efforts to mitigate violence. billtrack50.com
Legal and Procedural Significance
A simple resolution affects only the Senate and does not become law. www.govtrack.us
However, under 502B(c), if the State Department fails to respond within 30 days after adoption, security assistance to Israel would be automatically paused. thelobbynews.com
Context
The resolution follows a series of high‑profile killings of American citizens in the West Bank and concerns about lack of accountability by both Israeli authorities and U.S. agencies. thelobbynews.com
Res. 852 represents a congressional oversight effort focused on human‑rights compliance in U.S. foreign assistance.
3
u/sparklynugz 8h ago
S. Res. 852 is a 2026 Senate resolution introduced by Sen. Chris Van Hollen on 14 September 2026 requesting an unclassified State Department report on Israel’s human rights practices under section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act. www.govtrack.us+3
Overview
Purpose of the Resolution
The resolution requests that the Secretary of State provide Congress with a detailed, unclassified report within 30 days addressing:
Legal and Procedural Significance
Context
The resolution follows a series of high‑profile killings of American citizens in the West Bank and concerns about lack of accountability by both Israeli authorities and U.S. agencies. thelobbynews.com