Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Ukrainian famine of 1932-1933, known as the Holodomor, is recognized as a genocide and should serve as a reminder of repressive Soviet policies against the people of Ukraine.
Term Dictionary
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- Congress.gov Legislative Glossary - Comprehensive congressional terms
- NVFC Congressional Terms Glossary - Concise, easy-to-understand definitions
The gist
Non-binding House resolution declares the 1932-1933 Holodomor famine a Soviet-engineered genocide against Ukrainians and condemns Russia's current war in Ukraine.
Who wins, who loses
- Wins: Ukrainian Americans, Ukraine's government, historians documenting Soviet atrocities, Ukraine war supporters.
- Loses: no one materially; symbolic only. Russia's government rejects the genocide label.
What it does
- Officially recognizes the Holodomor as a genocide committed by the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin.
- Cites the 1988 Commission on the Ukraine Famine report that already found genocide occurred.
- Condemns Putin's war in Ukraine and his denial of Ukrainian sovereignty.
- Encourages spreading information about the famine, which killed roughly a quarter of rural Ukrainians.
Why should I care?
Supporters say naming historical genocides matters because it counters Russian denial and strengthens US backing for Ukraine today. Critics argue Congress should focus on current policy, not 90-year-old events, and that symbolic resolutions don't change anything on the ground. The resolution links past Soviet repression to present Russian aggression. Where do you land? Vote below and use "Tell Your Rep" to make sure your voice reaches Congress.