Introduced
September 29, 2026
Mr. Schatz (for himself, Mr. Padilla, Mr. Reed, Mr. Van Hollen, Mr. Sanders, Mr. Wyden, Mr. King, Mr. Merkley, Ms. Hirono, Ms. Alsobrooks, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Booker, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Markey, Mr. Whitehouse, Mr. Warnock, Mr. Fetterman, and Mr. Luján) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
RESOLUTION
Expressing concern about the growing problem of book banning, and the proliferation of threats to freedom of expression in the United States.
- (1) supports the designation of the week of October 4 through October 10, 2026, as “Banned Books Week”;
- (2) expresses concern about the spreading problem of book banning and the proliferating threats to freedom of expression in the United States;
- (3) reaffirms the commitment of the United States to supporting the freedom of expression of writers that is protected under the First Amendment to the Constitution and the freedom of all individuals in the United States to read books without government censorship;
- (4) calls on local governments and school districts to follow best practice guidelines when addressing challenges to books;
- (5) calls on local governments and school districts to protect the rights of students to learn and the ability of educators and librarians to teach, including by providing students with the opportunity to read a wide array of books reflecting the full breadth and diversity of viewpoints and perspectives; and