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Rules committee considers resolution condemning mass atrocities in Gaza, Congo and Sudan
Summary
The House Rules and Executive Nominations Committee heard House Joint Resolution 9, introduced by Delegate Acevedo, which condemns mass atrocities and urges U.S. diplomatic action, humanitarian relief and accountability; dozens of faith leaders, residents and advocacy groups testified in favor.
The House Rules and Executive Nominations Committee heard House Joint Resolution 9 on April 14, a resolution introduced by Delegate Acevedo that condemns genocide, widespread civilian harm and violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sudan and urges diplomatic, humanitarian and accountability measures.
Delegate Acevedo, sponsor of the resolution, told the committee that the General Assembly has previously condemned mass violence and that HJ 9 calls for "immediate and sustained cessation of hostilities where necessary to protect civilians and accountability mechanisms for violations of international law." He framed the measure as consistent with prior state actions and said Maryland's diverse communities are directly affected.
Dozens of witnesses — including residents, faith leaders and human-rights advocates — testified in favor. Syed Jamal, a District 44B resident, said the resolution "affirms a fundamental moral principle, the value of every human life." Khadija, speaking for American Muslims for Palestine in the DMV, urged the committee to act and characterized a simple condemnation as the "bare minimum," citing allegations about U.S. weapons shipments and the humanitarian toll in Gaza. Hannah Zuberi, director of advocacy for Justice For All, told lawmakers state and local pressure has changed federal policy in past campaigns and urged a favorable report.
Several witnesses tied the resolution to international law. Grady O'Rear, testifying virtually, framed HJ 9 as being "about the rule of law, the UN Charter, the Geneva Conventions, and the Kellogg-Briand Pact," and said Maryland should use its voice to insist on humanitarian protection and accountability. Reverend Melody Hessian Sigman, on behalf of the Delaware-Maryland Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, said congregational networks have already passed similar resolutions and urged the committee to send HJ 9 forward.
Supporters emphasized the resolution's symbolic and political value while acknowledging it does not change federal policy. The testimony documented a wide range of factual claims about casualties, displacement and alleged corporate or government roles; many of those claims were asserted by witnesses and not adjudicated during the hearing.
The committee took public testimony from both in-person and virtual witnesses and concluded the HJ 9 hearing without an immediate vote. The resolution's next steps will depend on committee deliberations and whether members issue a favorable report.
Ending: HJ 9 received broad public support at the committee hearing; the committee will decide whether to report the resolution favorably to the full General Assembly.
