Bill adds flag-flying dates and locations for U.S. hostages
In committeeH.R. 5772Latest action
Sponsor: Thomas H. Kean, Jr. · Representative · NJ
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Remembering American Hostages Act of 2025
119th Congress
Topics: Government & democracy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
HR 5772 requires the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag at more federal sites and on four specific new dates tied to hostage events.
55-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 5772 expands requirements for displaying the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag, adding four mandated dates: November 4 and January 20 (linked to the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis), August 19 (the 2014 death of journalist James Foley in captivity), and October 7 (the 2023 Hamas attack in which over 240 people including Americans were taken hostage). The bill also adds new required locations, including State Department offices, U.S. embassies and consulates, Justice Department buildings, and every location where Americans can apply for or renew a passport.
Who does it affect?
The bill directly affects federal agencies and the buildings they operate. It expands the list of officials responsible for flag display to include the Attorney General, Secretary of Education, Secretary of Transportation, and Secretary of Commerce.
Why does it matter?
Ordinary Americans would mainly notice the flag appearing more often and in more places, such as passport offices. The bill expresses Congress's opinion that state and local governments and airports should also fly the flag on the same dates and whenever a hostage returns home or is confirmed to have died in captivity.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedOct 17, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Oct 17, 2025
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.