Hello All,
Since the first message on H. Com. Re. 235 came out, I have received a number of questions as to what resolutions are, how they differ from Bills, and what their use is. Please read below.
Concurrent and simple resolutions normally are not legislative in character since they are not "presented" to the President for approval. They are used mainly for expressing facts, principles, opinions, and purposes of the two Houses. The reason H. Com. Res. 235 is a "Concurrent Resolution" and not a "Bill" with the power of law is because a mandate that states add a question to their driver's license exams could be construed as going well beyond the powers accorded to the federal government and interfering with states' rights. A pertinent example to consider would be the very fact that each state has its own driver's examinations, licenses, etc. that are not controlled or regulated by the federal government. Therefore, the federal government cannot pass a law requiring that states make changes to how an individual is determined fit to have a driver's license.
On the other hand, H. Com. Res. 235 is a very important resolution because, in one stroke, it provides advocates across the country a tool with which they can go to their state legislatures and drivers license bureaus. A Resolution passed by unanimous consent in Congress expressing their sense of the importance of this issue gives weight to the arguments put forward by pedestrian safety advocates and the blind community that drivers need to be educated about the use of white canes and guide dogs while learning the rules of the road. The resolution is not a law that can require DMVs to do anything, but it is a powerful tool if used correctly.
Philip Strong
Transportation/Advocacy Specialist
American Council of the Blind
1155 15th ST NW, Suite 1004
Washington, DC 20005
Tel: (202) 467-5081 ext. 16
Fax: (202) 467-5085
pstrong@acb.org