House Republican leaders confirmed last week that the chamber would not vote on a resolution to honor the efforts that led to killing Osama bin Laden, but New York Rep. Michael Grimm will introduce an amendment Friday to recognize intelligence officials who helped carry out the mission.
The amendment, which has the support of the House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Rogers of Alabama, will be added to the Intelligence Authorization Act, which funds CIA and other intelligence operations.
“Congress commends the men and women of the intelligence community for the tremendous commitment, perseverance, professionalism, and sacrifice they displayed in bringing Osama bin Laden to justice,” the amendment reads.
After American forces successfully killed bin Laden during a May 1 raid, some House members complained about a Republican rule that restricts measures that express “appreciation, commends, congratulates, celebrates, recognizes the accomplishments of, or celebrates the anniversary of, an entity, event, group, individual, institution, team or government program.” The Republican leadership established the rule at the beginning of the term and would not make an exception.
The rule, however, only applies to standalone resolutions, not amendments, so Grimm’s proposal will be able to proceed, a spokesman from House Majority Leader Eric Cantor’s office confirmed.
The Senate passed its own resolution honoring the operation 97-0.