S.363. A resolution.

This extremely controversial resolution passed the Senate unanimously. Perhaps the problem is here on Substack and not in DC?

Aug 24, 2025

man near flaming house — Photo by Jen Theodore on Unsplash

Recently here on Substack, John Fetterman was crucified for his support of Senate Resolution 363, which begins, “Solemnly marking the one-year anniversary of the attempted assassination of President Donald J. Trump, condemning the multiple attempts against the President’s life…”

I heard, “He has sold out!” or, “He’s useless!” or “Primary Fetterman!”

Although Fetterman was indeed the only Democrat who cosponsored this resolution, all Senators voted for it. It passed unanimously the same day it was introduced.

I’d wager that few of Fetterman’s detractors have read the entirety of S.363. Because it deals with the totality of the issue of political violence in our tinderbox era. On August 14, I wrote Political violence: How do we respond?, for my nonpartisan, nonpolitical Substack. I considered White Rose resistance from the Shoah and how they split over the question of active (violent) versus passive (nonviolent) resistance.

Here then is the full text of S.363 from August 1, 2025. While I am not wild about the inclusion of the … assassination attempt … in Butler, Pennsylvania, I enthusiastically support the notion of getting every single senator to put their names to this resolution. Because it addresses the larger matter of political violence.

See for yourself.

Solemnly marking the one-year anniversary of the attempted assassination of President Donald J. Trump, condemning the multiple attempts against the President’s life, condemning those who incite violence against political officials, and honoring the victims of the shooting.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

August 1, 2025

Mr. Schmitt (for himself, Mr. Fetterman, Mr. McCormick, Mr. Cassidy, Mr. Justice, Mr. Lee, Mrs. Blackburn, Mr. Ricketts, Mrs. Britt, Ms. Ernst, Mr. Tillis, Mr. Hagerty, Mr. Cornyn, Mr. Hoeven, Mr. Barrasso, Mr. Banks, Mr. Moreno, Mr. Hawley, Mr. Budd, Mr. Mullin, Mr. Cruz, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Sullivan, Ms. Lummis, Mr. Risch, Mr. Tuberville, Mrs. Moody, and Mr. Marshall) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

RESOLUTION

Whereas, on July 13, 2024, an attempt was made on the life of President Donald J. Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania;

Whereas Corey D. Comperatore tragically died while shielding his family from the gunfire in Butler, Pennsylvania;

Whereas David Dutch and James Copenhaver were critically injured in the attack and hospitalized in Butler, Pennsylvania;

Whereas, during these attacks, law enforcement, first responders, and medical personnel performed their duties with professionalism and heroism;

Whereas, on December 10, 2024, the Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump released their Final Report of Findings and Recommendations; and

Whereas continued calls for violence against the President of the United States, violent acts carried out against elected officials like those perpetrated against Governor of Pennsylvania Josh Shapiro, Minnesota State House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, and Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman, and continued divisive rhetoric targeting elected officials are contradictory to the tradition of the United States and risk undermining the democratic process and endangering the lives of public servants: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) condemns the assassination attempts against President Donald J. Trump on July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania, and on September 15, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida;

(2) honors Corey D. Comperatore, who died while protecting his family from the gunfire at the rally for President Trump;

(3) honors David Dutch and James Copenhaver, who were critically injured in the gunfire at the rally for President Trump and hospitalized;

(4) expresses gratitude to the law enforcement officers, first responders, and medical personnel who responded to the attacks, conducted investigations, and provided aid to the victims;

(5) affirms that the United States Secret Service is the agency responsible for protecting the country’s highest elected officials and is therefore central to upholding the constitutional values of the United States;

(6) calls on all people of the United States to unite against political violence; and

(7) condemns those who incite violence against political officials.

If it takes 1) through 4) to get us to 5) to 7) as well as the last paragraph of the “Whereas,” so be it.

Now more than ever

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