PolicyBrief
H.RES. 1436
119th CongressJul 15th 2026
Condemning Omar Suleiman for celebrating the death of Senator Lindsey Graham and acknowledging that House Democrats invited him to serve as the Guest Chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2019.
IN COMMITTEE

This resolution honors the public service of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, condemns Omar Suleiman for celebrating his death, and supports efforts to address the incompatibility of Sharia Law with American constitutional principles.

Beth Van Duyne
R

Beth Van Duyne

Representative

TX-24

LEGISLATION

House Resolution Targets Islamic Scholar for Social Media Comments Following Senator Graham's Death

This resolution formally condemns Omar Suleiman, a Texas-based Islamic scholar, for public comments he allegedly made celebrating the death of Senator Lindsey Graham in July 2026. Beyond just criticizing his speech, the bill explicitly links Suleiman to controversial political movements and takes aim at the 2019 decision by House Democrats to host him as a Guest Chaplain. It's a rare move that uses the legislative record to single out a private citizen's rhetoric and religious associations.

A Legacy and a Conflict

The first half of this resolution reads like a tribute to the late Senator Lindsey Graham, citing his long career in the military and his influence on U.S. national security and pro-Israel policy. However, the bill quickly pivots to Suleiman, the founder of the Yaqeen Institute, accusing him of wishing eternal suffering upon the late Senator. By documenting these statements in an official resolution, the bill effectively creates a public 'blackball' list, linking Suleiman to the Muslim Brotherhood and other groups banned in the U.S., which could have significant ripple effects for any organization or individual associated with his institute.

Defining 'American Values'

One of the most impactful parts of this bill isn't about the Senator at all—it's the formal endorsement of the 'Sharia-Free America Caucus.' The resolution supports the idea that Sharia Law is fundamentally 'oppressive' and 'incompatible' with the U.S. Constitution. For a local business owner or a student who identifies as Muslim, this language is more than just a political debate; it sets a tone in Washington that suggests certain religious legal frameworks are inherently dangerous. By framing the issue this way, the bill moves from a personal condemnation of Suleiman to a broader critique of Islamic legal principles.

The Fallout for Free Speech and Faith

Because this bill has a 'Medium' level of vagueness regarding what constitutes a 'danger' to constitutional governance, it opens a door for broader scrutiny of religious leaders. If you are a community leader or an activist, this resolution serves as a reminder that speech made in the wake of a public figure's death can be used as the basis for formal government condemnation. While the bill honors a long-serving public servant, its focus on Suleiman and the Sharia-Free caucus suggests a shift toward using legislative power to monitor and officially discourage specific religious and political viewpoints.