H.Res. 1123

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1123 Introduced in House (IH)]

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119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. RES. 1123

Recognizing the victims of the Happy Land Social Club fire in the 
Bronx, New York City, New York, on March 25, 1990, and designating 
March 25, 2026, as the day of remembrance of the Happy Land Social Club 
fire.

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IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

March 18, 2026

Mr. Torres of New York submitted the following resolution; which was 
referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

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RESOLUTION

Recognizing the victims of the Happy Land Social Club fire in the 
Bronx, New York City, New York, on March 25, 1990, and designating 
March 25, 2026, as the day of remembrance of the Happy Land Social Club 
fire.

Whereas the Happy Land Social Club fire was an act of arson that took the lives 
of 87 people on March 25, 1990, in the Bronx, in New York City;
Whereas the fire was the deadliest in New York City since the Triangle 
Shirtwaist Factory in 1911 and the most horrific mass murder New York 
City had ever known until 9/11;
Whereas the 87 victims were trapped in the unlicensed Happy Land Social Club, 
located at 1959 Southern Boulevard in the West Farms section of the 
Bronx;
Whereas most of the victims were young Hondurans, the majority of them part of 
the Garifuna-American community, as well as Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, 
African Americans, Americans, and other Latin Americans;
Whereas the tragedy exposed longstanding issues regarding building safety, fire 
code enforcement, and the need for stronger oversight of social 
establishments, prompting reforms that continue to protect lives today;
Whereas this human catastrophe exposed the need to strengthen fire safety 
regulations and building codes, including the requirement for automatic 
sprinkler systems and smoke alarms in nightclubs and other public 
assembly buildings;
Whereas it also prompted New York City to launch a comprehensive inspection and 
enforcement program to ensure that all existing and new places of 
assembly comply with the new safety regulations;
Whereas the Happy Land fire left an indelible mark on the Bronx, shaping its 
collective memory and reminding Americans of the profound human cost 
when public safety regulations are ignored;
Whereas countless first responders, community members, faith leaders, and 
families came together in the aftermath of the fire to offer support, 
comfort, and solidarity to those grieving unimaginable loss;
Whereas, decades later, the Bronx continues to honor the memory of the 87 
victims, ensuring that their names and stories are never forgotten and 
that future generations remain vigilant in advocating for safety, 
dignity, and justice for all communities;
Whereas from the ashes of this horrific event emerged the modern celebration of 
the Central American Parade and Festival, and the celebration of 
Garifuna Heritage Month; and
Whereas local events, including the annual Memorial Mass organized by Bronx 
Community Board 6, will be held to remember the victims of the Happy 
Land Social Club fire, and to educate citizens about the important role 
this tragic event played in the history of New York: Now, therefore, be 
it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) supports the designation of a day to remember the 
victims of the Happy Land Social Club fire;
(2) solemnly commemorates the victims of the Happy Land 
Social Club fire, honors their memory, and expresses enduring 
solidarity with the families, survivors, and all those affected 
by this tragedy; and
(3) reaffirms its commitment to strong fire safety 
enforcement, community protection, and the prevention of 
tragedies of this kind, so that the lives lost at Happy Land 
may forever inspire action that safeguards the well-being of 
all people.
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