Expressing support for designating September 12, 2025, as "The Day of the Bible" in the United States of America.
- Bill Number
- H.J.Res. 118
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-02: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-19T09:07:30Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This joint resolution expresses congressional support for designating September 12, 2025, as "The Day of the Bible" in the United States. It highlights the Bible's historical role in American culture and specifically commemorates the 1782 congressional approval of the first complete English-language Bible printed in America, known as the Aitken Bible.
Key Provisions
- Congress supports the annual designation of "The Day of the Bible" and encourages schools, civic institutions, and community organizations to mark the day with educational, historical, and cultural programs.
- The President is directed to issue a yearly proclamation for the observance, allowing Americans to reflect on the anniversary of the Aitken Bible's approval and its significance in national history.
- The resolution references the Bible's influence on moral values such as justice, compassion, and personal responsibility, as well as its connection to themes of liberty and national resilience during the Revolutionary War era.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This resolution introduces no amendments or alterations to any existing federal statutes. It functions solely as a symbolic expression of support without creating new legal requirements or modifying current law.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: Limited to the President's annual proclamation; no new administrative duties or funding are specified.
- On citizens: Provides an opportunity for voluntary reflection and participation in community events, without mandating individual involvement.
- On international relations: No direct effects are outlined, as the focus remains on domestic historical and cultural recognition.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Members of Congress and the President, who are involved in the designation and proclamation process.
- Schools, civic institutions, and community organizations, which are encouraged to develop related programs.
- American residents, who may engage in activities highlighting the Bible's historical role.
- Historical and cultural groups interested in early American printing and religious heritage.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- The resolution is non-binding and does not establish any enforceable policies, avoiding direct conflicts with laws on government involvement in religious matters.
- It emphasizes historical events tied to the founding period, potentially sparking discussions on the role of religious texts in public commemoration.
- No enforcement mechanisms or penalties are included, keeping the measure advisory in nature.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (23)
Rep. Thompson, Glenn [R-PA-15], Rep. Joyce, John [R-PA-13], Rep. Moore, Barry [R-AL-1], Rep. Crane, Elijah [R-AZ-2], Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1], Rep. Steube, W. Gregory [R-FL-17], Rep. Harshbarger, Diana [R-TN-1], Rep. Harris, Mark [R-NC-8], Rep. Brecheen, Josh [R-OK-2], Rep. Self, Keith [R-TX-3], Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14], Rep. Sessions, Pete [R-TX-17], Rep. Crank, Jeff [R-CO-5], Rep. Aderholt, Robert B. [R-AL-4], Rep. Gill, Brandon [R-TX-26], Rep. McGuire, John J. [R-VA-5], Rep. Rose, John W. [R-TN-6], Rep. Cline, Ben [R-VA-6], Rep. Collins, Mike [R-GA-10], Rep. Miller, Mary E. [R-IL-15], Rep. Palmer, Gary J. [R-AL-6], Rep. Fry, Russell [R-SC-7], Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-5]
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-02: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-09-02: Introduced in House
- 2025-09-02: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for designating September 12, 2025, as "The Day of the Bible" in the United States of America. — issued 2025-09-02 — PDF (3 pages)