Amending title 36, United States Code, to direct the President to issue an annual proclamation establishing Democracy Day.
- Bill Number
- H.J.Res. 136
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-06: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T08:07:16Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This joint resolution aims to create an annual "Democracy Day" by amending U.S. law to require the President to issue a proclamation each year. It highlights the importance of democracy, referencing the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol as a reminder of threats to democratic processes and the need for vigilance in maintaining peaceful transitions of power.
Key Provisions
- Annual Proclamation Requirement: The President must issue a yearly proclamation that:
- Designates a specific day as "Democracy Day" (implied to be January 6 based on the resolution's context).
- Encourages state and local governments, as well as the American people, to mark the day with suitable programs and activities.
- Urges educational and civic leaders in states, counties, cities, and towns to organize related events.
- Legal Amendment: Adds a new section (Section 149) to Chapter 1 of Title 36, United States Code (which covers national observances and patriotic activities), and updates the chapter's table of contents accordingly.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This introduces a mandatory annual presidential proclamation for Democracy Day, which did not previously exist in federal law.
- It formalizes a new national observance without mandating federal holidays or closures, focusing instead on voluntary participation through proclamations (similar to existing observances like Flag Day).
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The executive branch (specifically the President) gains a routine duty to issue the proclamation, potentially involving coordination with the White House communications team. No significant burden on other federal agencies.
- On Citizens: Encourages public engagement in democracy-themed events, such as educational programs or community gatherings, fostering greater awareness of democratic principles without imposing obligations.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it could symbolically reinforce U.S. commitment to democracy abroad, potentially influencing soft diplomacy or public perceptions of American stability.
- Overall, the effects are largely symbolic and promotional, with low enforcement or resource demands.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Government: The President and Congress (as the law's creators and enforcers).
- State and Local Governments: Encouraged to participate in observances, potentially integrating into local civic calendars.
- Educational and Civic Institutions: Schools, universities, and community organizations urged to host programs on democracy.
- Citizens and Law Enforcement: General public invited to reflect on democratic resilience; indirectly honors law enforcement's role in events like January 6, 2021.
- Bipartisan Sponsors: Representatives from both parties who introduced the resolution, indicating broad political support.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The amendment is straightforward and aligns with Congress's authority under Article I of the Constitution to regulate national observances. Proclamations are non-binding executive actions, so there's no risk of overreach or litigation.
- Constitutional: Reinforces the peaceful transfer of power as a democratic norm without altering election laws or processes.
- Political: Serves as a symbolic response to the January 6, 2021, events, promoting unity and vigilance against threats to democracy. It could spark partisan debate over the date's significance but has no coercive elements, making it unlikely to face major challenges.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (16)
Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10], Rep. Goodlander, Maggie [D-NH-2], Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Rep. Torres, Norma J. [D-CA-35], Rep. Garcia, Sylvia R. [D-TX-29], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Boyle, Brendan F. [D-PA-2], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5]
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-06: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2026-01-06: Introduced in House
- 2026-01-06: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Amending title 36, United States Code, to direct the President to issue an annual proclamation establishing Democracy Day. — issued 2026-01-06 — PDF (2 pages)