To amend title 36, United States Code, to designate the composition known as "Here Rests in Honored Glory" by Donald B. Miller as the national hymn of the United States.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6188
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Arts, Culture, Religion
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-11-20: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-25T08:08:09Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill (H.R. 6188) aims to officially designate the musical composition "Here Rests in Honored Glory" by Donald B. Miller as the national hymn of the United States, adding it to the body of law that recognizes national symbols.
Key Provisions
- Amendment to Title 36, U.S. Code: Adds a new section (Sec. 307) to Chapter 3, explicitly stating that the words and music of "Here Rests in Honored Glory" by Donald B. Miller are the national hymn.
- Clerical Update: Updates the table of contents for Chapter 3 to include the new section title "National hymn."
- The bill was introduced by Ms. Foxx on November 20, 2025, and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces a formal national hymn for the first time in U.S. Code, as no such designation currently exists (distinct from the national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," established under separate law).
- Expands Chapter 3 of Title 36, which already covers other national symbols like the flag and anthem, without altering or repealing any prior designations.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: May require minor updates to official protocols, ceremonies, or educational materials by agencies like the National Park Service or Department of Defense for events honoring national symbols; no mandatory enforcement or funding changes.
- On Citizens: Symbolic recognition that could encourage public performance or use in patriotic events, schools, or media, but imposes no obligations or restrictions on individuals.
- On International Relations: Negligible; it reinforces U.S. cultural identity without affecting diplomacy, treaties, or foreign policy.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Citizens and Institutions: Schools, veterans' groups, and cultural organizations may incorporate the hymn into events.
- The Composer and Rights Holders: Donald B. Miller (or his estate) gains official recognition, potentially increasing visibility or royalties for performances.
- Congress and Judiciary Committee: Responsible for oversight and potential implementation through patriotic observances.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Relies on Congress's authority under Article I of the Constitution to regulate national symbols; no conflicts with existing laws, as "hymn" is a new category separate from the anthem.
- Constitutional: Fully within congressional powers to define national emblems; unlikely to raise First Amendment issues, as it does not mandate participation.
- Political: Could spark debate on cultural representation and selection of national symbols, potentially leading to discussions on inclusivity or tradition, but remains a non-binding, ceremonial measure with low enforcement.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Mannion, John W. [D-NY-22], Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23]
Recent Actions
- 2025-11-20: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2025-11-20: Introduced in House
- 2025-11-20: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To amend title 36, United States Code, to designate the composition known as "Here Rests in Honored Glory" by Donald B. Miller as the national hymn of the United States. — issued 2025-11-20 — PDF (2 pages)