Expressing support for the designation of May 4, 2026, as a "National Day of Reason" and recognizing the central importance of reason in the betterment of humanity.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1266
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-07: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-12T08:06:05Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 1266) expresses support for designating May 4, 2026, as a "National Day of Reason" and recognizes reason—defined as logical thinking, evidence-based knowledge, and critical inquiry—as essential for human progress, solving social issues, and improving society.
Key Provisions
- Supports the designation: Affirms May 4, 2026, as an appropriate date for a National Day of Reason.
- Encourages observance: Urges all people in the United States to observe the day by promoting reason, critical thinking, the scientific method (a systematic way of testing ideas through evidence), and free inquiry (open exploration of ideas without restriction) to address problems and advance human welfare.
- Background rationale (in "Whereas" clauses):
- Reason has driven scientific, medical, technological, and social advances since before the U.S. founding.
- It counters modern crises like threats to the rule of law (legal standards applying equally to all), separation of church and state (government neutrality on religion), democracy, civil liberties (personal freedoms), human rights, authoritarianism (rule by unchecked power), disinformation (false information spread intentionally), and climate change.
- References U.S. Founders like James Madison and Thomas Paine, who emphasized knowledge and reason over ignorance or superstition.
- Notes concerns about some leaders favoring propaganda (biased messaging) over facts.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- None: This is a non-binding resolution, meaning it expresses the House's opinion but does not create, amend, or enforce any laws.
Potential Impacts
- Symbolic and cultural: Could raise public awareness of reason and science, encouraging voluntary events, education, or discussions on critical thinking.
- On citizens: Promotes individual reflection on evidence-based decision-making; no mandates or penalties.
- On government: Limited to House endorsement; referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform for review, but unlikely to affect agencies directly.
- International relations: Minimal, though it highlights U.S. values like democracy and peace among nations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Supporters/Sponsors: Representatives like Mr. Raskin, Mr. Huffman, and others (primarily Democrats), secular groups, scientists, educators, and advocates for science and civil liberties.
- General public: All U.S. citizens, especially those engaged in education, policy debates, or social issues.
- Potential opponents: Religious organizations or leaders who may view it as prioritizing secularism over faith.
- Government bodies: House of Representatives and its committees.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Constitutional ties: Reinforces the Establishment Clause (First Amendment part preventing government favoritism toward religion) and Free Exercise Clause (protecting religious practice), framing them as reason-based protections for religious and non-religious people in a pluralistic (diverse) democracy.
- Political context: Critiques "authoritarianism," "disinformation," and "superstition" in leadership, potentially sparking partisan debate during the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
- Legal nature: As a simple resolution, it has no force of law but could influence public opinion or future legislation on education, science funding, or church-state issues.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (8)
Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Randall, Emily [D-WA-6], Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17], Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7], Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-07: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2026-05-07: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of May 4, 2026, as a "National Day of Reason" and recognizing the central importance of reason in the betterment of humanity. — issued 2026-05-07 — PDF (3 pages)