Expressing support for the designation of May 4, 2025, as a "National Day of Reason" and recognizing the central importance of reason in the betterment of humanity.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 376
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-05-01: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-27T15:03:00Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 376) expresses support for designating May 4, 2025, as a "National Day of Reason." It highlights the vital role of reason—defined as logical thinking, evidence-based decision-making, and critical inquiry—in driving human progress, addressing modern challenges, and upholding democratic values.
Key Provisions
- Background Clauses ("Whereas"):
- Emphasizes reason's historical role in scientific, medical, technological, and social advancements since before the U.S. founding.
- Positions reason as essential for tackling current issues, including:
- Defending the rule of law, separation of church and state (a constitutional principle preventing government favoritism toward any religion), democratic institutions, justice, and international peace.
- Countering fear, disinformation, and the rise of authoritarianism (government control without democratic checks).
- Promoting civil liberties (basic freedoms like speech and religion) and human rights.
- Addressing climate change as a global crisis.
- References U.S. Founders' commitment to reason, including the Constitution's protections against religious establishment and for free thought, speech, and inquiry.
- Cites the Establishment Clause and Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment, which protect religious freedom for believers and non-believers alike, ensuring a diverse democracy resistant to religious overreach in government.
- Quotes James Madison (Fourth President and First Amendment author) on knowledge as liberty's guardian, and Thomas Paine (Founding Father) on reason as a tool against errors.
- Notes concerns about some leaders promoting propaganda, disinformation (false information spread intentionally), and superstition over facts and evidence.
- Resolved Clause:
- Supports the "National Day of Reason" designation.
- Encourages all Americans to observe the day by promoting reason, critical thought, the scientific method (a process of testing ideas through evidence and experimentation), and free inquiry to solve social issues and improve human welfare.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, meaning it does not create new laws, amend statutes, or enforce requirements. It makes no changes to existing legal frameworks but symbolically reinforces constitutional principles like those in the First Amendment.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact, as it is advisory. It may encourage federal entities involved in education, science, or policy (e.g., departments of Education or Justice) to highlight reason-based approaches in public outreach, but no mandates are imposed.
- On Citizens: Promotes cultural awareness of reason and critical thinking, potentially influencing public discourse, education, and community events on May 4, 2025. It could foster greater emphasis on evidence-based decision-making in daily life and civic engagement.
- On International Relations: Indirectly supports U.S. promotion of democratic values and human rights abroad, aligning with efforts to counter global authoritarianism and disinformation, but has no formal diplomatic effects.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- General Public and Educators: Encouraged to observe the day, promoting critical thinking in schools and communities.
- Scientists, Researchers, and Secular Organizations: Benefits those advocating for evidence-based policies and separation of church and state, such as groups focused on science education or civil liberties.
- Religious and Non-Religious Communities: Affirms protections for all beliefs (or none), potentially reassuring non-religious individuals while respecting pluralism.
- Members of Congress: Introduced by Representatives Jamie Raskin, Jared Huffman, Julia Brownley, Hank Johnson, Rashida Tlaib, and Eleanor Holmes Norton, it reflects support from progressive lawmakers emphasizing democratic safeguards.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: Reinforces the First Amendment's role in maintaining secular governance and protecting diverse viewpoints, without altering legal precedents. It underscores the Establishment Clause's function in preventing theocratic (religion-dominated) influences on policy.
- Political: Symbolically counters trends of misinformation and authoritarianism, potentially sparking debate on the role of reason versus ideology in governance. As a partisan-leaning resolution (from Democratic sponsors), it may highlight divisions over science, religion, and democracy but remains non-binding to avoid controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (7)
Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2], Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Pocan, Mark [D-WI-2], Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7]
Recent Actions
- 2025-05-01: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-05-01: Submitted in House
- 2025-05-01: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of May 4, 2025, as a "National Day of Reason" and recognizing the central importance of reason in the betterment of humanity. — issued 2025-05-01 — PDF (3 pages)