Expressing support for the designation of the month of July as "American Patriotism Month".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 478
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-04: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2025-07-18T15:56:31Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 478) expresses support for designating the month of July as "American Patriotism Month." It aims to honor the history of American patriotism, recognize the sacrifices of citizens and leaders who have defended the nation's founding principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and encourage nationwide celebrations of these values, especially tied to Independence Day on July 4.
Key Provisions
- Recognition of Patriotism's Importance: Affirms the role of patriotism in U.S. history, citing events like the Declaration of Independence (1776), the Pearl Harbor attack (1941), D-Day (1944), President Kennedy's and Reagan's inaugural addresses, the Cold War victory, and the September 11, 2001, attacks (including the heroism on United Airlines Flight 93).
- Acknowledgment of Contributions: Honors Americans, past and present, including founding fathers, military personnel (e.g., post-9/11 enlistments), and leaders like President Trump, for their service and sacrifice in preserving democratic values.
- Encouragement of Observance: Urges individuals, schools, organizations, and communities to hold ceremonies, activities, and educational programs in July to celebrate American history, core values, and civic duties.
- Support for Designation: Explicitly backs naming July as "American Patriotism Month."
- Presidential Request: Calls on the President to issue an annual proclamation recognizing the month.
The resolution was introduced on June 4, 2025, by Rep. Williams of Texas and co-sponsors, and referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, not a law, so it introduces no changes to existing statutes or regulations. It serves as a symbolic statement of congressional intent without legal enforcement.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact; it may prompt the White House to issue proclamations, but no funding or mandates are required. The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform could use it to guide related oversight on civic education.
- On Citizens: Encourages voluntary participation in patriotic activities, potentially boosting national pride, historical awareness, and community engagement, especially among students and veterans. It highlights gratitude for military service, which could foster public appreciation.
- On International Relations: Negligible; the resolution focuses on domestic history and values, portraying the U.S. as a "beacon of hope" without addressing foreign policy directly.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- American Citizens and Communities: All residents, particularly those involved in education, civic groups, or local events, who may organize or participate in July observances.
- Military and Veterans: Honored for sacrifices, with potential indirect benefits through increased recognition of their service.
- Educational Institutions: Schools and universities encouraged to incorporate patriotism-themed programs.
- Government Officials: The President (for proclamations) and members of Congress, who may reference it in speeches or initiatives.
- Non-Profit Organizations: Groups focused on history, veterans' affairs, or civic responsibility that could lead related activities.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no force of law and cannot compel action, aligning with Congress's power to express opinions under Article I of the Constitution.
- Constitutional: Supports free expression and assembly (First Amendment) by promoting voluntary civic activities without restricting speech or requiring participation.
- Political: Reinforces themes of national unity and exceptionalism, which could appeal to patriotic or conservative audiences but might be viewed as partisan due to references to specific presidents (e.g., Kennedy, Reagan, Trump). It has no binding effect but could influence cultural or legislative discussions on education and national holidays.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Williams, Roger [R-TX-25]
Cosponsors (19)
Rep. Donalds, Byron [R-FL-19], Rep. McCormick, Richard [R-GA-7], Rep. McDowell, Addison P. [R-NC-6], Rep. McGuire, John J. [R-VA-5], Rep. Bice, Stephanie I. [R-OK-5], Rep. Luna, Anna Paulina [R-FL-13], Rep. Fleischmann, Charles J. "Chuck" [R-TN-3], Rep. Norman, Ralph [R-SC-5], Rep. Guest, Michael [R-MS-3], Rep. Goldman, Craig A. [R-TX-12], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Miller, Mary E. [R-IL-15], Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1], Rep. Schmidt, Derek [R-KS-2], Rep. Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4], Rep. Moore, Barry [R-AL-1], Rep. Stutzman, Marlin A. [R-IN-3], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Boebert, Lauren [R-CO-4]
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-04: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-06-04: Submitted in House
- 2025-06-04: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of the month of July as "American Patriotism Month". — issued 2025-06-04 — PDF (4 pages)