Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the sermon given by the Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde at the National Prayer Service on January 21st, 2025, at the National Cathedral was a display of political activism and condemning its distorted message.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 59
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-01-23: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2025-06-17T17:50:23Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This resolution (H. Res. 59) aims to express the House of Representatives' opinion that a sermon delivered during the National Prayer Service on January 21, 2025, at the National Cathedral was an act of political activism rather than neutral religious guidance. It seeks to condemn the message as distorted and biased.
Key Provisions
- Sense of the House: Declares that the sermon by the Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde was a display of political activism.
- Condemnation: Explicitly condemns Bishop Budde's message for promoting political bias instead of balanced biblical teachings.
- Background Context: References the tradition of the National Prayer Service as a non-partisan event affirming reliance on God and praying for the President and Vice President; notes the attendance of President Donald J. Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance on that date.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, meaning it does not create, amend, or repeal any laws. It has no legal force and introduces no changes to existing statutes or policies.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact, as it is symbolic and does not require action from agencies like the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (to which it was referred).
- On Citizens: Limited to influencing public perception of religious events tied to government traditions; may fuel partisan debates but does not affect individual rights or obligations.
- On International Relations: Negligible, as it focuses on a domestic religious service and does not address foreign policy.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- House of Representatives: Sponsors (e.g., Mr. Brecheen and co-sponsors like Ms. Greene and Mrs. Boebert) use it to voice collective disapproval.
- Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde: Directly criticized, potentially damaging her reputation as Episcopal Bishop of Washington and leader of the service.
- National Cathedral and Attendees: Includes President Trump, Vice President Vance, and the broader religious community involved in the event, highlighting tensions between politics and faith.
- Broader Religious and Political Communities: May affect views on the role of clergy in national ceremonies.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a "sense of Congress" resolution, it carries no enforceable weight and cannot compel action or impose penalties; it was introduced on January 23, 2025, and referred to committee without further status indicated.
- Constitutional: Touches on First Amendment issues related to free speech, religion, and the separation of church and state, but its non-binding nature avoids direct legal challenges. It raises questions about congressional criticism of religious leaders in official contexts.
- Political: Serves as a partisan statement from Republican members, signaling opposition to perceived liberal bias in religious institutions; could deepen divides over the politicization of faith-based national events without resolving underlying issues.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (22)
Rep. Clyde, Andrew S. [R-GA-9], Rep. Grothman, Glenn [R-WI-6], Rep. Burlison, Eric [R-MO-7], Rep. Miller, Mary E. [R-IL-15], Rep. Harris, Mark [R-NC-8], Rep. Bice, Stephanie I. [R-OK-5], Rep. Luna, Anna Paulina [R-FL-13], Rep. Moore, Barry [R-AL-1], Rep. Ogles, Andrew [R-TN-5], Rep. Greene, Marjorie Taylor [R-GA-14], Rep. Norman, Ralph [R-SC-5], Rep. Webster, Daniel [R-FL-11], Rep. Allen, Rick W. [R-GA-12], Rep. Babin, Brian [R-TX-36], Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9], Rep. Van Duyne, Beth [R-TX-24], Rep. Baird, James R. [R-IN-4], Rep. Biggs, Sheri [R-SC-3], Rep. Boebert, Lauren [R-CO-4], Rep. Griffith, H. Morgan [R-VA-9], Rep. McCormick, Richard [R-GA-7], Rep. Collins, Mike [R-GA-10]
Recent Actions
- 2025-01-23: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-01-23: Submitted in House
- 2025-01-23: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the sermon given by the Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde at the National Prayer Service on January 21st, 2025, at the National Cathedral was a display of political activism and condemning its distorted message. — issued 2025-01-23 — PDF (2 pages)