A resolution commemorating the 250th anniversary of the passage of the resolution of March 16, 1776, which declared May 17 as a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer.
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 649
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-18: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1202; text: CR S1207)
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-26T20:56:25Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 649) aims to commemorate the 250th anniversary of a historical resolution passed by the Second Continental Congress on March 16, 1776. That original resolution designated May 17, 1776, as a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer in response to threats to American liberties from British forces during the lead-up to the Revolutionary War.
Key Provisions
- Historical Context: The resolution recites the full text of the 1776 resolution, which includes a preamble acknowledging divine providence amid dangers to American freedoms and calls for public repentance, prayer, and reliance on God's aid against British aggression.
- Commemoration: It formally resolves that the U.S. Senate recognizes and honors the 250th anniversary of this event, emphasizing themes of national unity, patriotism, faith, and the pursuit of liberty and peace.
- Recommendations in Original Text: The 1776 resolution urged people across the colonies to observe the day with public worship, abstain from regular work, confess sins, seek forgiveness through Jesus Christ, and pray for military success, wise leadership, health, prosperity, and lasting peace.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- None. This is a non-binding commemorative resolution, which does not amend, repeal, or introduce any new laws, regulations, or enforceable requirements. It serves solely as a symbolic gesture by the Senate.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact; it may encourage educational or ceremonial activities within federal historical or cultural programs, such as those managed by the National Archives or Smithsonian Institution.
- On Citizens: Could raise public awareness of early American history, particularly the role of religion and collective prayer in the founding era, potentially inspiring community events, educational initiatives, or discussions on national heritage around the anniversary date.
- On International Relations: Negligible, as it focuses on domestic historical commemoration without referencing foreign policy or current global issues.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Senate and Congress: Primary actors, as the resolution was introduced by Senators James Lankford and Raphael Warnock and agreed to by the Senate.
- Historians and Educators: Benefit from highlighting a lesser-known aspect of Revolutionary-era documents.
- Religious and Patriotic Groups: May use the resolution to promote events emphasizing faith's historical role in American independence.
- General Public: Indirectly affected through increased visibility of colonial history, potentially fostering civic engagement or reflection on themes of unity and resilience.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no force of law and requires no presidential approval or House concurrence, limiting it to Senate expression only.
- Constitutional: It underscores the historical integration of religious observance in early governance, which could spark discussions on the First Amendment's Establishment Clause (prohibiting government endorsement of religion) versus free exercise rights. However, modern commemorations of historical events are generally viewed as permissible historical acknowledgments rather than endorsements of religion.
- Political: Represents bipartisan support (introduced by senators from different parties), signaling unity on cultural heritage issues. It may politically amplify narratives of America's religious foundations without mandating action, potentially influencing public discourse on patriotism and national identity.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-18: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1202; text: CR S1207)
- 2026-03-18: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
Bill Versions
- Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the passage of the resolution of March 16, 1776, which declared May 17 as a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer. — issued 2026-03-18 — PDF (3 pages)