119-hjres118

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.J. Res. 118 Introduced in House

    (IH) ]

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119th CONGRESS
 1st Session
H. J. RES. 118

Expressing support for designating September 12, 2025, as ``The Day of 
 the Bible'' in the United States of America.

_______________________________________________________________________

 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

 September 2, 2025

 Mr. Cloud (for himself, Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania, Mr. Joyce of 
 Pennsylvania, Mr. Moore of Alabama, Mr. Crane, Mr. Carter of Georgia, 
 Mr. Steube, Mrs. Harshbarger, Mr. Harris of North Carolina, and Mr. 
Brecheen) submitted the following joint resolution; which was referred 
 to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

_______________________________________________________________________

 JOINT RESOLUTION

Expressing support for designating September 12, 2025, as ``The Day of 
 the Bible'' in the United States of America.

Whereas the Bible has long been a foundational text in shaping the moral, 
 cultural, and spiritual heritage of the United States;
Whereas September 12, 1782, marks a historic milestone in American history when 
 the Congress of the United States, during the American Revolutionary 
 War, officially approved the publication of the first complete English-
 language Bible printed in America, known as the ``Aitken Bible'' or 
 ``The Bible of the Revolution'';
Whereas this monumental event took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, under 
 the direction of a committee of Congress led by James Duane, and with 
 the endorsement of the congressional chaplains, thereby marking America 
 as a birthplace of both liberty and spiritual legacy;
Whereas the Aitken Bible served not only as a religious text but also as a 
 symbol of national resilience, unity, and the importance of self-
 governance during one of the most trying times in the Nation's history;
Whereas for centuries, the Bible has offered inspiration, comfort, and moral 
 guidance to countless Americans, influencing individual lives and 
 informing the values of justice, compassion, redemption, and personal 
 responsibility; and
Whereas recognizing September 12 annually as ``The Day of the Bible'' provides 
 an opportunity for the residents of this great country to reflect on the 
 enduring impact of the Bible on our shared cultural and historical 
 identity, and to reaffirm the principles of liberty, equality, and 
 justice that form the bedrock of our Nation: Now, therefore, be it
 Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, That--

    (1) Congress--
        (A) expresses support for the designation of ``The 
 Day of the Bible'' in the United States of America; and
        (B) encourages schools, civic institutions, and 
 community organizations to observe this day with 
 appropriate educational, historical, and cultural 
 programs and activities that highlight the Bible's 
 significance in our Nation's past and present; and

    (2) the President shall issue each year a proclamation 
 designating ``The Day of the Bible'' on which the people of the 
 United States may observe the anniversary of the Congressional 
 approval of the Aitken Bible and participate in activities that 
 highlight the Bible's significance in our Nation's past and 
 present.
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