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HJRES 118119th CongressIn Committee

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

Introduced: Sep 2, 2025
Civil Rights & Justice
View on Congress.gov
Standard Summary
Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

H. J. Res. 118 is a House Joint Resolution introduced in the 119th Congress that expresses support for designating September 12, 2025, as “The Day of the Bible” in the United States. The resolution grounds the observance in the historical role of the Bible in American history, particularly the publication and approval of the Aitken Bible—the first complete English-language Bible printed in America and approved by Congress in 1782. It urges schools, civic institutions, and community organizations to observe the day with educational and cultural programs highlighting the Bible’s significance, and it directs the President to issue a proclamation each year designating The Day of the Bible on the anniversary of Congress’s approval of the Aitken Bible. The bill is largely ceremonial and does not create new federal programs or authorize spending.

Key Points

  • 1Expresses formal support for designating September 12, 2025, as “The Day of the Bible” in the United States.
  • 2Cites the Aitken Bible (1782) and its approval by Congress as the historical basis for the observance, linking the day to national heritage and values.
  • 3Encourages schools, civic institutions, and community organizations to observe the day with educational, historical, and cultural programs.
  • 4Requires the President to issue an annual proclamation designating The Day of the Bible on the anniversary of Congress’s approval of the Aitken Bible.
  • 5The bill is introductory and ceremonial, with no new federal funding or statutory programs attached.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: Religious communities and Bible-related organizations, along with educational and civic institutions that might host events or programs to observe the day.Secondary group/area affected: The general public and students who might participate in commemorations or educational activities; government officials who would issue proclamations.Additional impacts: Potential public dialogue about religion in government observances; possible constitutional considerations regarding the government’s endorsement of religion (though the measure is a ceremonial resolution proposing proclamations rather than creating new legal requirements).
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