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HRES 365119th CongressIn Committee

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the House should recognize Robert Aitken's Bible as a historical document of the United States Congress.

Introduced: Apr 30, 2025
Standard Summary
Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

H. Res. 365 is a House of Representatives resolution that expresses the sense of the House that it should recognize Robert Aitken's Bible as a historical document of the United States Congress. It is a symbolic, non-binding statement—not a law—thanking and acknowledging the Bible’s historical ties to early Congress. The resolution cites historical milestones related to the Aitken Bible, including its status as the first known English-language Bible printed in North America and the 1781 petition and 1782 committee actions that supported the project. The resolution was introduced on April 30, 2025, by Rep. Ogles (joined by several co-sponsors) and referred to the Committee on House Administration for consideration. Because this is a “sense of the House” resolution, it does not create new rights, mandates, or funding. Its effect is to acknowledge and highlight the historical connection between Robert Aitken’s Bible and the U.S. Congress, potentially informing educational materials, museum exhibits, and scholarly discussion about the early relationship between religion, printing, and American government.

Key Points

  • 1The resolution states it is the sense of the House that the House should recognize Robert Aitken's Bible as a historical document of the United States Congress.
  • 2It identifies Robert Aitken's Bible as the first known English-language Bible printed in North America.
  • 3It notes that on January 21, 1781, Aitken presented a memorial petition to Congress offering to print an edition of the Bible for use in schools.
  • 4It cites the September 12, 1782, Committee on Congress resolution praising the undertaking and recommending the edition to the inhabitants of the United States.
  • 5It mentions Charles Thomson, the Secretary of the Continental Congress, as having signed the 1782 resolution related to the Aitken Bible.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: Historians, educators, museums, and governmental archival/educational programs that study or present early U.S. history.Secondary group/area affected: Members of the public, students, and researchers who engage with historical documents and the nation’s founding era.Additional impacts: Increases public acknowledgment of the historical interplay between religion, printing, and government; no funding or legal changes; could influence future educational materials, exhibits, or commemorations, but remains symbolic rather than legislative.
Generated by gpt-5-nano on Oct 31, 2025