118 HRES 1191 IH: Expressing support for the designation of May 4, 2024, as a “National Day of Reason” and recognizing the central importance of reason in the betterment of humanity. U.S. House of Representatives 2024-05-01 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV118th CONGRESS2d SessionH. RES. 1191IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMay 1, 2024Mr. Raskin (for himself, Mr. Huffman, Ms. Norton, and Ms. Brownley) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and AccountabilityRESOLUTIONExpressing support for the designation of May 4, 2024, as a National Day of Reason and recognizing the central importance of reason in the betterment of humanity.

Whereas the application of reason has been the essential precondition for humanity’s extraordinary scientific, medical, technological, and social progress since before the founding of the United States; Whereas reason provides vital hope today for confronting the environmental crises of today, including— (1)the civilizational emergency of climate change; (2)for advancing civil liberties for all, including the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals and access to all reproductive health care such as in-vitro fertilization, contraception, and abortion; and (3)for cultivating the rule of law, democratic institutions, justice, and peace among nations; Whereas America’s Founders insisted upon the primacy of reason and knowledge in public life, and drafted the Constitution to prevent official establishment of religion and to protect freedom of thought, speech, and inquiry in civil society; Whereas James Madison, author of the First Amendment and fourth President of the United States, stated, The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty, and Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own governors, must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives; and Whereas May 4, 2024, would be an appropriate date to designate as a National Day of Reason: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1)supports the designation of a National Day of Reason; and (2)encourages all citizens, residents, and visitors to join in observing this day and focusing on the central importance of reason, critical thought, the scientific method, and free inquiry to resolving social problems and promoting the welfare of humankind.