119 HJ 118 IH: Expressing support for designating September 12, 2025, as “The Day of the Bible” in the United States of America. U.S. House of Representatives 2025-09-02 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.

IA119th CONGRESS1st SessionH. J. RES. 118IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESSeptember 2, 2025Mr. 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 ReformJOINT RESOLUTIONExpressing 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; andWhereas 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

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.