IV 112th CONGRESS 1st Session H. CON. RES. 38 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 12, 2011 Mr. Aderholt (for himself and Mr. Rahall) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform CONCURRENT RESOLUTION Recognizing the 400th anniversary of the publication of the King James Version of the Bible.

Whereas the King James Version of the Bible was the first English language Bible to be published in the United States; Whereas the King James Bible, also called the Authorized Version, has made a unique contribution in shaping the English language, including hundreds of common everyday expressions; Whereas the language of the King James Bible has entered into the very culture of the United States through a myriad of poetry, speeches, sermons, music, songs, and literature; Whereas the teachings of the Scriptures, particularly read from the King James Scriptures, have inspired concepts of civil government contained in our founding documents, and subsequent laws; Whereas public officials on all levels of governments, including presidents, have taken their oath of office with the King James Bible; Whereas many national leaders, have paid tribute to the surpassing influence of the Bible in the United States development, among them the words of Democratic President Andrew Jackson, calling it “the rock upon which our republic rests”; Whereas Republican President Ronald Reagan also said of the King James Bible, “Indeed, it is an incontrovertible fact that all the complex and horrendous questions confronting us at home and worldwide have their answer in that single book”; Whereas in the history of the United States, the King James Bible has played a significant role in the education of countless individuals, families, and societies; Whereas the King James Bible, the most printed and widely distributed work in history, is now in its 400th year of publication; Whereas in 2011, the 400th anniversary of publishing the King James Bible will be celebrated in churches, public events, and conferences with further research, discussions, speeches, and sermons; and Whereas the King James Bible’s relevance and contributions continue to formatively influence the United States: Now, therefore, be it

That Congress— (1)recognizes the 400th anniversary of the Authorized King James Version of the Bible being published; (2)recognizes its lasting influence on countless families, individuals, and institutions in the United States; and (3)expresses its gratitude for the influence it has bestowed upon the United States.