[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 5279 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
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119th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 5279
To amend title 36, United States Code, to designate November as
National American History and Founders Month.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
August 6, 2026
Mr. Wicker (for himself, Mr. Kaine, and Mr. McCormick) introduced the
following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on
the Judiciary
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend title 36, United States Code, to designate November as
National American History and Founders Month.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National American History and
Founders Month Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) As the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary
of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, the
United States is a Nation characterized by cultural and
geographic diversity and uniquely bound by a common heritage
and history that began on July 4, 1776, with the profound words
of the Declaration of Independence.
(2) The preservation and understanding of the history of
the United States and the principles of the Founding Fathers
are intrinsic values that unite the people of the United States
and provide a foundation for understanding the origins and
ideals of the United States by providing a common bond.
(3) Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson
stressed the crucial role of an informed citizenry in a free
society. They believed that an educated and knowledgeable
citizenry was essential for the survival of a democratic
republic and for the preservation of liberty.
(4) Civics education in the United States has experienced a
significant decline, with only 13 percent of eighth graders
proficient in United States history and 22 percent of eighth
graders proficient in civics, according to the 2022 National
Assessment of Educational Progress.
(5) A decline in civics education impairs the ability of
young people of the United States to engage meaningfully with
public officials and appreciate the philosophical foundations
of the American Revolutionary period, the Declaration of
Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the
Bill of Rights.
(6) Civics education for students can raise awareness of
the significant events, influential figures, and philosophical
bases that shaped the United States, inspiring a renewed
appreciation for its rich history.
(7) Educational and service organizations in law, political
science, and related fields should be encouraged to support the
study of the history of the United States to cultivate informed
and engaged citizens to understand the documents that define
the United States, including the Declaration of Independence,
the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of Rights.
(8) Designating November as National American History and
Founders Month would also aid in the discovery, collection, and
preservation of historical records, documents, monuments, and
structures that illuminate the history of the first founders
and their descendants.
(9) November is the month during which the United States
celebrates Thanksgiving. President George Washington issued the
first national Thanksgiving proclamation designating Thursday,
November 26, 1789, as a day of public prayer and gratitude for
the United States. Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation
officially establishing Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday
to designate the last Thursday of November as a day for
thanksgiving and unity. Designating the entire month of
November as National American History and Founders Month would
extend this tradition of unity and gratitude for the United
States by deepening the understanding and appreciation for the
United States by the people of the United States.
(10) A permanent designation of November as National
American History and Founders Month would encourage schools,
communities, and organizations to host events, educational
programs, and initiatives that celebrate and teach the history
of the United States and the contributions of the Founding
Fathers.
(11) The unique circumstances and events that created the
United States must be well known by the citizenry of the United
States so as to perpetuate into the future the values and
rights of the United States of individual freedom, liberty, and
the pursuit of happiness.
(12) Such a designation will inspire young people of the
United States to learn about and take pride in the history of
the United States, fostering a sense of unity and shared
purpose.
SEC. 3. DESIGNATION.
(a) In General.--Chapter 1 of part A of subtitle I of title 36,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 149. National American History and Founders Month
``(a) Designation.--November is National American History and
Founders Month.
``(b) Proclamations.--The President is requested to issue each year
a proclamation calling on the people of the United States, and the
chief executive officers of each State of the United States, the
District of Columbia, and each territory and possession of the United
States are requested to issue each year proclamations calling on the
people of their respective jurisdictions, to observe National American
History and Founders Month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and
activities that enhance civics education and historical literacy.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 1 of
part A of subtitle I of title 36, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``149. National American History and Founders Month.''.
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