[Deschler-Brown Precedents, Volume 17, Chapters 34 - 40]
[Ch. 36. Ceremonies and Awards]
[Â§ 6. âReligious Observances]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[Page 171-176]
 
                               CHAPTER 36
 
                         Ceremonies and Awards
 
Sec. 6. --Religious Observances

National Day of Reconciliation

Sec. 6.1 The House suspended the rules and agreed to an unreported 
    concurrent resolution (discharged from the Committee on House 
    Administration) authorizing use of the House Chamber for an 
    assembly of House and Senate

[[Page 172]]

    Members and Chaplains to ``seek the blessings of 
    Providence.''(1)
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 1. For other examples of ceremonies of a religious nature that have 
        been held in the Capitol Rotunda, see 147 Cong. Rec. 16761, 
        16762, 107th Cong. 1st Sess., Sept. 12, 2001 (H. Con. Res. 223, 
        permitting use of Capitol Rotunda for prayer vigil in memory of 
        those who lost their lives in the events of Sept. 11, 2001), 
        and 104 Cong. Rec. 4621, 4622, 104th Cong. 2d Sess., Mar. 13, 
        1996 (S. Con. Res. 45, authorizing use of Capitol Rotunda for 
        presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal to Reverend and 
        Mrs. Billy Graham). See also Sec. 6.2, infra.
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    Parliamentarian's Note: The adoption of the following resolution is 
a historical anomaly, as the House has traditionally shunted ceremonies 
of a religious nature from the Chamber itself.(2)
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 2. On Nov. 19, 1804, the House adopted the following resolution: 
        ``That, in future, no person shall be permitted to perform 
        divine service in the chamber occupied by the House of 
        Representatives, unless with the consent of the Speaker.''  H. 
        Jour., 8th Cong., p. 17. The House in 1828 ordered that the 
        Chamber should be used only for legislative business and 
        religious services on Sundays. 5 Hinds' Precedents Sec. 7270. 
        In 1880, the House adopted what is now Rule IV, which provides 
        that the ``Hall of the House shall be used only for the 
        legislative business of the House . . . except when the House 
        agrees to take part of any ceremonies therein.'' See Rule IV 
        clause 1, House Rules and Manual Sec. 677 (2007).
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    On Oct. 23, 2001,(3) Mr. John T. Doolittle, of 
California moved to suspend the rules and agree to a concurrent 
resolution, as follows:
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 3. 147 Cong. Rec. 20388-90, 107th Cong. 1st Sess.
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        Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
    agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 184) providing for 
    a National Day of Reconciliation, as amended.
        The Clerk read as follows:

                                H. Con. Res. 184

            Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
        concurring), That on a day of reconciliation selected jointly 
        by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the 
        President pro tempore of the Senate, and with the Chaplain of 
        the House of Representatives and the Chaplain of the Senate in 
        attendance--
            (1) the two Houses of the Congress shall assemble in the 
        Hall of the House of Representatives at a time when the two 
        Houses are not in session; and
            (2) during this assembly, the Members of the two Houses may 
        gather to humbly seek the blessings of Providence for 
        forgiveness, reconciliation, unity, and charity for all people 
        of the United States, thereby assisting the Nation to realize 
        its potential as the champion of hope, the vindicator of the 
        defenseless, and the guardian of freedom.

        The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman 
    from California (Mr. Doolittle) will control 20 minutes.
        The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California (Mr. 
    Doolittle).

[[Page 173]]

        Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
    consume.
        Mr. Speaker, this is a resolution that calls for the two Houses 
    of Congress to assemble in this Chamber at a time when the House 
    and the Senate are not in session and that during this assembly the 
    Members of the two Houses may gather to humbly seek the blessings 
    of Providence for forgiveness, reconciliation, unity, and charity 
    for all people of the United States, thereby assisting the Nation 
    to realize its potential as a champion of hope, the vindicator of 
    the defenseless, and the guardian of freedom. . . .
        Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
    gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay), the author of the resolution.
        Mr. [Tom] DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for 
    yielding me time; and I thank my good friend from California for 
    bringing this resolution to the floor. This is a resolution that is 
    coauthored by me and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Hall). . . .
        We have heard suggestions that other spaces within the Capitol 
    would be more fitting and appropriate venues than the House 
    Chamber. I could not disagree more strongly. Please let me explain 
    why.
        Our House Chamber is the symbolic heart of American democracy. 
    It is right here that we do our work. It is here that decisions 
    bearing heavily on our destiny are decided. It is here that all 
    three branches of our government assemble during moments of great 
    national gravity. . . .
        Members should also know that this resolution raises no 
    constitutional barriers. It has been vetted thoroughly and poses no 
    challenges to law.
        To alleviate another concern, Members should know that we 
    intend the entire scope of the Day of Reconciliation to occur 
    without TV broadcast. Members should have no fear that this format 
    could breach their privacy. Privacy in worship will be respected by 
    this gathering because it will not be recorded. It is a chance for 
    America's leaders to approach God.
        We know we have all fallen short of our potential. We know that 
    our Nation has also failed to achieve all that it could. Members 
    can take a firm step toward realizing those twin objectives by 
    supporting this resolution.
        Remember, all we ask is that willing Members be permitted to 
    gather to humbly seek the blessings of Providence for forgiveness, 
    reconciliation, unity, and charity for all the people of the United 
    States, thereby assisting the Nation to realize its potential as 
    the champion of hope, the vindicator of the defenseless, and the 
    guardian of freedom.

                                {time}  1545

        A national day of reconciliation will be good for each of us as 
    elected officials and men and women, but it will be even better for 
    America. It is time to come together, and I believe that this 
    resolution will be an immeasurable help in solidifying our country.
        So, Mr. Speaker, for that reason I ask Members to support the 
    resolution.
        Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 5 minutes to 
    the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Hall).
        Mr. [Tony P.] HALL of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman 
    for yielding me this time. . . .

[[Page 174]]

        The fact that this is being done when we are not in session I 
    think is important. That means the cameras are not on us. That 
    means the press is not here. So we are not doing it for pious 
    reasons; we are doing it because we sincerely hope that Members 
    will come here on their own in a voluntary way and humbly ask God 
    for guidance and wisdom to do what we should be doing, not only as 
    representatives of this country in our districts, but, what do You 
    want us to do? . . .
        I think this is what this resolution is all about. This is the 
    reason why I went in on it. The only stipulation I made with the 
    gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay) was that we do it privately, to 
    not do it in front of the TV cameras. We do not do it in public. We 
    do not do it to bring publicity to ourselves. That is the worst 
    kind of thing to do. I think this legislation addresses that.
        For that reason, I support it and I hope the whole body 
    supports it. . . .
        Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 4\1/2\ 
    minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Blunt), the chief 
    deputy whip and a cosponsor of this resolution.
        Mr. [Roy] BLUNT [of Missouri]. Mr. Speaker, I thank the 
    gentleman for yielding me this time. . . .
        Our Nation has a strong background in faith and worship by 
    government officials. It is a background that other speakers, 
    including the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Hall), have already talked 
    about. George Washington established a day of thanksgiving and 
    prayer as the first President. Every President since President 
    Kennedy has said a prayer just outside the doors of this Chamber 
    before entering the House to give the State of the Union address. 
    The House Chaplain opens every session of Congress with a morning 
    prayer. Above the podium, Mr. Speaker, are engraved the words, ``In 
    God We Trust.'' During the Civil War, President Lincoln set aside 
    several days of national mourning and prayer. In the 1950s and in 
    the 1980s, Congress passed resolutions providing for national days 
    of prayer; and later, those resolutions became public laws. . . .
        Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
    time.
        The SPEAKER pro tempore.(4) Are there further 
    requests for time? If not the question is on the motion offered by 
    the gentleman from California (Mr. Doolittle) that the House 
    suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. 
    Res. 184, as amended.
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 4. James V. Hansen (UT).
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        The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
    thereof) the rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution, as 
    amended, was agreed to.
        A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

Sec. 6.2 The House, by unanimous consent, agreed to a Senate concurrent 
    resolution authorizing use of the Rotunda for an ``assembly'' of 
    House and Senate Members and Chaplains for a National Day of 
    Reconciliation to ``seek the blessings of 
    Providence.''(1)
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 1. Parliamentarian's Note: The Senate balked at the idea of using the 
        House Chamber for this ceremony as put forward in the House 
        companion, H. Con. Res. 184. See Sec. 6.1, supra.

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[[Page 175]]

    On Nov. 16, 2001,(2) the following events occurred:
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 2. 147 Cong. Rec. 22910, 22911, 107th Cong. 1st Sess.
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         PROVIDING FOR USE OF ROTUNDA OF CAPITOL FOR A NATIONAL DAY OF 
                                 RECONCILIATION

        Mr. [Thomas] REYNOLDS [of New York]. Mr. Speaker, I ask 
    unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the Senate 
    concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 83) providing for a National 
    Day of Reconciliation, and ask for its immediate consideration in 
    the House.
        The Clerk read the title of the Senate concurrent resolution.
        The SPEAKER pro tempore.(3) Is there objection to 
    the request of the gentleman from New York?
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 3. Vito Fossella (NY).
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        There was no objection.(4)
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 4. No subsequent printings of the private ceremony that was held on 
        Dec. 4, 2001, were placed in the Congressional Record.
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        The Clerk read the Senate concurrent resolution, as follows:

                              S. Con. Res. 83
      Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring),

     SECTION 1. USE OF ROTUNDA OF THE CAPITOL.

       The rotunda of the Capitol is authorized to be used at any 
     time on November 27, 2001, or December 4, 2001, for a 
     National Day of Reconciliation where--
       (1) the 2 Houses of Congress shall assemble in the rotunda 
     with the Chaplain of the House of Representatives and the 
     Chaplain of the Senate in attendance; and
       (2) during this assembly, the Members of the 2 Houses may 
     gather to humbly seek the blessings of Providence for 
     forgiveness, reconciliation, unity, and charity for all 
     people of the United States, thereby assisting the Nation to 
     realize its potential as--
       (A) the champion of hope;
       (B) the vindicator of the defenseless; and
       (C) the guardian of freedom.

     SEC. 2. PHYSICAL PREPARATIONS FOR THE ASSEMBLY.

       Physical preparations for the assembly shall be carried out 
     in accordance with such conditions as the Architect of the 
     Capitol may prescribe.

The Senate concurrent resolution was concurred in.

A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

Easter

Sec. 6.3 Program of Easter Service held on the Capitol steps.

    On Apr. 22, 1943,(1) Mr. Karl E. Mundt, of South Dakota, 
addressed the House regarding the nonsectarian Easter service which was 
to be held on Sunday, Apr. 25, 1943. This service, while not an 
official function of the House, was announced in the House. The program 
for that Easter service is included below, following Mr. Mundt's 
remarks.
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 1. 89 Cong. Rec. 3707, 78th Cong. 1st Sess.
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        Mr. MUNDT. Mr. Speaker, next Sunday morning, April 25, for the 
    first time in the history of this Government, an Easter morning 
    service will be held on the main steps of the Capitol. These 
    services are being sponsored by a committee of Senators and 
    Representatives and the Capitol Fellowship Forum. I take this 
    opportunity of inviting all Members of Congress and their families 
    who will be in town on Easter to

[[Page 176]]

    join us in these services which are also open to the public. They 
    are to be strictly nonsectarian in character.
        Through the cooperation of the Speaker, the wartime ban with 
    respect to holding large public gatherings on the Capitol Grounds 
    during this crisis has been modified for this occasion. The 
    services will begin at 8:30, and Capt. Robert D. Workman, the Chief 
    of Navy Chaplains, will be the principal speaker. The Navy Band 
    will play a musical prelude beginning at 8 o'clock. We hope this 
    special service will help in its small way to demonstrate that what 
    has become of necessity, the wartime capital of the world is also 
    the best and most unselfish hope of all humanity that this conflict 
    will be followed by an era of peace, good will, and Christian 
    brotherly love.
        I ask unanimous consent, to include the program with my 
    remarks.
        The SPEAKER.(2) Is there objection?
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 2. Sam Rayburn (TX).
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        There was no objection.

                                Program

                            Easter Services

   United States Capitol Steps, 8:30 Sunday morning, April. 25, 1943

        (Congressman Karl E. Mundt, of South Dakota, presiding)

       Musical prelude--------United States Navy
                                                              Band

                     Lt. Charles Brendler, director

       America--------------Entire assembly
       Invocation---Capt. John F. B. Carruthers,
                                                       C. S. M. F.

                     Chairman, Christian Commission

       Statement of purpose---------George H.
                                                           Kendall

                  President, Capitol Fellowship Forum

       A Toast to the Flag---------The Telephone
                                                         Glee Club

           Robert Davidson, director; words by John Jay Daly

       The American's Creed---------Entire assembly

             Led by John Page, eldest son of the author of

                                                         the Creed
       Address---------Capt. Robert D. Workman

                        Chief of Navy Chaplains

       Boston Commandery (Carter)---------United
                                                  States Navy Band
       Gloria in Excelsis (Mozart)-----------The
                                               Telephone Glee Club
       Benediction---------Glenn E. Wagner

                 President, Washington Bible Institute

       The Star-Spangled Banner---------Entire
                                                          assembly
       Musical postlude----------United States Navy
                                                              Band