What This Bill Does
This bill directs the President to issue a proclamation each year establishing Democracy Day. The bill amends federal law to make Democracy Day an official observance and calls on state and local governments and citizens to mark the day with appropriate programs and activities.
Who It Affects
The President, state governments, local governments (counties, cities and towns), civil authorities, educational authorities and the people of the United States.
Key Provisions
• The President must issue a proclamation each year that designates a day as Democracy Day (Sec. 1)
• The President must call on state and local governments and the American people to observe Democracy Day with appropriate programs and activities (Sec. 1)
• The President must urge civil and educational authorities of states, counties, cities and towns to observe Democracy Day through appropriate programs and activities (Sec. 1)
What Changes
If this bill becomes law, a new section (SEC. 148) will be added to chapter 1 of title 36 of the United States Code. This section will require the President to issue an annual proclamation for Democracy Day.
Important Definitions
None defined in bill text.
IA
118TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
H. J. RES. 14
Amending title 36, United States Code, to direct the President to issue
an annual proclamation establishing Democracy Day.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
JANUARY 10, 2023
Mr. PHILLIPS (for himself, Mr. CROW, Mr. GOLDMAN of New York, Ms. GAR-
CIA of Texas, Mr. BOYLE of Pennsylvania, Ms. JACKSON LEE, Mr.
PETERS, Mr. PAYNE, Ms. NORTON, Mr. ESPAILLAT, Ms. TITUS, Mr.
FOSTER, Mr. QUIGLEY, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN, Mr.
CA´RDENAS,
Mr.
SWALWELL,
Mr.
MCGOVERN,
Mr.
LIEU,
Mr.
GOTTHEIMER, Mr. CARSON, Mrs. TORRES of California, Ms. MENG, Mr.
MOULTON, Mr. BLUMENAUER, Mr. PANETTA, Mr. LEVIN, Ms. STEVENS,
Mr. COSTA, Mr. NEGUSE, Mrs. HAYES, Ms. MCCOLLUM, and Ms. WIL-
LIAMS of Georgia) submitted the following joint resolution; which was re-
ferred to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability
JOINT RESOLUTION
Amending title 36, United States Code, to direct the Presi-
dent to issue an annual proclamation establishing De-
mocracy Day.
Whereas, on January 6, 2021, insurrectionists carried out a
violent attack against the United States Capitol in a
failed attempt to disrupt and harm lawmakers certifying
the outcome of the 2020 Presidential election;
Whereas the assault on the United States Capitol resulted in
multiple deaths and physical harm to over 140 members
of law enforcement;
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•HJ 14 IH
Whereas the tremendous bravery displayed by law enforce-
ment officers helped ensure the successful and democratic
transition of presidential power;
Whereas the transition of presidential power has remained an
unbroken tradition for more than 220 years and is a hall-
mark of American democracy;
Whereas democracy is fragile and requires eternal vigilance
to maintain it; and
Whereas January 6 would be an appropriate day to designate
as Democracy Day: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives
1
of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
2
SECTION 1. DESIGNATION OF DEMOCRACY DAY.
3
Chapter 1 of title 36, United States Code, is amended
4
by adding at the end the following new section:
5
‘‘SEC. 148. DEMOCRACY DAY.
6
‘‘The President shall issue each year a proclama-
7
tion—
8
‘‘(1) designating a day as Democracy Day;
9
‘‘(2) calling on State and local governments and
10
the people of the United States to observe Democ-
11
racy Day with appropriate programs and activities;
12
and
13
‘‘(3) urging civil and educational authorities of
14
States, counties, cities, and towns to observe Democ-
15
racy Day through appropriate programs and activi-
16
ties.’’.
17
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•HJ 14 IH
SEC. 2. CONFORMING AMENDMENT.
1
The table of contents for chapter 1 of title 36, United
2
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the fol-
3
lowing new item:
4
‘‘148. Democracy Day.’’.
Æ
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