Expressing support for the designation of May 7, 2021, as a "National Day of Reason" and recognizing the central importance of reason in the betterment of humanity.

IV 117TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION H. RES. 357 Expressing support for the designation of May 7, 2021, as a ‘‘National Day of Reason’’ and recognizing the central importance of reason in the betterment of humanity. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES APRIL 28, 2021 Mr. RASKIN (for himself, Mr. HUFFMAN, Mr. POCAN, Ms. NORTON, Ms. JAYAPAL, Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, and Mr. MCNERNEY) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Reform RESOLUTION Expressing support for the designation of May 7, 2021, as a ‘‘National Day of Reason’’ and recognizing the central importance of reason in the betterment of human- ity. Whereas the application of reason has been the essential pre- condition for humanity’s extraordinary scientific, medical, technological, and social progress since the modern En- lightenment; Whereas reason provides the vital catalyst for confronting the crises of our day, including the civilizational emergency of climate change, and for cultivating the rule of law, democratic institutions, justice, and peace among nations; VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:35 Apr 30, 2021 Jkt 019200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HR357.IH HR357 pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with BILLS 2 •HRES 357 IH Whereas irrationality, magical and conspiratorial thinking, and disbelief in science have undermined the national ef- fort to combat the COVID–19 pandemic, contributing to the deaths of more than 555,000 people in the United States; Whereas reason and science are fundamental to implementing an effective coordinated response to beat the COVID–19 virus, which includes improved social confidence in the safety and efficacy of vaccinations and evidence-based so- lutions to the inequities exacerbated by the pandemic, and involves the Federal Government, the States, and the scientific and medical communities; Whereas America’s Founders insisted upon the primacy of reason and knowledge in public life, and drafted the Con- stitution to prevent the official establishment of religion and to protect freedom of thought, speech, and inquiry in civil society; Whereas James Madison, author of the First Amendment and fourth President of the United States, stated that ‘‘The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty’’, and ‘‘Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own governors, must arm themselves with the power knowl- edge gives’’; and Whereas May 7, 2021, would be an appropriate date to des- ignate as a ‘‘National Day of Reason’’: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 1 (1) supports the designation of a ‘‘National 2 Day of Reason’’; and 3 VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:35 Apr 30, 2021 Jkt 019200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6201 E:\BILLS\HR357.IH HR357 pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with BILLS 3 •HRES 357 IH (2) encourages all citizens, residents, and visi- 1 tors to join in observing this day and focusing on the 2 central importance of reason, critical thought, the 3 scientific method, and free inquiry to resolving social 4 problems and promoting the welfare of humankind. 5 Æ VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:35 Apr 30, 2021 Jkt 019200 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6301 E:\BILLS\HR357.IH HR357 pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with BILLS