Expressing support for the designation of May 7, 2020, as a "National Day of Reason" and recognizing the central importance of reason in the betterment of humanity.

IV 116TH CONGRESS 2D SESSION H. RES. 947 Expressing support for the designation of May 7, 2020, as a ‘‘National Day of Reason’’ and recognizing the central importance of reason in the betterment of humanity. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MAY 1, 2020 Mr. RASKIN (for himself, Mr. HUFFMAN, Ms. NORTON, 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, 2020, 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 vital hope today for confronting the environmental crises of our day, including the civilizational emergency of climate change, and for culti- vating the rule of law, democratic institutions, justice, and peace among nations; VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:37 May 02, 2020 Jkt 099200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HR947.IH HR947 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS 2 •HRES 947 IH Whereas irrationality, magical thinking, and superstition have undermined the national effort to combat the COVID–19 pandemic, and reason is fundamental to creating an ef- fective coordinated response to beat the virus involving 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 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, 2020, 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 (2) encourages all citizens, residents, and visi- 4 tors to join in observing this day and focusing on the 5 central importance of reason, critical thought, the 6 VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:37 May 02, 2020 Jkt 099200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6201 E:\BILLS\HR947.IH HR947 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS 3 •HRES 947 IH scientific method, and free inquiry to resolving social 1 problems and promoting the welfare of humankind. 2 Æ VerDate Sep 11 2014 00:37 May 02, 2020 Jkt 099200 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6301 E:\BILLS\HR947.IH HR947 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS