IV 118TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION H. RES. 356 Expressing support for the designation of May 4, 2023, as a ‘‘National Day of Reason’’ and recognizing the central importance of reason in the betterment of humanity. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MAY 2, 2023 Mr. RASKIN (for himself, Mr. HUFFMAN, Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia, Mr. POCAN, Ms. NORTON, Ms. JAYAPAL, and Ms. BROWNLEY) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability RESOLUTION Expressing support for the designation of May 4, 2023, 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 before the found- ing of our country; 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 21:56 May 02, 2023 Jkt 039200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HR356.IH HR356 pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB 2 •HRES 356 IH Whereas the United States founders insisted upon the pri- macy of reason and knowledge in public life, and drafted the Constitution to prevent official establishment of reli- gion and to protect freedom of thought, speech, and in- quiry in civil society; Whereas James Madison, author of the First Amendment and fourth President of the United States, stated ‘‘the advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty’’, and ‘‘knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own governors, must arm themselves with the power knowl- edge gives’’; and Whereas May 4, 2023, would be an appropriate date to des- ignate as a ‘‘National Day of Reason’’: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 1 (1) supports the designation of a ‘‘National 2 Day of Reason’’; and 3 (2) encourages all citizens, residents, and visi- 4 tors to join in observing this day and focusing on the 5 central importance of reason, critical thought, the 6 scientific method, and free inquiry to resolving social 7 problems and promoting the welfare of humankind. 8 Æ VerDate Sep 11 2014 21:56 May 02, 2023 Jkt 039200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6301 E:\BILLS\HR356.IH HR356 pbinns on DSKJLVW7X2PROD with $$_JOB