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Commemorating and Supporting Religion

Congressional Action
112th Congress (2011-2012)

 Members of the 112th Congress have introduced several resolutions to recognize or commemorate important religious events and symbols. 

Legislation in the House of Representatives:

                • H.RES.489:Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the symbols and traditions of Christmas should be protected

                  Sponsor: Representative Doug Lamborn
                  Introduced on December 7, 2011

                • H.RES.439: Recognizing the religious and historical significance of the festival of Diwali

                  Sponsor: Representative Joseph Crowley
                  Introduced on October 14, 2011

                • H.RES.253:A resolution to affirm the rich spiritual and religious history of our Nation's founding and express support for designation of the first week in May as "America's Spiritual Heritage Week"

                  Sponsor: Representative Randy Forbes
                  Introduced on May 5, 2011

                • H.CON.RES.38:A resolution to recognize the 400th anniversary of the publication of the King James Version of the Bible

                  Sponsor: Representative Robert Aderholt
                  Introduced on April 12, 2011

                • H.RES.222:A resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism

                  Sponsor: Representative Jerrold Nadler
                  Introduced on April 12, 2011

                • H.RES.211:A resolution to express support for designation of the first weekend of May as Ten Commandments Weekend to recognize the significant contributions the Ten Commandments have made in shaping the principles, institutions, and national character of the United States

                  Sponsor: Representative Louie Gohmert
                  Introduced on April 7, 2011

                • H.CON.RES.13:  A resolution to reaffirm "In God We Trust" as the official motto of the United States and encourage the public display of the national motto in all public buildings, public schools, and other government institutions

                  Sponsor: Representative Randy Forbes
                  Introduced on January 26, 2011

                  Passed by the House on November 1, 2011
                  Referred to the Senate on November 2, 2011

Legislation in the Senate:

      • S.RES.518: A resolution congratulating the Southern Baptist Convention for electing Reverend Fred Luter, Jr., as the president of the Convention, acknowledging Reverend Luter's unique role as the first African-American leader of the Convention, and honoring the commitment of the Convention to an inclusive faith-based community and society.

        Sponsor: Senator Mary Landrieu
        Introduced June 29, 2012

      • S.RES.515: A resolution commending the Catholic Sisters for their contributions to the United States.

        Sponsor: Senator Barbara Mikulski
        Introduced June 28, 2012

      • S.RES.505:A resolution congratulating His Holiness Dorje Chang Buddha III and The Honorable Benjamin A. Gilman on being awarded the 2010 World Peace Prize.

        Sponsor: Senator Robert Menendez
        Introduced June 26, 2012

      • S.RES.291: A resolution recognizing the religious and historical significance of the festival of Diwali

        Sponsor: Senator Robert Menendez
        Introduced October 12, 2011

Information on proposed legislation can be found on the Library of Congress website: http://thomas.loc.gov/home/thomas.php