Jamie Raskin (D-MD)
Expressing support for the designation of May 4, 2026, as a "National Day of Reason" and recognizing the central importance of reason in the betterment of humanity.
A Democratic resolution with 8 Democratic cosponsors · See all 8 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
A House resolution is the House speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the House agrees to it, it is officially the House's word; it is not a law, so the Senate and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
This resolution expresses support for designating May 4, 2026, as a "National Day of Reason." It recognizes reason as essential for scientific, medical, technological, and social progress. The text argues that reason is a necessary framework for addressing modern crises like climate change and the rise of authoritarianism. It also highlights the importance of protecting civil liberties and the separation of church and state. Finally, the resolution encourages all persons in the United States to observe this day to promote the welfare of humankind.
Yes· 3 of 13
- Scored +3
Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life?
The text explicitly highlights the importance of protecting freedom of thought, speech, and inquiry.
- Scored +3
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?
The text promotes the protection of freedom of thought, conscience, and speech.
- Scored +1
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?
The resolution advocates for the advancement of human rights and civil liberties for all people.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Promoting Social and Scientific Progress: The bill suggests that reason is a precondition for extraordinary scientific, medical, technological, and social progress. (Whereas clause)
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Addressing Modern Crises: Reason is identified as a framework for confronting the civilizational emergency of climate change and the rise of authoritarianism fed by fear and disinformation. (Whereas clauses 1, 2, and 4)
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Protecting Rights and Liberties: The text states that reason provides a framework for advancing civil liberties and human rights for all. (Whereas clause 3)
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Defending Democracy and Rule of Law: The resolution notes that reason helps cultivate the defense of the rule of law, strong democratic institutions, justice, and peace among nations. (Whereas clause 1)
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Protecting Religious Freedom and Pluralism: The text states that the principles of reason protect the rights of people of all religious faiths and those of none at all, ensuring a pluralistic democracy. (Whereas clause)
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Encouraging Critical Thought: The resolution encourages people to uplift the importance of critical thought, the scientific method, and free inquiry to resolve social problems. (Resolved clause 2)
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts or burdens are explicitly mentioned in the text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life? — The text explicitly highlights the importance of protecting freedom of thought, speech, and inquiry. Does this change how police departments operate? — The resolution promotes the rule of law and justice as essential components of a reasoned society. Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The resolution advocates for the advancement of human rights and civil liberties for all people. Does this protect the right to vote? — The text emphasizes the role of knowledge and reason in maintaining a people's ability to be their own governors.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect the individual right to speak freely? — The text promotes the protection of freedom of thought, conscience, and speech. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The text champions the advancement of knowledge and facts over propaganda and disinformation. Does this give the federal government more power? — The resolution supports the protection of strong democratic institutions and the rule of law.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The resolution supports the advancement of civil liberties and human rights for all. Would women be better off under this? — The resolution advocates for the advancement of human rights for all people.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The bill cites reason as a tool for promoting peace among nations. Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The resolution promotes the welfare of humankind through reason and justice.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The resolution emphasizes the importance of the scientific method and free inquiry for social progress.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — The resolution identifies reason as a necessary framework for confronting the crisis of climate change.
- 5/11/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 5/7/2026
- Submitted in House
- Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 6 Cosponsors added.
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Julia BrownleyDemocrat · California
Christopher DeluzioDemocrat · Pennsylvania
Jared HuffmanDemocrat · California
Henry JohnsonDemocrat · Georgia
Pramila JayapalDemocrat · Washington
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Mark PocanDemocrat · Wisconsin
Emily RandallDemocrat · Washington