Jamie Raskin (D-MD)
Expressing support for the designation of May 4, 2025, as a "National Day of Reason" and recognizing the central importance of reason in the betterment of humanity.
A Democratic resolution with 7 Democratic cosponsors · See all 7 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, 2025, as a "National Day of Reason." It recognizes reason as a central requirement for the progress of humanity in scientific, medical, technological, and social fields. The text argues that reason is necessary to address current crises such as climate change, the rise of authoritarianism, and the defense of democratic institutions. It highlights the importance of protecting the separation of church and state to ensure a pluralistic democracy. Finally, the resolution encourages all persons in the United States to observe this day to promote critical thought and the scientific method.
Yes· 3 of 8
- Scored +2
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?
The text advocates for the protection of freedom of speech and inquiry as a core component of reason.
- Scored +2
Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life?
The resolution explicitly highlights the protection of freedom of thought, speech, and inquiry in civil society.
- Scored +1
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The emphasis on knowledge and truth-seeking serves to counter propaganda and disinformation in public life.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Promotion of Human Welfare: The resolution encourages people to uplift reason and the scientific method to resolve social problems and promote the welfare of humankind (Resolution Section 2).
-
Protection of Civil Liberties: The text asserts that reason provides a framework for advancing civil liberties and human rights for all (Whereas Clause 3).
-
Defense of Democratic Institutions: The use of reason is cited as a way to cultivate the defense of the rule of law, the separation of church and state, and strong democratic institutions (Whereas Clause 1).
-
Combatting Disinformation: Reason is presented as an antidote to the fear and disinformation that contribute to the rise of authoritarianism (Whereas Clause 2).
-
Addressing Environmental Issues: The text identifies reason as a tool for confronting the civilizational emergency of climate change (Whereas Clause 4).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly stated in the provided 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.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect the individual right to speak freely? — The text advocates for the protection of freedom of speech and inquiry as a core component of reason. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The emphasis on knowledge and truth-seeking serves to counter propaganda and disinformation in public life.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life? — The resolution explicitly highlights the protection of freedom of thought, speech, and inquiry in civil society. Does this narrow the gap between how men and women are treated? — The resolution's emphasis on advancing civil liberties and human rights for all supports gender equality.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The resolution's commitment to advancing human rights for all supports the rights of people with disabilities.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The resolution promotes the uplift of the scientific method as a means to resolve social problems.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — The resolution identifies reason as a necessary tool for confronting the emergency of climate change.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this strengthen ties with allied countries? — The text notes that reason provides a framework for cultivating peace among nations.
- 5/5/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 5/1/2025
- Submitted in House
- Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 5 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
Jared HuffmanDemocrat · California
Henry JohnsonDemocrat · Georgia
Pramila JayapalDemocrat · Washington
Eleanor NortonDemocrat · District of Columbia
Mark PocanDemocrat · Wisconsin
Rashida TlaibDemocrat · Michigan