Bill · H.Res. 1266· House(119-HRES-1266)
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.
- Introduced
- 5/7/2026
- Last activity
- 5/7/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Sponsored by
- Jamie Raskin
- Cosponsors
- - 8 - 0
- 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
Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life?+3
The text explicitly highlights the importance of protecting freedom of thought, speech, and inquiry.
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?+3
The text promotes the protection of freedom of thought, conscience, and speech.
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?+1
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)
-
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)
-
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. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Freedom Of Speech+3Improves Policing Reform+1Improves Racial Equity+1Improves Voting Rights+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Freedom Of Speech+3Improves Government Transparency+1Increases Federal Power+1
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For People With Disabilities+1Good For Women+1
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+1Improves Veterans Benefits+1
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Reduces Carbon Emissions+1
- 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