Bill Summary
The legislation is a joint resolution that amends Title 36 of the United States Code to establish "Democracy Day," which would be observed annually on January 6. The resolution highlights the significance of January 6, 2021, when a violent attack on the U.S. Capitol occurred, aiming to disrupt the certification of the 2020 Presidential election results. It acknowledges the bravery of law enforcement during this event and emphasizes the importance of a peaceful transition of power as a cornerstone of American democracy. The President is tasked with issuing an annual proclamation to designate Democracy Day, encouraging state and local governments, as well as educational institutions, to observe the day with appropriate programs and activities that promote democratic values and awareness.
Possible Impacts
The proposed legislation to establish Democracy Day could affect people in several ways:
1. **Increased Civic Engagement**: By designating a specific day to celebrate and reflect on democracy, individuals and communities may be encouraged to participate in civic activities. This could include organizing events such as town hall meetings, lectures, or community discussions about democratic principles, thus fostering a greater sense of civic responsibility and engagement among the populace.
2. **Educational Initiatives**: The resolution calls for civil and educational authorities to observe Democracy Day with appropriate programs. Schools might implement special curricula or activities focused on the importance of democracy, the electoral process, and civic duties. This could help educate younger generations about the significance of democratic values and the importance of participation in the democratic process.
3. **Commemoration of Democratic Values**: The establishment of Democracy Day serves as a formal recognition of the importance of democracy and the need to protect it. This could lead to public displays of solidarity, memorials, or events honoring those who have defended democratic principles, including law enforcement and public figures. Such activities could help reinforce a collective national identity centered around the values of democracy and resilience against threats to it.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.J. Res. 136 Introduced in House (IH)]
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119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. J. RES. 136
Amending title 36, United States Code, to direct the President to issue
an annual proclamation establishing Democracy Day.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 6, 2026
Mr. Crow (for himself, Mr. Goldman of New York, Ms. Goodlander, Mr.
Bell, Mr. Quigley, Mr. Moulton, Mr. Costa, Mrs. Torres of California,
Ms. Garcia of Texas, Mr. Gottheimer, Ms. Stevens, and Ms. Titus)
submitted the following joint resolution; which was referred to the
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
_______________________________________________________________________
JOINT RESOLUTION
Amending title 36, United States Code, to direct the President to issue
an annual proclamation establishing Democracy Day.
Whereas, on January 6, 2021, insurrectionists carried out a violent attack
against the United States Capitol in a failed attempt to disrupt and
harm lawmakers certifying the outcome of the 2020 Presidential election;
Whereas the assault on the United States Capitol resulted in multiple deaths and
physical harm to over 140 members of law enforcement;
Whereas the tremendous bravery displayed by law enforcement officers helped
ensure the successful and democratic transition of presidential power;
Whereas the transition of presidential power has remained an unbroken tradition
for more than 220 years and is a hallmark of American democracy;
Whereas democracy is fragile and requires eternal vigilance to maintain it; and
Whereas January 6 would be an appropriate day to designate as Democracy Day:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress assembled, That chapter 1 of title 36,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new
section (and conforming the table of contents for such chapter
accordingly):
``SEC. 149. DEMOCRACY DAY.
``The President shall issue each year a proclamation--
``(1) designating a day as Democracy Day;
``(2) calling on State and local governments and the people
of the United States to observe Democracy Day with appropriate
programs and activities; and
``(3) urging civil and educational authorities of States,
counties, cities, and towns to observe Democracy Day through
appropriate programs and activities.''.
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