Celebrating the country's history of church-state separation and recognizing the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

119th Congress Introduced by Yassamin Ansari and 18 co-sponsors

Affirm the United States’ 250th anniversary while reaffirming church-state separation, protecting religious freedom for all and prohibiting government establishment or restriction

Submitted in House

Summary of H.Res. 1415 (119th Congress, 2nd Session)

Purpose and intent

The resolution commemorates the United States’ 250th anniversary and affirms the nation’s longstanding commitment to the separation of church and state.

It emphasizes religious freedom for individuals to choose any faith or no faith, and it emphasizes that government should not establish or prohibit religious exercise.

It seeks to remind lawmakers and the public of the historical and constitutional foundations supporting religious liberty, pluralism, and secular governance.

Key provisions and changes

State recognition of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and the opportunity to reflect on the nation's historical traditions.

Affirmation of core principles:

Individuals may practice their religion or hold no religious beliefs without government interference.
The separation of church and state as a foundational element of religious freedom.
The U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment protections: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.
The existence and impact of the Free Exercise Clause and Establishment Clause in fostering religious pluralism.
The prohibition on religious tests for public office (Article VI, clause 3).

Historical references supporting these principles, including writings and speeches by Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, George Washington, and various Presidents, as well as landmark Supreme Court cases (e.g., Everson v. Board of Education, McCollum v. Board of Education, Engel v. Vitale).

A statement against “theocratic impulses” and a reaffirmation of a secular Constitution that protects religious freedom, pluralism, and democratic self-government.

Affected parties

Legislative and government institutions: Reaffirms constitutional principles guiding all branches, agencies, and public officials in matters related to religion and governance.

The general public: Reinforces expectations about religious liberty, non-discrimination, and secular governance in public life.

Education, public ceremonies, and government communications: Signals adherence to the separation principle in official actions and rhetoric.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced July 2, 2026, by Rep. Huffman (and a listed slate of cosponsors).

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform for consideration.

No substantive amendments or enactment provisions are included; it is a symbolic, commemorative resolution rather than a bill creating enforceable law or budgets.

Notable context

The resolution reiterates long-standing arguments for church-state separation, drawing on historic writings, early constitutional framers, presidential addresses, and Supreme Court jurisprudence.

Serves as a public statement of support for secular governance and religious freedom on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the United States.

If you’d like, I can add a side-by-side comparison with the First Amendment text and key court cases cited to provide additional legal context.