Summary of HCONRES 43

Bill Information

• Bill Number: HCONRES 43
• Title: Expressing the sense of Congress that any public rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" must be performed as written by Francis Scott Key, in English.
• Status: Submitted in House
• Introduced: July 10, 2025
• Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

HCONRES 43 aims to express the sense of Congress regarding the performance of the national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner." The resolution emphasizes the importance of performing the anthem as originally written by Francis Scott Key, specifically in the English language. The intent is to preserve the historical and cultural integrity of the anthem and to maintain its significance as a unifying symbol for the American people.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes the following key provisions:

1. Performance Standards:

   • Any public rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" should be performed as written by Francis Scott Key, in English.

2. Cultural Integrity:

   • Public performances should reflect the original lyrics to uphold the anthem's unifying significance for the United States.

3. Encouragement for Performers:

   • Performers and organizers of public events are encouraged to honor the tradition of presenting the anthem in its original English form, recognizing its historical and patriotic importance.

Affected Parties

The resolution primarily affects:
- Performers: Musicians and vocalists who perform the national anthem at public events.
- Event Organizers: Individuals and organizations responsible for planning public events where the anthem is performed.
- General Public: Citizens who engage with the national anthem during events, as the resolution seeks to reinforce a shared cultural experience.

Legislative Actions

• July 10, 2025: The bill was introduced and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Sponsors

The resolution has a number of sponsors, indicating bipartisan support:
- Primary Sponsor: Stephanie I. Bice
- Cosponsors:
- Randy Feenstra
- David Rouzer
- Mike Rogers
- Earl L. "Buddy" Carter
- Ralph Norman
- Barry Moore
- Gregory F. Murphy
- Derrick Van Orden
- Erin Houchin
- Troy Downing
- Mariannette Miller-Meeks

Related Bills

• SCONRES 17: This is a companion resolution in the Senate that addresses similar themes regarding the performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Conclusion

HCONRES 43 seeks to reaffirm the importance of performing "The Star-Spangled Banner" in its original form, emphasizing its historical and cultural significance. By encouraging adherence to the original lyrics, the resolution aims to foster unity and respect for the anthem among the American public.