Summary of HRES 773
Bill Number: HRES 773
Title: Honoring the foundational principle of separation of church and state, opposing extreme right-wing Christian nationalism, and recognizing the 65th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's address to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association and 150th anniversary of President Ulysses S. Grant's speech to the Society of the Army of the Tennessee.
Status: Submitted in House
Introduced: September 30, 2025
Classification: Resolution
Purpose and Intent
HRES 773 aims to honor the foundational principle of separation of church and state in the United States. The resolution explicitly opposes extreme right-wing Christian nationalism and reaffirms the commitment to true religious freedom for all individuals. Additionally, it commemorates significant historical speeches by Presidents John F. Kennedy and Ulysses S. Grant, highlighting their relevance to the principles of religious freedom and governmental authority.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes several important provisions:
Honoring Foundational Principles: It honors the Founding Fathers' commitment to the separation of church and state.
Commemorating Historical Speeches:
- Recognizes the 65th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s address to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association.
- Recognizes the 150th anniversary of President Ulysses S. Grant’s speech to the Society of the Army of the Tennessee.
Affirmation of Religious Freedom:
- Reaffirms the commitment to protecting the separation of church and state as well as true religious freedom for every individual.
Encouragement for Reflection:
- Encourages all Americans to reflect on the importance of maintaining a clear distinction between governmental authority and religious institutions.
Opposition to Religious Extremism:
- Opposes extreme right-wing Christian nationalism and any forms of religious extremism that threaten constitutional principles of religious freedom.
Impact
The resolution is primarily symbolic but serves to:
- Reinforce the importance of the separation of church and state in American governance.
- Encourage public discourse on the implications of religious extremism in politics.
- Commemorate significant historical moments that shaped the understanding of religious freedom in the United States.
Legislative Actions
- September 30, 2025: The resolution was submitted in the House and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary for further consideration.
This resolution reflects ongoing discussions about the role of religion in public life and aims to protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of their beliefs.
