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HR 8826

In God We Trust Act

119th Congress Introduced by Rick Allen and 16 co-sponsors

Requires the General Services Administrator to inscribe or display the national motto “In God We Trust” on all federal public buildings within one year of enactment.

Introduced in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 8826

Summary of HR 8826 (119th Congress) — In God We Trust Act

Purpose

  • To require the Administrator of General Services to display or inscribe the national motto, “In God We Trust,” on all federal public buildings.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Definitions:
    • “Public building” is defined using the term as it appears in section 3301(a) of title 40, United States Code.
  • Display Requirement:
    • Within one year after enactment, the Administrator of General Services must inscribe or display the national motto in a place of prominence on every public building.
    • The motto to be used is the one described in section 302 of title 36, United States Code.
  • Compliance Timeline:
    • The deadline for implementation is no later than 1 year after the date of enactment.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Federal public buildings covered by the definition in 40 U.S.C. 3301(a). This includes a broad range of federal facilities such as office buildings, courthouses, and other federally owned or leased properties that are considered “public buildings” under law.
  • The Administrator of General Services would bear primary responsibility for carrying out the display/inscription.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and Referral:
    • Introduced May 14, 2026.
    • Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
  • Sponsorship:
    • Multiple sponsors and co-sponsors from various districts.
  • Effective Date:
    • The act specifies a one-year deadline for full compliance from the date of enactment.

Remarks on Scope and Implications

  • The bill mandates a visible display of the national motto across federal buildings, potentially affecting architectural planning, signage standards, and procurement/installation processes overseen by the General Services Administration.
  • The legislation does not specify funding levels or exact display specifications beyond “inscribe or display in a place of prominence,” leaving some details to be determined during implementation.
  • No changes to funding authority, enforcement mechanisms, or penalties are outlined in the text available.

Note

  • The summary reflects the text and structure presented for HR 8826 as introduced in the 119th Congress. If enacted, additional amendments or regulatory guidance could clarify display standards, signage dimensions, languages (if applicable in contexts with non-English signage), and maintenance.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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