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HCONRES 13

Providing that George Washington's "Farewell Address" shall be read at the beginning of each Congress.

119th Congress Introduced by Don Bacon

Would ceremonially require reading Washington's Farewell Address at the start of each Congress, with Senate/House readers designated by leaders; symbolic, not law or spending.

Referred to the House Committee on Rules.
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Bill Summary · HCONRES 13

Summary of HCONRES 13 (Providing that George Washington's "Farewell Address" shall be read at the beginning of each Congress)

Purpose

HCONRES 13 would ceremonially require the reading of George Washington’s Farewell Address at the start of each Congress. The measure is a House Concurrent Resolution, meaning it expresses a sense of Congress rather than establishing law.

Key Provisions

  • On the first day of the first regular session of every Congress, George Washington’s Farewell Address shall be read aloud.
    • In the Senate: by a Senator designated by the majority leader of the Senate.
    • In the House of Representatives: by a Representative designated by the Speaker of the House.
  • The resolution does not create new law or spending; it governs ceremonial practice.

Legislative Details

  • Introduced: February 14, 2025
  • Status: Referred to the House Committee on Rules
  • Classification: Resolution (House Concurrent Resolution)
  • Primary sponsor: Don Bacon (R-NE)

Who Is Affected

  • Members of Congress (Senators and Representatives) are the primary participants, as they would be designated to read the address.
  • Congressional staff and the body’s leadership would coordinate the ceremonial reading as part of the opening proceedings of each Congress.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • The reading would occur on the first day of the first regular session of each Congress (i.e., each new Congress that begins its regular session).
  • As a concurrent resolution, it reflects the intent or tradition of Congress but does not amend statute or create enforceable obligations or appropriations.
  • With current status in the Rules Committee, action would be required for floor consideration, potential amendments, and scheduling.

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Ceremonial/Historical Impact: Establishes a formal annual routine intended to emphasize national civics, history, and constitutional tradition.
  • Political/Procedural Impact: Largely symbolic; does not alter existing powers, funding, or statutory duties.
  • Accessibility and Public Education: Could serve as an occasion to highlight Washington’s Farewell Address and its themes to the public.
  • Limitations: The resolution does not specify a mechanism for enforcement or detailed implementation (e.g., exact time, duration, or who sponsors the reading beyond designation).

Bottom Line

HCONRES 13 seeks to institutionalize a yearly ceremonial reading of Washington’s Farewell Address at the start of each Congress, with leadership-designated readers in both chambers. It is currently before the House Rules Committee and sponsored by Representative Don Bacon.

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

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