S. 5279

119 S5279 IS: National American History and Founders Month Act
 U.S. Senate
 2026-08-06
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 EN
 Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.
 II  119th CONGRESS  2d Session  S. 5279  IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES   August 6, 2026   Mr. Wicker  (for himself,  Mr. Kaine , and  Mr. McCormick ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the  Committee on the Judiciary    A BILL
To amend title 36, United States Code, to designate November as National American History and Founders Month.
1.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the   National American History and Founders Month Act  .
2.
Findings
Congress finds the following:
(1)
As the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, the United States is a Nation characterized by cultural and geographic diversity and uniquely bound by a common heritage and history that began on July 4, 1776, with the profound words of the Declaration of Independence.
(2)
The preservation and understanding of the history of the United States and the principles of the Founding Fathers are intrinsic values that unite the people of the United States and provide a foundation for understanding the origins and ideals of the United States by providing a common bond.
(3)
Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson stressed the crucial role of an informed citizenry in a free society. They believed that an educated and knowledgeable citizenry was essential for the survival of a democratic republic and for the preservation of liberty.
(4)
Civics education in the United States has experienced a significant decline, with only 13 percent of eighth graders proficient in United States history and 22 percent of eighth graders proficient in civics, according to the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress.
(5)
A decline in civics education impairs the ability of young people of the United States to engage meaningfully with public officials and appreciate the philosophical foundations of the American Revolutionary period, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of Rights.
(6)
Civics education for students can raise awareness of the significant events, influential figures, and philosophical bases that shaped the United States, inspiring a renewed appreciation for its rich history.
(7)
Educational and service organizations in law, political science, and related fields should be encouraged to support the study of the history of the United States to cultivate informed and engaged citizens to understand the documents that define the United States, including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of Rights.
(8)
Designating November as National American History and Founders Month would also aid in the discovery, collection, and preservation of historical records, documents, monuments, and structures that illuminate the history of the first founders and their descendants.
(9)
November is the month during which the United States celebrates Thanksgiving. President George Washington issued the first national Thanksgiving proclamation designating Thursday, November 26, 1789, as a day of public prayer and gratitude for the United States. Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation officially establishing Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday to designate the last Thursday of November as a day for thanksgiving and unity. Designating the entire month of November as National American History and Founders Month would extend this tradition of unity and gratitude for the United States by deepening the understanding and appreciation for the United States by the people of the United States.
(10)
A permanent designation of November as National American History and Founders Month would encourage schools, communities, and organizations to host events, educational programs, and initiatives that celebrate and teach the history of the United States and the contributions of the Founding Fathers.
(11)
The unique circumstances and events that created the United States must be well known by the citizenry of the United States so as to perpetuate into the future the values and rights of the United States of individual freedom, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
(12)
Such a designation will inspire young people of the United States to learn about and take pride in the history of the United States, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.
3.
Designation
(a)
In general
Chapter 1 of part A of subtitle I of title 36, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
149.
National American History and Founders Month
(a)
Designation
November is National American History and Founders Month.
(b)
Proclamations
The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation calling on the people of the United States, and the chief executive officers of each State of the United States, the District of Columbia, and each territory and possession of the United States are requested to issue each year proclamations calling on the people of their respective jurisdictions, to observe National American History and Founders Month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that enhance civics education and historical literacy.
 .
(b)
Clerical amendment
The table of sections for chapter 1 of part A of subtitle I of title 36, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
149. National American History and Founders Month.
  .