To amend title 36, United States Code, to designate the composition known as Here Rests in Honored Glory by Donald B. Miller as the national hymn of the United States.
Summary
H.R. 6188 proposes to amend Title 36 of the United States Code to designate "Here Rests in Honored Glory" by Donald B. Miller as the national hymn of the United States. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Ms. Foxx and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. This action would formally recognize the composition within the legal framework of the nation's symbols.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would add a new section to Title 36, officially recognizing "Here Rests in Honored Glory" as the national hymn. This designation would primarily serve a symbolic purpose, adding to the list of national symbols codified in law.
Potential Benefits
- Symbolic recognition of a musical work.
- Potential boost to the composer's recognition and legacy.
- May foster a sense of national unity and pride for those who resonate with the hymn.
- Could inspire artistic expression and appreciation.
- Potentially increase awareness and performance of the designated hymn.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May be divisive if the hymn is not widely accepted or known.
- Could be seen as a trivial use of legislative resources.
- Potential for controversy if the selection process is perceived as biased or unfair.
- May not have any tangible benefits for the majority of Americans.
- Could lead to calls for other symbols or works to be officially recognized, potentially creating further legislative workload.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the U.S. Constitution, as Congress has the power to enact laws, including those that designate national symbols. There is no explicit constitutional provision addressing national symbols, but the power to do so is generally understood as an implied power necessary and proper for carrying out the enumerated powers. The First Amendment could be relevant if the hymn promotes a specific religion, but the bill itself doesn't appear to violate the Establishment Clause or Free Exercise Clause.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).