Sponsors
The bill requires a public reading of Washington's Farewell Address at the start of each new Congress to strengthen civic tradition and institutional continuity, while imposing a small mandatory time burden on congressional proceedings that may displace other business.
All Americans (taxpayers and the public) will see a public reading of Washington's Farewell Address at the start of each new Congress, reinforcing civic traditions and public awareness of founding principles.
Members of Congress will have a shared ceremonial practice marking the start of a new Congress, promoting institutional continuity and a common civic ritual among federal officials.
Taxpayers and the public may face a small additional time cost because the required reading could delay other Congressional business on the first day, slowing legislative scheduling.
Members of Congress (and related staff) must spend mandatory ceremonial floor time on the reading, which could displace limited floor time for other legislative priorities.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires the House and Senate to read George Washington’s Farewell Address aloud on the first day of the first regular session of each Congress and makes that reading a chamber rule.
Introduced February 14, 2025 by Donald J. Bacon · Last progress February 14, 2025
Requires each chamber of Congress to read George Washington’s Farewell Address aloud on the first day of the first regular session of each new Congress: a Senator chosen by the Senate Majority Leader reads in the Senate, and a Representative chosen by the Speaker reads in the House. Declares the requirement part of each chamber’s rules and preserves each chamber’s right to change its own rules in the normal way.