This bill would formally reaffirm the Declaration of Independence as an organic law of the United States, elevating its status in congressional language as a foundational statement of American legal and political identity. It would not create a new benefit program or direct spending; instead, it would make an official federal declaration about the country’s founding principles and their place in U.S. law. The measure is before the House Judiciary Committee after introduction in the House, with 15 cosponsors listed.
What This Bill Does
- Reaffirms the Declaration of Independence as an "organic law" of the United States
- Introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary
- Sponsored by Rep. Matt Van Epps (R-TN)
- Has 15 cosponsors
- Does not establish a new spending program or benefit
Who This Bill Affects
For most people, this bill would not change daily life, taxes, eligibility for programs, or access to services. Its effect would be limited to a federal declaration about the place of the Declaration of Independence in American law and civic identity, so the practical impact on an average constituent is essentially symbolic rather than economic.
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- Constitutional conservatives They are likely to argue that Congress should formally recognize the Declaration as a foundational legal document because it expresses the principles that justify the Constitution and the federal government itself.
- Civic education advocates They may say the bill helps reinforce teaching about the nation’s founding ideals and gives schools and public institutions a clearer statement of America’s philosophical roots.
- Members seeking symbolic affirmation of national identity They may view the bill as a low-cost way to promote unity around shared principles such as equality, liberty, and self-government.
- Civil liberties and constitutional scholars They may argue that calling the Declaration an organic law risks muddying the distinction between inspirational founding language and enforceable law, creating unnecessary interpretive confusion.
- Legislators focused on practical policymaking They may see the measure as ceremonial and prefer Congress to spend time on issues with direct effects on constituents, such as budgets, health care, or infrastructure.
- Jurists and legal traditionalists They may contend that the Declaration is historically essential but not itself a source of operative federal legal authority in the same way as statutes or the Constitution.
Key Implications
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““To reaffirm the Declaration of Independence as an Organic Law””
This phrase frames the measure as a formal federal recognition of the Declaration’s status. In practice, that means the bill is about constitutional meaning and civic symbolism rather than a new program or entitlement.
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““of the United States””
By placing this language at the national level, the bill would express an official federal position rather than a state-by-state view. That can shape how public institutions talk about the founding, even if it does not directly change enforceable rights.
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“Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary”
The Judiciary Committee is the gatekeeper for constitutional and legal-policy bills in the House. Referral there means the measure must clear committee review before it could advance further.
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“Introduced in House”
Introduction is the first formal step in the legislative process. It shows the bill has been filed and assigned for consideration, but it has not yet moved through hearings, markup, or floor action.
Official Source & Bill Facts
BillBoard checks this page against public Congress.gov metadata, then adds plain-English analysis where available.
- Bill
- HR 9589
- Congress
- 119th Congress
- Official title
- To reaffirm the Declaration of Independence as an Organic Law of the United States.
- Policy area
- Government & Elections
- Latest action
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. (July 2, 2026)
- Last updated
- July 3, 2026
Latest Status
July 2, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
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Ask AI about this billData sourced from api.congress.gov.