House Resolution 116 - Introduced HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 116 BY WILLS A Resolution commemorating the 250th anniversary of the 1 founding of the United States of America. 2 WHEREAS, July 4, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary 3 of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by 4 the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia in 1776 5 and the founding of the United States of America; and 6 WHEREAS, the Declaration of Independence proclaimed 7 timeless principles of profound significance to the 8 national heritage of the United States, including 9 that all are created equal and endowed with certain 10 inalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the 11 pursuit of happiness, and that the just powers of 12 the government are derived from the consent of the 13 governed; and 14 WHEREAS, the United States was established 15 based on the principle of federalism, emphasizing a 16 decentralized system of governance in which powers are 17 divided between national and state governments; and 18 WHEREAS, this decentralized model of governance has 19 fostered liberty, accountability, and responsiveness 20 to local communities and allowed for innovation and 21 diverse policy approaches; and 22 WHEREAS, the founding of the United States initiated 23 a journey toward forming a “more perfect Union”, marked 24 by historic achievements, struggles, and progress in 25 realizing the nation’s founding ideals for all its 26 citizens; and 27 WHEREAS, Iowa has played a significant role 28 -1- LSB 6933HH (2) 91 sc/jm 1/ 3
H.R. 116 throughout the history of the United States, 1 contributing to the nation’s development, culture, 2 economy, and defense through the efforts and sacrifices 3 of its residents; and 4 WHEREAS, the nation’s semiquincentennial offers a 5 unique opportunity for the people of Iowa to reflect 6 on our shared history, honor the diverse contributions 7 of all Americans, celebrate our heritage of liberty, 8 and look forward to the future we strive to create for 9 subsequent generations; and 10 WHEREAS, commemorative activities across Iowa 11 will provide educational opportunities, foster civic 12 engagement, encourage community participation, and 13 strengthen appreciation for the history, federalist 14 principles, and foundational ideals upon which both the 15 nation and the state of Iowa were built; NOW THEREFORE, 16 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 17 That the House of Representatives recognizes and 18 commemorates the upcoming 250th anniversary of the 19 founding of the United States of America on July 4, 20 2026; and 21 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of 22 Representatives encourages all residents, communities, 23 educational institutions, civic organizations, and 24 businesses within Iowa to participate in commemorative 25 events and activities that reflect on and celebrate 26 the nation’s history and achievements and reaffirm 27 commitment to the ideals of liberty, equality, 28 self-government, and federalism; and 29 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of 30 -2- LSB 6933HH (2) 91 sc/jm 2/ 3
H.R. 116 Representatives strongly encourages educational 1 institutions across Iowa to enhance civics education, 2 ensuring that future generations understand the 3 critical importance of civic participation and the 4 principles of federalism that protect liberty and 5 promote responsive government. 6 -3- LSB 6933HH (2) 91 sc/jm 3/ 3