S. 4828 · Where this bill is now
In the House
Passed the Senate Jun 18, 2026. Received Jun 23, 2026; no House vote yet
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryReaffirms Declaration of Independence as law
This bill treats the Declaration of Independence as an official organic law of the United States—meaning a foundational law that establishes core principles of American government. It formally recognizes the Declaration as the charter for American independence, national sovereignty, natural rights, equal citizenship, and the idea that government should be based on the consent of the governed.
How it affects you
This is a ceremonial and symbolic measure. It doesn't change day-to-day laws or policies that affect how you live, work, or interact with the government. It's meant to reaffirm the principles the Declaration represents rather than create new rights or obligations for individuals.
Read the official summary (Passed Senate, Jun 18, 2026)
Declaration of Independence Reaffirmation Act of 2026
This bill reaffirms and readopts the Declaration of Independence as an organic law of the United States and as the enduring charter of American independence, national sovereignty, natural rights, equal citizenship, and government by consent. (Organic laws are the laws that form the original foundation of a government.)
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
2nd SessionS. 4828
AN ACT
Declaration of Independence Reaffirmation Act of 2026
Sponsor: Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) · Introduced Jun 18, 2026 · Government Operations and Politics · 2 versions of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Jun 23, 2026: “Held at the desk.”
Sections
The wording of this bill hasn’t changed across its 2 official versions.