National American History and Founders Month Act

S. 5279, the National American History and Founders Month Act, would amend title 36 of the U.S. Code to designate November each year as "National American History and Founders Month." The bill would not create a federal holiday or mandate any programs; instead, it requests that the President issue an annual proclamation calling on the American people to observe the month, and similarly requests that governors and the chief executives of the District of Columbia and U.S. territories issue their own proclamations. Observance would focus on programs, ceremonies, and activities meant to enhance civics education and historical literacy.

The bill primarily affects how the federal government and state/territorial leaders mark the month symbolically; it does not impose requirements on individuals, businesses, or schools, and includes no funding, mandates, or enforcement mechanisms. Its stated rationale, drawn from the bill's findings, cites declining student proficiency in U.S. history and civics and aims to encourage renewed public engagement with the nation's founding documents and history.

The bill was introduced in the Senate on August 6, 2026, by Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS), with Sen. Kaine and Sen. McCormick as original cosponsors. It was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, where it currently awaits further action. It would need committee consideration, passage by both chambers, and the President's signature to become law.

Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.