HJRES 78
105th Congress
House
Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
Church and state
Constitutional amendments
Education
Elementary and secondary education
Government Operations and Politics
Higher education
Infrastructure
Law
Prayer in the public schools
Public Lands and Natural Resources
Religion
Religious liberty
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States restoring religious freedom.
Introduced: May 8, 1997
See on congress.gov
Everywhere this bill has been
25 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Jun 4, 1998
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Jun 4, 1998
On passage Failed by recorded vote (2/3 required): 224 - 203 (Roll No. 201).
Jun 4, 1998
Failed of passage/not agreed to in House: On passage Failed by recorded vote (2/3 required): 224 - 203 (Roll No. 201).
Jun 4, 1998
On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by recorded vote: 203 - 223 (Roll No. 200). (consideration: CR H4111)
Jun 4, 1998
Mr. Scott moved to recommit with instructions to Judiciary.
Jun 4, 1998
BISHOP PART 2 AMENDMENT - An amendment to strike language dealing with the denial of "equal access to a benefit on account of religion" and insert "or otherwise compel or discriminate against religion."
Jun 4, 1998
BISHOP PART 1 AMENDMENT - An amendment to strike language to secure the right to "acknowledge God" and insert the right to "freedom of religion"
Jun 4, 1998
DEMAND FOR DIVISION OF THE QUESTION - Demand for the division of the question between the two instructions in the Bishop amendment: Part 1, strike and insert page 3 line 18; and Part 2, strike and insert page 4 beginning in line 1.
Jun 4, 1998
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 453, the House proceeded with one hour of debate on the Bishop amendment. Subsequently, Mr. Istook demanded that the question be divided when the Chair puts the question on agreeing to the amendment. Under the rule, the question will be divided between the first instruction contained in the amendment and the second instruction.
Jun 4, 1998
DEBATE - The House proceeded with two hours of debate.
Jun 4, 1998
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 453. (consideration: CR H4078-4112)
Jun 4, 1998
Rule H. Res. 453 passed House.
Jun 3, 1998
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 453 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.J. Res. 78.
May 19, 1998
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 105-543.
May 19, 1998
Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 192.
Mar 31, 1998
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H1840-1845)
Mar 30, 1998
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H1770-1774)
Mar 4, 1998
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 16 - 11.
Mar 4, 1998
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Oct 28, 1997
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 8 - 4.
Oct 28, 1997
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Jul 22, 1997
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
May 14, 1997
Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution.
May 8, 1997
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
May 8, 1997
Introduced in House
Votes taken on this bill
2
| Date | Chamber | What was voted on | Result | Yes–No | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 4, 1998 | House · vote #201 | On Passage | Failed | 224–203 | See who voted → |
| Jun 4, 1998 | House · vote #200 | On Motion to Recommit with Instructions | Failed | 203–223 | See who voted → |
Plain-English summary
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that: (1) to secure the people's right to acknowledge God according to the dictates of conscience, the people's right to pray and to recognize their religious beliefs, heritage, or traditions on public property, including schools, shall not be infringed; and (2) the Government shall not require any person to join in prayer or other religious activity, initiate or designate school prayers, discriminate against religion, or deny equal access to a benefit on account of religion.
What's happening now
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Committees of jurisdiction
2