House Resolution Proposes Recognizing 1782 Aitken Bible as Official Congressional History

This resolution puts forward the idea that the House of Representatives should officially recognize a specific Bible, printed by Robert Aitken back in 1782, as a historical document tied to the U.S. Congress. It specifically notes that this was the first English-language Bible printed in North America and recalls that Aitken asked the Continental Congress for permission to print it for school use in 1781. The resolution aims to formally acknowledge this piece of early American history.

A Nod to the Past

So, what's the story here? Back on September 12, 1782, the Continental Congress didn't just approve Aitken's printing project; they endorsed it as "beneficial to religion and the arts in the United States" and recommended the Bible to the public. The resolution highlights that Charles Thomson, the Secretary of the Continental Congress, even signed off on this endorsement. Essentially, this resolution serves as a formal acknowledgment by the current House of Representatives of these historical events and the resulting Bible's connection to Congress. It doesn't create new laws or regulations; think of it more like placing a historical marker, recognizing a specific event and document from the nation's founding era for its connection to the legislative body.