Sali legislation clears committee, next to get vote in House

Sali legislation clears committee, next to get vote in House


WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman Sali’s resolution honoring the 232nd anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, H.Con.Res. 386, was unanimously approved by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee today.

“Our Founding Fathers asserted `all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.' These profound words represent our national identity and it is fitting we recognize them,” said Sali. “Abraham Lincoln said that the ‘central idea’ of our Republic is ‘the equality of men.’ Over the past 232 years, we have fought a Civil War, amended the Constitution and advanced civil rights to more perfectly realize this conviction.

Sali noted that this summer, Idahoan Todd Crump of Tyhee “found a rare 1820s engraving of the Declaration of Independence, has had it restored and plans to take it to area schools to show to students,” according to the Associated Press. The story goes on to say that Mr. Crump “found the engraving by artist Eleazar Huntington folded in the pages of an early 19th century leather-bound history book about the Revolutionary War.”

The Congressman also commented on the proud traditions of Idahoans in recognizing the Declaration.

“The citizens of my great home state have always honored the Declaration. In 1880, the city of Boise turned the Fourth of July into an all-day celebration. I should note that they used firecrackers made of nitroglycerin – while I applaud their enthusiasm, I’m glad we use simpler noisemakers to celebrate today.

“From small towns in the mountains to the Treasure Valley, each year Republicans, Democrats, Independents and all Idahoans join with their fellow citizens in honoring this great national day,” Sali said.

“My resolution commemorates one of the most important documents in our history. I am delighted my colleagues agree and voted unanimously to pass this legislation out of committee today. By recognizing the Declaration, we are paying tribute to the genius of our founding generation of men and women who fought for the principles of the Declaration and which are a part of the heritage of all Americans,” concluded Sali.

H.Con.Res 386 will likely be considered on the House floor before the 110th Congress adjourns.

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