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Dreier Commemorates 220th Anniversary of the Bill of Rights
WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas, CA) delivered a speech on the House floor today commemorating the 220th anniversary of the first Congress and the passage of the Bill of Rights. 220 years ago this week, the House of Representatives began formal consideration of the constitutional amendments proposed by James Madison, which ultimately became the first ten amendments to the Constitution, and are collectively known as the Bill of Rights.
“I believe there is great value in remembering our history, as a nation and as an institution, and examining the lessons that can be applied in our own era,” said Dreier. “As we deal with the many challenges of today, such as the current economic downturn, two ongoing wars and a worldwide struggle against violent extremism, there is much to be gleaned from the great debates of our past.”
Dreier noted in his speech that the debate in the House of Representatives over the issue of the Bill of Rights evoked strong opinions from both those who supported and those who opposed the amendments, and yet it was conducted with civility and respect, and ultimately resulted in consensus. He called for a return to this model of open, rigorous and civil debate in the Congress, in order to restore both Congress’s credibility and the capacity to effectively address the difficult issues that the U.S. is currently facing.
Dreier continued, “When debate is stifled, the checks and balances that our founders envisioned are drastically diminished, and the result is both a poisonous atmosphere and reckless public policy. But by remembering our history, by honoring our traditions, by looking back to our founders and the example they gave us, I believe we can begin to restore the people’s faith in our institution. James Madison presented us with a model of an intellectually rigorous yet respectful exchange in one of the most important chapters in the Congress’s history. The great challenges we face today are no less deserving of this kind of debate.”
The Bill of Rights was introduced in the House on June 8, 1789. On June 21 of that year, the Rules Committee began its consideration of the proposed amendments, and the full House of Representatives began its debate on August 14. After consideration in the House and the Senate, a conference committee was convened, and the final amendment package was passed by both bodies on September 24, 1789.
For the full text of the speech, click here.