Press Releases


For Immediate Release
January 4, 2011
Contact: Kathryn Rexrode (202) 225-5431

Goodlatte to Lead Historic Reading of U.S. Constitution on House Floor

At the urging of Congressman Bob Goodlatte, the House Republican Leadership released House Rules for the 112th Congress that recommit the Congress to the text of the U.S. Constitution.  As proof of this commitment to hold true to the fundamental principles upon which this country was founded, the new Rules for the 112th Congress include Congressman Goodlatte's recommendation that the U.S. Constitution will be read aloud on the House Floor during the first week of the 112th Congress.

Congressman Goodlatte will lead the reading of the U.S. Constitution, which will start at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 6, 2011.  The reading is expected to take between one and two hours and is open to all Members of Congress who are interested in participating. Members will read the Constitution and amendments on a first come first serve basis.

“One of the resounding themes I have heard from my constituents is that Congress should adhere to the Constitution and the finite list of powers it granted to the federal government,” said Congressman Goodlatte.  “The Constitution has never been read aloud on the floor of the House of Representatives.  This historic and symbolic reading is long overdue and shows that the new majority in the House truly is dedicated to our Constitution and the principles for which it stands.  As the written expression of the consent the American people gave to their government – a consent with restrictions and boundaries – the public reading of the Constitution will set the tone for the 112th Congress.”

Goodlatte is a senior Member of the House Judiciary Committee, which has jurisdiction over Constitutional amendments and other issues pertaining to the U.S. Constitution.

Anyone interested in viewing this historic event should tune into C-SPAN at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 6th or watch it online at http://www.c-span.org/Live-Video/C-SPAN/.
 

CONGRESSMAN BOB GOODLATTE
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