Cummings Introduces Legislation to Commemorate Constitution Day

Press Release

Today, Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.) introduced the Constitution and Citizenship Day Act of 2014, H.R. 5501, to commemorate the 227th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution. This legislation would encourage civic education by providing high school students new opportunities to learn about the Constitution and to register to vote.

"This fall, Americans will walk to voting booths in every community across this nation to elect our leaders," Cummings said. "Our right to vote is one of many rights guaranteed to us by our Constitution, yet every election cycle, millions of young Americans fail to exercise this right -- often because they do not realize the importance of doing so. Congress is the living embodiment of our Constitution's provisions and I invite all Members, on both sides of the aisle, to join me in co-sponsoring this legislation to ensure that future generations understand their rights and duties."

In the 2012 presidential election, an estimated 46 million people under age 30 were eligible to vote, and by 2020, voters between the ages of 18-29 are expected to make up one-third of the electorate.

The Constitution and Citizenship Day Act would award competitive grants to schools to enable them to commemorate Constitution Day with educational programs that teach students about the U.S. Constitution and state constitutions. To be eligible for a grant, schools must plan and hold assemblies or presentations that discuss our nation's history and the importance of the Constitution.

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