S.Con.Res.17 - A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that any public rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" should be performed as written by Francis Scott Key, in English.
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Committee
Latest Action · July 14, 2025
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S4338: 2)
S. Con. Res. 17 is a concurrent resolution expressing the Senate's view that "The Star-Spangled Banner" should always be performed in its original English lyrics as written by Francis Scott Key in 1814. The resolution has no direct legal force—it is a statement of Congressional sentiment rather than binding law—and does not affect any individuals or organizations through funding, penalties, or requirements. The resolution encourages (but does not mandate) performers and event organizers to present the national anthem in English, citing the importance of preserving the anthem's historical and cultural integrity as a unifying symbol of American patriotism. No funding is allocated, and there are no implementation timelines or enforcement mechanisms included in the resolution. Essentially, this is a symbolic measure asking the public to honor the traditional English version of the national anthem.
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