Anthem in English Resolution

Full Title:
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.

Summary#

This concurrent resolution says the Senate (with the House concurring) believes any public performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" should be sung in English as written by Francis Scott Key. The resolution urges performers and event organizers to present the original English lyrics to preserve the anthem’s historical and cultural meaning. It does not set out penalties or new rules for enforcement.

  • Main change: It expresses an official view that public renditions of the national anthem should be performed in English, using the original lyrics.
  • Scope: It covers "any public rendition" but only as a statement of the Senate’s sense and an encouragement to performers and organizers.
  • No penalties included: The text contains recommendations and encouragement, not fines or criminal sanctions.
  • Sponsor and status: Introduced by Senator Markwayne Mullin and referred to the Judiciary Committee on July 14, 2025.

What it means for you#

  • Performers and musicians: The resolution asks performers to sing the anthem in its original English words. It does not require them by law to do so.
  • Event organizers and venues (sports, concerts, public ceremonies): Organizers are encouraged to present the anthem in English. The resolution does not create a legal duty or enforcement process.
  • Broadcasters and media: The resolution expresses a preferred practice but does not impose broadcast rules or licensing changes.
  • Schools and government entities: The text urges honoring the original English lyrics at public events. It does not direct schools or agencies to change policies or provide funding.
  • Members of the public: The resolution is a formal statement of Congress’s sense about the anthem’s performance language. It does not change individual rights or criminal law.

Expenses#

No direct public cost is identified in the available material.

  • The resolution itself does not authorize spending, create programs, or impose fines.
  • This could mean little or no change in government budgets.
  • It could create small private costs for organizers who choose to change how they present the anthem (for example, revising printed programs or performer instructions), but no estimate is provided.
  • No publicly available information about fiscal notes or cost estimates is included with the text.

Proponents' View#

  • The bill appears intended to preserve the anthem’s historical form and meaning by encouraging use of the original English lyrics.
  • Supporters may argue this honors the anthem’s heritage and promotes a shared national symbol.
  • The resolution frames the English text as a unifying cultural and historical expression from Francis Scott Key’s original composition.

Opponents' View#

  • One concern is that the resolution is symbolic and does not address broader issues, while it may still be used to pressure performers or organizations.
  • The resolution does not explain how “any public rendition” would be defined or enforced, leaving implementation unclear.
  • This could raise questions about freedom of artistic expression or inclusion of performances in other languages, although the text does not create penalties.
  • It is unclear whether encouraging a single-language performance could affect communities that perform the anthem in other languages for cultural or outreach purposes.