S. 2736: In God We Trust Act

This bill, known as the "In God We Trust Act," aims to mandate the display or inscription of the national motto of the United States, "In God We Trust," on all federal buildings. The key points of the bill are as follows:

Overview of Requirements

The bill requires that the national motto is:

• Displayed or inscribed prominently in every federal building.
• Completed within one year following the enactment of the bill.

Definition of Federal Buildings

The bill refers to a "public building" in accordance with a specific legal definition from the U.S. Code, ensuring that the requirement applies to all relevant federal structures.

Purpose of the Bill

The intention behind this legislation is to reinforce the presence of the national motto in public life, particularly in government spaces, reflecting the historical and cultural significance attributed to the motto by some groups in society.

Implementation

The responsibility for executing the requirements of this bill would fall on the Administrator of General Services, who is the official tasked with overseeing federal properties.

Timeline for Compliance

Federal agencies would need to ensure that the display is completed within one year of the bill becoming law, which establishes a clear timeline for compliance.

Impact on Federal Buildings

The bill specifically targets federal buildings, which include a range of facilities such as:

• Government offices
• Courthouses
• Post offices
• Other public facilities managed by the federal government

Broader Context

This legislation exists within a broader conversation about national identity and the role of religious expressions in government spaces, which may evoke various responses from different segments of the population.

Enforcement and Oversight

The implementation of the bill would involve oversight by the General Services Administration, ensuring that proper display standards are met across the country.

Potential Costs

There may be costs associated with the display of the motto, such as the materials needed for signs or inscriptions and the labor required to install them at each federal building.

Relevant Companies

None found.