HR 1157: United States national motto; reaffirm support

This is a resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives, not a bill that changes state law. It recounts the history of the phrase "IN GOD WE TRUST," tracing it from Francis Scott Key's writing during the War of 1812 through its use on Civil War regimental flags, its addition to U.S. coins in the 1860s, its appearance on postage stamps in 1954, and its formal adoption as the national motto by Congress in 1956. The resolution then states that the Georgia House reaffirms the national motto and supports its continued use, citing the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States as an occasion to educate the public about it. It also directs the Clerk of the House to prepare copies of the resolution for distribution to the public and the press. It creates no new legal requirements, penalties, or funding.

• Formally states that the Georgia House of Representatives reaffirms the United States national motto, "IN GOD WE TRUST," and supports its continued use.
• Recites historical background on the motto's origins, from the War of 1812 through its 1956 congressional adoption.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make copies of the resolution available to the public and the press.
• Does not amend any Georgia statute, create any requirement, or authorize any funding.

The resolution mainly affects the internal record of the Georgia House of Representatives and the Clerk's office, which must prepare and distribute copies. It does not impose obligations on schools, businesses, local governments, or individual Georgians.

Because this is a resolution rather than a bill, it does not change any law, create any program, or require any Georgian to do anything. Its practical effect is symbolic: recording the House's position and making that statement publicly available.

• The whereas clauses recount the history of "IN GOD WE TRUST," including its 1956 adoption by Congress and President Eisenhower as the official national motto.
• The resolving clause states the Georgia House reaffirms the motto and supports its continuation.
• A further resolving clause directs the Clerk of the House to prepare copies for distribution to the public and press.

1. 2026-02-03House Second Readers (House)
2. 2026-02-02House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-01-29House Hopper (House)

• Jesse Petrea (R, HD-166)Primary sponsor
• Ron Stephens (R, HD-164)
• Devan Seabaugh (R, HD-034)
• Charles Cannon (R, HD-172)
• Robert Dickey (R, HD-134)

• national motto
• In God We Trust
• legislative resolution
• American history