The amendment removed references to indigenous nations and civil rights advocates while replacing "democracy" with "natural rights" and adding "ordered liberty," shifting the resolution's framing of American history away from recognizing diverse contributions to independence toward emphasizing founding principles rooted in natural rights philosophy. This NARROWS the resolution's scope by downplaying the historical roles of Native Americans and civil rights movements in building the nation.
26.144.24 26.144.25 101st Legislative Session HR7001 2026 South Dakota Legislature House Resolution 7001 HOUSE ENGROSSED Introduced by: Representative Wittman Underscores indicate new language. Overstrikes indicate deleted language. A RESOLUTION recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of 1 Independence. 2 WHEREAS, July 4, 2026, will signify 250 years since the founding fathers voted to finalize 3 the text of the Declaration of Independence, which established the sovereignty of the original 4 thirteen colonies; and 5 WHEREAS, indigenous nations, generations of immigrants, civil rights advocates, natural-born Americans and 6 countless others immigrants have worked tirelessly 6 to promote and protect freedom and justice for all, 7 and to create, based on those principles, 7 the United States we recognize today; and 8 WHEREAS, the tribal nations within this state's borders, as well as this state's pioneer 9 heritage, agricultural innovations, and its resilient civic spirit contributed to the growth of this 10 incredible nation nation; and will continue to support the United States of America for many years yet 11 to come; and 12 WHEREAS, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence presents numerous 13 12 opportunities to educate all Americans about our nation, to celebrate our republican 14 13 institutions, and to renew a shared commitment to ensuring a resilient republic Constitutional Republic 14 for all; 15 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the House of Representatives of the One Hundred 16 First Legislature of the State of South Dakota, that the 250th anniversary of the Declaration 17 of Independence be recognized as a time to reflect upon the founding principles of ordered 18 liberty, 18 democracy, equality, and equality; natural rights; to celebrate the profound achievements of our first 250 19 years; and 19 to prepare for all that this great nation has yet to experience during the next 250 20 years. 20 21