On the recordJanuary 9, 2015
This morning, for the third time in the history of the House of Representatives, we will read aloud on the floor of the House the full text of the United States Constitution. It is our hope that this reading will help demonstrate to the American people that the House of Representatives is dedicated to the Constitution and the system it establishes for limited government and the protection of individual liberty. We also hope that it will inspire many more Americans to read the Constitution themselves. The text we will read today reflects the changes to the document made by the 27 amendments to it. Those portions superseded by amendment will not be read. In order to ensure fairness to all those interested in participating, we have asked Members to line up to be recognized on a first-come, first-served basis. I will recognize Members based on this guidance. Each Member will approach the podium and read the passage laid out for him or her. In order to ensure relative parity and fairness, I may recognize Members out of order in order to ensure bipartisanship and balance. Additionally, because of his long-term leadership on civil rights issues, I will recognize the gentleman from Georgia, Representative John Lewis, to read the Thirteenth Amendment. I want to thank the Members of both parties for their participation in this historic event. I will begin by recognizing the gentleman from Ohio, Speaker Boehner, to read the preamble to the Constitution:
