To amend title 36, United States Code, to designate the square dance as the national folk dance.

February 5, 2003

Mr. WHITFIELD (for himself and Mr. SAXTON) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

To amend title 36, United States Code, to designate the square dance as the national folk dance.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; FINDINGS.

(a) SHORT TITLE- This Act may be cited as the `Promenade Act'.

(b) FINDINGS- The Congress finds as follows:

(1) The square dance has been a popular tradition in America since early colonial days.

(2) The square dance has attained a revered status as part of the folklore of this Nation.

(3) The square dance is a joyful expression of the vibrant spirit of the people of the United States.

(4) The square dance promotes the practice of good manners and proper etiquette.

(5) The square dance is a traditional form of family recreation that fosters family unity, a basic strength of this Nation.

(6) The square dance embodies democratic principles by dissolving arbitrary social distinctions among its participants.

(7) The square dance includes the round dance, the contra dance, the line dance, the heritage dance, and clogging.

SEC. 2. DESIGNATION OF THE SQUARE DANCE AS THE NATIONAL FOLK DANCE.

(a) DESIGNATION- Chapter 3 of title 36, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 304 the following new section:

`Sec. 305. National folk dance

`The square dance is the national folk dance.'.

(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS-

(1) The table of sections for chapter 3 of title 36, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

`CHAPTER 3--NATIONAL ANTHEM, MOTTO, FLORAL EMBLEM, MARCH, AND FOLK DANCE

`Sec.

`301. National anthem.

`302. National motto.

`303. National floral emblem.

`304. National march.

`305. National folk dance.'.

(2) The table of chapters for subtitle I of title 36, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to chapter 3 and inserting the following new item:

301'.

END