PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to Subcommittee on Constitution.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Jan 21, 1993
Constitutional Amendment - Declares that nothing in the Constitution shall be construed to prohibit voluntary individual or group prayer in public schools or other public institutions, or to prohibit prayer at public school baccalaureate services, athletic events, or other extracurricular activities. States that no person shall be required by the United States or any State to participate in prayer or be present during any prayer. Provides that neither the United States nor any State shall compose prayers to be said in public schools or other public institutions or at events sponsored by such schools or institutions.
People & committees
Sen. Helms, Jesse [R-NC] · R–NC
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Referred to Subcommittee on Constitution.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze S.J.Res.16 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine S.J.Res.16 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine S.J.Res.16 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
Examine S.J.Res.16 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.