A joint resolution commemorating the bicentennial of the French Revolution and the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen.
PL 100-482 (S.J.Res.317), enacted 10/11/1988

PUBLIC LAW 100-482—OCT. 11, 1988 
102 STAT. 2337 
Public Law 100-482 
100th Congress 
Joint Resolution 
: C!ommemorating the bicentennial of the French Revolution and the Declaration of 
Oct. 11, 1988 
the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. 
[S.J. Res. 317] 
Whereas the Treaty of Commerce and Amity concluded February 6, 
1778, between France and the United States was the first alliance 
entered into by the United States; 
Whereas the independence of the United States was achieved with 
significant assistance from France and from individual citizens of 
France; 
i 
WheJ-eas the ideals of liberty and freedom which animated the 
people of the Upited States during the American Revolution were 
shibred iby many of the people of France and are held sacred by 
bolh peoples today; 
Whereas fhe year 1789 was of particular significance in the history 
of both' France and the United States, marking the opening 
chapter of the French Revolution and the concluding chapter of 
the American Revolution; 
Whereas within a period of 31 days, the National Assembly of 
France approved the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the 
Citizen on August 26, 1789, and the Congress of the United States 
approved the Bill of Rights on September 25, 1789, thereby 
proclaiming the sanctity of human rights on both sides of the 
Atlantic Ocean and guaranteeing them for future generations; 
Whereas the Government of France has established a Commission 
for the Bicentennial of the French Revolution and the Declaration 
of'the Rights of Man and of the Citizen; and 
Wheceas an American Committee on the French Revolution has 
J been organized to plan an appropriate commemoration in the 
United States of the bicentennial of the historic events of 1789 and 
of the shared aspirations, ideals, and experiences of the French 
and American peoples: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives 
of the 
! United States of America 
in Congress assembled, That (a) the 
Congress and people of the United States extend to the people of 
France an expression of friendship and high regard on the occasion 
of the bicentennial of the French Revolution. 
(b) The Congress hereby— 
(1) urges the people of the United States to observe the 
bicentennial of the French Revolution as may be appropriate to 
the occasion; and 
(2) I finds with pride and satisfaction that France and the 
United States remain fully committed to the principles of the 
Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, and the Bill 
of Rights, respectively. 
19-194 O—91—Part 3 
13 : QL 3 
102 STAT. 2338 
PUBLIC LAW 100-482—OCT. 11, 1988 
(c)(1) There shall be printed as a Senate document during the 
bicentennial year 1989 the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of 
the Citizen, and the Bill of Rights, with accompanying historical 
notes, including 
(2) bound volumes suitable for presentation to the President of the 
French Republic, the President of the Senate of France, and the 
President of the National Assembly of France. 
Approved October 11, 1988. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S.J. Res. 317: 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 134 (1988): 
June 23, considered and passed Senate. 
Sept. 20, considered and passed House, amended. 
Sept. 23, Senate concurred in House amendments.