Congressional Resolution 642

Congressional Resolution 642 is a proposed legislation, introduced to the United States House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform by Pete Sessions on 14 March 2016, to help preserve, protect, and promote magic as an art form. The movement is publicly headed by Las Vegas magician David Copperfield and is embodied by various magic organisations, including the Society of American Magicians and the International Brotherhood of Magicians, and by many politicians.^[1][2][3] The bill demands that the United States House of Representatives:

(1) recognizes magic as a rare and valuable art form and national treasure;

(2) takes magicians seriously;

(3) supports efforts to make certain that magic is preserved, understood, and promulgated

Congressional Resolution 642

Long title	Congressional Resolution 642
Enacted by	the 114th United States Congress
Legislative history
Introduced in the House by Pete Sessions, Chairman of the House Rules Committee (Republican Party) on 14 March 2016 Committee consideration by United States House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

Support

Magicians

• Brian Brushwood^[4]
• Chris Kenner^[4]
• David Copperfield - "Even for me today, magic, as an artform, has a rare and unique power to it. It inspires us to question the things that we were told impossible, and to push the limits of our own abilities."^[4]
• David Blaine - "Magic is an art where you use sleight of hand or illusion to create wonder. We are all capable of infinitely more than we believe."^[4]
• Justin Willman^[4]
• Steve Cohen^[4]

Politicians

• Charlie Dent^[3]
• Eric Hogue – Mayor of Wylie, Texas - "The art of magic has a positive impact on so many lives. Learning magic empowered me to face my fears, overcome challenges, and pursue my passions."^[4][3]
• Ken Buck^[3]
• Michael Simpson^[3]
• Pat Meehan^[3]
• Pete Sessions^[3]
• Steve Stivers^[3]

References

1. Foley, Elise (3 May 2016). "Do You Believe In Magic? Congress Does". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 23 May 2016.
2. Gibson, Bill (18 March 2016). "David Copperfield Is The Magic Force Behind A Must-Read Congressional Resolution". The Washington Post. Retrieved 23 May 2016.
3. Andrews, Natalie (15 May 2016). "David Copperfield Says Congress’s Magical Move 'Means Everything'". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 23 May 2016.
4. "A Movement For Congress To Declare Magic As An Art Form". HR642. Retrieved 23 May 2016.