I am proud to report that the House of Representatives has unanimously approved the first bill I introduced in Congress, the American History and Civics Act, to help put the teaching of American history back in its rightful place so that our children can grow up learning what it means to be an American.  
The bill was amended in the House and now returns to the Senate for consideration. It creates summer academies for outstanding teachers and students of American history and civics.  The Presidential academies for teachers and Congressional academies for students are modeled after Tennessee’s Governor’s Schools, which we began in 1983 when I was governor.   
As Tennesseans reflect on what we’re thankful for this holiday season, American history plays a big role. Thanksgiving is a holiday that is uniquely American. Each year, regardless of our culture or religion, we come together as one nation to give thanks for our individual and collective blessings. 
This Thanksgiving, I am particularly mindful of those things that make our country exceptional.  
I am thankful to live in a country where disagreements about the way the country should be run can be debated in homes, schools and on television talk shows. I am also thankful that these debates are resolved peacefully through free elections and votes in our houses of government.  
Similarly, I am thankful that we’ve found a way to take all of our magnificent variety and diversity and unite as one country. The original motto of our country is “E Pluribus Unum” – Out of many, one.  
I am especially thankful for our military men and women who are fighting to keep us safe and to protect the freedom we celebrate at this time of Thanksgiving.  
As you gather with family and friends over the holiday season, I hope you’ll join me in reflecting on what it means to be an American and be thankful for our many blessings.  

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