Have a jolly federally mandated yuletide season.

The U.S. House of representatives voted 372-9 with 10 members just voting "present" to overwhelmingly pass House Resolution 847, "Recognizing the importance of Christmas and the Christian faith"
Here's the all-important bill in its entirety:

Whereas Christmas, a holiday of great significance to Americans and many other cultures and nationalities, is celebrated annually by Christians throughout the United States and the world;

Whereas there are approximately 225,000,000 Christians in the United States, making Christianity the religion of over three-fourths of the American population;

Whereas there are approximately 2,000,000,000 Christians throughout the world, making Christianity the largest religion in the world and the religion of about one-third of the world population;

Whereas Christians identify themselves as those who believe in the salvation from sin offered to them through the sacrifice of their savior, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and who, out of gratitude for the gift of salvation, commit themselves to living their lives in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Bible;

Whereas Christians and Christianity have contributed greatly to the development of western civilization;

Whereas the United States, being founded as a constitutional republic in the traditions of western civilization, finds much in its history that points observers back to its roots in Christianity;

Whereas on December 25 of each calendar year, American Christians observe Christmas, the holiday celebrating the birth of their savior, Jesus Christ;

Whereas for Christians, Christmas is celebrated as a recognition of God's redemption, mercy, and Grace; and

Whereas many Christians and non-Christians throughout the United States and the rest of the world, celebrate Christmas as a time to serve others:

Now, therefore be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives--

(1) recognizes the Christian faith as one of the great religions of the world;

(2) expresses continued support for Christians in the United States and worldwide;

(3) acknowledges the international religious and historical importance of Christmas and the Christian faith; (4) acknowledges and supports the role played by Christians and Christianity in the founding of the United States and in the formation of the western civilization;

(5) rejects bigotry and persecution directed against Christians, both in the United States and worldwide; and (6) expresses its deepest respect to American Christians and Christians throughout the world."

Well, is there any doubt that the USA has already turned into a theocracy and Christianity is THE OFFICIAL RELIGION OF AMERICA. How long will it be before we are required by federal law to worship? (at the [christian] church of our choice of course)

This Christmas bill was introduced on December 6th and overwhelmingly passed in only 5 days. In contrast to the speedy handling of this bill introduced by Rep. Steve King [R-IA] is this observation:
In 2007 there were 129 bills introduced in the House with the phrase "Health Care" somewhere in the title. As of today only 6 have been passed by house vote and one was vetoed by the White House. That leaves 122 bills related to national health issues left to die in the House of Representatives, just like many of the 47 million Americans who can't get health care.

Is it any wonder that an AP poll conducted over the past few days puts the national approval rate of Congress at 23%.

UPDATE: 12/13/07

Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA), One of the 9 "liberal democrat" congressmen who voted nay on the resolution and who was raked over the coals and "mugshotted" on Fox News during an interview with Rep. Steve King had this to say:

"While the Republicans are passing a resolution celebrating Christmas, the president was vetoing health care for children. There’s a little bit of irony going on around here."

Thank you Rep. McDermott for being a stand up guy in a lay down Congress