"I believe in the United States of America as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a republic; a sovereign Nation of many sovereign States; a perfect union, one and inseparable; established upon the principles of freedom, equality, justice, and humanity for which American patriots sacrificed their lives and fortunes.

I therefore believe it is my duty to my country to love it, to support its Constitution, to obey its laws, to respect its flag, and to defend it against all enemies."

The American's Creed was written in 1917 by William Tyler Page, an employee in the House. The Creed was one of 3000 entries in a contest sponsored by the New York Commissioner of Education. In 1919, Page was elected Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives. When the majority party in the House changed thirteen years later, the position of Minority Clerk was created specifically for him. Page held this position until his death in 1942. The Creed was formally accepted by the House as the American's Creed on April 3, 1918.