David Copperfield Heads to Capitol Hill to Support Bill That Would Recognize Magic as 'National Treasure'

— -- A congressional chairman, an illusionist and a magician-turned-mayor get together on Capitol Hill. While this may sound like the set-up to a joke, these three individuals are actually getting together to promote a unique bill that would “recognize magic as a rare and valuable art form.”

Representative Pete Sessions, R-Texas, introduced HR 642 to the House of Representatives in March. The resolution contends that magic is “an art form with the unique power and potential to impact the lives of all people.” It calls for magic to be recognized as “a national treasure” and for "efforts to make certain that magic is preserved, understood, and promulgated."

Sessions will be joined by well-known illusionist David Copperfield and Wylie, Texas, Mayor Eric Hogue for a panel in support of the bill tonight.

According to a spokesperson for Sessions’ office, it was Hogue who initially brought the idea of recognizing magic to the congressman. The mayor, a one-time clown and magician, is acknowledged in the text of the resolution for his efforts to "promote the art of magic with official proclamations, summer educational programs, and the first festival dedicated to the art of magic in the State of Texas."

Copperfield is also amply recognized in the bill. The "living legend" is lauded for inspiring "great positive change in the lives of Americans" and for his impact "on every aspect of the global entertainment industry." The text goes on to say that "people consistently leave David Copperfield’s live magic show with a different perspective than when they entered."

HR 642 has yet to move beyond the House. It was lampooned on social media following its introduction.