Tennessee’s House has failed to override Governor Bill Haslam's veto of a bill that would designate the Bible as the official state book.
43 members voted to re-pass the measure, falling short of the 50-vote threshold to turn back to the veto.
Last week, the Republican governor shot down the bill over constitutional and religious concerns.
Sponsors argued that the measure seeks to honor the economic and historical impact of the Bible in Tennessee history, rather than a state endorsement of religion.
