The Lee Resolution was the congressional resolution passed on July 2, 1776, supporting American independence.
Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduced the resolution in the Second Continental Congress on June 7, 1776. It stated that the colonies should be free and independent states, that political ties with Britain should be dissolved, and that a plan for foreign alliances and a confederation should be prepared.
Congress debated the proposal while some colonies awaited instructions from their legislatures. On July 2, twelve colonies voted for independence, while New York abstained because its delegation lacked authorization. The Declaration of Independence was adopted two days later and explained the reasons for the decision.
The Lee Resolution is sometimes confused with the Declaration of Independence. The resolution was the formal vote for independence; the Declaration was the public statement that justified it. This distinction helps explain why July 2 and July 4 both matter in the story of American independence.