US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB250

Introduced
1/9/25  
Refer
1/9/25  

Caption

This bill requires the Joint Committee on the Library to contract for and place a statue of Benjamin Franklin in the Capitol.The committee shall place the statue in a permanent public location where it is accessible during a guided tour provided by the Capitol Visitor Center.The contract must be executed by December 31, 2025, and the statue must be placed by December 31, 2026. 

Impact

The enactment of HB 250 would underscore the importance placed on commemorating historical figures through public art and memorials within the Capitol. By introducing a statue of Benjamin Franklin, the bill seeks to enrich the cultural and historical landscape of the nation’s legislative heart. Moreover, this act could set a precedent for the inclusion of more statues that honor other significant contributors to the American story, fostering a greater public interest in the nation's history and civic heritage.

Summary

House Bill 250 is aimed at directing the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a statue of Benjamin Franklin for placement within the Capitol. The bill outlines specific timelines and responsibilities for the Joint Committee, mandating that an agreement for the statue's procurement must be established by the end of 2025, followed by the placement of the statue in a public and accessible location in the Capitol by the end of 2026. This initiative reflects the continued appreciation for historical figures and their contributions to American society.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 250 appears to be favorable as it aligns with broader interests in historical commemoration and the celebration of influential figures from America’s past. Supporters of the bill likely view the addition of such a statue as a valuable enhancement to the Capitol, encouraging civic pride and education among visitors. The prioritization of Franklin, a founding father and a key figure in American history, suggests a recognition of his lasting legacy.

Contention

Despite the overall positive sentiment, there could be notable points of contention regarding the specifics of the statue's design, location, and funding. Discussions may arise about what the statue represents to different groups and how Franklin's legacy is interpreted in contemporary society. Critics might question the prioritization of resources for such a statue over pressing contemporary issues, leading to a broader debate about the role of historical commemoration in the present day.

Congress_id

119-HR-250

Policy_area

Congress

Introduced_date

2025-01-09

Companion Bills

US SB44

Identical bill A bill to direct the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library to procure a statue of Benjamin Franklin for placement in the United States Capitol.

Previously Filed As

US SB44

A bill to direct the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library to procure a statue of Benjamin Franklin for placement in the United States Capitol.

US SB32

Local Access to Courts Act or LACAThis bill adds College Station to the list of places where court must be held in the Galveston Division of the Southern District of Texas. Additionally, the bill adds El Centro to the list of places where court must be held in the Southern District of California.  

US HB8098

To direct the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library to obtain a statue of Shirley Chisholm for placement in the United States Capitol.

US HR38

This resolution elects Members to the committees on Appropriations; Education and Workforce; Homeland Security; Rules; Small Business; and Transportation and Infrastructure.

US HB80

Drain the Intelligence Community Swamp Act of 2025This bill revokes the security clearances of 51 individuals who signed a statement titled Public Statement on the Hunter Biden Emails and dated October 19, 2020. It also (1) specifies that a security clearance may not be granted or renewed for any of them, and (2) requires the Departments of Defense and Justice to investigate these individuals.    

US HR14

This resolution elects members to standing committees of the House of Representatives.  

US SCR1

This concurrent resolution reauthorizes the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies relating to the January 20, 2025, Presidential inauguration. The reauthorization is effective beginning January 3, 2025.The joint committee is authorized to make the necessary arrangements for the inauguration of the President-elect and the Vice President-elect of the United States, including using the Capitol rotunda and Emancipation Hall for such proceedings and ceremonies.The joint committee was established during the 118th Congress and consists of three Senators and three Members of the House of Representatives.

US HB192

Amtrak Executive Bonus Disclosure ActThis bill requires Amtrak to publicly disclose the annual base pay and bonus compensation paid to an Amtrak executive in a required annual report to Congress.Specifically, Amtrak must incorporate into the annual report the annual base pay and any bonus compensation paid to a member of the executive leadership team. This must include the criteria and metrics used to determine any bonus compensation.Further, Amtrak must make the annual report available on Amtrak's public website.

US SR20

This resolution honors the 122nd anniversary of the arrival of Korean immigrants to the United States and urges all individuals in the United States to observe Korean American Day.

US HB766

Surveilling Effluent Water for Epidemic Response Act or the SEWER ActThis bill provides statutory authority for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS) program, which detects and monitors pathogens in wastewater. It requires the CDC to expand and intensify the activities of the NWSS, including with respect to SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), influenza, mpox, dengue, West Nile virus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The NWSS provides funding and guidance to public health departments for wastewater surveillance activities. Under the NWSS, health departments and other partners coordinate on wastewater surveillance at sampling sites and share data with the CDC. The NWSS was initially implemented to monitor SARS-CoV-2 and has since expanded to include influenza A, avian influenza A, mpox, and RSV.     

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.