Authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for a ceremony to present the Congressional Gold Medals awarded under the Harlem Hellfighters Congressional Gold Medal Act.
- Bill Number
- H.Con.Res. 39
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-29: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-10T15:13:23Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 39) authorizes the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for a ceremonial event. Specifically, it permits a ceremony on September 3, 2025, to present Congressional Gold Medals awarded under the Harlem Hellfighters Congressional Gold Medal Act (Public Law 117-38). The Harlem Hellfighters were an African American infantry regiment that served in World War I, and the medals recognize their contributions.
Key Provisions
- Authorization for Event: Emancipation Hall is approved for use on September 3, 2025, to hold the medal presentation ceremony.
- Preparations and Conditions: Any physical setup for the ceremony must follow guidelines set by the Architect of the Capitol, who oversees maintenance and operations of Capitol buildings.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This resolution does not amend or alter any existing laws. It is a procedural measure that grants temporary permission for a specific event in a government facility, without creating new legal obligations or rights.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Architect of the Capitol will handle event preparations, potentially involving minor logistical adjustments to the Capitol Visitor Center's schedule.
- On Citizens: It enables public recognition of historical military service, which may foster educational or commemorative opportunities but has no direct effect on individual rights or services.
- On International Relations: No impacts, as the resolution focuses on a domestic historical ceremony.
Main Stakeholders
- Congress: The House and Senate jointly approve and oversee the resolution.
- Harlem Hellfighters' Representatives: Descendants, historians, or organizations connected to the regiment who will receive the medals.
- Capitol Staff: Including the Architect of the Capitol, responsible for venue preparations and security.
- Public and Visitors: Those attending the ceremony or learning about the event through public access to the Capitol.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a concurrent resolution, it requires agreement from both the House and Senate but does not need presidential approval. It ensures compliance with Capitol usage rules without raising enforcement issues.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under Article I to manage its facilities and conduct ceremonial functions.
- Political: Highlights bipartisan recognition of military history and diversity in U.S. armed forces, potentially promoting themes of national unity and remembrance, though it carries no partisan mandates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3]
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-29: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- 2025-07-23: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4685)
- 2025-07-23: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-06-27: Received in the Senate.
- 2025-06-26: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-06-26: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection. (text: CR H2995)
- 2025-06-26: Passed/agreed to in House: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection. (text: CR H2995)
- 2025-06-26: Considered by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR H2995)
- 2025-06-26: Committee on House Administration discharged.
- 2025-06-26: Committee on House Administration discharged.
- 2025-06-26: Mr. Steil asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.
- 2025-06-20: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
- 2025-06-20: Submitted in House
- 2025-06-20: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for a ceremony to present the Congressional Gold Medals awarded under the Harlem Hellfighters Congressional Gold Medal Act. — issued 2025-06-26 — PDF (4 pages)
- Authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for a ceremony to present the Congressional Gold Medals awarded under the Harlem Hellfighters Congressional Gold Medal Act. — issued 2025-07-23 — PDF (1 pages)
- Authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for a ceremony to present the Congressional Gold Medals awarded under the Harlem Hellfighters Congressional Gold Medal Act. — issued 2025-06-20 — PDF (2 pages)
- Authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for a ceremony to present the Congressional Gold Medals awarded under the Harlem Hellfighters Congressional Gold Medal Act. — issued 2025-06-27 — PDF (2 pages)