Authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for an event to unveil the statue of Barbara Rose Johns.
- Bill Number
- H.Con.Res. 62
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-04: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-10T15:08:29Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 62) authorizes the use of a specific public space in the U.S. Capitol for a ceremonial event honoring Barbara Rose Johns, a key figure in the civil rights movement who led a student protest against school segregation in 1951.
Key Provisions
- Event Authorization: Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center is permitted for use on December 16, 2025, to unveil a statue of Barbara Rose Johns.
- Preparations: Any physical setup for the event 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 introduces no changes to existing laws. As a concurrent resolution, it is a formal agreement between the House of Representatives and the Senate that does not carry the force of law but provides internal congressional approval for using federal facilities.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Architect of the Capitol will handle event preparations, potentially involving minor logistical adjustments to Capitol operations on the specified date, but no long-term effects.
- On Citizens: Allows public recognition of civil rights history through a statue unveiling, which may inspire education and awareness about segregation-era activism without direct impacts on daily life.
- On International Relations: None; this is a domestic ceremonial measure with no foreign policy elements.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Congress: The House and Senate jointly authorize and oversee the event.
- Architect of the Capitol: Responsible for implementing preparations and ensuring compliance with facility rules.
- Civil Rights Organizations and Descendants: Groups honoring Barbara Rose Johns, including potential participants in the unveiling, benefit from the official recognition.
- Capitol Visitors and Staff: Temporary access restrictions or setup may affect public tours or work in the Capitol Visitor Center.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces Congress's authority under Article I of the U.S. Constitution to manage its facilities, with no enforceable legal changes.
- Constitutional: Aligns with congressional powers to conduct internal proceedings and ceremonies.
- Political: Symbolically promotes civil rights legacy in a bipartisan manner (agreed to by both chambers), highlighting ongoing recognition of underrepresented historical figures without partisan controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-04: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- 2025-12-04: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8517)
- 2025-12-04: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-12-01: Received in the Senate.
- 2025-11-20: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-11-20: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection. (text: CR H4851)
- 2025-11-20: Passed/agreed to in House: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection. (text: CR H4851)
- 2025-11-20: Considered by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR H4851)
- 2025-11-20: Committee on House Administration discharged.
- 2025-11-20: Committee on House Administration discharged.
- 2025-11-20: Mr. Steil asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.
- 2025-11-18: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
- 2025-11-18: Submitted in House
- 2025-11-18: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for an event to unveil the statue of Barbara Rose Johns. — issued 2025-11-20 — PDF (4 pages)
- Authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for an event to unveil the statue of Barbara Rose Johns. — issued 2025-12-04 — PDF (1 pages)
- Authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for an event to unveil the statue of Barbara Rose Johns. — issued 2025-11-18 — PDF (2 pages)
- Authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for an event to unveil the statue of Barbara Rose Johns. — issued 2025-12-01 — PDF (2 pages)