Authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for the Congressional National Prayer Breakfast.
- Bill Number
- H.Con.Res. 63
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-11-28: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-01T16:33:48Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 63) authorizes the temporary use of the United States Capitol rotunda—a large, circular room in the center of the Capitol building—for hosting the Congressional National Prayer Breakfast, an annual event organized by members of Congress.
Key Provisions
- Event Authorization: The rotunda is permitted for use on February 5, 2026, specifically for the Congressional National Prayer Breakfast.
- Food and Beverage Service: The permission explicitly includes providing food and drinks during the event.
- Preparation Guidelines: Any setup or physical preparations must follow rules set by the Architect of the Capitol, who oversees the maintenance and use of the Capitol building.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This resolution does not introduce any permanent changes to laws or regulations. It is a one-time authorization for a specific event and does not amend broader statutes governing Capitol usage.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Architect of the Capitol will handle preparations, potentially requiring minor coordination for setup and cleanup, but with no long-term effects on operations.
- On Citizens: Limited impact; it enables members of Congress, invited guests, and participants to hold the event in a symbolic government space, promoting interfaith or prayer-focused dialogue without affecting the general public.
- On International Relations: Negligible, as the event is domestic and focuses on congressional traditions rather than foreign policy.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Organizers and Participants: Sponsors like Representatives Cline and Jackson of Illinois, along with attendees of the Prayer Breakfast (typically congressional members, religious leaders, and guests).
- Congressional Bodies: The House of Representatives and Senate, which must concur for the resolution to pass.
- Capitol Oversight: The Architect of the Capitol, responsible for ensuring the event complies with building protocols.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a concurrent resolution, it requires approval from both the House and Senate but does not need the President's signature, making it a procedural tool for internal congressional permissions. It aligns with existing rules for using federal spaces for official events.
- Constitutional: The event's religious focus raises questions about the separation of church and state (under the First Amendment), but such congressional prayer events have historical precedent and are generally viewed as permissible expressions of members' personal faiths within legislative proceedings.
- Political: Reinforces traditions of bipartisan religious observance in Congress, potentially fostering unity among lawmakers, though it could spark debate on inclusivity for non-religious or diverse faith perspectives. No major controversies are evident from the document itself.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-11-28: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
- 2025-11-28: Submitted in House
- 2025-11-28: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for the Congressional National Prayer Breakfast. — issued 2025-11-28 — PDF (2 pages)