Requesting the Secretary of the Interior to authorize unique and one-time arrangements for displays on the National Mall and the Washington Monument during the period beginning on December 31, 2025, and ending on January 5, 2026.
- Bill Number
- H.J.Res. 133
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Became Law
- Became Law
- Public Law 119-46
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-02: Became Public Law No: 119-46.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-10T15:23:28Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This joint resolution aims to initiate nationwide celebrations for the 250th anniversary (semiquincentennial) of the United States' founding in 1776 by requesting special permissions for public displays on the National Mall and Washington Monument during the New Year's period from December 31, 2025, to January 5, 2026. It highlights the historical significance of the Declaration of Independence and seeks to build public engagement through visual and multimedia exhibits.
Key Provisions
- Authorization Request: Congress requests the Secretary of the Interior to approve "unique and one-time arrangements" for displaying semiquincentennial materials (related to the 250th anniversary), artifacts, digital content, film footage, audio, and imagery around the National Mall, including projections onto the Washington Monument for five nights.
- Transmission of Resolution: The Clerk of the House of Representatives is directed to send an enrolled copy of the resolution to the Secretary of the Interior and the Chair of the United States Semiquincentennial Commission for coordination and implementation.
- Contextual Whereas Clauses: The resolution includes background statements emphasizing the historical importance of July 4, 1776, the role of the Semiquincentennial Commission (established by the 2016 Act), and precedents like the 1976 bicentennial lighting of monuments and the 2019 Apollo 11 commemoration, which drew large crowds.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This is a non-binding joint resolution, so it does not amend or create new statutory law. Instead, it seeks temporary exceptions to standard National Park Service rules (under the Department of the Interior) that typically restrict alterations or projections on monuments like the Washington Monument to preserve their integrity.
- It builds on the United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016, which already authorizes planning for the 250th anniversary but does not specifically address these displays.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of the Interior may need to adjust park management protocols for event setup, security, and cleanup, potentially involving coordination with the National Park Service. The Semiquincentennial Commission could use this to amplify national programming.
- Citizens: Expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to Washington, DC, similar to past events, fostering public education and unity through free, accessible holiday-season exhibits. It could boost local tourism and economy during the winter period.
- International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though the displays may indirectly promote U.S. historical values (e.g., representative government and sovereignty) to global audiences via media coverage.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Government Entities: Secretary of the Interior (primary recipient of the request), United States Semiquincentennial Commission (for planning and inspiration), and National Park Service (for on-site execution).
- Public and Communities: U.S. citizens and visitors to Washington, DC., who will experience the events; organizers of semiquincentennial activities nationwide.
- Congress: As the authoring body, it demonstrates bipartisan support for historical commemorations.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a congressional request rather than a mandate, it respects the executive branch's discretion under laws governing national monuments (e.g., the Antiquities Act of 1906, which protects sites like the National Mall). No enforcement mechanism exists if the request is denied, avoiding potential separation-of-powers issues.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's implied powers to commemorate national history (Article I, Section 8) and promote general welfare, without infringing on free speech or property rights.
- Political: Signals congressional endorsement of patriotic celebrations to mark a milestone anniversary, potentially enhancing national pride and unity. It draws on non-partisan historical precedents, reducing controversy, but could face scrutiny over costs or environmental effects on protected sites if implemented.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Aderholt, Robert B. [R-AL-4]
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-02: Became Public Law No: 119-46.
- 2025-12-02: Became Public Law No: 119-46.
- 2025-12-02: Signed by President.
- 2025-12-02: Signed by President.
- 2025-11-21: Presented to President.
- 2025-11-21: Presented to President.
- 2025-11-20: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- 2025-11-20: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8399)
- 2025-11-20: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-11-19: Received in the Senate, read twice.
- 2025-11-18: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-11-18: On passage Passed without objection. (text: CR H4758-4759)
- 2025-11-18: Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed without objection. (text: CR H4758-4759)
- 2025-11-18: Considered by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR H4757-4758)
- 2025-11-18: Committee on Natural Resources discharged.
Bill Versions
- Requesting the Secretary of the Interior to authorize unique and one-time arrangements for displays on the National Mall and the Washington Monument during the period beginning on December 31, 2025, and ending on January 5, 2026. — issued 2025-11-18 — PDF (6 pages)
- Requesting the Secretary of the Interior to authorize unique and one-time arrangements for displays on the National Mall and the Washington Monument during the period beginning on December 31, 2025, and ending on January 5, 2026. — issued 2025-11-22 — PDF (2 pages)
- Requesting the Secretary of the Interior to authorize unique and one-time arrangements for displays on the National Mall and the Washington Monument during the period beginning on December 31, 2025, and ending on January 5, 2026. — issued 2025-11-04 — PDF (4 pages)