Clarence Mitchell, Jr. Statue Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7915
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-12: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-30T08:06:34Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill, titled the Clarence Mitchell, Jr. Statue Act, directs the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library (a congressional body overseeing the Library of Congress and related matters) to obtain and place a statue of Clarence Mitchell, Jr.—a prominent civil rights advocate—in a permanent public location in the U.S. Capitol to honor his contributions to civil rights legislation.
Key Provisions
- Findings Section: Outlines Clarence Mitchell, Jr.'s background, including his birth in Baltimore in 1911, education, journalism career (reporting on civil rights issues like lynchings), leadership of the NAACP Washington Bureau (1950–1978), advocacy for key laws (1957 and 1964 Civil Rights Acts, 1965 Voting Rights Act, 1968 Fair Housing Act), bipartisan relationships, UN delegation role in 1975, extensive congressional testimony, and receipt of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1980.
- Obtaining the Statue: The Joint Committee must enter an agreement to acquire the statue within 2 years of enactment, under terms consistent with law. It may authorize the Architect of the Capitol (the official responsible for maintaining Capitol buildings) to handle contracts.
- Placement: The statue must be placed in a permanent public location in the U.S. Capitol.
- Funding: Authorizes appropriation of necessary funds, available until spent.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- No major alterations to existing statutes; adds a specific directive for a new statue, similar to prior authorizations for statues of notable figures (e.g., state representatives in Statuary Hall). Expands the Capitol's collection of honorary statues.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Requires action by the Joint Committee on the Library and Architect of the Capitol, involving procurement, placement, and funding (likely minimal cost).
- Citizens: Symbolic recognition of civil rights history, potentially inspiring public appreciation for figures like Mitchell; no direct effects on rights or services.
- International Relations: None notable, though it highlights Mitchell's UN role.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Joint Committee of Congress on the Library (primary executor).
- Architect of the Capitol (handles contracts and installation).
- Congress (sponsors from Maryland and others; enhances Capitol's historical displays).
- NAACP and civil rights community (honors a key leader).
- Maryland residents (Mitchell's hometown ties).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Relies on Congress's constitutional authority over the Capitol (Article I, Section 8); straightforward appropriation and procurement under existing rules.
- Constitutional: No challenges; aligns with precedents for honorary statues.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship reflects Mitchell's cross-aisle work; serves as a gesture toward civil rights legacy without controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (14)
Rep. Olszewski, Johnny [D-MD-2], Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Brown, Shontel M. [D-OH-11], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Figures, Shomari [D-AL-2], Rep. Hoyer, Steny H. [D-MD-5], Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3], Rep. Pelosi, Nancy [D-CA-11], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-12: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
- 2026-03-12: Introduced in House
- 2026-03-12: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Clarence Mitchell, Jr. Statue Act — issued 2026-03-12 — PDF (4 pages)