Common Sense 250 Act of 2026

Bill Number

H.R. 9600

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-07-06: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Last Updated

2026-07-09T03:08:22Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This legislation authorizes the placement of a commemorative work honoring Thomas Paine, described in the bill as America's indispensable and unsung Founding Father, in a designated area of Washington, D.C.

Key Provisions

• The bill grants approval for the monument's location in Area I, as shown on the official map titled "Commemorative Areas Washington, DC and Environs" (numbered 869/86501 B, dated June 24, 2003).
• It overrides the standard location approval process required under existing federal rules for such works.
• The commemorative work was previously authorized by section 709 of division DD of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill creates an exception to section 8908(b)(1) of title 40, United States Code (the Commemorative Works Act), which generally restricts or requires additional approvals for works in certain high-profile areas.
• This change allows the specific monument to proceed in Area I without meeting the usual statutory conditions.

Potential Impacts

• Government agencies responsible for managing federal lands and memorials in Washington, D.C., would need to accommodate the approved location.
• Citizens and visitors may gain access to a new public memorial dedicated to Thomas Paine in a central commemorative zone.
• No direct effects on international relations are outlined in the bill.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Members of Congress involved in sponsoring or voting on the measure.
• Federal agencies overseeing commemorative works and public lands.
• Organizations or groups advocating for recognition of Thomas Paine's historical contributions.
• The general public interested in historical monuments in the nation's capital.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• The legislation represents a direct congressional action to bypass procedural requirements in the Commemorative Works Act, illustrating legislative authority over administrative restrictions on memorials.
• It raises no apparent constitutional issues within the bill text but emphasizes Congress's role in approving specific commemorative projects.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Raskin, Jamie [D-MD-8]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Spartz, Victoria [R-IN-5]

Recent Actions

• 2026-07-06: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
• 2026-07-06: Introduced in House
• 2026-07-06: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Common Sense 250 Act of 2026 — issued 2026-07-06 — PDF (2 pages)