To establish uniform standards for flag displays in the House of Representatives facilities.

Bill Number

H.Res. 167

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Congress

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-02-26: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.

Last Updated

2026-02-24T09:05:26Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This House Resolution (H. Res. 167) aims to create consistent rules for displaying flags in facilities controlled by the U.S. House of Representatives, ensuring that only specific, officially recognized flags are shown in shared or official spaces to promote uniformity and respect for national symbols.

Key Provisions

• Scope and Application: The rules apply to House office buildings, leadership offices used for official purposes, committee locations, and other areas under House jurisdiction. Personal office spaces of individual House Members are exempt.
• Authorized Flags: Only the following flags may be displayed in covered areas:
• The U.S. flag (as defined in federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 700(b), which refers to the standard Stars and Stripes).
• Official House of Representatives flags and symbols.
• The state flag representing a Member's district, but only next to that Member's office.
• Military service flags (e.g., for Army, Navy, etc.).
• The POW/MIA flag (symbolizing prisoners of war and those missing in action).
• Flags from federally recognized Tribal Nations, as allowed in the Hall of Tribal Nations at the Bureau of Indian Affairs Museum.
• Flags of foreign dignitaries, but only during their official visits.
• Oversight and Implementation: The House Administration Committee and the Sergeant at Arms (the House's chief law enforcement officer) are responsible for enforcing the rules. They must:
• Set up a process to review and approve short-term exceptions.
• Establish a compliance timeline, with full implementation required no later than 30 days after the resolution's adoption.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This resolution introduces new, standardized guidelines for flag displays in House facilities, which were not previously codified in a uniform way. Prior to this, flag displays in these areas may have varied by office or committee without central rules, potentially allowing unofficial or diverse flags. It does not amend broader federal laws but sets internal House procedures.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Primarily affects House operations by standardizing displays in public and official spaces, reducing inconsistencies and administrative disputes. The House Administration Committee and Sergeant at Arms will need to allocate resources for oversight and enforcement.
• On Citizens: Limited direct impact, but it ensures that flag displays in taxpayer-funded House areas reflect official symbols, which could influence public perception of House proceedings during visits or events.
• On International Relations: Minimal, except that it explicitly permits foreign dignitaries' flags during official visits, maintaining diplomatic protocol without broader changes.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• House Members and Staff: Must comply in shared spaces but retain flexibility in personal offices; state flags are allowed near their offices.
• House Committees and Leadership: Their official areas are covered, potentially requiring adjustments to existing displays.
• Administration Committee and Sergeant at Arms: Gain new responsibilities for enforcement, approvals, and timelines.
• Tribal Nations and Military/Veteran Groups: Benefit from explicit authorization of their flags, ensuring recognition in federal spaces.
• General Public and Visitors: Indirectly affected through more uniform symbolism in House facilities.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: As a House Resolution, it is an internal rule enforceable only within the House, not a binding federal law. It references existing statutes (e.g., U.S. flag definitions) for consistency but creates no new enforceable penalties outside House procedures.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under Article I of the U.S. Constitution to set its own rules, promoting order in legislative spaces without infringing on free speech in personal areas.
• Political: Could symbolize a push for national unity and respect for official emblems, potentially sparking debate over excluded flags (e.g., partisan or activist symbols), but it avoids restricting Members' personal expressions to maintain balance.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Hamadeh, Abraham [R-AZ-8]

Cosponsors (11)

Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Harshbarger, Diana [R-TN-1], Rep. McDowell, Addison [R-NC-6], Rep. Wied, Tony [R-WI-8], Rep. Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22], Rep. McGuire, John J. [R-VA-5], Rep. Taylor, David J. [R-OH-2], Rep. Goldman, Craig A. [R-TX-12], Rep. Barr, Andy [R-KY-6], Rep. Rose, John W. [R-TN-6], Rep. Biggs, Sheri [R-SC-3]

Recent Actions

• 2025-02-26: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
• 2025-02-26: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

• To establish uniform standards for flag displays in the House of Representatives facilities. — issued 2025-02-26 — PDF (3 pages)