Commemorating the service of General Lafayette to the United States on the bicentennial of his farewell tour.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 681
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-08: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2025-10-04T08:05:21Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This resolution commemorates the service of Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier de Lafayette (the Marquis de Lafayette) to the United States, marking the bicentennial of his 1824–1825 farewell tour.
Key Provisions
- Details Lafayette’s contributions during the American Revolution, including volunteering at age 19, serving as a major general without pay, fighting at battles such as Brandywine and Yorktown, and securing French military and financial support.
- Highlights his diplomatic role in strengthening the Franco-American alliance, his recognition as a natural-born U.S. citizen, and his advocacy for liberty, abolition of slavery, women’s rights, and freedom of the press.
- Notes his 1824–1825 tour across all 24 states, his address to Congress, and his White House visit.
- Acknowledges the American Friends of Lafayette’s bicentennial events from August 2024 to September 2025.
- Resolves that the House of Representatives recognizes Lafayette’s service, expresses gratitude for his sacrifices, and acknowledges him on the bicentennial of his farewell tour.
Significant Changes to Existing Law This measure introduces no changes to existing law. It is a non-binding commemorative resolution.
Potential Impacts
- May increase public awareness of Lafayette’s role in U.S. history and the Franco-American alliance among citizens.
- Could symbolically reinforce ties with France as an ally.
- No direct effects on government agencies or operations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
- The American public, particularly those interested in Revolutionary War history.
- Organizations such as the American Friends of Lafayette.
- French and U.S. diplomatic communities through the emphasis on the alliance.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The resolution references Lafayette’s historical recognition as a natural-born citizen under an early Maryland law but creates no new legal status or constitutional precedent. It carries no enforceable obligations or policy changes.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1]
Cosponsors (6)
Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9], Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Latta, Robert E. [R-OH-5], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27]
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-08: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-09-08: Submitted in House
- 2025-09-08: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Commemorating the service of General Lafayette to the United States on the bicentennial of his farewell tour. — issued 2025-09-08 — PDF (4 pages)