Recognizing the bicentennial of the historic DACOR Bacon House.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 964
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-18: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-20T09:05:18Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 964) aims to formally recognize the 200th anniversary (bicentennial) of the DACOR Bacon House, a historic building in Washington, D.C., highlighting its role in American history, diplomacy, and culture. It honors the site's legacy from Native American origins through notable owners, residents, and events, while celebrating its current use as a center for diplomatic professionals.
Key Provisions
- Historical Background: The resolution details the property's timeline, starting with the Anacostan people's land, ownership by Revolutionary War veteran David Burnes, and construction in 1825 by Tench Ringgold using enslaved labor. It covers notable residents and guests, including:
- George Washington's secretary Tobias Lear V.
- Supreme Court Justices like John Marshall, Joseph Story, and others.
- The Carroll family, linked to Declaration of Independence signers and providing the "Lincoln Bible" for presidential inaugurations.
- Russian diplomat Nikolai Shishkin, Chief Justice Melville Fuller, Presidents Grover Cleveland and Theodore Roosevelt, and others.
- Later owners like socialite Virginia Murray Bacon, who established a foundation for its preservation.
- Modern Role: Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, the house now serves as headquarters for DACOR (Diplomatic and Consular Officers, Retired), hosting educational events, policy discussions, and cultural programs for diplomats, ambassadors, military officials, and global leaders.
- Resolution Actions: The House of Representatives:
- Recognizes the house's importance to U.S. diplomacy, the Supreme Court, and Congress.
- Applauds DACOR and the DACOR Bacon House Foundation for preservation efforts.
- Congratulates those connected to the house on its bicentennial.
- Wishes for its continued success for another 200 years.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. This is a non-binding resolution, meaning it expresses the House's views but does not create, amend, or repeal any laws. It has no legal force and serves only as a ceremonial acknowledgment.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies and Citizens: Symbolic boost to historic preservation efforts in the nation's capital, potentially increasing public awareness and tourism. It may encourage funding or support for similar sites but imposes no requirements.
- On International Relations: Reinforces the U.S.'s diplomatic heritage by honoring a site linked to foreign affairs professionals and past international figures (e.g., Russian minister), fostering goodwill in diplomatic circles without direct policy changes.
- Broader Effects: Promotes cultural education about U.S. history, including acknowledgment of enslaved labor and Native American roots, which could inspire community engagement among historians, educators, and the public.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- DACOR and DACOR Bacon House Foundation: Primary beneficiaries, receiving official praise for their stewardship and role in maintaining the site as a hub for foreign affairs professionals.
- Diplomatic and Foreign Affairs Community: Includes retired ambassadors, Foreign Service Officers, military/intelligence officials, congressional staff, and international organization members who use the house for events.
- Historical and Cultural Groups: Encompasses preservationists, historians, and descendants of notable figures (e.g., Carroll family, Supreme Court justices), as well as broader audiences interested in D.C. and U.S. history.
- Local and National Government: The House of Representatives (via bipartisan sponsors) and oversight committees, with indirect benefits to agencies like the National Park Service for historic sites.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: No implications, as resolutions like this do not require presidential approval or affect the Constitution. They align with Congress's power to recognize historical events under Article I.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (e.g., by Reps. McClellan, Bacon, and Beyer) demonstrates cross-party unity on cultural heritage. It subtly addresses historical injustices (e.g., enslaved labor, Native displacement) without mandating action, potentially serving as a model for future recognitions. Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, it underscores congressional interest in preserving federal landmarks near the White House.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4]
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Beyer, Donald S. [D-VA-8]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-18: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-12-18: Submitted in House
- 2025-12-18: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Recognizing the bicentennial of the historic DACOR Bacon House. — issued 2025-12-18 — PDF (5 pages)