A resolution designating June 10, 2025, as "DACOR Bacon House Bicentennial Day".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 284
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-17: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3442; text: CR S3440-3441)
- Last Updated
- 2025-07-24T13:12:25Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution aims to honor the historical significance of the DACOR Bacon House, a landmark in Washington, D.C., by designating June 10, 2025, as "DACOR Bacon House Bicentennial Day." It celebrates the house's 200th anniversary since its construction in 1825 and recognizes its role in American history, diplomacy, and culture.
Key Provisions
- Historical Background: The resolution provides a detailed preamble outlining the house's history, including:
- Its location on land originally inhabited by the Anacostian people and later owned by Revolutionary War veteran David Burnes.
- Construction in 1825 by Tench Ringgold (using enslaved labor) after acquisition by Tobias Lear V, George Washington's secretary.
- Residences and visits by notable figures, such as Chief Justice John Marshall and other Supreme Court justices, the Carroll family (linked to the Declaration of Independence and Constitution), Russian diplomat Nikolai Shishkin, Chief Justice Melville Fuller, Presidents Grover Cleveland and Theodore Roosevelt, and others like Senator Medill McCormick and socialite Virginia Murray Bacon.
- Its addition to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and transition to ownership by the DACOR Bacon House Foundation in 1986, with dedication by Secretary of State George P. Shultz.
- Current role as headquarters for the Diplomatic and Consular Officers, Retired (DACOR) organization, hosting educational, policy, and cultural events.
- Resolved Actions:
- Recognizes the house's importance to U.S. history, including diplomacy, the Supreme Court, and Congress.
- Applauds the DACOR Bacon House Foundation and DACOR for preserving the site.
- Officially designates June 10, 2025, as the bicentennial day.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution with no legal force or amendments to statutes. It does not alter any existing laws, regulations, or policies; it serves solely as a symbolic gesture of recognition by the Senate.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Minimal direct impact, but it may encourage federal agencies involved in historic preservation (e.g., National Park Service) to highlight the site during the designated day.
- On Citizens: Raises public awareness of D.C.'s and U.S. history, potentially increasing tourism or educational interest in the house as a cultural venue. No enforceable obligations or benefits for individuals.
- On International Relations: Indirectly promotes U.S. diplomatic heritage by noting the house's past role in hosting foreign diplomats, which could foster goodwill in cultural exchanges, but no substantive policy changes.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- DACOR Bacon House Foundation and DACOR Organization: Primary beneficiaries, receiving formal Senate recognition for preservation efforts; members include retired diplomats, ambassadors, military officials, congressional staff, and international professionals.
- Historical and Cultural Entities: Entities tied to the house's legacy, such as the National Register of Historic Places and local D.C. history groups.
- The Senate and Broader U.S. Government: Sponsors (Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Roger Wicker) and the Senate as a whole, emphasizing bipartisan support for heritage.
- Local Community: Residents and visitors in the President's neighborhood in D.C., who may engage more with the site through events.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution agreed to by the Senate (S. Res. 284, passed June 17, 2025), it requires no presidential approval and has no enforceable legal effect, avoiding any constitutional issues related to separation of powers.
- Constitutional: None significant; it aligns with Congress's broad authority under Article I to commemorate events, without infringing on executive or judicial branches.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan congressional interest in preserving diplomatic and cultural history, potentially signaling support for foreign affairs professionals. It highlights themes of U.S. heritage, including acknowledgments of enslaved labor and Indigenous land origins, promoting inclusive historical narratives without controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-17: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3442; text: CR S3440-3441)
- 2025-06-17: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-06-17: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Designating June 10, 2025, as DACOR Bacon House Bicentennial Day. — issued 2025-06-17 — PDF (5 pages)