Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

Commission of Fine Arts District of Columbia Residency Act

Summary

H.R. 4956, the "Commission of Fine Arts District of Columbia Residency Act," seeks to amend Title 40 of the United States Code. The proposed change would require that a majority of the members of the Commission of Fine Arts be residents of the District of Columbia. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on August 12, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

Expected Effects

If enacted, this bill would change the composition of the Commission of Fine Arts. Specifically, it would ensure that a majority of its members are residents of the District of Columbia. The amendment would take effect one year after the bill's enactment.

Potential Benefits

  • Increased representation of District of Columbia residents on the Commission of Fine Arts.
  • Potential for decisions that better reflect the needs and perspectives of the local community.
  • Could lead to greater community engagement in decisions related to fine arts in the District.
  • May foster a stronger connection between the Commission and the city it serves.
  • Could enhance the Commission's understanding of local cultural and artistic nuances.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential for decreased representation of national perspectives on the Commission.
  • Risk of prioritizing local interests over broader national interests in fine arts.
  • Possible limitations on the pool of qualified candidates for the Commission.
  • Could create a perception of bias towards District of Columbia residents.
  • May lead to increased political influence in the selection of Commission members.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill appears to align with the U.S. Constitution, as it pertains to the legislative powers granted to Congress under Article I, Section 8, which includes the power to regulate the District of Columbia. There are no apparent infringements on individual rights or freedoms as outlined in the Bill of Rights. The bill does not appear to violate any specific constitutional provisions.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).