Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.Con.Res.17 - Authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for a ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust. (119th Congress)

Summary

H.Con.Res.17 authorizes the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for a ceremony commemorating the victims of the Holocaust on April 23, 2025. The resolution was passed by the House of Representatives and received in the Senate. It specifies that physical preparations for the ceremony will be determined by the Architect of the Capitol.

Expected Effects

The resolution will allow for a formal ceremony to take place in a prominent location within the Capitol complex. This provides a venue for remembrance and reflection on the Holocaust. It also symbolizes the commitment of the U.S. government to honoring the victims and educating future generations.

Potential Benefits

  • Provides a venue for national remembrance of the Holocaust.
  • Symbolizes the U.S. government's commitment to Holocaust education and awareness.
  • Offers an opportunity for community engagement and reflection.
  • Reinforces the importance of human rights and the prevention of genocide.
  • May strengthen relationships with communities affected by the Holocaust.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential costs associated with security and logistical arrangements for the event.
  • Possible disruptions to regular visitor traffic in the Capitol Visitor Center.
  • Risk of controversy or protests surrounding the event, requiring additional security measures.
  • The resolution itself is narrow in scope and does not address broader issues related to Holocaust education or anti-Semitism.
  • Limited direct impact on most Americans beyond the symbolic gesture.

Constitutional Alignment

The resolution aligns with the spirit of the Constitution, particularly the First Amendment, which protects the right to assemble peaceably. While the Constitution does not explicitly address Holocaust remembrance, the authorization of a commemorative ceremony falls within the implied powers of Congress to promote the general welfare and foster a sense of national unity. The use of Emancipation Hall, a public space, for this purpose does not violate the Establishment Clause as it does not endorse a particular religion but rather commemorates a historical event and its victims.

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).