Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.Con.Res.24 - Authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for an event to celebrate the birthday of King Kamehameha I. (119th Congress)

Summary

H.Con.Res.24 authorizes the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for an event celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I on June 8, 2025. The resolution was submitted in the House of Representatives by Mr. Case and Ms. Tokuda and referred to the Committee on House Administration. It directs the Architect of the Capitol to oversee physical preparations for the event.

Expected Effects

If passed, Emancipation Hall will be used for the specified event. This could lead to increased awareness and recognition of King Kamehameha I and Hawaiian culture within the Capitol. The event itself would be a temporary use of a public space for a specific cultural celebration.

Potential Benefits

  • Increased recognition and awareness of Hawaiian history and culture.
  • Provides a venue for cultural exchange and celebration.
  • Could foster a sense of inclusion and representation for the Hawaiian community.
  • May promote tourism and interest in Hawaii.
  • Demonstrates respect for diverse cultures within the United States.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential cost associated with event preparations and security.
  • Possible disruption to regular visitor activities in Emancipation Hall.
  • Could set a precedent for similar requests from other cultural groups, potentially leading to scheduling conflicts.
  • Some may view it as an inappropriate use of a space within the Capitol Visitor Center.
  • Minimal direct impact on most Americans outside of increased awareness.

Constitutional Alignment

The resolution appears to align with the spirit of the First Amendment, which protects the right of the people to peaceably assemble. While not directly related to speech or religion, the event can be seen as a form of cultural expression and assembly. The use of Emancipation Hall is subject to the discretion of Congress, as outlined in Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to control federal property.

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).