Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.2306 - The Adams Memorial-Great American Heroes Act (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R.2306, the Adams Memorial-Great American Heroes Act, seeks to reauthorize the Adams Memorial Commission and modify certain provisions related to the establishment and location of a commemorative work. The bill extends the Commission's authority until 2032 and authorizes appropriations of $50,000,000, contingent upon a 1-to-1 non-federal match. It also amends existing laws to allow for a specific additional area for the memorial's location.

Expected Effects

The bill's passage would ensure the continuation of the Adams Memorial project by providing extended authorization and funding. It would also allow for greater flexibility in the memorial's location. The non-federal match requirement could incentivize private donations and community involvement.

Potential Benefits

  • Preservation of cultural heritage by honoring the Adams family.
  • Potential for increased tourism and economic activity in the memorial's location.
  • Encouragement of civic engagement through the non-federal matching requirement.
  • Support for arts and cultural institutions involved in the memorial's creation.
  • Potential educational opportunities related to American history and the Adams family's contributions.

Potential Disadvantages

  • The $50 million appropriation could be seen as a misallocation of funds, especially if the non-federal match is difficult to secure.
  • Administrative costs, although capped at 4%, could still divert a significant portion of funds.
  • The focus on a single family might overshadow other important figures in American history.
  • Potential for delays or cost overruns in the memorial's construction.
  • The location of the memorial could face local opposition or environmental concerns.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill's purpose of establishing a memorial does not directly implicate any specific constitutional provisions. Congress has the power to appropriate funds for public purposes under Article I, Section 8, which grants the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. The establishment and funding of a memorial can be argued to fall under the 'general welfare' clause.

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).