H.R.250 - An Act To direct the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a statue of Benjamin Franklin for placement in the Capitol. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.250 is an Act directing the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a statue of Benjamin Franklin for placement in the United States Capitol. The Act specifies that the statue must be obtained by December 31, 2025, and placed in a suitable, publicly accessible location within the Capitol by December 31, 2026.
The statue is intended to be accessible to the public during guided tours provided by the Capitol Visitor Center. The bill was passed by the House of Representatives on February 26, 2025, and referred to the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration on February 27, 2025.
This action reflects a symbolic gesture to honor a Founding Father.
Expected Effects
The immediate effect of this Act, if passed by the Senate, will be to task the Joint Committee on the Library with procuring and placing a statue of Benjamin Franklin in the Capitol.
In the medium term, the Capitol will gain a new monument honoring Franklin. This may enhance the educational experience for visitors.
Long-term, the statue will serve as a reminder of Franklin's contributions to the nation.
Potential Benefits
- Educational Enrichment: The statue will provide an additional educational opportunity for visitors to learn about Benjamin Franklin's role in American history.
- Cultural Symbolism: It reinforces the importance of the Founding Fathers and their contributions to the nation's identity.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: The statue could enhance the aesthetic appeal of the Capitol building.
- Promotion of Civic Engagement: It may inspire civic engagement by highlighting the legacy of a prominent historical figure.
- Increased Tourism: The statue could potentially attract more visitors to the Capitol.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Financial Cost: Procuring and placing the statue will incur costs, which could be directed to other public services.
- Opportunity Cost: The space occupied by the statue could have been used for other purposes.
- Potential for Controversy: The selection of the statue's design and placement could be subject to debate and disagreement.
- Maintenance Costs: The statue will require ongoing maintenance, adding to the Capitol's operational expenses.
- Limited Direct Impact: The statue's impact on the daily lives of most Americans will be minimal.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the US Constitution. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to control federal property, including the Capitol building. The placement of a statue within the Capitol falls under this authority.
Furthermore, the Act does not infringe upon any of the rights or liberties guaranteed by the Bill of Rights or other constitutional amendments. It is a symbolic gesture that does not appear to violate any constitutional principles.
However, the expenditure of funds must be consistent with the appropriations process outlined in the Constitution.
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).