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 directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a statue of Benjamin Franklin for placement in the United States Capitol. 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 bill was passed by the House of Representatives on February 26, 2025.
Expected Effects
The Joint Committee on the Library will be required to commission or acquire a statue of Benjamin Franklin. This statue will then be placed in a prominent location within the Capitol building. This action aims to honor Franklin's contributions to the United States.
Potential Benefits
- Honors a Founding Father: Recognizes Benjamin Franklin's significant contributions to American history and the founding of the nation.
- Enhances Capitol's Cultural Value: Adds to the artistic and historical significance of the U.S. Capitol building.
- Educational Opportunity: Provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about Franklin's life and achievements.
- Promotes Civic Engagement: May inspire civic engagement and a greater appreciation for American history.
- Supports the Arts: The procurement of the statue could provide work for artists and sculptors.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Cost: Procuring and placing the statue will incur expenses, which could be seen as a less pressing use of funds.
- Space Constraints: Finding a suitable location within the Capitol may be challenging.
- Subjectivity of Art: The selection of the statue's design and artist may be subject to debate and criticism.
- Limited Direct Impact: The statue's impact on addressing current societal challenges is minimal.
- Potential for Controversy: Historical figures are often subject to modern re-evaluation, which could lead to controversy.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the implied powers of Congress to manage and maintain federal property, including the U.S. Capitol. Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 grants Congress the power to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof. This clause allows Congress the flexibility to undertake actions necessary to fulfill its duties, including the decoration and maintenance of federal buildings.
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).