Bills of Congress May 14, 2025 by U.S. Congress

H.R.3396 - To redesignate Gravelly Point Park, located along the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Arlington County, Virginia, as the Nancy Reagan Memorial Park, and for other purposes. (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R.3396 proposes to rename Gravelly Point Park in Arlington County, Virginia, as the Nancy Reagan Memorial Park. The bill directs that any reference to Gravelly Point Park in official documents be changed accordingly. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Mr. Issa and Mr. Aderholt and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.

Expected Effects

If enacted, Gravelly Point Park will be officially known as the Nancy Reagan Memorial Park. This change will be reflected in all relevant federal records and maps. The bill does not appear to have any immediate or direct economic or social impact beyond the name change.

Potential Benefits

Honors the legacy of Nancy Reagan.
May increase tourism due to the association with a prominent figure.
Could serve as an educational opportunity about Nancy Reagan's contributions.
Provides a symbolic gesture of respect and remembrance.
May foster a sense of community pride.

Potential Disadvantages

May be seen as a divisive issue depending on political views.
Could be considered a waste of resources if significant costs are involved in changing signage and documents.
May erase the historical significance or original intent of Gravelly Point Park's name.
Could set a precedent for renaming other public spaces, potentially leading to controversy.
May not address more pressing issues facing the American people.

Constitutional Alignment

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The bill appears to be constitutionally permissible. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to control federal lands, which arguably includes the power to name or rename them. The act of renaming a park does not appear to infringe upon any specific rights or liberties guaranteed by the Constitution or its amendments.