H.R.4013 - To amend title 4, United States Code, to permit the flag of the United States to be flown at half-staff in the event of the death of the Mayor of the District of Columbia. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 4013 proposes amending Title 4 of the United States Code to include the Mayor of the District of Columbia in the list of officials whose death warrants the flying of the US flag at half-staff. Currently, the law specifies the President, Vice President, Justices of the Supreme Court, Members of Congress, and Governors of states, territories, or possessions. The bill seeks to add the Mayor of D.C. to this list.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Ms. Norton on June 13, 2025, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. The amendment involves striking and inserting specific phrases in Section 7(m) of Title 4 to include the Mayor of D.C.
This change would formally recognize the Mayor of the District of Columbia in the context of national mourning protocols.
Expected Effects
If passed, H.R. 4013 would result in the US flag being flown at half-staff upon the death of the Mayor of the District of Columbia, similar to the protocol followed for governors of states and territories. This change would codify a symbolic gesture of respect and mourning at the national level.
The amendment would ensure that the Mayor of D.C. is recognized alongside other high-ranking officials in matters of national mourning. This could lead to increased recognition of the District of Columbia's importance within the United States.
There is unlikely to be any significant financial or operational impact resulting from this bill.
Potential Benefits
- Symbolically recognizes the importance of the Mayor of the District of Columbia.
- Aligns the District of Columbia with states and territories in terms of national mourning protocols.
- May foster a greater sense of inclusion and respect for the District of Columbia and its leadership.
- Reinforces the importance of local governance within the national framework.
- Provides a clear and consistent protocol for honoring the Mayor of D.C. upon their death.
Potential Disadvantages
- The impact is primarily symbolic and may not have tangible benefits for most Americans.
- Could be perceived as giving disproportionate recognition to one local official.
- May open the door for similar requests from other local government leaders, potentially diluting the significance of flying the flag at half-staff.
- The change is relatively minor and may not address more pressing issues facing the District of Columbia or the nation.
- Some may view this as an unnecessary expansion of existing protocols.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the US Constitution, specifically Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to legislate for the District of Columbia. The proposed amendment to Title 4 does not infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
While the Constitution does not explicitly address flag-flying protocols, Congress has the authority to establish such regulations. The bill does not appear to violate any principles of federalism or separation of powers.
Amendment I regarding freedom of speech or expression is not relevant in this case.
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).