Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

Authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for a ceremony to present the Congressional Gold Medals awarded under the Harlem Hellfighters Congressional Gold Medal Act.

Summary

This concurrent resolution authorizes the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center on September 3, 2025, for a ceremony to present the Congressional Gold Medals awarded under the Harlem Hellfighters Congressional Gold Medal Act. The resolution specifies that physical preparations for the ceremony will be carried out according to the Architect of the Capitol's guidelines. It was agreed to on July 23, 2025.

Expected Effects

The resolution enables a formal ceremony to honor the Harlem Hellfighters, a historically significant African American unit from World War I. This event will provide a venue for recognizing their contributions and sacrifices. The Architect of the Capitol will oversee the logistical aspects of the ceremony.

Potential Benefits

  • Provides a venue for honoring the Harlem Hellfighters.
  • Recognizes the historical contributions of an African American military unit.
  • Promotes awareness of the Harlem Hellfighters' legacy.
  • Offers a space for public commemoration and reflection.
  • May foster a sense of national unity and appreciation for diverse contributions to US history.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential cost associated with the ceremony preparations.
  • Possible disruption to regular Capitol Visitor Center activities on the day of the event.
  • Limited direct impact on broader policy or societal issues.
  • The resolution itself does not address systemic issues related to race or military service.
  • The event is a one-time occurrence with limited long-term effects.

Constitutional Alignment

The resolution aligns with the general powers of Congress to manage its facilities and recognize achievements. Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution grants Congress the power to control federal property. The resolution does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.

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).