Francis G. Newlands Memorial Removal Act
Summary
The Francis G. Newlands Memorial Removal Act directs the Secretary of the Interior to remove or conceal the name of Francis Newlands from the memorial fountain at Chevy Chase Circle in Washington, D.C. This includes removing a brass plaque, a stone projection, and carved names from the fountain. Removed items will be offered to Newlands' descendants and, if unclaimed, maintained by the National Park Service.
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would result in the physical alteration of a memorial fountain in Washington, D.C. It reflects a reevaluation of historical figures and their legacies. The National Park Service will be responsible for managing the removed items if they are not claimed by descendants.
Potential Benefits
- Addresses concerns about honoring figures with controversial legacies.
- Allows for a more inclusive and representative public space.
- Provides an opportunity for historical reinterpretation and education.
- Ensures preservation of removed items through the National Park Service.
- Potentially improves community relations by responding to concerns about historical representation.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May be viewed as erasing history or disrespecting the past.
- Could set a precedent for removing other historical memorials.
- May alienate some community members who value the memorial.
- Involves government expenditure for the removal and maintenance of items.
- Could spark debate about whose history is valued and remembered in public spaces.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The act appears to align with the legislative powers granted to Congress under Article I, Section 8, which allows Congress to exercise authority over the District of Columbia. The First Amendment regarding freedom of speech is not directly implicated, as the act concerns a memorial, not speech suppression. The act does not appear to violate any specific constitutional provision.
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).