Bill · H.Res. 137· House(119-HRES-137)
Resolution designating the House Press Gallery (Rooms H-315, H-316, H-317, H-318, and H-319 in the United States Capitol) as the 'Frederick Douglass Press Gallery’
- Introduced
- 2/14/2025
- Last activity
- 6/9/2025 — The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
- Sponsored by
- Byron Donalds
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 2
- Introduced
- Adopted by the House
A House resolution is the House speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the House agrees to it, it is officially the House's word; it is not a law, so the Senate and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
This resolution honors the life and historical achievements of Frederick Douglass. It details his escape from slavery, his groundbreaking career as a journalist, and his time as the first Black reporter allowed into the Capitol press galleries. The text notes his activism, his work during the Civil War and Reconstruction, and previous honors he has received in the Capitol. Finally, the bill officially designates specific rooms of the House Press Gallery in the United States Capitol as the "Frederick Douglass Press Gallery".
Yes· 3 of 4
Would Black Americans be better off under this?+5
The bill commemorates the legacy of Frederick Douglass, a legendary African-American abolitionist and journalist.
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?+5
The resolution honors Frederick Douglass, a prominent figure in the fight for African-American rights and equality.
Would women be better off under this?+2
The resolution highlights Douglass's historical work as a champion for women's rights.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Honoring a Historical Figure: The bill officially renames the House Press Gallery as the "Frederick Douglass Press Gallery" to recognize his legacy as a pioneering journalist, anti-slavery champion, and the first Black reporter in the Capitol press galleries. This honors his contributions to American history and journalism for the benefit of the public and visitors to the Capitol.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No Negative Impacts Identified: The provided text does not contain any sections or provisions that outline negative consequences, burdens, or harms for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For African Americans+5Good For Women+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2
- 6/9/2025
- The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2549-2550)
- On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2549-2550)
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 137.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2549-2551)
- Mr. Graves moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
- 6/6/2025
- Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-150.
- Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 31.
- 4/2/2025
- Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Discharged
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 2/26/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/14/2025
- Submitted in House
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
André CarsonDemocrat · Indiana
Steven HorsfordDemocrat · Nevada
Wesley HuntRepublican · Texas
John JamesRepublican · Michigan
Burgess OwensRepublican · Utah