The exhibit will include elements such as preserved damaged Capitol property, photographic records from the day of the attack, and art that depicts the events. A plaque will also honor the sacrifices of law enforcement officers and Capitol staff with a focus on those who protected the Capitol and aided in its restoration after the attack. This legislation not only seeks to educate the public about a pivotal moment in American history but also aims to ensure that those who defended the Capitol are recognized and remembered for their dedication and bravery.
Summary
House Bill 212, also known as the Capitol Remembrance Act, mandates the creation of a permanent exhibit in the United States Capitol to memorialize the events of the January 6, 2021, attack. The bill instructs the Architect of the Capitol to design and install this exhibit within two years of its enactment, aiming to provide a historical account of that day through various forms of display. This initiative is intended to serve as a lasting testament to the challenges faced and the resilience shown by law enforcement and Capitol staff during the incident.
Contention
While the bill itself seems largely straightforward, it may evoke discussions regarding the portrayal of the events of January 6 and the broader implications for American democracy. Critics may raise concerns over how such exhibits are designed and what narratives are emphasized, particularly in light of ongoing debates around the political and social ramifications of the attack. The bill's passage reflects a commitment to remembrance, yet it highlights the potential for division in how history is remembered and celebrated within the nation's institutions.
Capitol Remembrance Act This bill requires the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) to design and install in a prominent location in the U.S. Capitol a permanent exhibit that depicts the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. To the extent possible, the AOC must preserve property that was damaged during the attack and include it in the exhibit. The AOC must also include (1) existing photographic records relating to the attack; and (2) a plaque to honor the U.S. Capitol Police and other law enforcement agencies that protected the Capitol, the individuals who died or sustained injuries to protect the Capitol, and the staff who helped restore the Capitol complex after the attack.
To require the Secretary of Defense to enhance the readiness of the Department of Defense to challenges relating to climate change and to improve the energy and resource efficiency of the Department, and for other purposes.
Expressing support for the designation of October 23, 2024, as a national day of remembrance of the tragic 1983 terrorist bombing of the United States Marine Corps barracks in Beirut, Lebanon.