Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HR18

Introduced
1/7/25  

Caption

This resolution states that the government of the United Kingdom should enter into negotiations with the government of Greece to facilitate the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece. (The Parthenon Marbles are marble sculptures that were removed from the Parthenon in the early 19th century when it was under Ottoman rule and later transferred to the British Museum.)

Impact

The resolution emphasizes the importance of the Parthenon Marbles as integral parts of the Parthenon temple, which could be appreciated fully only when reunified in their original context in Greece. Supporters argue that this would serve as an acknowledgment of Greece's rich cultural heritage, revitalizing national pride while fostering better international relations. Moreover, HR18 points out that Greece has established the New Acropolis Museum to ensure the marbles' preservation and public display, thereby enhancing the case for their return and dispelling concerns about their care.

Summary

House Resolution 18 (HR18) expresses the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece. The resolution acknowledges the significance of the Parthenon as a symbol of Greek cultural heritage and highlights the historical context under which the marbles were removed by Lord Elgin during the early 19th century. The bill calls for diplomatic negotiations between the governments of the United Kingdom and Greece to facilitate the return of these iconic artifacts. This act of repatriation is seen as a gesture of goodwill that would not only restore Greek heritage but also demonstrate respect for historical preservation.

Contention

While the resolution is largely symbolic, potential points of contention arise regarding the issues of ownership and the implications for museum artifacts worldwide. Critics of the return may raise concerns about setting precedents for other historical artifacts held in museums around the world. The bill does acknowledge that returning the marbles would set no legal precedent, yet debates around provenance and the consequences of reparation laws persist. The resolution thus stands at a crossroads between cultural restitution and the protection of existing museum collections globally.

Congress_id

119-HRES-18

Policy_area

International Affairs

Introduced_date

2025-01-07

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HR510

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Parthenon Marbles should be returned to Greece.

US SR606

A resolution to recognize the 203rd anniversary of the independence of Greece and celebrating democracy in Greece and the United States.

US HR607

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the majority of NATO member countries have failed to meet their defense spending commitment and that the United States should not continue to subsidize the security of countries that choose not to invest in their own defense.

US HR1621

Proclaiming that it is United States policy to allow the Government of Ukraine to use United States weapons against military assets inside of the Russian Federation.

US HR1315

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Supreme Court of the United States should use its powers under the All Writs Act to protect its jurisdiction and bring the questions of Federal and constitutional law and equity before the Court for resolution with all deliberate speed and possible urgency.

US SR537

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States should recognize the 1994 genocide in Rwanda as "the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda".

US HR1557

Expressing support for the designation of October 28 as "Oxi Day" to commemorate the anniversary of Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas answer of "Oxi!" or "No!" to surrender to the Axis forces, inflicting a fatal wound that helped save democracy for the world.

US SR718

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States Government should immediately place a moratorium on all federally funded gain-of-function research given the increased safety concerns.

US HR369

Supporting the United States-Thailand alliance and urging the Government of Thailand to protect and uphold democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression ahead of the 2023 general elections in Thailand, and for other purposes.

US HR234

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives relating to the commemoration of the 190th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and the Kingdom of Thailand.

Similar Bills

US HR510

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Parthenon Marbles should be returned to Greece.

NH HCR6

Urging that the United Kingdom return the Parthenon (Elgin) marbles to Greece.

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