Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota Senate Bill SF119

Introduced
1/16/25  
Refer
1/16/25  
Refer
5/14/25  

Caption

Requesting the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress of the United States Congress to approve replacement of the statue of Henry Mower Rice now on display in National Statuary Hall in the Capitol of the United States

Impact

If enacted, SF119 will result in the removal of the statue of Henry Mower Rice from the National Statuary Hall, transferring it to the Minnesota State Historical Society. This transition highlights Minnesota's intent to honor Humphrey by erecting a new statue in his likeness, which symbolizes a broad recognition of his contributions to American politics, particularly in human rights, healthcare, and social justice. The bill encapsulates a significant act of historical representation for the state, emphasizing the importance of commemorating figures who have championed civil rights and human dignity.

Summary

SF119 is a resolution introduced in the Minnesota Senate aimed at requesting the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to approve the replacement of the statue of Henry Mower Rice that is currently exhibited in the National Statuary Hall. The bill reflects Minnesota's decision to commemorate the Honorable Hubert H. Humphrey, a notable political figure recognized for his extensive legislative achievements and his dedication to civil rights and public service. The resolution not only champions Humphrey's legacy but also initiates a formal request for the replacement process under existing federal guidelines.

Contention

While the bill appears to be broadly supportive of honoring significant historical figures, discussions surrounding the replacement of statues often invoke debates about historical memory and representation in public spaces. Some may argue that replacing one statue with another could be seen as contentious if it is perceived as disregarding the contributions of the original figure or if it evokes differing sentiments within the community. Ultimately, the deliberation around SF119 may reflect broader conversations on how history is memorialized and whose narratives are prioritized.

Companion Bills

MN HF475

Similar To Joint Committee on Library of Congress of United States Congress requested to approve replacement of statue of Henry Mower Rice now on display in National Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol, and memorial resolution proposed.

Previously Filed As

MN SF5360

A memorial resolution requesting the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to approve replacement of the statue of Henry Mower Rice now on display in the National Statuary Hall in the Capital of the United States

MN HF4984

Joint Committee on Library of Congress of United States Congress requested to approve replacement of statue of Henry Mower Rice now on display in National Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol, and memorial resolution proposed.

MN SF5361

Hubert H. Humphrey statue erection in Statutory Hall in the United States Capitol appropriation

MN HF5156

Erection of new statue in Statutory Hall in United States Capitol funding provided, and money appropriated.

MN SF4225

Omnibus Capital Investment appropriations

MN HF1064

Citizens United; a resolution memorializing Congress to overturn the United States Supreme Court decision Citizens United v. FEC; requesting that Congress clarify that the rights protected under the Constitution are the rights of natural persons and not the rights of artificial entities and that spending money to influence elections is not speech under the First Amendment; asking that Congress propose a constitutional amendment to provide such clarification.

MN SF3110

A resolution memorializing Congress to overturn the United States Supreme

MN SF384

A resolution memorializing Congress to overturn the United States Supreme Court decision Citizens United v. FEC

MN SF1503

A resolution expressing concern of the Minnesota Legislature regarding the deployment of members of the Minnesota National Guard into combat of wars not declared by Congress; urging Congress and the President of the United States to respect their constitutional roles regarding the declaration of war

MN SF1774

House resolution urging Congress to pass federal legislation granting statehood to the people of Washington D.C.

Similar Bills

MN HF475

Joint Committee on Library of Congress of United States Congress requested to approve replacement of statue of Henry Mower Rice now on display in National Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol, and memorial resolution proposed.

MN HF4984

Joint Committee on Library of Congress of United States Congress requested to approve replacement of statue of Henry Mower Rice now on display in National Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol, and memorial resolution proposed.

MN SF5360

A memorial resolution requesting the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to approve replacement of the statue of Henry Mower Rice now on display in the National Statuary Hall in the Capital of the United States

MN HF17

General fund cash bonding bill.

MN SF22

Omnibus Capital Investment appropriations

MN SF116

Statutory Hall Hubert H. Humphrey statue creation in the United States Capitol appropriation

MN SF5361

Hubert H. Humphrey statue erection in Statutory Hall in the United States Capitol appropriation

MN HF474

Funding provided for the erection of a new statue in the United States Capitol Statuary Hall, and money appropriated.