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.
If enacted, the Capitol Remembrance Act will ensure that the January 6 attack is not forgotten but rather memorialized within the seat of the U.S. government. The act not only aims to honor the sacrifices made by law enforcement and Capitol staff but also to educate future generations about this pivotal incident. This initiative encourages civic reflection on the importance of security and democracy, potentially influencing future policies and decisions regarding national security and Capitol protection.
House Bill 321, known as the Capitol Remembrance Act, mandates the creation of a permanent exhibit in the United States Capitol that commemorates the attack on January 6, 2021. The bill directs the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) to design and install this exhibit which is to include physical remnants of the damage caused during the attack, photographic documentation, and a plaque honoring law enforcement personnel and others who protected the Capitol during the event. The purpose of the exhibit is to serve as a reminder of this significant event in American history.
While the bill seems to have widespread support among those wanting to honor the sacrifices made during the events of January 6, it could encounter resistance from groups who believe such memorializations should not occur in a manner that could politicize or sensationalize the attack. There may also be concerns regarding funding and the appropriateness of the resources allocated for maintaining such an exhibit in a politically charged environment.