Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HR850

Introduced
11/7/23  

Caption

Designating the House Press Gallery as the "Frederick Douglass Press Gallery".

Impact

By designating the press gallery in Douglass's name, HR850 serves to elevate the historical context of the press gallery and remind current lawmakers and the public of the critical role journalism plays in democracy. This resolution marks a symbolic acknowledgment of Douglass's achievements and promotes the importance of diverse voices in media and politics. It underscores a commitment to recognizing the foundations of civil rights through the lens of journalism and the freedoms associated with it.

Summary

House Resolution 850 aims to designate the House Press Gallery as the 'Frederick Douglass Press Gallery' in recognition of Douglass's significant contributions to journalism and civil rights. Frederick Douglass, born to an enslaved family, escaped captivity and became a prominent journalist, known for his fierce opposition to slavery and advocacy for equal rights. This resolution honors Douglass's legacy and his role as a trailblazer for African American media representation in the U.S. Congress. The initiative reflects a broader commitment to acknowledging the contributions of historically marginalized figures in American history.

Contention

There may be differing opinions surrounding the naming of the gallery, as some lawmakers could argue about the appropriateness of renaming a prominent space after an individual from a historical context filled with both accolades and controversies. However, the resolution itself unites members in recognizing Douglass as a key figure who broke barriers not just in journalism but also in the fight for equality and liberation through his impactful works and advocacy.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HR137

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’

US HB7378

Frederick Douglass Congressional Gold Medal Act

US HB5856

Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2023

US HR458

Requiring foreign state media outlets with credentialed members in the House news media galleries to comply with the Foreign Agents Registration Act by prohibiting the admission into such galleries of reporters and correspondents who are representatives of such outlets who are not in compliance with the requirements of such Act, and for other purposes.

US HB2796

Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025

US HR189

Requiring foreign state media outlets with credentialed members in the House news media galleries to comply with the Foreign Agents Registration Act by prohibiting the admission into such galleries of reporters and correspondents who are representatives of such outlets who are not in compliance with the requirements of such Act, and for other purposes.

US HR779

Recognizing the importance of the National Park Service in preserving the legacy of LGBTQI+ people and honoring their contributions to American history through the preservation of historic places and landmarks.

US HB1144

Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025

US HB2961

Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025

US HR1309

Continuing the promise of Juneteenth: honoring, preserving, and investing in freedmen's settlements.

Similar Bills

MI HR0037

A resolution to declare February 14, 2023, as Frederick Douglass Day in the state of Michigan.

MI HR0023

A resolution to declare February 14, 2025, as Frederick Douglass Day in the state of Michigan.

US HR137

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’

MI HR0232

A resolution to urge the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Natural Resources Commission to declare the Houghton-Douglass Falls as the Houghton-Douglass Falls Veterans Scenic Site, a unit of McLain State Park.

US HB7378

Frederick Douglass Congressional Gold Medal Act

IL HR0983

CONGRATS-REP. LADISCH-DOUGLASS

TN HJR1144

A RESOLUTION to honor and congratulate the Douglass High School boys' basketball team on an outstanding season.

TN SJR0479

A RESOLUTION to honor and commend Erica Douglass, 2024–2025 Tuckers Crossroads Elementary School Teacher of the Year.