Byron Donalds (R-FL)
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’
A Republican resolution with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 5 cosponsors
Last activity — The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
Adopted
The chamber formally agreed to it, and for a resolution that is the finish line: what it says is now officially the chamber's position, rule or tribute.
Nothing more is needed. A resolution is how a chamber speaks for itself or sets its own rules, so adopting it is what puts it into effect. It is not a law, so there is nothing for the President to sign.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Adopted by the House voice vote
A House resolution is the House speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the House agrees to it, it is officially the House's word; it is not a law, so the Senate and the President have no part in it.
The House by voice vote (members called out yes or no together): no member's position on it was recorded.
What this bill would do
This resolution honors the life and historical achievements of Frederick Douglass. It details his escape from slavery, his groundbreaking career as a journalist, and his time as the first Black reporter allowed into the Capitol press galleries. The text notes his activism, his work during the Civil War and Reconstruction, and previous honors he has received in the Capitol. Finally, the bill officially designates specific rooms of the House Press Gallery in the United States Capitol as the "Frederick Douglass Press Gallery".
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +5
Would Black Americans be better off under this?
The bill commemorates the legacy of Frederick Douglass, a legendary African-American abolitionist and journalist.
- Scored +5
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?
The resolution honors Frederick Douglass, a prominent figure in the fight for African-American rights and equality.
- Scored +2
Would women be better off under this?
The resolution highlights Douglass's historical work as a champion for women's rights.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Honoring a Historical Figure: The bill officially renames the House Press Gallery as the "Frederick Douglass Press Gallery" to recognize his legacy as a pioneering journalist, anti-slavery champion, and the first Black reporter in the Capitol press galleries. This honors his contributions to American history and journalism for the benefit of the public and visitors to the Capitol.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No Negative Impacts Identified: The provided text does not contain any sections or provisions that outline negative consequences, burdens, or harms for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would Black Americans be better off under this? — The bill commemorates the legacy of Frederick Douglass, a legendary African-American abolitionist and journalist. Would women be better off under this? — The resolution highlights Douglass's historical work as a champion for women's rights.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The resolution honors Frederick Douglass, a prominent figure in the fight for African-American rights and equality.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The renaming honors a journalist who used the press galleries to document legislation and update the public on government actions.
- 6/9/2025
- The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2549-2550)
- On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2549-2550)
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 137.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2549-2551)
- Mr. Graves moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
- 6/6/2025
- Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-150.
- Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 31.
- 4/2/2025
- Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Discharged
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 2/26/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/14/2025
- Submitted in House
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
André CarsonDemocrat · Indiana
Steven HorsfordDemocrat · Nevada
Wesley HuntRepublican · Texas
John JamesRepublican · Michigan
Burgess OwensRepublican · Utah