Alex Padilla (D-CA)
A resolution honoring the leadership of Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution and recognizing his career as a public servant and the enduring value of the Smithsonian Institution to the people of the United States.
A Democratic resolution with 1 Republican cosponsor · See all 4 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (text: CR S5174)
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
This Senate resolution honors the leadership and career of Lonnie G. Bunch III, the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, who has announced his retirement after nearly four decades of public service. It recognizes him as the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian, the first African American and first historian to hold the position. The text highlights his achievements, including leading the world's largest museum complex, surpassing a $2.5 billion fundraising goal, and helping secure homes for new museums. Additionally, the resolution honors his role as the Founding Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Finally, the Senate formally honors his service, congratulates him on his retirement, and reaffirms the value of the Smithsonian Institution.
Yes
- Scored +3
Would Black Americans be better off under this?
The resolution highlights the historic contributions of Lonnie G. Bunch III as the first African American to lead the Smithsonian Institution.
- Scored +3
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?
The resolution honors Lonnie G. Bunch III, the first African American Secretary of the Smithsonian and founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Resolution Paragraph (1) and Resolved Clause (1): Honors the decades of distinguished service and accomplishments of Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III, which positively recognizes a dedicated public official who has served the people of the United States for nearly four decades.
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Resolution Paragraph (7): Highlights the congressional authorization of two new Smithsonian museums, the National Museum of the American Latino and the American Women's History Museum, which expands cultural education and representation for the public.
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Resolution Paragraph (11): Notes that Secretary Bunch has stewarded the Smithsonian Institution on an independent, nonpartisan basis to preserve and tell America's full story, ensuring the institution remains a trustworthy and valuable national treasure for all visitors.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- The provided text does not contain any specific sections or provisions that outline potential 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 resolution highlights the historic contributions of Lonnie G. Bunch III as the first African American to lead the Smithsonian Institution.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The resolution honors Lonnie G. Bunch III, the first African American Secretary of the Smithsonian and founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
- 9/29/2026
- Submitted in Senate
- Referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (text: CR S5174)
- 4 Cosponsors added.
Catherine Cortez MastoDemocrat · Nevada
Lisa MurkowskiRepublican · Alaska
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon
Gary PetersDemocrat · Michigan