Authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Capitol for the Congressional National Prayer Breakfast.
Summary
This concurrent resolution authorizes the use of the Capitol rotunda for the Congressional National Prayer Breakfast on February 5, 2026. It permits the service of food and beverages during the event. The Architect of the Capitol will prescribe conditions for the physical preparations.
Expected Effects
The resolution will allow the Congressional National Prayer Breakfast to take place in the Capitol rotunda. This provides a venue for members of Congress to gather for prayer and fellowship. The event will proceed according to the Architect of the Capitol's guidelines.
Potential Benefits
- Provides a venue for religious expression and gathering for members of Congress.
- May foster a sense of unity and shared values among participants.
- Could promote dialogue and understanding across different political viewpoints through shared faith.
- Offers a symbolic use of a national building for a religious purpose.
- Potentially strengthens relationships between members of Congress.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May be perceived as a violation of the separation of church and state by some.
- Could exclude individuals of non-religious or different religious backgrounds.
- May create a perception of government endorsement of a specific religious activity.
- Could lead to concerns about the appropriateness of using a government building for religious purposes.
- Potential for protests or controversy surrounding the event.
Constitutional Alignment
This resolution touches on the First Amendment, which addresses both the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause. While it authorizes a religious event on government property, it does not establish a religion. The allowance could be seen as accommodating religious expression, but it must be done in a way that does not coerce participation or endorse a specific religion. The key consideration is whether the event creates an environment of endorsement or exclusion.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).