H.Con.Res.24 - Authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for an event to celebrate the birthday of King Kamehameha I. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.Con.Res.24 authorizes the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center on June 8, 2025, for an event celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I. The resolution was passed by the House of Representatives on May 14, 2025. It directs the Architect of the Capitol to oversee physical preparations for the event.
This is a concurrent resolution, meaning it must be passed by both the House and the Senate. The resolution itself does not allocate any funds or enact any specific policy changes beyond the authorization of space for the event.
The event is intended to celebrate Hawaiian culture and honor King Kamehameha I.
Expected Effects
The immediate effect will be the allocation of Emancipation Hall for the specified event on June 8, 2025. This allows for a public celebration of King Kamehameha I's birthday within the Capitol Visitor Center.
In the longer term, it could foster greater awareness and appreciation of Hawaiian history and culture. It may also strengthen ties between the Hawaiian community and the federal government.
However, the resolution itself has no direct impact on laws, regulations, or funding.
Potential Benefits
- Provides a venue for celebrating Hawaiian culture and history.
- Honors King Kamehameha I, an important figure in Hawaiian history.
- May increase awareness and appreciation of Hawaiian culture among visitors to the Capitol Visitor Center.
- Could strengthen ties between the Hawaiian community and the federal government.
- Represents a symbolic gesture of inclusion and recognition of diverse cultures within the United States.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential cost associated with preparing and securing Emancipation Hall for the event (though not explicitly stated).
- Possible disruption to other activities or events scheduled at the Capitol Visitor Center.
- May be perceived by some as an unnecessary use of government resources, especially if the event is not widely attended.
- Could open the door for similar requests from other cultural or ethnic groups, potentially straining resources and space.
- No direct disadvantages to individual liberties or constitutional rights.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution appears to align with the US Constitution. Congress has the power to manage its own affairs and properties, including the Capitol Visitor Center, under Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof.
The First Amendment guarantees freedom of speech and assembly, which could be interpreted to support the use of public spaces for cultural celebrations. However, this is a tangential connection, as the resolution itself does not directly address these freedoms.
There are no apparent constitutional conflicts arising from this resolution.
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).