HR-10121-119
Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
Sponsored by Gus Bilirakis (R-FL)
What it does
This bill directs the Joint Committee on the Library to obtain a statue honoring Roberto Clemente Walker and directs the Architect of the Capitol to install it in the Capitol or on the Capitol Grounds within two years of enactment. It authorizes transferring up to $500,000 from the Capitol Preservation Fund to pay for obtaining and installing the statue, and encourages consideration of artists from diverse backgrounds, including Puerto Rican and underrepresented groups.
Who benefits
Advocates for Roberto Clemente's legacy, Puerto Rican and Latino communities who sought recognition of a prominent cultural and sports figure, and the artist ultimately selected to create the statue, who would receive a commission or donation opportunity.
Who is hurt
No group is meaningfully harmed; the Capitol Preservation Fund would see up to $500,000 allocated to this purpose rather than other preservation projects, a minor opportunity cost to other potential uses of that fund.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue Roberto Clemente's combination of athletic excellence, humanitarian work, and ultimate sacrifice delivering earthquake relief to Nicaragua makes him a uniquely deserving figure for national commemoration in the Capitol. They contend the statue would recognize the contributions of Puerto Rico and the broader Latino community to American history and sports, following the established practice of honoring notable Americans in the Capitol.
Opponents argue
Opponents argue that commemorative statue bills, while well-intentioned, consume floor and committee time that could be directed toward substantive legislation, and that using up to $500,000 from the Capitol Preservation Fund could instead go toward maintenance of existing Capitol infrastructure. They contend decisions about honoring specific individuals are inherently subjective and better left to museums, sports halls of fame, or state-level commemorations rather than federal statutory action.
Constitutional context
This bill raises no constitutional question beyond Congress's Article I authority over the Capitol and its grounds, including decisions about art and monuments placed there.
Checks and balances
Congress directs the action through statute; the Joint Committee on the Library and the Architect of the Capitol, both under legislative branch authority, implement it, with no shift of power between branches.
Historical precedent
Congress has enacted numerous similar bills directing the placement of statues in the Capitol honoring notable individuals, typically funded through donations or the Capitol Preservation Fund.