HR-8522-119
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on Natural Resources, and Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sponsored by Jerrold Nadler (D-NY)
What it does
This bill would prohibit any federal building, land, or other federal asset from being named, renamed, designated, or redesignated after Donald J. Trump. It would also prohibit the use of federal funds for any such naming or designation. Any federal asset that has already been named after Trump as of the bill's enactment would be required to revert to the name previously assigned to it by federal law.
Who benefits
Members of the public and advocacy groups who oppose commemorating Trump with federal assets. Political opponents of Trump who view such naming as inappropriate. Taxpayers who object to federal funds being used for Trump-related designations. Future Congresses and administrations that would retain the ability to name assets after other individuals.
Who is hurt
Donald Trump and his supporters, who may view federal naming honors as a legitimate recognition of his presidency. Communities or localities that may have sought or welcomed a federal asset named after Trump. Future Congresses that would lose the flexibility to honor Trump through federal naming, regardless of changed circumstances. Federal agencies that would bear administrative costs of reverting any already-renamed assets.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that federal naming honors are a form of public commemoration funded by taxpayers, and that Congress has both the authority and the responsibility to set standards for who receives such recognition. They contend that singling out a specific individual by statute is a legitimate exercise of congressional power over federal property under Article IV, and that the bill prevents the use of public resources to honor a figure they argue is unworthy of such distinction.
Opponents argue
Opponents argue that targeting a single, named individual with a permanent legislative prohibition raises serious concerns about a bill of attainder — a constitutionally prohibited act in which Congress singles out a specific person for punishment or disadvantage without a trial. They contend that the bill sets a dangerous precedent by using the legislative process to impose a political penalty on a specific individual, and that such targeted restrictions on commemorative recognition could be applied to any future political figure Congress disfavors.