Bill 117 hr 4216, also known as the "Bust Replacement Act," aims to direct the Joint Committee on the Library to replace the bust of Roger Brooke Taney in the Old Supreme Court Chamber of the United States Capitol with a bust of Clarence Thomas. The bill specifies that the new bust of Clarence Thomas is to be obtained by the Joint Committee on the Library.
Roger Brooke Taney was the Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court who authored the infamous Dred Scott v. Sandford decision in 1857, which declared that African Americans could not be considered citizens of the United States. This decision is widely regarded as one of the most controversial and racially discriminatory rulings in the history of the Supreme Court.
Clarence Thomas, on the other hand, is currently serving as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court and is the second African American to serve on the nation's highest court. He is known for his conservative judicial philosophy and has been a controversial figure in American politics.
The purpose of this bill is to replace the bust of Taney, whose legacy is tainted by his support of slavery and racism, with a bust of Clarence Thomas, who represents a significant milestone in the advancement of civil rights and diversity in the United States. The bill does not specify the timeline or process for the replacement, but it is clear that the intention is to honor Justice Thomas and his contributions to the legal profession and the country as a whole.