Bill 117 H.Res. 920 is a resolution introduced in the US House of Representatives calling on the Senate to remove the name of Richard B. Russell from the Russell Senate Office Building. Richard B. Russell was a prominent US Senator from Georgia who served from 1933 to 1971.
The resolution argues that Russell's legacy is tainted by his support for segregation and opposition to civil rights legislation during his time in the Senate. It points to his role in blocking anti-lynching legislation and his opposition to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as evidence of his racist views.
The resolution also highlights the fact that the Senate has previously renamed buildings and facilities to reflect changing values and priorities. For example, in 2019, the Senate voted to rename the Russell Senate Office Building after Senator John McCain, in recognition of his service and sacrifice to the country.
Supporters of the resolution argue that removing Russell's name from the building would send a powerful message about the Senate's commitment to equality and justice for all Americans. Critics, however, argue that renaming the building would be an attempt to erase history and that Russell should be judged in the context of his time.
Overall, the resolution is part of a larger debate about how to reckon with the legacy of racism in American history and whether public buildings and monuments should continue to honor individuals with controversial or problematic pasts.