Calling on the Senate to remove the name of Richard B. Russell from the Russell Senate Office Building.

12/15/2023, 3:52 PM
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
Bill 118 H.Res. 654 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 history of supporting segregation and white supremacy. It points to his opposition to civil rights legislation and his role in the Southern Manifesto, which opposed the desegregation of public schools.

The resolution also highlights Russell's opposition to anti-lynching legislation and his support for the poll tax, both of which were used to disenfranchise African Americans. Supporters of the resolution argue that it is inappropriate to honor someone with such a controversial and discriminatory legacy by naming a prominent government building after them. They believe that removing Russell's name from the building would be a step towards acknowledging and addressing the injustices of the past. Opponents of the resolution argue that Russell should be judged in the context of his time and that his contributions to the Senate and to the country should be recognized. They believe that removing his name from the building would be an attempt to erase history and that it is important to remember both the positive and negative aspects of our past. Overall, the resolution calling on the Senate to remove Richard B. Russell's name from the Russell Senate Office Building is a contentious issue that raises questions about how we choose to honor and remember historical figures.
Congress
118

Number
HRES - 654

Introduced on
2023-08-18

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
Bill 118 H.Res. 654 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 history of supporting segregation and white supremacy. It points to his opposition to civil rights legislation and his role in the Southern Manifesto, which opposed the desegregation of public schools.

The resolution also highlights Russell's opposition to anti-lynching legislation and his support for the poll tax, both of which were used to disenfranchise African Americans. Supporters of the resolution argue that it is inappropriate to honor someone with such a controversial and discriminatory legacy by naming a prominent government building after them. They believe that removing Russell's name from the building would be a step towards acknowledging and addressing the injustices of the past. Opponents of the resolution argue that Russell should be judged in the context of his time and that his contributions to the Senate and to the country should be recognized. They believe that removing his name from the building would be an attempt to erase history and that it is important to remember both the positive and negative aspects of our past. Overall, the resolution calling on the Senate to remove Richard B. Russell's name from the Russell Senate Office Building is a contentious issue that raises questions about how we choose to honor and remember historical figures.

Policy Areas
Congress

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Action8/21/2023
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.