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Francis G. Newlands Memorial Removal Act
12/15/2023, 4:05 PM
Summary of Bill S 417
Bill 118 s 417, also known as the Francis G. Newlands Memorial Removal Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The bill aims to remove the Francis G. Newlands Memorial Fountain from its current location in Washington, D.C.
Francis G. Newlands was a former US Senator from Nevada who was known for his controversial views on race and his support for segregation. The memorial fountain was erected in his honor in 1938, but in recent years, there has been growing criticism of Newlands' legacy and calls for the removal of the fountain.
The bill proposes that the fountain be removed and placed in storage until a decision can be made on its final disposition. It also calls for the creation of a commission to study the history of Francis G. Newlands and make recommendations on how best to address his legacy. Supporters of the bill argue that the fountain is a symbol of racism and should not be displayed in a prominent location in the nation's capital. They believe that removing the fountain is an important step towards acknowledging and addressing the harmful legacy of figures like Newlands. Opponents of the bill argue that removing the fountain would be erasing history and that it is important to preserve monuments, even those honoring controversial figures. They believe that the fountain should remain in place as a reminder of the complexities of American history. Overall, the Francis G. Newlands Memorial Removal Act is a contentious piece of legislation that raises important questions about how the United States chooses to remember its past and grapple with the legacy of racism and segregation.
Francis G. Newlands was a former US Senator from Nevada who was known for his controversial views on race and his support for segregation. The memorial fountain was erected in his honor in 1938, but in recent years, there has been growing criticism of Newlands' legacy and calls for the removal of the fountain.
The bill proposes that the fountain be removed and placed in storage until a decision can be made on its final disposition. It also calls for the creation of a commission to study the history of Francis G. Newlands and make recommendations on how best to address his legacy. Supporters of the bill argue that the fountain is a symbol of racism and should not be displayed in a prominent location in the nation's capital. They believe that removing the fountain is an important step towards acknowledging and addressing the harmful legacy of figures like Newlands. Opponents of the bill argue that removing the fountain would be erasing history and that it is important to preserve monuments, even those honoring controversial figures. They believe that the fountain should remain in place as a reminder of the complexities of American history. Overall, the Francis G. Newlands Memorial Removal Act is a contentious piece of legislation that raises important questions about how the United States chooses to remember its past and grapple with the legacy of racism and segregation.
Congressional Summary of S 417
Francis G. Newlands Memorial Removal Act
This bill directs the Department of the Interior to remove or permanently conceal the name of Francis Newlands on the grounds of the memorial fountain located at Chevy Chase Circle in the District of Columbia and take other specified actions.
Specifically, Interior must
- remove the brass plaque bearing the name Senator Francis G. Newlands from the grounds of the memorial fountain located at Chevy Chase Circle in the District;
- remove from the south end of the memorial fountain's face, the stone, tablet-like projection bearing the name of Francis Griffith Newlands and a related inscription;
- remove or permanently conceal the name Newlands Memorial Fountain carved into the upper face of the memorial fountain's coping stones; and
- offer the items removed to the descendants of Francis Griffith Newlands for a 60-day period, and if not claimed within that period, direct the removed items to be maintained by the National Park Service as federal property and accessioned into the Rock Creek Park museum collection.
Current Status of Bill S 417
Bill S 417 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 14, 2023. Bill S 417 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on February 14, 2023. Bill S 417's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. as of February 14, 2023
Bipartisan Support of Bill S 417
Total Number of Sponsors
1Democrat Sponsors
1Republican Sponsors
0Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
0Democrat Cosponsors
0Republican Cosponsors
0Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 417
Primary Policy Focus
Public Lands and Natural ResourcesComments
Sponsors and Cosponsors of S 417
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