Resolution designating the House Press Gallery (Rooms H-315, H-316, H-317, H-318, and H-319 in the United States Capitol) as the 'Frederick Douglass Press Gallery’
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This resolution would designate the House of Representatives Press Gallery — rooms H-315 through H-319 in the United States Capitol — as the 'Frederick Douglass Press Gallery,' honoring the pioneering journalist and abolitionist who was the first Black reporter admitted to the Capitol press galleries.
What this bill would do
What it would do
This resolution would officially rename the House of Representatives Press Gallery (rooms H-315, H-316, H-317, H-318, and H-319 in the United States Capitol) as the "Frederick Douglass Press Gallery." The resolution cites Douglass's historic role as the first Black reporter permitted access to the Capitol press galleries, his membership in those galleries from 1871 to 1875, and his broader legacy as a journalist, abolitionist, and champion of equal rights. It makes no other operational or legal change.
Key provisions
- 1Would designate the House Press Gallery (rooms H-315 through H-319 in the United States Capitol) as the 'Frederick Douglass Press Gallery'
Who would be affected
Journalists, staff, and members of the public who use or refer to the House Press Gallery in the United States Capitol. The change is honorific and largely affects how the rooms are formally identified in official documents, maps, and signage.
Why it matters
The renaming would be ceremonial, honoring Frederick Douglass's pioneering role as the first Black journalist credentialed in the Capitol press galleries. It would have no effect on the gallery's operations, press credentials, or the reporters who work there.
Legislative status & sources
Latest action
The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
Official CRS summary
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This resolution designates the House of Representatives Press Gallery (rooms H-315, H-316, H-317, H-318, and H-319) as the Frederick Douglass Press Gallery.
Legislative subjects
Congress; U.S. Capitol; U.S. history
Committee report
H. Rept. 119-150