Sponsor
The bill adds two relief portraits and requires expert consultation to improve historical representation and interpretation in the Hall of the House, while imposing modest taxpayer costs and creating opportunities for political dispute and slower decision-making.
Members of Congress, federal employees, and visitors will see two additional relief portraits honoring notable women, improving gender and historical representation in the Hall of the House.
Schools, universities, scholars, and the public will benefit from the working group's required consultation with scholars and Library of Congress staff, which promotes historically informed selections and accurate interpretation of the new portraits.
Federal employees and Members of Congress will have clearer timing and reduced disruption because the bill sets a deadline and requirements intended to minimize interference with House business during installation.
Taxpayers could incur costs for commissioning and installing the new relief portraits if new funding or appropriations are required.
Members of Congress, federal employees, and the public could experience controversy and political dispute if existing portraits are replaced, which may cause delays and reputational conflict.
Requirements for consultation and approval by House leaders (Speaker and Minority Leader) could slow decision-making and subject selections to political influence, complicating the selection process.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Creates a working group to recommend and plan placement of two women’s relief portraits above the public gallery doors in the House chamber and to report recommendations within one year.
Representative · D-AZ
Official title: Establishing an advisory working group to make recommendations with respect to relief portraits in the Hall of the House of Representatives.
Introduced July 15, 2025 by Yassamin Ansari · Last progress July 15, 2025
Creates an advisory working group to select two women whose relief portraits will be placed above the doors to the public gallery in the Hall of the House of Representatives. The group will advise on selection, planning, funding, commissioning, installation (including possible replacement of existing portraits), and a timeline that minimizes disruption to House business, and must deliver a written report with recommendations within one year or by the end of the 119th Congress.