Sponsor
Eleanor Holmes Norton
Representative · D-DC
Representative · D-DC
The bill offers symbolic federal recognition of Chuck Brown and D.C.'s go‑go music—boosting local pride and modest tourism potential—while having no fiscal impact or direct policy benefits beyond the honorific designation.
Residents of Washington, D.C., and fans get a formal day (Aug 22, 2026) to celebrate Chuck Brown and D.C.'s musical heritage, creating a focal point for local cultural pride and yearly community celebrations.
Designating go‑go as D.C.'s official music raises public awareness of a local cultural tradition and may boost tourism, concerts, and community events that benefit local businesses and municipal cultural programming.
The resolution highlights Chuck Brown's NEA fellowship and Grammy nomination, reinforcing federal recognition of American folk and musical traditions and providing an educational example for schools and youth about cultural achievement.
The honorary designation provides symbolic recognition only with no budgetary or programmatic benefits, meaning it confers no material support while using legislative time that could be spent on substantive policy issues.
Based on analysis of 1 section of legislative text.
Congress formally honors Chuck Brown, recognizes go‑go as D.C.'s official music, and designates August 22, 2026, for commemoration.
Official title: Expressing support for the designation of August 22, 2026, as "Chuck Brown Day", and honoring Chuck Brown's contributions to music and to the District of Columbia.
Introduced August 20, 2026 by Eleanor Holmes Norton · Last progress August 20, 2026
Designates a congressional preamble honoring Chuck Brown and summarizing his life and musical contributions. The preamble recognizes Brown as the creator and “Godfather of Go‑Go,” cites his major recordings and honors, notes local memorials, recognizes go‑go as the official music of Washington, D.C., and designates August 22, 2026, as a date of commemoration for his birthday.