Sponsors (7)
The bill trades a modest, no-new-appropriation-funded Capitol statue that raises public recognition of Roberto Clemente and creates targeted opportunities for some artists for the symbolic nature of the action and the diversion of up to $500,000 from the Capitol Preservation Fund that could have supported other preservation priorities.
Many Americans—especially Latino and Puerto Rican communities, Capitol visitors, students, and families—will gain lasting public recognition of Roberto Clemente through a permanent Capitol monument that highlights his humanitarianism and cultural contributions.
Taxpayers are not asked for new appropriations because up to $500,000 may be transferred from the Capitol Preservation Fund to pay for the statue, avoiding immediate additional federal spending.
Artists from Puerto Rican and other underrepresented communities will have a targeted, high-profile federal opportunity to compete for the commission, creating career and visibility benefits.
Up to $500,000 will be drawn from the Capitol Preservation Fund, meaning those dollars cannot be used for other Capitol preservation or maintenance projects.
The bill is primarily symbolic—creating findings and a monument without programmatic or policy benefits—which may divert attention and political capital away from substantive funding priorities.
Honoring a single individual and directing preservation funds for this statue may be perceived as culturally preferential or politically contentious, prompting objections from people who prefer other monuments or different uses of the funds.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Authorizes obtaining and installing a permanent statue of Roberto Clemente in the U.S. Capitol and allows up to $500,000 from the Capitol Preservation Fund for the effort.
Official title: To obtain and direct the placement in the Capitol or on the Capitol Grounds of a statue to honor American humanitarian and star athlete Roberto Clemente of Puerto Rico.
Introduced August 20, 2026 by Gus Bilirakis · Last progress August 20, 2026
Requires the Joint Committee on the Library to contract within two years to procure a statue honoring Roberto Clemente Walker and directs the Architect of the Capitol to permanently install it in the U.S. Capitol or on the Capitol Grounds. The statute requires inclusive artist selection and public outreach, permits donation of a statue if lawful, and authorizes up to $500,000 to be transferred from the Capitol Preservation Fund to cover obtaining and installing the statue.