DOCSLIB.ORG

Congressional Record—House H5175

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

June 27, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD Ð HOUSE H5175 cannot afford the price of fuel. Fami- CONCERN FOR LACK OF ENERGY PLACEMENT OF STATUE OF CHIEF lies are curbing their long-anticipated POLICY WASHAKIE IN NATIONAL STAT- summer vacation plans. This is simply (Mr. BLUNT asked and was given UARY HALL wrong. permission to address the House for 1 Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, I move to The gas prices that plague our Na- minute and to revise and extend his re- suspend the rules and agree to the con- tion represent a complete failure of the marks.) current resolution (H. Con. Res. 333) energy policy or lack of energy policy, Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I want to providing for the acceptance of a stat- I should say, of the Clinton-Gore ad- join my colleagues in expressing my ue of Chief Washakie, presented by the ministration. It is time for Mr. Clinton concern for a lack of an energy policy people of Wyoming, for placement in and Mr. GORE to wake up. America in the country over the last 7 years. National Statuary Hall, and for other needs an energy policy that will pro- Really, there are three areas that we purposes, as amended. tect America's interests, help our fami- should have been watching and three The Clerk read as follows: lies and our national security. areas where we failed to take the nec- H. CON. RES. 333 f essary steps. We have not done what we Whereas Chief Washakie was a recognized should have done to maintain our rela- leader of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe; GIVE OUR SENIORS SIMPLICITY Whereas Chief Washakie contributed to the tionships with the countries we buy oil settlement of the west by allowing the Or- AND CHEAPER PRICES FOR PRE- from. SCRIPTION DRUGS egon and Mormon Trails to pass through At the same time, we have allowed Shoshone lands; (Mr. WEYGAND asked and was given our country to become more and more Whereas Chief Washakie, with his foresight permission to address the House for 1 dependent on those countries. Some- and wisdom, chose the path of peace for his minute.) where between 56 and 58 percent of all people; Mr. WEYGAND. Mr. Speaker, 4 years our oil is now imported. We have done Whereas Chief Washakie was a great leader ago Paul and Judy from Warwick, everything we could during that same who chose his alliances with other tribes and Rhode Island, retired hoping that they the United States Government thoughtfully; period of time to discourage domestic and would have a great retirement with a supply, and we have not done anything Whereas in recognition of this alliance and great pension. They are now spending to encourage alternative use. long service to the United States Govern- about $8,350 a year for prescription Now suddenly, at the end of 7 years of ment, Chief Washakie was the only chief to drugs. They want a plan that will cover no policy, the Secretary of Energy says be awarded a full military funeral: Now, them under Medicare that will be sim- we were caught napping. Well, it seems therefore, be it ple, effective, and reduce the cost for to me the Secretary of Energy has been Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), them, but all seniors. napping a lot. Whether it was involving SECTION 1. ACCEPTANCE OF STATUE OF CHIEF Over the next few days, we are going our nuclear codes at Los Alamos or our WASHAKIE FROM THE PEOPLE OF to address a plan that the Republican dependence on foreign oil, we cannot WYOMING FOR PLACEMENT IN NA- leadership will offer that will simply afford to have an Energy Department TIONAL STATUARY HALL. put more money back into the insur- napping. We need to look and see what (a) IN GENERAL.ÐThe statue of Chief ance companies, provide a prescription Washakie, furnished by the people of Wyo- happened at the same time we need to ming for placement in National Statuary drug plan that will be nothing more do everything we can to provide relief Hall in accordance with section 1814 of the than another boondoggle. to the families that are being caught in Revised Statutes of the United States (40 We ask for simplicity. We ask for this crisis right now. U.S.C. 187), is accepted in the name of the universal coverage. We ask for our sen- United States, and the thanks of the Con- iors to be given cheaper prices for pre- f gress are tendered to the people of Wyoming scription drugs. for providing this commemoration of one of RECESS Wyoming's most eminent personages. f (b) PRESENTATION CEREMONY.ÐThe State of The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Wyoming is authorized to use the rotunda of ADMINISTRATION BLAMING GAS LAHOOD). Pursuant to clause 12 of rule the Capitol on September 7, 2000, at 11 COMPANIES FOR FUEL CRISIS I, the Chair declares the House in re- o'clock ante meridian, for a presentation cess until 10:25 a.m. ceremony for the statue. The Architect of (Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland asked the Capitol and the Capitol Police Board and was given permission to address Accordingly (at 10 o'clock and 15 shall take such action as may be necessary the House for 1 minute and to revise minutes a.m.), the House stood in re- with respect to physical preparations and se- and extend his remarks.) cess until 10:25 a.m. curity for the ceremony. Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland. Mr. (c) DISPLAY IN ROTUNDA.ÐThe statue shall f Speaker, rising gas prices are a serious be displayed in the rotunda of the Capitol for a period of not more than 6 months, after concern to Americans everywhere. b 1025 which period the statue shall be moved to its The hike in fuel prices has hurt the permanent location in National Statuary truckers who deliver our food and Hall. AFTER RECESS clothing. It has hurt our farmers who SEC. 2. TRANSMITTAL TO GOVERNOR OF WYO- need gas to run their farm equipment. The recess having expired, the House MING. It has hurt the average American who was called to order by the Speaker pro The Clerk of the House of Representatives shall transmit a copy of this concurrent res- just wants to get to and from work. tempore (Mr. LAHOOD) at 10 o'clock and olution to the Governor of Wyoming. The Clinton-Gore administration has 25 minutes a.m. often claimed it feels the pain of the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- f ant to the rule, the gentleman from American people. But instead of work- California (Mr. THOMAS) and the gen- ing with OPEC to increase oil produc- tleman from Maryland (Mr. HOYER) tion or moving to temporarily suspend ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE each will control 20 minutes. expensive regulations, the administra- The Chair recognizes the gentleman tion is choosing to play the blame The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- from California (Mr. THOMAS). game. ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, I yield The administration's new claim is announces that he will postpone fur- myself such time as I may consume. that gas companies are engaging in ther proceedings today on each motion As visitors move around the Capitol, price gouging. Gas companies are not to suspend the rules on which a re- one of the most striking examples of to blame for our fuel prices, the Clin- corded vote or the yeas and nays are State representation is, in fact, the ton-Gore administration is. While they ordered, or on which the vote is ob- ability of each State to send two stat- are focusing their efforts on shifting jected to under clause 6 of rule XX. ues to the Capitol. It is fascinating to the blame, the American people are the Any record vote on postponed ques- look at the regional and especially the ones paying the price. tions will be taken after debate has historical differences of who States rec- This is not price gouging, it is ``price- concluded on all motions to suspend ognize as appropriate figures to memo- Gore-ging.'' the rules. rialize by statue in the Capitol. VerDate 11-MAY-2000 03:40 Jun 28, 2000 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K27JN7.009 pfrm02 PsN: H27PT1 H5176 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD Ð HOUSE June 27, 2000 We have before us today a resolution and his people for safe passage through Capitol, as directed by the Joint Com- which completes the State of Wyo- their territory. mittee on the Library, since there is ming's decision to send two statues. I In the 1870s, Chief Washakie served as not sufficient enough space in Statuary think it is emblematic, the particular a military leader of over 150 Shoshone Hall to accommodate all of the exist- statue that Wyoming has chosen. men who were serving with United ing collection. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she States Cavalry General Crook in the The concurrent resolution would also may consume to the gentlewoman from campaign to return the Sioux and the authorize use of the Capitol rotunda on Wyoming (Mrs. CUBIN) to really give Cheyenne bands to their assigned res- Thursday, September 7, at 11 o'clock the details of the reason for the selec- ervations. a.m., for a ceremony where Wyoming tion of this particular statue. This campaign ended with Custer's will formally present the bronze statue Mrs. CUBIN. Mr. Speaker, I thank ill-fated attack at the Little Big Horn of Chief Washakie by the noted sculp- the gentleman from California (Mr.
Recommended publications
  • LIST of STATUES in the NATIONAL STATUARY HALL COLLECTION As of April 2017

    LIST of STATUES in the NATIONAL STATUARY HALL COLLECTION As of April 2017

    history, art & archives | u. s. house of representatives LIST OF STATUES IN THE NATIONAL STATUARY HALL COLLECTION as of April 2017 STATE STATUE SCULPTOR Alabama Helen Keller Edward Hlavka Alabama Joseph Wheeler Berthold Nebel Alaska Edward Lewis “Bob” Bartlett Felix de Weldon Alaska Ernest Gruening George Anthonisen Arizona Barry Goldwater Deborah Copenhaver Fellows Arizona Eusebio F. Kino Suzanne Silvercruys Arkansas James Paul Clarke Pompeo Coppini Arkansas Uriah M. Rose Frederic Ruckstull California Ronald Wilson Reagan Chas Fagan California Junipero Serra Ettore Cadorin Colorado Florence Sabin Joy Buba Colorado John “Jack” Swigert George and Mark Lundeen Connecticut Roger Sherman Chauncey Ives Connecticut Jonathan Trumbull Chauncey Ives Delaware John Clayton Bryant Baker Delaware Caesar Rodney Bryant Baker Florida John Gorrie Charles A. Pillars Florida Edmund Kirby Smith Charles A. Pillars Georgia Crawford Long J. Massey Rhind Georgia Alexander H. Stephens Gutzon Borglum Hawaii Father Damien Marisol Escobar Hawaii Kamehameha I C. P. Curtis and Ortho Fairbanks, after Thomas Gould Idaho William Borah Bryant Baker Idaho George Shoup Frederick Triebel Illinois James Shields Leonard Volk Illinois Frances Willard Helen Mears Indiana Oliver Hazard Morton Charles Niehaus Indiana Lewis Wallace Andrew O’Connor Iowa Norman E. Borlaug Benjamin Victor Iowa Samuel Jordan Kirkwood Vinnie Ream Kansas Dwight D. Eisenhower Jim Brothers Kansas John James Ingalls Charles Niehaus Kentucky Henry Clay Charles Niehaus Kentucky Ephraim McDowell Charles Niehaus
  • Changing Faces Your State Hero in the U.S

    Changing Faces Your State Hero in the U.S

    Social Studies and the Young Learner 23 (4), pp. 4–9 ©2011 National Council for the Social Studies Changing Faces Your State Hero in the U.S. Capitol Dennis Denenberg here’s an exciting change occurring in the U.S. Capitol proposal — to replace one of Kansas’ statues! WHAT? How in our nation’s capital of Washington, D.C. — and YOU could anyone suggest removing a “hero” — where would the Tand YOUR STUDENTS can become involved in the old statue go? And why would anyone even bring up such an story. But before I can tell you how to play a role, I need to absurd proposal? It’s actually amusing how the idea surfaced. provide the plot! The Representative noticed that the toes of the Will Rogers statue from Oklahoma were all shiny. The statue of this beloved Pride in the Union 1930s humorist and cowboy was made of bronze, and people The story begins in 1864, while our nation was still experienc- rubbed his foot for good luck as they walked past it. But no ing the agony of the Civil War. Congressman Justin Morill one stopped to look at either of Kansas’ statues because, quite of Vermont sponsored a bill inviting every state to send two frankly, nobody knew who they were! So, what to do? Would statues of noteworthy individuals from that state for permanent Congress allow a state to take such a bold step? The citizens display in the expanded U.S. Capitol. A new wing of the House from Kansas decided not to wait; they forged ahead in the hope featuring a larger House Chamber was also constructed from Congress would accommodate their request.
  • U.S. Capitol Visitor Guide

    U.S. Capitol Visitor Guide

    United States Capitol VISITOR GUide Welcome to the United States Capitol our visit to the GUIDED TOURS OF THE U.S. CAPITOL historic U.S. Guided tours of the U.S. Capitol begin at the Orientation Theaters on Capitol begins the lower level of the Capitol Visitor Center. “Out of Many, One,” Yas you enter the Capitol a 13-minute film, illustrates how this country established a new form of Visitor Center. With government; highlights the vital role that Congress plays in the its soaring spaces and daily lives of Americans; and introduces you to the building that houses skylight views of the the U.S. Congress. Capitol Dome, the Capitol Visitor Center Tours are free and are offered throughout the day between welcomes you on a 8:40 a.m. – 3:20 p.m., Monday – Saturday. Tour passes are required. journey of discovery. Advance Passes: Tours may The U.S. Capitol be booked in advance online at is home to the U.S. www.visitthecapitol.gov, through Congress and its two the offices of your senators or legislative bodies, representative, or through the the U.S. House of The Apotheosis of George Washington Office of Visitor Services by Representatives calling 202.226.8000. and the U.S. Senate. Through films, exhibits, and tours, you will learn about how Congress works, how this magnificent building was built, Same-Day Passes: A limited and how citizens can participate in this extraordinary experiment called number of passes are available representative democracy. each day at the Information Desks in Emancipation Hall on the lower The U.S.
  • National Register of Historic Places Registration Form

    National Register of Historic Places Registration Form

    NPSForm 10-900 (Oct. 1990) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Registration Form This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations for individual properties and districts. See instructions in I MM1 fn ?*ti?(ttu\f(f(ftaL*$t1'f ' Register of Historic Places Registration Form (National Register Bulletin 16A). Complete each item by marking "x1 in the appropriate LiJJl' <wJ*V g"Tri"1 the information requested. If an item does not apply to the property being documented, enter "N/A" for "not applicable." For functions, architectural classification, materials, and areas of significance, enter only categories and subcategories from the instructions. Place additional entries and narrative items on continuation sheets (NFS Form 10-900a). Use a typewriter, word processor, or computer, to complete all items. historic name Granite IDS Ward Chaoel/Avard Fairbanks Studio other name/site number N/A street name 9800 South 3100 East D not for publication city or town Sandy D vicinity state Utah code UT county Salt Lake codele>«D zip code 84092 As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended, I hereby certify that this E3 nomination D request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. In my opinion, the property 03 meets D does not meet the National Register criteria. I recommend that this property be considered significant *"" nationally n statewide d locally. ( QQ See continuation sheet for additional comments.) Signature of certifying official/Title""" Utah Division of State History.
  • House Resolution 14 By: Representatives Williams of the 168Th, Ralston of the 7Th, Burns of the 159Th, Beverly of the 143Rd, Smyre of the 135Th, and Others

    House Resolution 14 By: Representatives Williams of the 168Th, Ralston of the 7Th, Burns of the 159Th, Beverly of the 143Rd, Smyre of the 135Th, and Others

    21 LC 47 0630 House Resolution 14 By: Representatives Williams of the 168th, Ralston of the 7th, Burns of the 159th, Beverly of the 143rd, Smyre of the 135th, and others A RESOLUTION 1 Creating the National Statuary Hall Collection Replacement Committee; and for other 2 purposes. 3 WHEREAS, in 1864, the United States Congress established the National Statuary Hall 4 Collection in the United States Capitol and authorized each state to contribute to the 5 collection two statues that represent important historic figures of each state; and 6 WHEREAS, Georgia currently has on display in the National Statuary Hall Collection 7 statues of Dr. Crawford W. Long and Alexander Hamilton Stephens; and 8 WHEREAS, pursuant to 2 U.S.C. § 2132, a state may request that the Joint Committee on 9 the Library of Congress approve the replacement of a statue the state has provided for display 10 in the National Statuary Hall Collection; and 11 WHEREAS, the late Congressman John Lewis was a distinguished Georgian who 12 passionately opposed hatred and discrimination, led in the Civil Rights Movement that 13 changed the course of history by bringing about the passage of civil rights legislation, and 14 received a Presidential Medal of Freedom for his efforts to create a just society and his years 15 of public service; and H. R. 14 - 1 - 21 LC 47 0630 16 WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this esteemed historic Georgian be 17 appropriately recognized in the United States Capitol. 18 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF 19 GEORGIA that the members of this body join in honoring the life and memory 20 Representative John Lewis and approve the replacement of the state's statue of Alexander 21 Hamilton Stephens with a statue of Representative John Lewis in the National Statuary Hall 22 Collection in the United States Capitol.
  • Crouch, Casting the Republic in White

    Crouch, Casting the Republic in White

    ISSN: 2471-6839 Cite this article: Christian Ayne Crouch, “Casting the Republic in White,” in Art and Politics in the US Capitol, special section, Panorama: Journal of the Association of Historians of American Art 7, no. 1 (Spring 2021) doi.org/10.24926/24716839.11763. Casting the Republic in White Christian Ayne Crouch, Associate Professor, Historical Studies Program, Bard College You are looking at freedom here, as cast by the United States (fig. 1). Beneath a plaster cast of Thomas Crawford’s Statue of Freedom, the allegorical female figure who adorns the US Capitol dome, troops gather in the United States Capitol Visitor Center to protect Congress. This photograph appeared a week after the harrowing attempted coup at the Capitol, and, as versions of it circulated coast-to-coast, the image of the Statue of Freedom surrounded by National Guardsmen and women offered stability and calm to a divided nation. It was the antithesis of the images of seditionists and rioters invading, looting, and screaming that dominated the news media in the days following the insurrection. The Statue of Freedom is protected by and protecting these troops, standing vigilant over the brave, personifying the pledge of allegiance to a republic, one and indivisible, now in crisis. Consider her gladiatorial calm and the fact that she stands at rest, but armed and alert. We see the symbiosis between this goddess of the republic and the troops brought into her temple to aid in her defense. Fig. 1. “Impeachment of Donald Trump,” January 13, 2021. Photograph courtesy Kent Nishimura/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images Now look again.
  • National Statuary Hall Collection: Background and Legislative Options

    National Statuary Hall Collection: Background and Legislative Options

    National Statuary Hall Collection: Background and Legislative Options Updated December 3, 2019 Congressional Research Service https://crsreports.congress.gov R42812 National Statuary Hall Collection: Background and Legislative Options Summary The National Statuary Hall Collection, located in the U.S. Capitol, comprises 100 statues provided by individual states to honor persons notable for their historic renown or for distinguished services. The collection was authorized in 1864, at the same time that Congress redesignated the hall where the House of Representatives formerly met as National Statuary Hall. The first statue, depicting Nathanael Greene, was provided in 1870 by Rhode Island. The collection has consisted of 100 statues—two statues per state—since 2005, when New Mexico sent a statue of Po’pay. At various times, aesthetic and structural concerns necessitated the relocation of some statues throughout the Capitol. Today, some of the 100 individual statues in the National Statuary Hall Collection are located in the House and Senate wings of the Capitol, the Rotunda, the Crypt, and the Capitol Visitor Center. Legislation to increase the size of the National Statuary Hall Collection was introduced in several Congresses. These measures would permit states to furnish more than two statues or allow the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories to provide statues to the collection. None of these proposals were enacted. Should Congress choose to expand the number of statues in the National Statuary Hall Collection, the Joint Committee on the Library and the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) may need to address statue location to address aesthetic, structural, and safety concerns in National Statuary Hall, the Capitol Visitor Center, and other areas of the Capitol.
  • Father Damien, Hero of the Hawaiian People !

    Father Damien, Hero of the Hawaiian People !

    Father Damien, hero of the Hawaiian people ! Open letter to Mrs. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, US Representative Tremelo, August 20th, 2020 Dear Mrs. Ocasio-Cortez, For many members of our Father Damien family association, Hawaii is a bit like a second home: by participating in our group tours 'In the footsteps of Damien' or through individual visits to Hawaii and to Molokai, and by the local contacts that are maintained there. We are also very much interested in Hawaiian history, for an understanding of the world in which Damien – Kamiano for native Hawaiians – successfully integrated himself. Like many Belgians – fellow countrymen of Damien, who in 2005 elected him as 'Greatest Belgian' for his achievements at the other side of the world – we got a shock when reading in the newspaper that you chose, amongst the 102 statues in the U.S. Capitol’s National Statuary Hall Collection in Washington, the one of our relative Father Damien as a ‘typical example of white colonialism, patriarchy and white supremacist culture'; with the suggestion why in his place doesn’t stand the only and last queen of Hawaii, Lili'uokalani. At the same time, we had a 'déjà vu' feeling: in the years after Damien's death (1889), several attempts were made to criticize his work, deny his achievement and destroy his legacy; mostly by envious colleagues and local superiors with whom Damien had collided by his stubbornness. The very last attack dates back to 130 years ago : it was a letter by a certain Reverend Doctor Hyde addressed to the Bishop of Honolulu, in which he depicted Damien as ‘coarse, dirty, headstrong and bigoted, who had no hand in the reforms and improvements’ and decried the ‘extravagant newspaper laudations as if he was a most saintly philanthropist’.
  • Guide to State Statues in the National Statuary Hall Collection

    Guide to State Statues in the National Statuary Hall Collection

    U.S. CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER GUide To STATe STATUes iN The NATioNAl STATUArY HAll CollecTioN CVC 19-107 Edition V Senator Mazie Hirono of Hawaii addresses a group of high school students gathered in front of the statue of King Kamehameha in the Capitol Visitor Center. TOM FONTANA U.S. CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER GUide To STATe STATUes iN The NATioNAl STATUArY HAll CollecTioN STATE PAGE STATE PAGE Alabama . 3 Montana . .28 Alaska . 4 Nebraska . .29 Arizona . .5 Nevada . 30 Arkansas . 6 New Hampshire . .31 California . .7 New Jersey . 32 Colorado . 8 New Mexico . 33 Connecticut . 9 New York . .34 Delaware . .10 North Carolina . 35 Florida . .11 North Dakota . .36 Georgia . 12 Ohio . 37 Hawaii . .13 Oklahoma . 38 Idaho . 14 Oregon . 39 Illinois . .15 Pennsylvania . 40 Indiana . 16 Rhode Island . 41 Iowa . .17 South Carolina . 42 Kansas . .18 South Dakota . .43 Kentucky . .19 Tennessee . 44 Louisiana . .20 Texas . 45 Maine . .21 Utah . 46 Maryland . .22 Vermont . .47 Massachusetts . .23 Virginia . 48 Michigan . .24 Washington . .49 Minnesota . 25 West Virginia . 50 Mississippi . 26 Wisconsin . 51 Missouri . .27 Wyoming . .52 Statue photography by Architect of the Capitol The Guide to State Statues in the National Statuary Hall Collection is available as a free mobile app via the iTunes app store or Google play. 2 GUIDE TO STATE STATUES IN THE NATIONAL STATUARY HALL COLLECTION U.S. CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER AlabaMa he National Statuary Hall Collection in the United States Capitol is comprised of statues donated by individual states to honor persons notable in their history. The entire collection now consists of 100 statues contributed by 50 states.
  • Capitol Buildings and Grounds

    Capitol Buildings and Grounds

    CAPITOL BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS UNITED STATES CAPITOL OVERVIEW OF THE BUILDING AND ITS FUNCTION The United States Capitol is among the most architecturally impressive and symbolically important buildings in the world. It has housed the meeting chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives for almost two centuries. Begun in 1793, the Capitol has been built, burnt, rebuilt, extended, and restored; today, it stands as a monument not only to its builders but also to the American people and their government. As the focal point of the government's Legislative Branch, the Capitol is the centerpiece of the Capitol Complex, which includes the six principal Congressional office buildings and three Library of Congress buildings constructed on Capitol Hill in the 19th and 20th centuries. In addition to its active use by Congress, the Capitol is a museum of American art and history. Each year, it is visited by an estimated seven to ten million people from around the world. A fine example of 19th-century neoclassical architecture, the Capitol combines function with aesthetics. Its designs derived from ancient Greece and Rome evoke the ideals that guided the Nation's founders as they framed their new republic. As the building was expanded from its original design, harmony with the existing portions was carefully maintained. Today, the Capitol covers a ground area of 175,170 square feet, or about 4 acres, and has a floor area of approximately 161¤2 acres. Its length, from north to south, is 751 feet 4 inches; its greatest width, including approaches, is 350 feet. Its height above the base line on the east front to the top of the Statue of Freedom is 287 feet 51¤2 inches; from the basement floor to the top of the dome is an ascent of 365 steps.
  • U.S. Capitol Visitor Center Statues

    U.S. Capitol Visitor Center Statues

    U.S. Capitol Visitor Center Statues Statues from the National Statuary Hall Collection Twenty-four statues from the National Statuary Hall Collection are on display in the Capitol Visitor Center, the latest addition to the United States Capitol. The collection began in 1864 when the Congress invited each state to donate a marble or bronze statue of a distinguished citizen. The one hundredth statue was unveiled in 2005. The statues represent the diversity of the country as well as the diversity of the contributions made by its citizens. They are among those most recently donated by the states; the most recent will be Helen Keller, donated by Alabama. Six depict female subjects and five depict Native Americans (including one Pacific Island native), two of whom are women. The statues were created by both male and female sculptors. Twelve of the statues represent persons who lived in or into the twentieth century, several of whom were citizens who did not hold government or military office. They include many of the most visually striking sculptures in the collection. At least one statue from every state remains on display in the historic part of the Capitol. The statues on view in the Capitol Visitor Center, with the dates they were placed in the Capitol, are listed below: William Edgar Borah (1865-1940)—Idaho Bronze by Bryant Baker, 1947 Emancipation Hall King Kamehameha I of Hawaii is one of the 24 state statues on display in the Capitol Visitor Center. Lawyer, U.S. senator 1907-1940. As Chairman of Committee on Education and Labor, sponsored bills that created the Department of Labor and the Children’s Bureau.
  • United States Capitol VISITOR Guide WELCOME to the U.S

    United States Capitol VISITOR Guide WELCOME to the U.S

    United States Capitol VISITOR GUide WELCOME TO THE U.S. CAPITOL our visit to the GUIDED TOURS OF THE U.S. CAPITOL historic U.S. Guided tours of the U.S. Capitol begin at the Orientation Theaters on Capitol begins the lower level of the Capitol Visitor Center. “Out of Many, One,” Yas you enter the Capitol a 13-minute film, illustrates how this country established a new form Visitor Center. With of government; highlights the vital role that Congress plays in the its soaring spaces and daily lives of Americans; and introduces you to the building that skylight views of the houses the U.S. Congress. Capitol Dome, the Tours are free and are offered Capitol Visitor Center throughout the day between welcomes you on a 8:40 a.m. – 3:20 p.m., Monday – journey of discovery. The Saturday. Tour passes are required. U.S. Capitol is home to the U.S. Congress and its The Apotheosis of George Washington Advance Passes: Tours may two legislative bodies, the be booked in advance online at U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. Through www.visitthecapitol.gov, through films, exhibits, and tours, you will learn about how Congress the offices of your Senators or works, how this magnificent building was built, and how Representative, or through the citizens can participate in this extraordinary experiment called Office of Visitor Services by representative democracy. calling 202.226.8000. The U.S. Capitol stands as a monument to the American people. Same-Day Passes: A limited number of passes are available each It is where the issues facing the nation are considered, debated, day at the Information Desks in Emancipation Hall on the lower level and written into law.