Bill Summary
The "Albert Pike Statue Removal Act" is a legislative bill that mandates the removal of a statue dedicated to Albert Pike, which is currently located near Judiciary Square in Washington, D.C. The bill directs the Secretary of the Interior, through the National Park Service, to carry out this removal. Originally authorized by a resolution in 1898, the statue's removal reflects changing perspectives on historical figures and their legacies.
Additionally, the legislation allows for the possibility of relocating the statue to a museum or similar institution for preservation and interpretation. However, it stipulates that the statue cannot be displayed outdoors; if it is, ownership will revert to the federal government. This act emphasizes a commitment to recognizing and addressing historical controversies associated with public monuments.
Possible Impacts
The proposed "Albert Pike Statue Removal Act" could affect people in several ways, including:
1. **Cultural and Historical Impact**: The removal of the statue may be viewed positively by individuals and groups who believe that Albert Pike's legacy is tied to controversial aspects of history, including his associations with the Confederacy. This could lead to a sense of validation and progress for those advocating for social justice and the re-examination of historical figures. Conversely, individuals who view Pike as a significant historical figure may feel their cultural heritage is being erased, leading to tensions within communities.
2. **Public Space Reconfiguration**: The removal of the statue could lead to changes in the surrounding public space in Judiciary Square. This might involve new memorials or public art installations that reflect contemporary values and promote inclusivity. Such changes could impact how people engage with that space, leading to increased community gatherings, events, or discussions centered around the themes of history, memory, and identity.
3. **Legal and Administrative Consequences**: The legislation mandates that the statue be relocated and preserved in a museum or similar entity, which could involve legal and administrative processes. This may create jobs or contracts for logistics, conservation, and museum management professionals. Additionally, the stipulation that the statue cannot be displayed outside may lead to debates about public art and historical representation, influencing future legislation concerning monuments and memorials in public spaces.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 4934 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 4934
To direct the Secretary of the Interior to remove the statue to the
memory and in honor of Albert Pike erected near Judiciary Square in the
District of Columbia, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
August 8, 2025
Ms. Norton (for herself, Mr. Carson, Ms. Clarke of New York, and Mr.
Moulton) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Natural Resources
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To direct the Secretary of the Interior to remove the statue to the
memory and in honor of Albert Pike erected near Judiciary Square in the
District of Columbia, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Albert Pike Statue Removal Act''.
SEC. 2. REMOVAL OF STATUE OF ALBERT PIKE.
(a) Removal.--The Secretary of the Interior, acting through the
Director of the National Park Service, shall remove the statue to the
memory and in honor of Albert Pike erected near Judiciary Square in the
District of Columbia under the ``Joint Resolution Granting permission
for the erection of a monument or statue in Washington City, District
of Columbia, in honor of the late Albert Pike.'', approved April 9,
1898 (30 Stat. 737).
(b) Relocation.--The Secretary of the Interior may donate the
statue to a museum or other similar entity, as determined appropriate
by the Secretary, to ensure its preservation and interpretation in an
indoor setting. The recipient of the statue may not store, display, or
exhibit the statue outside. If the statue is stored, displayed, or
exhibited outside, ownership of the statue will revert back to the
Federal Government.
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