Resolution designating the House Press Gallery (Rooms H-315, H-316, H-317, H-318, and H-319 in the United States Capitol) as the 'Frederick Douglass Press Gallery’
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Subcommittee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This resolution proposes to designate the House Press Gallery, encompassing Rooms H-315 through H-319 of the United States Capitol, as the "Frederick Douglass Press Gallery." This action aims to honor the enduring legacy of Frederick Douglass, an escaped slave who rose to prominence as an abolitionist, civil rights advocate, and influential journalist. Douglass published his own newspaper, The North Star , and later edited The New National Era , chronicling the progress of Black Americans. He was notably the first Black reporter allowed into the Capitol press galleries , where he regularly reported on House and Senate legislation to inform the African-American community during the critical Reconstruction period following the Civil War. The resolution highlights his unwavering commitment to equal rights, his meetings with President Lincoln, and his perseverance in breaking barriers throughout American history. This designation serves as a permanent recognition of Douglass's pioneering spirit and his significant contributions to both journalism and the fight for freedom and equality.
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Timeline
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Discharged
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 31.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-150.
Mr. Graves moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2549-2551)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 137.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2549-2550)
On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2549-2550)
The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Discharged
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 31.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-150.
Mr. Graves moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2549-2551)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 137.
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2549-2550)
On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2549-2550)
The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
Congress
U.S. CapitolU.S. history
Resolution designating the House Press Gallery (Rooms H-315, H-316, H-317, H-318, and H-319 in the United States Capitol) as the 'Frederick Douglass Press Gallery’
USA119th CongressHRES-137| House
| Updated: 6/9/2025
This resolution proposes to designate the House Press Gallery, encompassing Rooms H-315 through H-319 of the United States Capitol, as the "Frederick Douglass Press Gallery." This action aims to honor the enduring legacy of Frederick Douglass, an escaped slave who rose to prominence as an abolitionist, civil rights advocate, and influential journalist. Douglass published his own newspaper, The North Star , and later edited The New National Era , chronicling the progress of Black Americans. He was notably the first Black reporter allowed into the Capitol press galleries , where he regularly reported on House and Senate legislation to inform the African-American community during the critical Reconstruction period following the Civil War. The resolution highlights his unwavering commitment to equal rights, his meetings with President Lincoln, and his perseverance in breaking barriers throughout American history. This designation serves as a permanent recognition of Douglass's pioneering spirit and his significant contributions to both journalism and the fight for freedom and equality.