The Capitol Rotunda and the Capitol Grounds have been used as the setting for a variety of events, ranging from memorial ceremonies and the reception of foreign dignitaries to the presentation of awards and the hosting of public competitions. This report identifies and categorizes uses of the Capitol Rotunda and Capitol Grounds authorized by concurrent resolutions since the 101st Congress.
In most cases, use of the Capitol Rotunda requires a concurrent resolution agreed to by both the House and Senate. A concurrent resolution for the use of the Rotunda typically identifies the event and date for which use is authorized. Often, the resolution also directs physical preparations to be carried out under the supervision of the Architect of the Capitol.
Ninety-nine concurrent resolutions were agreed to by the House and the Senate authorizing the use of the Rotunda between the 101st and the 115th Congresses. These resolutions can be divided into seven categories: (1) commemoration ceremonies; (2) Congressional Gold Medal ceremonies; (3) artwork unveilings; (4) presidential inauguration activities; (5) receptions or ceremonies honoring living people; (6) persons lying in state or honor; and (7) prayer vigils.
Use of the Capitol Grounds can be authorized either by the passage of a concurrent resolution or through an application process with the Capitol Police. A concurrent resolution is typically needed for events longer than 24 hours in duration, for events that require vehicles on the Capitol Grounds for setup, for events requiring electronics on the Lower West Terrace of the Capitol, and for events where a large number of Members will be in attendance. The Capitol Police's special events office handles permits and approval for all other events.
One hundred twelve concurrent resolutions were agreed to by the House and the Senate authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds between the 101st and the 115th Congresses. These resolutions can be divided into four categories: (1) events sponsored by nonfederal-government groups; (2) memorial services; (3) events sponsored by the federal government; and (4) award and dedication ceremonies.
Upon the completion and opening of the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) during the 110th Congress, Emancipation Hall of the CVC became available for use in the same manner as the Rotunda and Capitol Grounds. Use of Emancipation Hall requires the passage of a resolution agreed to by both houses of Congress authorizing its use. These resolutions can be divided into four categories: (1) commemoration ceremonies, (2) congressional gold medal ceremonies, (3) artwork unveilings, and (4) presidential inauguration activities. As of the date of this report, 43 concurrent resolutions authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall have been agreed to.
This report will be updated at the end of each session of Congress.
Both the Capitol Rotunda and the Capitol Grounds have been used as the setting for a variety of events, ranging from memorial ceremonies and the reception of foreign dignitaries to the presentation of awards and the hosting of public competitions. This report identifies and categorizes uses of the Capitol Rotunda and Capitol Grounds authorized by concurrent resolutions since the 101st Congress.
In most cases, use of the Capitol Rotunda requires a concurrent resolution agreed to by both the House and Senate.1 A concurrent resolution for the use of the Rotunda typically identifies the event and date for which use is authorized. Often, the resolution also directs physical preparations to be carried out "in accordance with such conditions as the Architect of the Capitol may provide."2
Use of the Capitol Grounds requires either the passage of a concurrent resolution or permit approval from the Capitol Police. Events that entail the use of the West Front Steps of the Capitol, electricity on the Lower West Terrace of the Capitol, require more than 24 hours from setup to cleanup, require vehicles on Capitol Grounds for setup, or will have a large number of Members in attendance typically require a concurrent resolution.3 All other events can typically be issued permits by the U.S. Capitol Police.4
Upon the completion and opening of the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) during the 110th Congress, Emancipation Hall of the CVC became available for use in the same manner as the Rotunda and Capitol Grounds. Use of Emancipation Hall requires the passage of a resolution agreed to by both houses of Congress authorizing its use.5
Additionally, Congress has provided an ongoing authorization for holiday concerts on Capitol Grounds.6 Held on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day, these concerts feature the National Symphony Orchestra and are free and open to the public.7
A database search was conducted using Congress.gov for the 101st through the 115th Congresses (1989-2018). The search was conducted by running a query across all agreed-to concurrent resolutions using the subject term "rotunda." The results of the search were then examined individually to differentiate resolutions for the use of the Rotunda from references to it in otherwise unrelated legislation.8
The search identified a total of 99 concurrent resolutions that were agreed to by the House and Senate. Between the 101st Congress and the 115th Congress, the House and Senate agreed to between one and nine concurrent resolutions per Congress that authorized the use of the Rotunda. Table 1 reports the total number of resolutions agreed to in each Congress.
|
Congress |
Number |
Congress |
Number |
|
101 (1989-1991) |
7 |
109 (2005-2007) |
8 |
|
102 (1991-1993) |
4 |
110 (2007-2009) |
9 |
|
103 (1993-1995) |
1 |
111 (2009-2011) |
9 |
|
104 (1995-1997) |
6 |
112 (2011-2013) |
9 |
|
105 (1997-1999) |
8 |
113 (2013-2015) |
6 |
|
106 (1999-2001) |
8 |
114 (2015-2017) |
3 |
|
107 (2001-2003) |
8 |
115 (2017-2019) |
6 |
|
108 (2003-2005) |
7 |
Total (101st-115th) |
99 |
Source: Database query of Congressional Legislative Information System (LIS), 101st-115th Congresses.
Appendix A, which lists the results of the database search, provides the following information for each concurrent resolution: the Congress in which the resolution was introduced, the resolution number, and the subject of the resolution.
Concurrent resolutions authorizing the use of the Rotunda can be divided into seven categories: (1) commemoration ceremonies; (2) Congressional Gold Medal ceremonies; (3) artwork unveilings; (4) presidential inauguration activities; (5) receptions or ceremonies honoring living people; (6) persons lying in state or honor; and (7) prayer vigils. The following sections provide a brief explanation of each category and examples of activities. Table 2 contains the number of concurrent resolutions agreed to by Congress since 1989, by category.
The largest percentage of concurrent resolutions (34.3%) authorized the use of the Rotunda for a commemoration ceremony, often of an historical event. For example, concurrent resolutions authorizing the use of the Rotunda for a ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust were passed during each Congress.9 In recent Congresses, resolutions were also agreed to for Rotunda ceremonies to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the integration of the U.S. Armed Forces,10 the 200th birthday of Constantino Brumidi,11 the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's inauguration,12 and the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.13
Ceremonies to award Congressional Gold Medals account for 24.2% of the concurrent resolutions for the use of the Rotunda agreed to since the 101st Congress. These award ceremonies include presentations of Congressional Gold Medals to Rosa Parks, cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, the Tuskegee Airmen, and other recipients.14
Since the 101st Congress, 15.2% of concurrent resolutions have been agreed to for the use of the Rotunda for ceremonies to unveil artwork. These have included unveiling ceremonies for portrait busts of former Vice Presidents,15 as well as presentation ceremonies of statues prior to placement in Statuary Hall.16
In preparation for the quadrennial Presidential inauguration activities that take place at the Capitol, concurrent resolutions were passed during the 102nd, 104th, 106th, 108th, 110th, 112th, 113th, and 115th Congresses.17 These resolutions have authorized the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies to use the Rotunda "in connection with the proceedings and ceremonies conducted for the inauguration of the President-elect and the Vice President-elect of the United States."18 Since the 101st Congress, 10.1% of concurrent resolutions have authorized the use of the Rotunda for inaugural activities.
Since the 101st Congress, 6.1% of concurrent resolutions have authorized the use of the Rotunda for the purposes of receiving foreign dignitaries or honoring a living person. For example, during the 102nd Congress, use of the Rotunda was authorized for a ceremony and reception for the Dalai Lama.19 During the 105th Congress, use of the Rotunda was authorized for a ceremony honoring Mother Teresa.20 During the 114th Congress, the use of the Rotunda was authorized for events surrounding the visit by His Holiness Pope Francis to address a joint session of Congress.21
Use of the Rotunda for individuals to lie in state or honor accounted for 8.1% of Rotunda events authorized by concurrent resolution. These events have included President Reagan,22 Senator Claude Pepper,23 and Senator Daniel K. Inouye lying in state; Rosa Parks lying in honor;24 and the memorial service for Detective John Michael Gibson and Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut of the U.S. Capitol Police.25 In the 115th Congress, one individual—Reverend Billy Graham—lay in honor, while two—Senator John McCain and President George H.W. Bush—lay in state.26
On two occasions during the 107th Congress (2.0%), concurrent resolutions were agreed to for the use of the Rotunda for prayer vigils. H.Con.Res. 233 authorized the use of the Rotunda for a prayer vigil in memory of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. S.Con.Res. 83 authorized the use of the Rotunda for a ceremony as part of a National Day of Reconciliation.
Table 2. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for Use of the Rotunda, by Category
101st Congress to 115th Congress
|
Category |
Number |
Percentage of Total |
|
|
34 |
34.3 |
||
|
Congressional Gold Medal Ceremonies |
24 |
24.2 |
|
|
Artwork Unveilings |
15 |
15.2 |
|
|
Presidential Inaugural Activities |
10 |
10.1 |
|
|
Receiving or Honoring Living People |
6 |
6.1 |
|
|
Persons Lying in State or Honor |
8 |
8.1 |
|
|
Prayer Vigils |
2 |
2.0 |
|
|
Total |
99 |
100 |
Source: Database query of Congressional Legislative Information System (LIS), 101st-115th Congresses.
A database search was conducted using Congress.gov for the 101st to the 115th Congresses (1989-2019). The search was conducted by running a query using the subject term "Capitol Grounds." The results of the search were then examined individually to differentiate resolutions for the use of the Capitol Grounds from references to it in otherwise unrelated legislation.27 The uses of the Capitol Grounds identified here are restricted to those authorized by concurrent resolution of the House and Senate.
The search identified a total 112 concurrent resolutions that were agreed to by the House and Senate. Between the 101st Congress and the 115th Congress, the House and Senate agreed to between 3 and 14 concurrent resolutions per Congress that authorized the use of the Capitol Grounds. Table 3 reports the total number of resolutions agreed to in each Congress.
Table 3. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for Use of the Capitol Grounds
101st Congress to 115th Congress
|
Congress |
Number |
Congress |
Number |
|
101 (1989-1991) |
4 |
109 (2005-2007) |
7 |
|
102 (1991-1993) |
6 |
110 (2007-2009) |
8 |
|
103 (1993-1995) |
7 |
111 (2009-2011) |
7 |
|
104 (1995-1997) |
6 |
112 (2011-2013) |
6 |
|
105 (1997-1999) |
9 |
113 (2013-2015) |
7 |
|
106 (1999-2001) |
14 |
114 (2015-2017) |
10 |
|
107 (2001-2003) |
9 |
115 (2017-2019) |
5 |
|
108 (2003-2005) |
7 |
Total (101st-115th) |
112 |
Appendix B, which lists the results of the database search, provides the following information for each concurrent resolution: the Congress in which the resolution was introduced, the resolution number, and the subject of the resolution.
Concurrent resolutions authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds can be divided into one of four categories: (1) events sponsored by nonfederal-government groups; (2) memorial services; (3) events sponsored by the federal government; and (4) award and dedication ceremonies. The following sections provide a brief explanation of each category with examples of the types of activities concurrent resolutions provided for on the Capitol Grounds. Table 4 contains the number of concurrent resolutions agreed to by Congress since 1989 by category.
The largest percentage of concurrent resolutions agreed to (65.5%) authorized events that are sponsored by nonfederal-government entities. For example, concurrent resolutions authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby28 and the District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Relay29 are typically agreed to each Congress.
Memorial services held on the Capitol Grounds account for 23% of the concurrent resolutions passed since the 101st Congress. Each year since 1989, the House and Senate have agreed to a concurrent resolution allowing the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service to be conducted on Capitol Grounds.30 The ceremony honors law enforcement officers who gave their lives in the line of duty during the previous year.31
Events sponsored by the federal government compose 8.8% of events on the Capitol Grounds authorized by concurrent resolution. These events have included authorizing the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to hold performances on the East Front of the Capitol,32 allowing the National Book Festival to run programs on the Capitol Grounds,33 and authorizing a celebration for the Library of Congress's 200th birthday.34
Award and dedication ceremonies account for 2.7% of events authorized by concurrent resolution for the Capitol Grounds. Since 1989, three award and dedication ceremonies have been authorized through concurrent resolution. In the 106th Congress (1999-2001), Congress authorized the use of the Capitol Grounds for the dedication of the Japanese-American Memorial to Patriotism;35 in the 108th Congress (2003-2005), the dedication ceremony for the National World War II Memorial was authorized for the Capitol Grounds;36 and in the 110th Congress (2007-2009), the presentation ceremony for the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, took place on the Capitol Grounds.37
Table 4. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for Use of the Capitol Grounds, by Category
101st Congress to 115th Congress
|
Category |
Number |
Percentage of Total |
|
Nonfederal-Government-Sponsored Event |
74 |
65.5 |
|
Memorial Services |
26 |
23.0 |
|
Federal Government Sponsored Events |
10 |
8.8 |
|
Award and Dedication Ceremonies |
3 |
2.7 |
|
Total |
113a |
100 |
Source: Database query of Congressional Legislative Information System (LIS), 101st-115th Congresses.
Note: Table total may not add to 100% because of rounding.
a. While 112 resolutions were agreed to, a total of 113 uses of the Capitol Grounds were authorized. H.Con.Res. 92, 113th Congress, authorized two separate uses of the Capitol Grounds.
Upon the completion and opening of the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) during the 110th Congress, Emancipation Hall of the CVC became available for use in the same manner as the Rotunda and Capitol Grounds. Use of Emancipation Hall requires the passage of a resolution agreed to by both houses of Congress authorizing its use.38
The first concurrent resolution authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall was agreed to during the 110th Congress. It provided for the use of the Hall in connection with "ceremonies and activities held in connection with the opening of the Capitol Visitor Center to the public."39 Consistent with previous resolutions authorizing the use of the Rotunda, the concurrent resolution for the use of Emancipation Hall directed that physical preparations be carried out "in accordance with such conditions as the Architect of the Capitol may provide."40
A database search was conducted using Congress.gov for the 110th through the 115th Congresses (2007-2017). The search was conducted by running a query using the subject term "Emancipation Hall." The uses of Emancipation Hall identified here are restricted to those authorized by concurrent resolution of the House and Senate.
The search identified a total 43 concurrent resolutions that were agreed to by the House and Senate. Between the 110th Congress and the 115th Congress, the House and Senate agreed to between 1 and 15 concurrent resolutions per Congress that authorized the use of Emancipation Hall. Table 5 reports the total number of resolutions agreed to in each Congress.
Table 5. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for Use of Emancipation Hall
110th Congress to 115th Congress
|
Congress |
Number |
Congress |
Number |
||
|
110 (2007-2009) |
|
113 (2013-2015) |
|
||
|
111 (2009-2011) |
|
114 (2015-2017) |
|
||
|
112 (2011-2013) |
|
115th (2017-2019) |
|
||
|
Total (110th-115th) |
|
Source: Database query of Congressional Legislative Information System (LIS), 110th-115th Congresses.
Appendix C, which lists the results of the database search, provides the following information for each concurrent resolution: the Congress in which the resolution was introduced, the resolution number, and the subject of the resolution.
Concurrent resolutions authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall can be divided into one of four categories: (1) commemoration ceremonies, (2) congressional gold medal ceremonies, (3) artwork unveilings, and (4) presidential inauguration activities. The following sections provide a brief explanation of each category with examples of the types of activities concurrent resolutions provided for on Emancipation Hall. Table 6 contains the number of concurrent resolution agreed to by Congress since 2007 by category.
The largest percentage of concurrent resolutions agreed to (46.5%) authorized the use of Emancipation Hall for commemoration ceremonies. For example, concurrent resolutions authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall are agreed to annually to celebrate the birthday of King Kamehameha.41
Ceremonies to award Congressional Gold Medals account for 32.6% of the concurrent resolutions for the use of Emancipation Hall agreed to since the 110th Congress. These award ceremonies include presentations of Congressional Gold Medals to Women Air Force Service Pilots,42 the Montford Point Marines,43 and Native American Code Talkers.44
Since the 110th Congress, 11.6% of concurrent resolutions have been agreed to for the use of Emancipation Hall for ceremonies to unveil artwork. These have included unveiling ceremonies for a bust of Sojourner Truth,45 a marker acknowledging the role of slaves in building the Capitol,46 a statue of Frederick Douglass,47 and the American Prisoners of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Chair of Honor.48
Since Emancipation Hall opened in the middle of the 110th Congress, Congress has also utilized the space for inaugural activities. Just like the resolutions authorizing the use of the Rotunda for inaugural activities, these resolutions have authorized the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies to use Emancipation Hall "in connection with the proceedings and ceremonies conducted for the inauguration of the President-elect and the Vice President-elect of the United States."49 Since the 110th Congress, 9.3% of concurrent resolutions have authorized the use of the Rotunda for inaugural activities.
Table 6. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for Use of Emancipation Hall, by Category
110th Congress to 115th Congress
|
Category |
Number |
Percentage of Total |
|
Commemorative Ceremonies |
20 |
46.5 |
|
Congressional Gold Medal Ceremonies |
14 |
32.6 |
|
Artwork Unveilings |
5 |
11.6 |
|
Presidential Inauguration Activities |
4 |
9.3 |
|
Total |
43 |
100 |
Source: Database query of Congressional Legislative Information System (LIS), 110th-115th Congresses.
Appendix A. Concurrent Resolutions for the Use of the Capitol Rotunda
Table A-1. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for the Use of the Capitol Rotunda
101st Congress to 115th Congress
|
Congress |
Resolution |
Subject |
|
Commemoration Ceremonies |
||
|
101st (1989-1991) |
Ceremony celebrating American military heroism |
|
|
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust |
||
|
102nd (1991-1993) |
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust |
|
|
103rd (1993-1995) |
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust |
|
|
104th (1995-1997) |
Ceremony celebrating the 3000th Anniversary of Jerusalem |
|
|
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust |
||
|
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust |
||
|
105th (1997-1999) |
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust |
|
|
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust |
||
|
106th (1999-2001) |
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust |
|
|
Ceremony in honor of the 50th anniversary of NATO |
||
|
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust |
||
|
107th (2001-2003) |
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust |
|
|
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust |
||
|
108th (2003-2005) |
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust |
|
|
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust |
||
|
109th (2005-2007) |
Ceremony for the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Department of Veterans Affairs |
|
|
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust |
||
|
Ceremony to honor Constantino Brumidi on the 200th anniversary of his birth |
||
|
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust |
||
|
110th (2007-2009) |
Ceremony commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the integration of the Armed Forces |
|
|
Ceremony to honor Iraq War troops and those serving in Afghanistan and throughout the world |
||
|
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust |
||
|
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust |
||
|
111th (2009-2011) |
Ceremony in honor of the bicentennial of the birth of President Abraham Lincoln |
|
|
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust |
||
|
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust |
||
|
Ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the inaugural address of President John F. Kennedy |
||
|
112th (2011-2013) |
Ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the inaugural address of President John F. Kennedy |
|
|
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust |
||
|
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust |
||
|
113th (2013-2015) |
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust |
|
|
Ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 |
||
|
115th (2017-2019) |
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust |
|
|
Persons Lying in State or Honor |
||
|
101st (1989-1991) |
Authorizing the use of the Rotunda for the lying in state of the remains of the Honorable Claude Pepper |
|
|
105th (1997-1999) |
Authorizing a memorial service for John Gibson and Jacob Chestnut of the Capitol Police |
|
|
108th (2001-2003) |
Authorizing the use of the Rotunda for the lying in state of the remains of Ronald Reagan |
|
|
109th (2005-2007) |
Authorizing the remains of Rosa Parks to lie in honor in the Rotunda |
|
|
112th (2011-2013) |
Authorizing the use of the Rotunda for the lying in state of the remains of the Honorable Daniel K. Inouye |
|
|
115th (2017-2019) |
Authorizing Reverend Billy Graham to lie in honor in the Rotunda |
|
|
Authorizing the use of the Rotunda for the lying in state of the remains of the Honorable John Sidney McCain, III |
||
|
Authorizing the use of the Rotunda for the lying in state of the remains of George Herbert Walker Bush |
||
|
Congressional Gold Medal Ceremonies |
||
|
104th (1995-1997) |
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Reverend and Mrs. Billy Graham |
|
|
105th (1997-1999) |
Presenting the Congressional Gold Medal to Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela |
|
|
106th (1999-2001) |
Presenting a gold medal on behalf of Congress to Rosa Parks |
|
|
Presenting the Congressional Gold Medal to Mrs. Gerald R. Ford |
||
|
Presenting the Congressional Gold Medal to Father Theodore Hesburgh |
||
|
107th (2001-2003) |
Awarding a gold medal on behalf of Congress to Charles M. Schulz |
|
|
Awarding Congressional Gold Medals to the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers |
||
|
Awarding a gold medal on behalf of Congress to former President Reagan and his wife |
||
|
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to General Henry H. Shelton |
||
|
108th (2003-2005) |
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Dorothy Height |
|
|
109th (2005-2007) |
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Jackie Robinson |
|
|
110th (2007-2009) |
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Norman E. Borlaug |
|
|
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dali Lama |
||
|
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the Tuskegee Airmen |
||
|
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Michael Ellis DeBakey, M.D. |
||
|
111th (2009-2011) |
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to former Senator Edward Brooke |
|
|
112th (2011-2013) |
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Neil Armstrong, Edwin E. "Buzz" Aldrin, Jr., Michael Collins, and John Glenn |
|
|
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Arnold Palmer |
||
|
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi |
||
|
113th (2013-2015) |
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Professor Muhamad Yunus |
|
|
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Raoul Wallenberg |
||
|
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Shimon Peres |
||
|
114th (2015-2017) |
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Jack Nicklaus |
|
|
115th (2017-2019) |
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Bob Dole |
|
|
Presidential Inaugural Activities |
||
|
102nd (1991-1993) |
Use of Rotunda by Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 1993 |
|
|
104th (1995-1997) |
Use of Rotunda by Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 1997 |
|
|
106th (1999-2001) |
Use of Rotunda by Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2001 |
|
|
108th (2003-2005) |
Use of Rotunda by Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2005 |
|
|
110th (2007-2009) |
Use of Rotunda by Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2009 |
|
|
111th (2009-2011) |
Reauthorization of use of Rotunda by Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2009 |
|
|
112th (2011-2013) |
Use of Rotunda by Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2013 |
|
|
113th (2013-2015) |
Reauthorization of use of Rotunda by Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2013 |
|
|
114th (2015-2017) |
Use of Rotunda by Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2017 |
|
|
115th (2017-2019) |
Reauthorization of the use of Rotunda by Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2017 |
|
|
Artwork Unveiling |
||
|
101st (1989-1991) |
Ceremony to inaugurate the display of the POW/MIA flag |
|
|
Dedication ceremony incidental to the placement of bust of Lajos Kossuth in the Capitol |
||
|
Presentation ceremony of statue of Philo T. Farnsworth prior to placement in Statuary Hall |
||
|
102nd (1991-1993) |
Unveiling ceremony of portrait bust of President George H.W. Bush |
|
|
104th (1995-1997) |
Dedication ceremony incidental to the placement of bust of Raoul Wallenberg in the Capitol |
|
|
105th (1997-1999) |
Presentation ceremony of statue of Jack Swigert prior to placement in Statuary Hall |
|
|
106th (1999-2001) |
Presentation ceremony of statue of Chief Washakie prior to placement in Statuary Hall |
|
|
108th (2003-2005) |
Unveiling ceremony of statue of Sarah Sakakawea prior to placement in Statuary Hall |
|
|
Unveiling ceremony of portrait bust of Vice President Dan Quayle |
||
|
109th (2005-2009) |
Presentation ceremony of statue of Sarah Winnemucca prior to placement in Statuary Hall |
|
|
Presentation ceremony of statue of Po'Pay prior to placement in Statuary Hall |
||
|
111th (2009-2011) |
Presentation ceremony of statue of Ronald Reagan prior to placement in Statuary Hall |
|
|
Presentation ceremony of statue of Helen Keller prior to placement in Statuary Hall |
||
|
Presentation ceremony of statue of Helen Keller prior to placement in Statuary Hall |
||
|
112th (2011-2013) |
Presentation ceremony of statue of Gerald R. Ford prior to placement in Rotunda |
|
|
Prayer Vigils |
||
|
107th (2001-2003) |
Prayer Vigil in memory of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 |
|
|
Ceremony as part of a National Day of Reconciliation |
||
|
Receiving or Honoring Living People |
||
|
101st (1989-1991) |
Reception for His All Holiness Patriarch Dimitrios |
|
|
102nd (1991-1993) |
Ceremony and Reception for the Dalai Lama |
|
|
105th (1997-1999) |
Ceremony honoring Leslie Townes (Bob) Hope |
|
|
Ceremony honoring Mother Teresa |
||
|
Reception for His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew |
||
|
114th (2015-2017) |
Events for the Visit of His Holiness Pope Francis |
|
Source: Database query of Congressional Legislative Information System (LIS), 101st-115th Congresses.
Appendix B. Concurrent Resolutions for the Use of the Capitol Grounds
Table B-1. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for the Use of the Capitol Grounds
101st Congress to 115th Congress
|
Congress |
Resolution |
Subject |
|
Nonfederal-Government-Sponsored Events |
||
|
101st (1989-1991) |
Torch Relay for 1989 Special Olympics |
|
|
Torch Relay for 1990 Special Olympics |
||
|
Public event for Earth Day 1990 |
||
|
102nd (1991-1993) |
Program for National Physical Fitness and Sports Month |
|
|
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 1992 |
||
|
Morning Star Foundation and the 1992 Alliance may present "Native Voices: 500 Years After" |
||
|
Torch Relay for 1991 Special Olympics |
||
|
Torch Relay for 1992 Special Olympics |
||
|
103rd (1993-1995) |
Torch Relay for 1993 Special Olympics |
|
|
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 1993 |
||
|
Torch Relay for 1994 Special Olympics |
||
|
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 1994 |
||
|
104th (1995-1997) |
Commemoration of Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus |
|
|
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 1995 |
||
|
Torch Relay for 1995 Special Olympics |
||
|
Torch Relay for 1996 Special Olympics |
||
|
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 1996 |
||
|
Washington for Jesus 1996 prayer rally |
||
|
1996 Summer Olympics Torch Run Relay |
||
|
105th (1997-1999) |
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 1997 |
|
|
Torch Relay for 1997 Special Olympics |
||
|
SAFE KIDS Buckle Up Car Seat Safety Check |
||
|
National Race for the Cure Breast Cancer Survivors Event |
||
|
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 1998 |
||
|
District of Columbia 1998 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run |
||
|
106th (1999-2001) |
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 1999 |
|
|
Earth Force Youth Bike Summit Bike Rodeo |
||
|
District of Columbia 1999 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run |
||
|
Law Enforcement Torch Run for the 1999 Special Olympics World Games |
||
|
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2000 |
||
|
District of Columbia 2000 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run |
||
|
Earth Force Youth Bike Summit Bike Rodeo |
||
|
Million Family March |
||
|
107th (2001-2003) |
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2001 |
|
|
District of Columbia 2001 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run |
||
|
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2002 |
||
|
108th (2001-2003) |
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2003 |
|
|
District of Columbia 2003 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run |
||
|
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2004 |
||
|
District of Columbia 2004 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run |
||
|
109th (2005-2007) |
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2005 |
|
|
District of Columbia 2005 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run |
||
|
Tenth Anniversary of the Million Man March |
||
|
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2006 |
||
|
District of Columbia 2006 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run |
||
|
110th (2007-2009) |
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2007 |
|
|
District of Columbia 2007 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run |
||
|
District of Columbia 2008 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run |
||
|
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2008 |
||
|
Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated |
||
|
111th (2009-2011) |
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2009 |
|
|
District of Columbia 2009 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run |
||
|
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2010 |
||
|
District of Columbia 2010 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run |
||
|
112th (2011-2013) |
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2011 |
|
|
District of Columbia 2011 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run |
||
|
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2012 |
||
|
District of Columbia 2012 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run |
||
|
113th (2013-2015) |
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2013 |
|
|
National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition |
||
|
District of Columbia 2013 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run |
||
|
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2014 |
||
|
National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition |
||
|
District of Columbia 2014 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run |
||
|
114th (2015-2017) |
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2015 |
|
|
District of Columbia 2015 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run |
||
|
2nd Annual Fallen Firefighters Congressional Flag Presentation Ceremony |
||
|
20th Anniversary of the Million Man March |
||
|
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2016 |
||
|
3rd Annual Fallen Firefighters Congressional Flag Presentation Ceremony |
||
|
District of Columbia 2016 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run |
||
|
115th (2017-2019) |
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2017 |
|
|
District of Columbia 2017 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run |
||
|
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2018 |
||
|
Federal Government Sponsored Events |
||
|
101st (1989-1991) |
Authorizing a concert performance on Capitol Grounds |
|
|
103rd (1993-1995) |
Commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the laying of the Capitol cornerstone |
|
|
105th (1997-1999) |
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts performances on East Front of Capitol |
|
|
106th (1999-2001) |
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts performances on East Front of Capitol |
|
|
Library of Congress 200th Birthday Celebration |
||
|
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts performances on East Front of Capitol |
||
|
107th (2001-2003) |
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts performances on East Front of Capitol |
|
|
National Book Festival 2001 |
||
|
National Book Festival 2002 |
||
|
114th (2015-2017) |
Events for Visit of His Holiness Pope Francis |
|
|
Memorial Services |
||
|
103rd (1993-1995) |
Twelfth Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service |
|
|
Thirteenth Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service |
||
|
104th (1995-1997) |
Fifteenth Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service |
|
|
105th (1997-1999) |
Sixteenth Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service |
|
|
Seventeenth Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service |
||
|
106th (1999-2001) |
Eighteenth Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service |
|
|
Nineteenth Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service |
||
|
107th (2001-2003) |
Twentieth Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service |
|
|
Twenty-First Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service |
||
|
108th (2003-2005) |
Twenty-Second Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service |
|
|
Twenty-Third Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service |
||
|
109th (2005-2007) |
Twenty-Fourth Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service |
|
|
Twenty-Fifth Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service |
||
|
110th (2007-2009) |
Twenty-Sixth Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service |
|
|
Twenty-Seventh Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service |
||
|
111th (2009-2011) |
Twenty-Eighth Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service |
|
|
National Weekend of Remembrance Service to honor military personnel who died in service to the United States |
||
|
Twenty-Ninth Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service |
||
|
112th (2011-2013) |
Thirtieth Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service |
|
|
Thirty-First Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service |
||
|
113th (2013-2015) |
Thirty-Second Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service |
|
|
Thirty-Third Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service |
||
|
114th (2015-2017) |
National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition |
|
|
National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition |
||
|
115th (2017-2019) |
National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition |
|
|
National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition |
||
|
Award and Commemorative Ceremonies |
||
|
106th (1999-2001) |
Dedication of the Japanese-American Memorial to Patriotism |
|
|
108th (2003-2005) |
Dedication of the National World War II Memorial |
|
|
110th (2007-2009) |
Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony for Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama |
|
Source: Database query of Congressional Legislative Information System (LIS), 101st-115th Congresses.
Appendix C. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for the Use of Emancipation Hall
Table C-1. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for the Use of Emancipation Hall
101st Congress to 115th Congress
|
Congress |
Resolution |
Subject |
|
Commemoration Ceremonies |
||
|
110th (2007-2009) |
Ceremonies and activities in connection with the opening of the Capitol Visitor Center |
|
|
111th (2009-2011) |
Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I |
|
|
Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I |
||
|
112th (2011-2013) |
Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I |
|
|
Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I |
||
|
113th (2013-2015) |
Ceremony honoring the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela on his 95th birthday |
|
|
Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I |
||
|
Ceremony for commemoration of the day of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust |
||
|
Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I |
||
|
114th (2015-2017) |
Ceremony for commemoration of the day of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust |
|
|
Events for Visit of His Holiness Pope Francis |
||
|
Ceremony to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War |
||
|
Ceremony to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Ratification of the 13th Amendment |
||
|
Ceremony for commemoration of the day of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust |
||
|
Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I |
||
|
Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I |
||
|
115th (2017-2019) |
Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I |
|
|
Event celebrating the 200th anniversary of Frederick Douglass's birth |
||
|
Ceremony commemorating the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust |
||
|
Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I |
||
|
Congressional Gold Medal Ceremonies |
||
|
111th (2009-2011) |
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Air Force Service Pilots |
|
|
112th (2011-2013) |
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the Montford Point Marines |
|
|
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal collectively to the 100th Infantry Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and the Military Intelligence Service, U.S. Army in recognition of their service during World War II |
||
|
113th (2013-2015) |
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal in honor of the men and women who perished as a result of the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001 |
|
|
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the World War II members of the Civil Air Patrol |
||
|
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Native American code talkers |
||
|
114th (2015-2017 |
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the American Fighter Aces |
|
|
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the First Special Service Force, in recognition of its superior service in World War II |
||
|
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the World War II members of the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders |
||
|
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the Monuments Men |
||
|
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the foot soldiers who participated in the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches |
||
|
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal collectively to the 65th Infantry Regiment, known as the "Borinqueneers" |
||
|
115th (2017-2019) |
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal collectively to Filipino Veterans of World War II |
|
|
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal collectively to the members of the Office of Strategic Services |
||
|
Art Work Unveilings |
||
|
111th (2009-2011) |
Unveiling a bust of Sojourner Truth |
|
|
112th (2011-2013) |
Unveiling a marker to acknowledge the role that slave labor played in the construction of the United States Capitol |
|
|
113th (2013-2015) |
Unveiling a statue of Frederick Douglass |
|
|
114th (2015-2017) |
Unveiling of the marble bust of Vice President Richard Cheney |
|
|
115th (2017-2019) |
Unveiling of the American Prisoners of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Chair of Honor |
|
|
Presidential Inauguration Activities |
||
|
112th (2011-2013) |
Use of Emancipation Hall by Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2013 |
|
|
113th (2013-2015) |
Reauthorization for the use of Emancipation Hall by Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2013 |
|
|
114th (2015-2017) |
Use of Emancipation Hall by Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2017 |
|
|
115th (2017-2019) |
Reauthorization for the use of Emancipation Hall by Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2017 |
|
Source: Database query of Congressional Legislative Information System (LIS), 110th-115th Congresses.
Author Contact Information
Acknowledgments
This report was initially coauthored with Matthew E. Glassman, former analyst on the Congress. The listed author is available to congressional staff to answer questions about its content.
| 1. |
Congressional leaders have authorized the use of the Rotunda without a concurrent resolution for the lying in state of an official when Congress was out of session. For example, use of the Rotunda for the lying in state of President Ford in January 2007 was authorized by the Speaker of the House and the majority leader of the Senate. Telephone conversation between the author and Becky F. Dougherty, protocol officer of the U.S. Senate, Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate, July 24, 2008. |
| 2. |
For example, see H.Con.Res. 377, 110th Congress. |
| 3. |
Telephone conversation between the author and Lt. Kathryn Stillman, special events, U.S. Capitol Police, July 16, 2008. |
| 4. |
The U.S. Capitol Police application for conducting an event on the Capitol Grounds can be found on the Capitol Police website http://www.uscapitolpolice.gov/special_events.php. The application, available at http://www.uscapitolpolice.gov/special_events/guidelines_app_page.pdf, must be submitted at least 120 hours, or five days, in advance of the activity. |
| 5. |
§103, Capitol Visitor Center Act of 2008, P.L. 110-437, October 10, 2008. |
| 6. |
H.Con.Res. 133 (97th Congress), 95 Stat. 1760, May 21, 1981. |
| 7. |
U.S. Congress, Architect of the Capitol, "Concerts at the U.S. Capitol," at https://www.aoc.gov/nations-stage/concerts. |
| 8. |
Each piece of legislation identified by the search was examined to determine (1) whether the legislation authorized the use of the Rotunda, and (2) the purpose for which the use was authorized. |
| 9. |
For example, see H.Con.Res. 66, 110th Congress. |
| 10. |
H.Con.Res. 377, 110th Congress. |
| 11. |
H.Con.Res. 202, 109th Congress. Constantino Brumidi was an artist who painted the "apotheosis of Washington" in the dome of the Capitol as well as frescoes and murals in the first floor hallways on the Senate wing of the Capitol Building. For more information on Constantino Brumidi, see U.S. Congress, Architect of the Capitol, Constantino Brumidi: Artist of the Capitol (Washington: GPO, 1998). |
| 12. |
S.Con.Res. 75, 111th Congress. |
| 13. |
H.Con.Res. 100, 113th Congress. |
| 14. |
For a list of Congressional Gold Medals awarded, see CRS Report R45101, Congressional Gold Medals: Background, Legislative Process, and Issues for Congress, by Jacob R. Straus. |
| 15. |
For example, S.Con.Res. 63, 108th Congress, authorized the use of the Rotunda for an unveiling ceremony of a portrait bust of former Vice President Quayle. |
| 16. |
For example, H.Con.Res. 242, 109th Congress, authorized the use of the Rotunda for a presentation ceremony of a statue of Po'Pay, prior to placement in Statuary Hall. |
| 17. |
For example, see S.Con.Res. 68, 110th Congress. |
| 18. |
For example, see S.Con.Res. 68, 110th Congress. |
| 19. |
H.Con.Res. 115, 102nd Congress. |
| 20. |
S.Con.Res. 26, 105th Congress. |
| 21. |
H.Con.Res. 43, 114th Congress. The same resolution also authorized the use of the Capitol Grounds and Emancipation Hall for events. For more information on His Holiness Pope Francis's visit to the United States Capitol and his address to a joint session of Congress, see CRS In Focus IF10211, Foreign Heads of State Addressing Congress, by Jacob R. Straus. |
| 22. |
H.Con.Res. 444, 108th Congress; S.Con.Res. 115, 108th Congress. |
| 23. |
H.Con.Res. 139, 101st Congress. |
| 24. |
S.Con.Res. 61, 109th Congress. |
| 25. |
H.Con.Res. 206, 105th Congress. |
| 26. |
H.Con.Res. 107, 115th Congress; S.Con.Res. 44, 115th Congress, S.Con.Res. 55, 115th Congress. |
| 27. |
Each piece of legislation identified by the search was examined to determine (1) whether the legislation authorized the use of the Capitol Grounds, and (2) the purpose for which the use was authorized. |
| 28. |
For example, see H.Con.Res. 311, 110th Congress. |
| 29. |
For example, see H.Con.Res. 309, 110th Congress. |
| 30. |
For example, see H.Con.Res. 308, 110th Congress. |
| 31. |
U.S. Congress, U.S. Capitol Police, "27th Annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service," press release, May 13, 2008, at http://www.uscapitolpolice.gov/pressreleases/2008/pr_05-13-08.php. |
| 32. |
For example, see H.Con.Res. 76, 107th Congress. |
| 33. |
For example, see H.Con.Res. 348, 107th Congress. |
| 34. |
For example, see H.Con.Res. 279, 106th Congress. |
| 35. |
S.Con.Res. 139, 106th Congress. |
| 36. |
H.Con.Res. 423, 108th Congress. |
| 37. |
H.Con.Res. 196, 110th Congress. |
| 38. |
P.L. 110-437, §103, 122 Stat. 4986, October 10, 2008; 2 U.S.C. §2203. |
| 39. |
H.Con.Res. 435, 110th Congress. |
| 40. |
H.Con.Res. 435, 110th Congress. |
| 41. |
For example, see H.Con.Res. 80, 111th Congress; and H.Con.Res. 105, 112th Congress. |
| 42. |
H.Con.Res. 239, 111th Congress. |
| 43. |
H.Con.Res. 128, 112th Congress. |
| 44. |
S.Con.Res. 25, 113th Congress. |
| 45. |
H.Con.Res. 86, 111th Congress. |
| 46. |
H.Con.Res. 99, 112th Congress. |
| 47. |
S.Con.Res. 16, 113th Congress. |
| 48. |
S.Con.Res. 26, 115th Congress. |
| 49. |
S.Con.Res. 2, 113th Congress. |