Use of National Statuary Hall: Assignment and Historic Events
Use of National Statuary Hall: Assignment and March 20, 2023
Historic Events
Jacob R. Straus
Statuary Hall has been used as the setting for a variety of events, including memorial ceremonies
Specialist on the Congress
and receptions for new Members of Congress, award presentations, and as media space after
presidential addresses. This report identifies and categorizes uses of Statuary Hall since 2005.
Use of Statuary Hall is at the discretion of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Under
House Rule I, clause 3, the Speaker has the authority to assign unappropriated rooms on the House side of the Capitol,
including Statuary Hall. Events in Statuary Hall can also be authorized by House resolution, but no events since 2005 have
been held in Statuary Hall on such authority.
Since 2005, Statuary Hall has hosted 195 events. These events can be divided into four categories: (1) receptions and dinners,
(2) ceremonies, (3) media events, and (4) memorial services. The report provides a brief explanation of each category and
examples of activities in each category.
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Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Scheduling Statuary Hall Events ..................................................................................................... 1
Events in Statuary Hall, 2005-2022 ................................................................................................. 2
Receptions/Dinners ................................................................................................................... 3
Ceremonies ................................................................................................................................ 4
Media Events ............................................................................................................................. 5
Memorial Services .................................................................................................................... 6
Figures
Figure 1. United States Capitol Historical Society Reception to Honor the 90th
Anniversary of the Joint Committee on Taxation ......................................................................... 4
Figure 2. Congressional Gold Medal Presentation Ceremony for Stephen Gleason ....................... 5
Figure 3. Media Interviews for State of the Union Address in National Statuary Hall ................... 6
Figure 4. Memorial Ceremony for Former Representative Bob Michel ......................................... 7
Tables
Table 1. Number of Events Held in Statuary Hall, 2005-2022 ........................................................ 2
Table 2. Events Held in Statuary Hall, by Category ........................................................................ 3
Table 3. Memorial Services in National Statuary Hall Since 2005 ................................................. 7
Table A-1. Events Held in Statuary Hall ......................................................................................... 8
Appendixes
Appendix. Events Held in Statuary Hall, 2005-2022 ...................................................................... 8
Contacts
Author Information ........................................................................................................................ 15
Congressional Research Service
Use of National Statuary Hall: Assignment and Historic Events
Introduction
Between 1819 and 1857, the room currently called Statuary Hall served as the Hall of the House
of Representatives.1 Upon the completion of the current House chamber in 1857, the House
debated the fate of the old “Hall of the House” for many years.
Perhaps the simplest was that it be converted into additional space for the Library of
Congress, which was still housed in the Capitol. More drastic was the suggestion that the
entire Hall be dismantled and replaced by two floors of committee rooms. Eventually, the
idea of using the chamber as an art gallery was approved, and works intended for the
Capitol extensions were put on exhibit; among these was the plaster model for the Statue
of Freedom, which was later cast in bronze for the Capitol dome. The lack of wall space
effectively prevented the hanging of large paintings, but the room seemed well suited to
the display of statuary.2
The first two events held in Statuary Hall were a reception and dinner for the Society of the Army
of the Cumberland on November 20, 1879,3 and a ceremony to close the Centennial Safe on
November 22, 1879.4
Today, Statuary Hall is the home to many of the statues in the National Statuary Hall collection,
which consists of two statues from each state.5
Scheduling Statuary Hall Events
A room in the House Wing of the Capitol may be reserved in one of two ways: through a chamber
resolution or pursuant to the Speaker’s authority. House Rule I, clause 3 provides the Speaker
with the authority to assign unappropriated rooms (i.e., not already assigned to a committee,
House leadership, or an officer of the House). House Rule I, clause 3 states
Except as otherwise provided by rule or law, the Speaker shall have general control of the
Hall of the House, the corridors and passages in the part of the Capitol assigned to the use
of the House, and the disposal of unappropriated rooms in that part of the Capitol.6
1 U.S. Congress, Architect of the Capitol, “National Statuary Hall,” https://www.aoc.gov/explore-capitol-campus/
buildings-grounds/capitol-building/house-wing/statuary-hall.
2 U.S. Congress, Architect of the Capitol, “National Statuary Hall,” https://www.aoc.gov/explore-capitol-campus/
buildings-grounds/capitol-building/house-wing/statuary-hall.
3 Anson G. McCook, Address Before the Society of the Army of the Cumberland at their Eleventh Reunion,
Washington, November 19, 1879 (Cincinnati: Press of Robert Clarke & Co, 1879).
4 U.S. Congress, Office of the House Historian, “The Mysterious Centennial Safe of Mrs. Charles F. Deihm,”
Historical Highlights, https://history.house.gov/Historical-Highlights/1851-1900/The-mysterious-Centennial-safe-of-
Mrs—Charles-F—Deihm/#:~:text=
On%20this%20date%2C%20Mrs.,country's%20centennial%20celebration%20in%201876.
5 U.S. Congress, Architect of the Capitol, “About the National Statuary Hall Collection,” https://www.aoc.gov/explore-
capitol-campus/art/about-national-statuary-hall-collection. For a list of statues in the National Statuary Hall Collection,
see U.S. Congress, Architect of the Capitol, “The Art Collection,” https://www.aoc.gov/explore-capitol-campus/art?
search&artist=All&collection%5B119%5D=119&state=All&location=All. National Statuary Hall Collection statues
are currently housed in National Statuary Hall and in various halls of the Capitol, including the Capitol Crypt, the Hall
of Columns, the Rotunda, the first and second floor of the Senate Wing of the Capitol, and the second floor House
connecting corridor. Additionally, statues are also housed in the Capitol Visitor Center. See also, CRS Report R42812,
National Statuary Hall Collection: Background and Legislative Options, by Jacob R. Straus and R. Eric Petersen.
6 House Rule I, clause 3. U.S. Congress, Constitution, Jefferson’s Manual, and Rules of the House of Representatives,
One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, 116th Cong., 2nd sess., H.Doc. 116-177 (Washington: GPO, 2021), §623, at
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For rooms jointly controlled by the House and Senate (e.g., the Rotunda and Emancipation Hall
of the Capitol Visitors Center), a concurrent resolution is generally required to authorize use.7
Initially adopted in 1811 to provide the Speaker with approval authority over events in the House
chamber,8 clause 3 was last amended in 1911, to provide the Speaker with control over
unappropriated rooms elsewhere in the House Wing of the Capitol.9 Since 1911, the Speaker has
generally authorized use of rooms in the House Wing of the Capitol not otherwise appropriated.10
Events in Statuary Hall, 2005-2022
Since 2005, 195 events have been held in Statuary Hall. The House Sergeant at Arms, whose
office provided data for this report, defines an event as activity that prevents public access to
Statuary Hall for a period of time. As a result, activities such as a brief wreath laying at a
particular statue are not included. Table 1 reports the total number of events held in Statuary Hall
since 2005. The Appendix provides the date of each event and a brief description.
Table 1. Number of Events Held in Statuary Hall, 2005-2022
Year
Number
2005
16
2006
15
2007
16
2008
18
2009
10
2010
15
2011
12
2012
9
2013
14
2014
9
2015
4
2016
13
2017
9
2018
10
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/HMAN-117/xml/HMAN-117-pg345-2.xml.
7 Since the 101st Congress (1989-1990), at least one event was held in the Rotunda without a concurrent resolution: the
lying in state of President Gerald Ford. President Ford died in December 2006, during the recess between the 109th and
110th Congress. The Speaker of the House and the Senate Majority Leader jointly authorized the use of the Rotunda
without a concurrent resolution. For more information on use of the Rotunda, Emancipation Hall, and the Capitol
Grounds, see CRS Report RL34619, Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall:
Concurrent Resolutions, 101st to 117th Congresses, by Jacob R. Straus.
8 U.S. Congress, Hinds’ Precedents of the House of Representatives of the United States, prepared by Asher C. Hinds,
vol. 2 (Washington: GPO, 1907), §1354, pp. 892-893. The Speaker’s authority to assign rooms in the House Wing of
the Capitol stems from his or her general authority to control the use of the House chamber. For more information, see
“Committee Rooms, &c.,” Annals of the Congress of the United States, vol. 42 (May 26, 1824), p. 2764.
9 U.S. Congress, Cannon’s Precedents of the House of Representatives of the United States, prepared by Clarence
Cannon, vol. 6 (Washington: GPO, 1935), §261, pp. 424-425. See also, “Recognition Still Remains with the Speaker,”
Congressional Record, vol. 47, part 1 (April 5, 1911), p. 80.
10 U.S. Congress, Hinds’ Precedents of the House of Representatives of the United States, prepared by Asher C. Hinds,
vol. 5 (Washington: GPO, 1907), §7273, p. 1104.
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Year
Number
2019
12
2020
3a
2021
0
2022
10
Total
195
Source: CRS Analysis of Sergeant at Arms data.
a. In March 2020, the House began restricting access to the House office buildings and the House wing of the
Capitol because of COVID-19. No events were held in Statuary Hall between January 15, 2020
(Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony for Stephen Gleason) and November 2020 (one reception/dinner
each for the Republican and Democratic parties to welcome newly elected Members for the 117th
Congress). For more information, see U.S. Congress, House, Committee on House Administration and
Committee on Ethics, “Update about the Coronavirus: Joint House Administration-Ethics Guidance,” at
https://e-dearcol eague.house.gov/Home/Preview?DCID=295964.
Following receipt of the data from the House Sergeant at Arms, the Congressional Research
Service (CRS) examined the events and divided them into four categories: (1) receptions and
dinners, (2) ceremonies, (3) media events, and (4) memorial services. The following sections
provide a brief explanation of each category and examples of activities. Table 2 reports the
number of events since 2005, by category.
Table 2. Events Held in Statuary Hall, by Category
2005-2022
Category
Number
Percentage of Total
Receptions/Dinners
107
54.9%
Ceremonies
62
31.8%
Media Events
11
5.6%
Memorial Services
15
7.7%
Total
195
100%
Source: CRS Analysis of House Sergeant at Arms data.
Receptions/Dinners
The largest percentage of events held in Statuary Hall since 2005 (54.9%) were receptions or
dinners, hosted by both official congressional entities and private groups. For example, the Joint
Congressional Committee on the Inaugural Ceremonies held the Inaugural Luncheon in Statuary
Hall in 2005, 2009, 2013, and 2017;11 and the Capitol Historical Society held a reception for new
Members of Congress in the Hall in 2005 and 2013. Figure 1 shows a picture from the United
States Capitol Historical Society reception honoring the 90th Anniversary of the Joint Committee
on Taxation on February 24, 2016.
11 In 2021, for the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Joint Congressional
Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies did not hold the traditional luncheon because of COVID-19. For more
information, see U.S. Congress, Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, “59th Inaugural Ceremonies”
January 20, 2021, at https://www.inaugural.senate.gov/59th-inaugural-ceremonies/.
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Figure 1. United States Capitol Historical Society Reception to Honor the
90th Anniversary of the Joint Committee on Taxation
February 24, 2016
Source: United States Capitol Historical Society, “USCHS Honors 90th Anniversary of the Joint Committee on
Taxation,” at https://uschs.org/news-releases/uschs-honors-90th-anniversary-joint-committee-taxation.
Ceremonies
Ceremonies account for 31.8% of the events held in Statuary Hall since 2005. These ceremonies
include presentations of awards, unveiling of official portraits, commemorations of event
anniversaries, formal wreath layings, and prayer services. For example, the annual National
Moment of Remembrance is held in Statuary Hall. In addition, prior to moving the statue to
Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center, an annual lei draping ceremony at King
Kamehameha statue was held in Statuary Hall. Figure 2 shows the Congressional Gold Medal
Ceremony for Stephen Gleason on January 15, 2020.
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Figure 2. Congressional Gold Medal Presentation Ceremony for Stephen Gleason
January 15, 2020
Source: U.S. Congress, House of Representatives, “Former NFL Player Steve Gleason Receives Congressional
Gold Medal,” January 16, 2020, at https://www.house.gov/feature-stories/2020-1-16-former-nfl-player-steve-
gleason-receives-congressional-gold-medal.
Media Events
Occasionally, Statuary Hall has been used as the location for media availability, primarily after a
presidential address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber. Media events represent
5.6% of the events held in Statuary Hall since 2005. Figure 3 shows National Statuary Hall being
used for Member media interviews following President Donald Trump’s 2018 State of the Union
address.
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Figure 3. Media Interviews for State of the Union Address in National Statuary Hall
January 30, 2018
Source: CSPAN.org, “State of the Union Statuary Hall Interviews,” at https://www.c-span.org/video/?402871-1/
state-union-statuary-hall-interviews.
Memorial Services
Since 2005, 14 memorial services (7.7%) have been held in Statuary Hall—10 for individual
then-current or former Members, and since 2016, an annual U.S. Association of Former Members
of Congress memorial service to honor former Members who died in the past year. Table 3 lists
the memorial services for individual Members held in Statuary Hall, including the Member
honored and the date of the service; and Figure 4 shows the memorial service for former
Representative Bob Michel on March 9, 2017.
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Figure 4. Memorial Ceremony for Former Representative Bob Michel
March 9, 2017
Source: CSPAN Twitter, “Memorial Service for Former Republican Leader Bob Michel,” at https://twitter.com/
cspan/status/839931294599557121.
Table 3. Memorial Services in National Statuary Hall Since 2005
Date
Member of Congress
January 5, 2005
Robert Matsui
May 17, 2007
Juanita Mil ender-McDonald
February 14, 2008
Tom Lantos
September 10, 2008
Stephanie Tubbs Jones
March 30, 2010
John P. Murtha
April 25, 2012
Donald M. Payne
October 29, 2013
Speaker Thomas Foley
September 14, 2016
Mark Takai
March 9, 2017
Robert Michel
April 18, 2018
Louise Slaughter
Source: CRS Analysis of Sergeant at Arms data.
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Appendix. Events Held in Statuary Hall, 2005-2022
Since January 1, 2005, 195 events have been held in Statuary Hall. Table A-1 contains a
chronological list of these events, the date of the event, and the event type.
Table A-1. Events Held in Statuary Hall
January 5, 2005, to December 31, 2022
Date
Event
Type
1/5/2005
Memorial Service for the Late Honorable Robert Matsui
Memorial Service
1/20/2005
Inaugural Luncheona
Reception/Dinner
2/2/2005
Media Availability for Members of Congress fol owing a Presidential
Media Event
Address before a Joint Session of Congress
2/17/2005
Ceremony Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Placement in
Ceremony
Statuary Hall of the Frances E. Wil ard Statue
3/2/2005
Reception fol owing the Presentation of the Congressional Gold
Reception/Dinner
Medal to Jackie Robinson
3/7/2005
Reception for New Members hosted by the Capitol Historical Society Reception/Dinner
4/16/2005
Kennedy Center Gala Reception
Reception/Dinner
4/27/2005
Association of Former Members of Congress Reception
Reception/Dinner
5/19/2005
Association of Former Members of Congress Reception
Reception/Dinner
5/29/2005
Memorial Day Concert Reception
Reception/Dinner
5/31/2005
National Moment of Remembrance
Ceremony
6/5/2005
Ford’s Theatre Gala Rehearsal Reception
Reception/Dinner
6/6/2005
King Kamehameha Lei Draping Ceremony
Ceremony
6/7/2005
International Club Reception and Dinner
Reception/Dinner
7/4/2005
July 4th Concert Reception
Reception/Dinner
9/22/2005
Reception fol owing the Dedication of the Statue of Po’pay from New
Reception/Dinner
Mexico
1/21/2006
Wreath Laying Ceremony Honoring General Robert E. Lee
Ceremony
1/31/2006
Media Availability for Members of Congress fol owing a Presidential
Media Event
Address before a Joint Session of Congress
3/15/2006
50th Anniversary of Hungarian Democracy with an Address by
Ceremony
President George W. Bush
4/27/2006
Association of Former Members of Congress Reception
Reception/Dinner
5/6/2006
Kennedy Center Gala Reception
Reception/Dinner
5/10/2006
U.S. House of Representatives Distinguished Service Award
Ceremony
Presentation Ceremony to Vice President Cheney, Lindy Boggs, and
Father Drinan
5/25/2006
Memorial Day Concert Reception
Reception/Dinner
5/31/2006
National Moment of Remembrance
Ceremony
6/11/2006
King Kamehameha Lei Draping Ceremony
Ceremony
6/24/2006
Ford’s Theatre Gala Rehearsal Reception
Reception/Dinner
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Date
Event
Type
7/4/2006
July 4th Concert Reception
Reception/Dinner
7/19/2006
Tribute to Retiring Members of Congress sponsored by the Capitol
Reception/Dinner
Historical Society
11/13/2006 Speaker’s Reception and Dinner Honoring New Members of the
Reception/Dinner
House
11/14/2006 Democratic Leader’s New Member Dinner
Reception/Dinner
12/6/2006
Speaker’s Holiday Reception fol owing the Lighting of the Capitol
Reception/Dinner
Christmas Tree on the West Front
1/23/2007
Media Availability for Members of Congress fol owing a Presidential
Media Event
Address before a Joint Session of Congress
3/29/2007
Photo Op with the Tuskegee Airmen, President Bush, and the
Ceremony
Speaker prior to the presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal in
the Rotundab
4/7/2007
Wreath Laying Ceremony Honoring General Robert E. Lee
Ceremony
5/10/2007
Association of Former Members of Congress Reception
Reception/Dinner
5/17/2007
Memorial Service for the Late Honorable Juanita Mil ender-McDonald
Memorial Service
5/27/2007
Memorial Day Concert Reception
Reception/Dinner
5/31/2007
National Moment of Remembrance
Ceremony
6/2/2007
Speaker hosted Reception and Dinner
Reception/Dinner
6/10/2007
King Kamehameha Lei Draping Ceremony
Ceremony
6/21/2007
2007 Achievement Summit—Academy of Achievement Dinner and
Reception/Dinner
Reception
6/23/2007
Ford’s Theatre Gala Rehearsal Reception
Reception/Dinner
7/4/2007
July 4th Concert Reception
Reception/Dinner
7/17/2007
Reception honoring Dr. Norman Borlaug fol owing the presentation
Reception/Dinner
of the Congressional Gold Medal in the Rotunda
8/25/2007
Wreath Laying Ceremony Honoring Father Junipero Serra
Ceremony
11/30/2007 Kennedy Center Gala Reception
Reception/Dinner
12/4/2007
Presentation of the Freedom Award to former Speaker Thomas Foley Reception/Dinner
by the U.S. Capitol Historical Society
1/19/2008
Wreath Laying Ceremony Honoring General Robert E. Leec
Ceremony
1/28/2008
Media Availability for Members of Congress fol owing a Presidential
Media Event
Address before a Joint Session of Congress
2/14/2008
Memorial Service for the Late Honorable Tom Lantos
Memorial Service
3/5/2008
Reception for the Washington Premiere of the HBO series of “John
Reception/Dinner
Adams” hosted by the Speaker
4/3/2008
Congressional Tribute to the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King
Ceremony
“Renewing the Dream”
4/17/2008
Association of Former Members of Congress Reception
Reception/Dinner
5/21/2008
Congressional Tribute to the Centennial of the Birth of President
Ceremony
Lyndon Johnson
5/25/2008
Memorial Day Concert Reception
Reception/Dinner
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Date
Event
Type
5/31/2008
National Moment of Remembrance
Ceremony
5/31/2008
Ford’s Theatre Gala Rehearsal Reception
Reception/Dinner
6/8/2008
King Kamehameha Lei Draping Ceremonyd
Ceremony
7/4/2008
July 4th Concert Reception
Reception/Dinner
9/10/2008
Memorial Service for the Late Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones
Memorial Service
9/24/2008
Reception Honoring Retiring Members of the 110th Congress and the
Reception/Dinner
Presentation of the Freedom Award by the Capitol Historical Society
9/24/2008
Reception honoring the Congressional Black Caucus hosted by
Reception/Dinner
Speaker Pelosi and Leader Reid
11/18/2008 Reception for New Members of Congress hosted by the Speaker
Reception/Dinner
12/7/2008
Kennedy Center Honors Reception
Reception/Dinner
12/15/2008 Reception Honoring Representative John Tanner and NATO
Reception/Dinner
Parliamentarians hosted by the Speaker
1/20/2009
Inaugural Luncheon
Reception/Dinner
2/10/2009
Celebrating the Honorable John Dingell of Michigan on the Occasion
Ceremony
of Becoming the Longest-Serving Member in the History of the U.S.
House of Representatives
2/24/2009
Media Availability for Members of Congress fol owing a Presidential
Media Event
Address before a Joint Session of Congress
5/13/2009
Reception for New Members of Congress hosted by the Capitol
Reception/Dinner
Historical Society
5/24/2009
Memorial Day Concert Reception
Reception/Dinner
5/31/2009
National Moment of Remembrance
Ceremony
6/3/2009
Reception and Dinner honoring Mrs. Ronald Reagan and the Unveiling Reception/Dinner
of the Statue of President Ronald Reagan
6/16/2009
Association of Former Members of Congress Reception
Reception/Dinner
7/4/2009
July 4th Concert Reception
Reception/Dinner
7/28/2009
Unveiling of the Official Portrait of Speaker J. Dennis Hastert
Ceremony
1/27/2010
Media Availability for Members of Congress fol owing a Presidential
Media Event
Address before a Joint Session of Congress
3/21/2010
Sunday Worship Service for Members of Congress and Congressional
Ceremony
staff e
3/25/2010
Women’s History Event Honoring Secretary Hil ary Clinton hosted
Ceremony
by the Speaker
3/30/2010
Memorial Service for the Late Honorable John P. Murtha
Memorial Service
5/30/2010
Memorial Day Concert Reception
Reception/Dinner
5/31/2010
National Moment of Remembrance
Ceremony
6/5/2010
Ford’s Theatre Gala Rehearsal Reception
Reception/Dinner
6/15/2010
Association of Former Members of Congress Reception
Reception/Dinner
6/24/2010
Ceremony to Commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the End of the
Ceremony
Korean War
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Date
Event
Type
7/4/2010
July 4th Concert Reception
Reception/Dinner
7/24/2010
Reception and Dinner for the Spain/US Council Annual Forum
Reception/Dinner
7/26/2010
Reception honoring the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with
Ceremony
Disabilities Act
11/8/2010
Kennedy Center Gala Reception
Reception/Dinner
11/8/2010
Kennedy Center Reception Honoring the 2010 Recipient of the Mark
Reception/Dinner
Twain Award
11/14/2010 Reception hosted by Leader Boehner for Republican New Members
Reception/Dinner
1/25/2011
Media Availability for Members of Congress fol owing a Presidential
Media Event
Address before a Joint Session of Congress
3/9/2011
Reception to Welcome Members of the 112th Congress hosted by
Reception/Dinner
the Capitol Historical Society
3/24/2011
150th Anniversary of the Congressional Medal of Honor
Reception/Dinner
3/30/2011
40th Anniversary of the Congressional Black Caucus
Reception/Dinner
5/3/2011
Dinner Honoring the Unveiling of the Statue of President Gerald R.
Reception/Dinner
Ford
5/31/2011
Reception fol owing the Memorial Day Concert
Reception/Dinner
6/4/2011
Ford’s Theatre Gala Rehearsal Reception
Reception/Dinner
6/14/2011
Former Members Association Annual Dinner
Reception/Dinner
7/4/2011
Reception fol owing “A Capitol Fourth" Concert
Reception/Dinner
11/17/2011 Presentation of the Capitol Historical Society Freedom Award to
Ceremony
Senator Daniel Inouye and Representative John Dingell
12/7/2011
35th Anniversary of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus
Reception/Dinner
12/12/2011 Farwel Reception Honoring the Service of the Honorable Wilson
Ceremony
Livingood, Sergeant at Arms
4/25/2012
Celebration of the Life of the Hon. Donald M. Payne
Memorial Service
5/8/2012
A Prayer of Rededication for America: Honoring George
Ceremony
Washington’s 223rd Anniversary of his Inauguration
5/27/2012
Reception fol owing the Memorial Day Concert
Reception/Dinner
6/2/2012
Ford’s Theatre Gala Reception
Reception/Dinner
7/4/2012
Reception fol owing the Capitol Fourth Concert
Reception/Dinner
9/7/2012
Welcome Reception for the G-8 Presiding Officers
Reception/Dinner
10/26/2012 Academy of Achievement Dinner and Reception
Reception/Dinner
11/13/2012 Dinner for new Members of the 113th Congress hosted by the
Reception/Dinner
Speaker
11/14/2012 Dinner for new Members of the 113th Congress hosted by the
Reception/Dinner
Democratic Leader
1/21/2013
Inaugural Luncheon
Reception/Dinner
2/27/2013
Dedication and Unveiling of a Statue of Rosa Parks
Ceremony
3/6/2013
Welcome Reception for New Members of the 113th Congress hosted
Reception/Dinner
by the Capitol Historical Society
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Date
Event
Type
5/8/2013
Washington: A Man of Prayer Service
Ceremony
5/14/2013
Former Members Association Reception
Reception/Dinner
6/1/2013
Ford’s Theatre Gala Reception
Reception/Dinner
6/5/2013
Centennial of the Inauguration of President Woodrow Wilson
Reception/Dinner
6/13/2013
Celebration Recognizing Representative John D. Dingell as the
Ceremony
Longest-Serving Member in the History of the U.S. Congress
7/23/2013
Celebration of the 90th Birthday of Senator Robert J. Dole
Reception/Dinner
7/31/2013
50th Anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom
Ceremony
9/10/2013
Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony honoring Addie Mae Col ins,
Ceremony
Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, and Cynthia Wesley
10/29/2013 Memorial Service to Honor Former Speaker Thomas Foley
Memorial Service
10/30/2013 Dedication of a Bust of Sir Winston Churchil
Ceremony
11/20/2013 Freedom Award Presentation hosted by the Capitol Historical
Reception/Dinner
Society
3/13/2014
New Members Reception hosted by the Capitol Historical Society
Reception/Dinner
3/25/2014
Congressional Ceremony Commemorating the Dedication of the
Ceremony
Statue of Dr. Norman E. Borlaug (Iowa)
4/30/2014
Anne Frank Tree Dedication
Ceremony
5/7/2014
Washington: A Man of Prayer Service
Ceremony
7/20/2014
American-Australian Education Leadership Dialogue
Reception/Dinner
11/12/2014 Dinner for New Members of the 114th Congress hosted by the
Reception/Dinner
Democratic Leader
11/13/2014 Dinner for New Members of the 114th Congress hosted by the
Reception/Dinner
Republican Leader
11/19/2014 Presentation of the Capitol Historical Society Freedom Award to
Reception/Dinner
Representative John Lewis
11/19/2014 Dedication of a bust of Vaclav Havel
Ceremony
2/11/2015
Congressional ceremony commemorating the dedication of the
Ceremony
Statue of the Honorable Barry Goldwater of Arizona
3/4/2015
150th Commemoration of President Lincoln’s Second Inaugural
Reception/Dinner
Address
5/30/2015
Ford’s Theater Gala Reception
Reception/Dinner
8/14/2015
110th Anniversary of the Dedication of the Statue of Francis Wil ard
Ceremony
1/12/2016
Media Availability for Members of Congress fol owing a Presidential
Media Event
Address before a Joint Session of Congress
2/24/2016
Reception honoring the 90th Anniversary of the Joint Committee on
Reception/Dinner
Taxation
3/2/2016
Women’s History Event honoring Veterans hosted by Rep. Nancy
Reception/Dinner
Pelosi with President and Mrs. Obama
4/27/2016
Washington: A Man of Prayer
Prayer Service
5/11/2016
U.S. Capitol Historical Society Freedom Award Ceremony
Reception/Dinner
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Use of National Statuary Hall: Assignment and Historic Events
Date
Event
Type
5/18/2016
Reception Commemorating the Centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising
Reception/Dinner
in Ireland
6/12/2016
Ford’s Theatre Reception
Reception/Dinner
6/15/2016
U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress Memorial Service
Memorial Service
honoring former Members who died in the past year
6/16/2016
Media Event hosted by the Speaker of the House about the U.S.
Media Event
Constitution
9/14/2016
Celebration of the Life of Rep. Mark Takai
Memorial Service
9/21/2016
Congressional Statue Dedication Ceremony in honor of Thomas Alva
Ceremony
Edison
11/14/2016 Dinner hosted by the Speaker of the House to Honor Newly Elected
Reception/Dinner
Republican Members of the 115th Congress
11/15/2016 Dinner hosted by the Democratic Leader to Honor Newly Elected
Reception/Dinner
Democratic Members of the 115th Congress
1/20/2017
Inaugural Luncheon hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on
Reception/Dinner
Inaugural Ceremonies
2/28/2017
Media Availability for Members of Congress fol owing a Presidential
Media Event
Address before a Joint Session of Congress
3/9/2017
A Celebration of the Life of former Rep. Robert Michel
Memorial Service
4/26/2017
“Washington: A Man of Prayer” Prayer Event
Ceremony
5/4/2017
National Day of Prayer Celebration
Ceremony
5/25/2017
Wreath Laying Ceremony to Honor the Armed Services
Ceremony
6/3/2017
Ford’s Theatre Gala Reception
Reception/Dinner
9/27/2017
Association of Former Members of Congress Memorial Service
Memorial Service
Honoring Former Members of Congress who Passed in the Last Year
10/5/2017
Reception hosted by Whip Scalise Honoring First Responders
Reception/Dinner
4/12/2018
Ceremony to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the
Ceremony
Assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
4/18/2018
A Celebration of the Life of the Late Honorable Louise Slaughter
Memorial Service
5/14/2018
GOP Spouse Reception and Tour
Reception/Dinner
5/23/2018
Capitol Historical Society Reception honoring the House Committee
Reception/Dinner
on Energy and Commerce
6/9/2018
Ford’s Theatre Gala Reception
Reception/Dinner
9/5/2018
Association of Former Members of Congress Memorial Service
Memorial Service
Honoring Former Members of Congress Who Passed in the Last
Year
9/18/2018
225th Anniversary of Laying of the Capitol Cornerstone
Ceremony
9/26/2018
“Washington: A Man of Prayer” Prayer Event
Ceremony
11/13/2018 Speaker’s Reception and Dinner in Honor of the Newly Elected
Reception/Dinner
Members of the 116th Congress
11/14/2018 Democratic Leader’s Reception and Dinner Honoring Democratic
Reception/Dinner
Members-elect of the 116th Congress
3/27/2019
Women’s History Month Event
Ceremony
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Date
Event
Type
5/1/2019
“Lincoln Room” (H-226) Naming Ceremony
Ceremony
5/2/2019
National Day of Prayer Celebration
Ceremony
5/13/2019
Reception and tour hosted by House Minority Leader for GOP First
Reception/Dinner
Ladies
5/14/2019
Reception and tour hosted by Democratic Caucus Chair for
Reception/Dinner
Democratic First Ladies
5/21/2019
House Passage of 19th Amendment Centennial Reception
Reception/Dinner
6/1/2019
Ford’s Theatre Gala Reception
Reception/Dinner
7/16/2019
U.S. Capitol Historical Society Welcome Reception for 116th
Reception/Dinner
Congress
9/18/2019
Dedication of Statue of Ponca Chief Standing Bear from Nebraska
Ceremony
9/26/2019
Association of Former Members of Congress Memorial Service
Memorial Service
10/24/2019 Arrival Ceremony for Rep. Elijah Cummings Lying in State0
Ceremony
10/19/2019 Unveiling of the Official Portrait of Speaker John A. Boehner
Ceremony
1/15/2020
Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony in honor of Stephen Michael
Ceremony
Gleason
11/13/2020 Speaker's Reception/Dinner in Honor of the Newly Elected
Reception/Dinner
Democratic Members of the 117th Congress
11/15/2020 Leader McCarthy Reception/Dinner Honoring the Newly Elected
Reception/Dinner
Republican Members of the 117th Congress
1/6/2022
Live Broadcast from CNN in Statuary Hall/Town Hall (all day event
Media Event
that POTUS & VPOTUS attended)
5/18/2022
Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony in honor of World War II
Ceremony
Merchant Mariners
6/23/2022
Unveiling of a Portrait of the Late Honorable Patsy Takemoto Mink
Ceremony
7/27/2022
Dedication of a Statue of Amelia Earhart of Kansas
Ceremony
9/29/2022
Dedication of a Statue of Harry S. Truman of the State of Missouri
Ceremony
9/29/2022
Association of Former Members of Congress Memorial Service
Memorial Service
11/14/2022 Speaker’s Reception/Dinner in Honor of the Newly Elected
Reception/Dinner
Democratic Members of the 118th Congress
11/15/2022 Leader McCarthy Reception/Dinner Honoring the Newly Elected
Reception/Dinner
Republican Members of the 118th Congress
12/13/2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit hosted by the Speaker
Ceremony
12/14/2022 Official Portrait Unveiling & Renaming of the “Nancy Pelosi Caucus
Ceremony
Room” in the Cannon House Office Building
Source: The list of events held in National Statuary Hall was provided to CRS by the Office of the House
Sergeant at Arms. The House Sergeant at Arms maintains the list of events.
Notes: In March 2020, the House began restricting access to the House office buildings and the House wing of
the Capitol because of COVID-19. Subsequently, between the January 15, 2020, Congressional Gold Medal
Ceremony for Stephen Gleason, and the Democratic Party reception/dinner for new Members of the 117th
Congress, no events were held in Statuary Hall because of COVID-19. For more information, see U.S. Congress.
House, Committee on House Administration and Committee on Ethics, “Update about the Coronavirus: Joint
House Administration-Ethics Guidance,” at https://e-dearcol eague.house.gov/Home/Preview?DCID=295964.
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Use of National Statuary Hall: Assignment and Historic Events
a. Inaugural lunches are hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on the Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC).
The first luncheon in Statuary Hal was held in 1953 for President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
b. The Gold Medal Ceremony for the Tuskegee Airmen was held in the Rotunda (see S.Con.Res. 15, 110th
Congress). In addition to being used for photo opportunities, Statuary Hall was used as an overflow room
for the Gold Medal Ceremony.
c. The Robert E. Lee statue was moved to the Capitol Crypt in 2008.
d. The King Kamehameha statue was moved to the Capitol Visitor Center’s (CVC’s) Emancipation Hal in
2009. The Lei Draping ceremony was moved to the CVC beginning in June 2009.
e. The worship service held in Statuary Hall was in conjunction with a Sunday session of the House
(Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 156 [March 21, 2010], pp. H-1819-H1890.)
Representative Elijah Cummings lay in state at the main door to the House chamber on October
24, 2019. For more information, see U.S. Congress, Office of the House Sergeant at Arms,
“Arrangements for the Late Honorable Elijah Cummings,” at https://e-dearcolleague.house.gov/
Home/Preview?DCID=278042; and CRS Insight IN11472, Members of the House of
Representatives Lying in State in the U.S. Capitol, by Jacob R. Straus.
Author Information
Jacob R. Straus
Specialist on the Congress
Disclaimer
This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan
shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and
under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should not be relied upon for purposes other
than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in
connection with CRS’s institutional role. CRS Reports, as a work of the United States Government, are not
subject to copyright protection in the United States. Any CRS Report may be reproduced and distributed in
its entirety without permission from CRS. However, as a CRS Report may include copyrighted images or
material from a third party, you may need to obtain the permission of the copyright holder if you wish to
copy or otherwise use copyrighted material.
Congressional Research Service
R41857 · VERSION 21 · UPDATED
15
Historic Events
Jacob R. Straus
Statuary Hall has been used as the setting for a variety of events, including memorial ceremonies
Specialist on the Congress
and receptions for new Members of Congress, award presentations, and as media space after
presidential addresses. This report identifies and categorizes uses of Statuary Hall since 2005.
Use of Statuary Hall is at the discretion of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Under
House Rule I, clause 3, the Speaker has the authority to assign unappropriated rooms on the House side of the Capitol,
including Statuary Hall. Events in Statuary Hall can also be authorized by House resolution, but no events since 2005 have
been held in Statuary Hall on such authority.
Since 2005, Statuary Hall has hosted 195 events. These events can be divided into four categories: (1) receptions and dinners,
(2) ceremonies, (3) media events, and (4) memorial services. The report provides a brief explanation of each category and
examples of activities in each category.
Congressional Research Service
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Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Scheduling Statuary Hall Events ..................................................................................................... 1
Events in Statuary Hall, 2005-2022 ................................................................................................. 2
Receptions/Dinners ................................................................................................................... 3
Ceremonies ................................................................................................................................ 4
Media Events ............................................................................................................................. 5
Memorial Services .................................................................................................................... 6
Figures
Figure 1. United States Capitol Historical Society Reception to Honor the 90th
Anniversary of the Joint Committee on Taxation ......................................................................... 4
Figure 2. Congressional Gold Medal Presentation Ceremony for Stephen Gleason ....................... 5
Figure 3. Media Interviews for State of the Union Address in National Statuary Hall ................... 6
Figure 4. Memorial Ceremony for Former Representative Bob Michel ......................................... 7
Tables
Table 1. Number of Events Held in Statuary Hall, 2005-2022 ........................................................ 2
Table 2. Events Held in Statuary Hall, by Category ........................................................................ 3
Table 3. Memorial Services in National Statuary Hall Since 2005 ................................................. 7
Table A-1. Events Held in Statuary Hall ......................................................................................... 8
Appendixes
Appendix. Events Held in Statuary Hall, 2005-2022 ...................................................................... 8
Contacts
Author Information ........................................................................................................................ 15
Congressional Research Service
Use of National Statuary Hall: Assignment and Historic Events
Introduction
Between 1819 and 1857, the room currently called Statuary Hall served as the Hall of the House
of Representatives.1 Upon the completion of the current House chamber in 1857, the House
debated the fate of the old “Hall of the House” for many years.
Perhaps the simplest was that it be converted into additional space for the Library of
Congress, which was still housed in the Capitol. More drastic was the suggestion that the
entire Hall be dismantled and replaced by two floors of committee rooms. Eventually, the
idea of using the chamber as an art gallery was approved, and works intended for the
Capitol extensions were put on exhibit; among these was the plaster model for the Statue
of Freedom, which was later cast in bronze for the Capitol dome. The lack of wall space
effectively prevented the hanging of large paintings, but the room seemed well suited to
the display of statuary.2
The first two events held in Statuary Hall were a reception and dinner for the Society of the Army
of the Cumberland on November 20, 1879,3 and a ceremony to close the Centennial Safe on
November 22, 1879.4
Today, Statuary Hall is the home to many of the statues in the National Statuary Hall collection,
which consists of two statues from each state.5
Scheduling Statuary Hall Events
A room in the House Wing of the Capitol may be reserved in one of two ways: through a chamber
resolution or pursuant to the Speaker’s authority. House Rule I, clause 3 provides the Speaker
with the authority to assign unappropriated rooms (i.e., not already assigned to a committee,
House leadership, or an officer of the House). House Rule I, clause 3 states
Except as otherwise provided by rule or law, the Speaker shall have general control of the
Hall of the House, the corridors and passages in the part of the Capitol assigned to the use
of the House, and the disposal of unappropriated rooms in that part of the Capitol.6
1 U.S. Congress, Architect of the Capitol, “National Statuary Hall,” https://www.aoc.gov/explore-capitol-campus/
buildings-grounds/capitol-building/house-wing/statuary-hall.
2 U.S. Congress, Architect of the Capitol, “National Statuary Hall,” https://www.aoc.gov/explore-capitol-campus/
buildings-grounds/capitol-building/house-wing/statuary-hall.
3 Anson G. McCook, Address Before the Society of the Army of the Cumberland at their Eleventh Reunion,
Washington, November 19, 1879 (Cincinnati: Press of Robert Clarke & Co, 1879).
4 U.S. Congress, Office of the House Historian, “The Mysterious Centennial Safe of Mrs. Charles F. Deihm,”
Historical Highlights, https://history.house.gov/Historical-Highlights/1851-1900/The-mysterious-Centennial-safe-of-
Mrs—Charles-F—Deihm/#:~:text=
On%20this%20date%2C%20Mrs.,country's%20centennial%20celebration%20in%201876.
5 U.S. Congress, Architect of the Capitol, “About the National Statuary Hall Collection,” https://www.aoc.gov/explore-
capitol-campus/art/about-national-statuary-hall-collection. For a list of statues in the National Statuary Hall Collection,
see U.S. Congress, Architect of the Capitol, “The Art Collection,” https://www.aoc.gov/explore-capitol-campus/art?
search&artist=All&collection%5B119%5D=119&state=All&location=All. National Statuary Hall Collection statues
are currently housed in National Statuary Hall and in various halls of the Capitol, including the Capitol Crypt, the Hall
of Columns, the Rotunda, the first and second floor of the Senate Wing of the Capitol, and the second floor House
connecting corridor. Additionally, statues are also housed in the Capitol Visitor Center. See also, CRS Report R42812,
National Statuary Hall Collection: Background and Legislative Options, by Jacob R. Straus and R. Eric Petersen.
6 House Rule I, clause 3. U.S. Congress, Constitution, Jefferson’s Manual, and Rules of the House of Representatives,
One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, 116th Cong., 2nd sess., H.Doc. 116-177 (Washington: GPO, 2021), §623, at
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For rooms jointly controlled by the House and Senate (e.g., the Rotunda and Emancipation Hall
of the Capitol Visitors Center), a concurrent resolution is generally required to authorize use.7
Initially adopted in 1811 to provide the Speaker with approval authority over events in the House
chamber,8 clause 3 was last amended in 1911, to provide the Speaker with control over
unappropriated rooms elsewhere in the House Wing of the Capitol.9 Since 1911, the Speaker has
generally authorized use of rooms in the House Wing of the Capitol not otherwise appropriated.10
Events in Statuary Hall, 2005-2022
Since 2005, 195 events have been held in Statuary Hall. The House Sergeant at Arms, whose
office provided data for this report, defines an event as activity that prevents public access to
Statuary Hall for a period of time. As a result, activities such as a brief wreath laying at a
particular statue are not included. Table 1 reports the total number of events held in Statuary Hall
since 2005. The Appendix provides the date of each event and a brief description.
Table 1. Number of Events Held in Statuary Hall, 2005-2022
Year
Number
2005
16
2006
15
2007
16
2008
18
2009
10
2010
15
2011
12
2012
9
2013
14
2014
9
2015
4
2016
13
2017
9
2018
10
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/HMAN-117/xml/HMAN-117-pg345-2.xml.
7 Since the 101st Congress (1989-1990), at least one event was held in the Rotunda without a concurrent resolution: the
lying in state of President Gerald Ford. President Ford died in December 2006, during the recess between the 109th and
110th Congress. The Speaker of the House and the Senate Majority Leader jointly authorized the use of the Rotunda
without a concurrent resolution. For more information on use of the Rotunda, Emancipation Hall, and the Capitol
Grounds, see CRS Report RL34619, Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall:
Concurrent Resolutions, 101st to 117th Congresses, by Jacob R. Straus.
8 U.S. Congress, Hinds’ Precedents of the House of Representatives of the United States, prepared by Asher C. Hinds,
vol. 2 (Washington: GPO, 1907), §1354, pp. 892-893. The Speaker’s authority to assign rooms in the House Wing of
the Capitol stems from his or her general authority to control the use of the House chamber. For more information, see
“Committee Rooms, &c.,” Annals of the Congress of the United States, vol. 42 (May 26, 1824), p. 2764.
9 U.S. Congress, Cannon’s Precedents of the House of Representatives of the United States, prepared by Clarence
Cannon, vol. 6 (Washington: GPO, 1935), §261, pp. 424-425. See also, “Recognition Still Remains with the Speaker,”
Congressional Record, vol. 47, part 1 (April 5, 1911), p. 80.
10 U.S. Congress, Hinds’ Precedents of the House of Representatives of the United States, prepared by Asher C. Hinds,
vol. 5 (Washington: GPO, 1907), §7273, p. 1104.
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Year
Number
2019
12
2020
3a
2021
0
2022
10
Total
195
Source: CRS Analysis of Sergeant at Arms data.
a. In March 2020, the House began restricting access to the House office buildings and the House wing of the
Capitol because of COVID-19. No events were held in Statuary Hall between January 15, 2020
(Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony for Stephen Gleason) and November 2020 (one reception/dinner
each for the Republican and Democratic parties to welcome newly elected Members for the 117th
Congress). For more information, see U.S. Congress, House, Committee on House Administration and
Committee on Ethics, “Update about the Coronavirus: Joint House Administration-Ethics Guidance,” at
https://e-dearcol eague.house.gov/Home/Preview?DCID=295964.
Following receipt of the data from the House Sergeant at Arms, the Congressional Research
Service (CRS) examined the events and divided them into four categories: (1) receptions and
dinners, (2) ceremonies, (3) media events, and (4) memorial services. The following sections
provide a brief explanation of each category and examples of activities. Table 2 reports the
number of events since 2005, by category.
Table 2. Events Held in Statuary Hall, by Category
2005-2022
Category
Number
Percentage of Total
Receptions/Dinners
107
54.9%
Ceremonies
62
31.8%
Media Events
11
5.6%
Memorial Services
15
7.7%
Total
195
100%
Source: CRS Analysis of House Sergeant at Arms data.
Receptions/Dinners
The largest percentage of events held in Statuary Hall since 2005 (54.9%) were receptions or
dinners, hosted by both official congressional entities and private groups. For example, the Joint
Congressional Committee on the Inaugural Ceremonies held the Inaugural Luncheon in Statuary
Hall in 2005, 2009, 2013, and 2017;11 and the Capitol Historical Society held a reception for new
Members of Congress in the Hall in 2005 and 2013. Figure 1 shows a picture from the United
States Capitol Historical Society reception honoring the 90th Anniversary of the Joint Committee
on Taxation on February 24, 2016.
11 In 2021, for the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Joint Congressional
Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies did not hold the traditional luncheon because of COVID-19. For more
information, see U.S. Congress, Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, “59th Inaugural Ceremonies”
January 20, 2021, at https://www.inaugural.senate.gov/59th-inaugural-ceremonies/.
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Use of National Statuary Hall: Assignment and Historic Events
Figure 1. United States Capitol Historical Society Reception to Honor the
90th Anniversary of the Joint Committee on Taxation
February 24, 2016
Source: United States Capitol Historical Society, “USCHS Honors 90th Anniversary of the Joint Committee on
Taxation,” at https://uschs.org/news-releases/uschs-honors-90th-anniversary-joint-committee-taxation.
Ceremonies
Ceremonies account for 31.8% of the events held in Statuary Hall since 2005. These ceremonies
include presentations of awards, unveiling of official portraits, commemorations of event
anniversaries, formal wreath layings, and prayer services. For example, the annual National
Moment of Remembrance is held in Statuary Hall. In addition, prior to moving the statue to
Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center, an annual lei draping ceremony at King
Kamehameha statue was held in Statuary Hall. Figure 2 shows the Congressional Gold Medal
Ceremony for Stephen Gleason on January 15, 2020.
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Use of National Statuary Hall: Assignment and Historic Events
Figure 2. Congressional Gold Medal Presentation Ceremony for Stephen Gleason
January 15, 2020
Source: U.S. Congress, House of Representatives, “Former NFL Player Steve Gleason Receives Congressional
Gold Medal,” January 16, 2020, at https://www.house.gov/feature-stories/2020-1-16-former-nfl-player-steve-
gleason-receives-congressional-gold-medal.
Media Events
Occasionally, Statuary Hall has been used as the location for media availability, primarily after a
presidential address to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber. Media events represent
5.6% of the events held in Statuary Hall since 2005. Figure 3 shows National Statuary Hall being
used for Member media interviews following President Donald Trump’s 2018 State of the Union
address.
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Figure 3. Media Interviews for State of the Union Address in National Statuary Hall
January 30, 2018
Source: CSPAN.org, “State of the Union Statuary Hall Interviews,” at https://www.c-span.org/video/?402871-1/
state-union-statuary-hall-interviews.
Memorial Services
Since 2005, 14 memorial services (7.7%) have been held in Statuary Hall—10 for individual
then-current or former Members, and since 2016, an annual U.S. Association of Former Members
of Congress memorial service to honor former Members who died in the past year. Table 3 lists
the memorial services for individual Members held in Statuary Hall, including the Member
honored and the date of the service; and Figure 4 shows the memorial service for former
Representative Bob Michel on March 9, 2017.
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Use of National Statuary Hall: Assignment and Historic Events
Figure 4. Memorial Ceremony for Former Representative Bob Michel
March 9, 2017
Source: CSPAN Twitter, “Memorial Service for Former Republican Leader Bob Michel,” at https://twitter.com/
cspan/status/839931294599557121.
Table 3. Memorial Services in National Statuary Hall Since 2005
Date
Member of Congress
January 5, 2005
Robert Matsui
May 17, 2007
Juanita Mil ender-McDonald
February 14, 2008
Tom Lantos
September 10, 2008
Stephanie Tubbs Jones
March 30, 2010
John P. Murtha
April 25, 2012
Donald M. Payne
October 29, 2013
Speaker Thomas Foley
September 14, 2016
Mark Takai
March 9, 2017
Robert Michel
April 18, 2018
Louise Slaughter
Source: CRS Analysis of Sergeant at Arms data.
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Appendix. Events Held in Statuary Hall, 2005-2022
Since January 1, 2005, 195 events have been held in Statuary Hall. Table A-1 contains a
chronological list of these events, the date of the event, and the event type.
Table A-1. Events Held in Statuary Hall
January 5, 2005, to December 31, 2022
Date
Event
Type
1/5/2005
Memorial Service for the Late Honorable Robert Matsui
Memorial Service
1/20/2005
Inaugural Luncheona
Reception/Dinner
2/2/2005
Media Availability for Members of Congress fol owing a Presidential
Media Event
Address before a Joint Session of Congress
2/17/2005
Ceremony Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Placement in
Ceremony
Statuary Hall of the Frances E. Wil ard Statue
3/2/2005
Reception fol owing the Presentation of the Congressional Gold
Reception/Dinner
Medal to Jackie Robinson
3/7/2005
Reception for New Members hosted by the Capitol Historical Society Reception/Dinner
4/16/2005
Kennedy Center Gala Reception
Reception/Dinner
4/27/2005
Association of Former Members of Congress Reception
Reception/Dinner
5/19/2005
Association of Former Members of Congress Reception
Reception/Dinner
5/29/2005
Memorial Day Concert Reception
Reception/Dinner
5/31/2005
National Moment of Remembrance
Ceremony
6/5/2005
Ford’s Theatre Gala Rehearsal Reception
Reception/Dinner
6/6/2005
King Kamehameha Lei Draping Ceremony
Ceremony
6/7/2005
International Club Reception and Dinner
Reception/Dinner
7/4/2005
July 4th Concert Reception
Reception/Dinner
9/22/2005
Reception fol owing the Dedication of the Statue of Po’pay from New
Reception/Dinner
Mexico
1/21/2006
Wreath Laying Ceremony Honoring General Robert E. Lee
Ceremony
1/31/2006
Media Availability for Members of Congress fol owing a Presidential
Media Event
Address before a Joint Session of Congress
3/15/2006
50th Anniversary of Hungarian Democracy with an Address by
Ceremony
President George W. Bush
4/27/2006
Association of Former Members of Congress Reception
Reception/Dinner
5/6/2006
Kennedy Center Gala Reception
Reception/Dinner
5/10/2006
U.S. House of Representatives Distinguished Service Award
Ceremony
Presentation Ceremony to Vice President Cheney, Lindy Boggs, and
Father Drinan
5/25/2006
Memorial Day Concert Reception
Reception/Dinner
5/31/2006
National Moment of Remembrance
Ceremony
6/11/2006
King Kamehameha Lei Draping Ceremony
Ceremony
6/24/2006
Ford’s Theatre Gala Rehearsal Reception
Reception/Dinner
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link to page 18 link to page 18 Use of National Statuary Hall: Assignment and Historic Events
Date
Event
Type
7/4/2006
July 4th Concert Reception
Reception/Dinner
7/19/2006
Tribute to Retiring Members of Congress sponsored by the Capitol
Reception/Dinner
Historical Society
11/13/2006 Speaker’s Reception and Dinner Honoring New Members of the
Reception/Dinner
House
11/14/2006 Democratic Leader’s New Member Dinner
Reception/Dinner
12/6/2006
Speaker’s Holiday Reception fol owing the Lighting of the Capitol
Reception/Dinner
Christmas Tree on the West Front
1/23/2007
Media Availability for Members of Congress fol owing a Presidential
Media Event
Address before a Joint Session of Congress
3/29/2007
Photo Op with the Tuskegee Airmen, President Bush, and the
Ceremony
Speaker prior to the presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal in
the Rotundab
4/7/2007
Wreath Laying Ceremony Honoring General Robert E. Lee
Ceremony
5/10/2007
Association of Former Members of Congress Reception
Reception/Dinner
5/17/2007
Memorial Service for the Late Honorable Juanita Mil ender-McDonald
Memorial Service
5/27/2007
Memorial Day Concert Reception
Reception/Dinner
5/31/2007
National Moment of Remembrance
Ceremony
6/2/2007
Speaker hosted Reception and Dinner
Reception/Dinner
6/10/2007
King Kamehameha Lei Draping Ceremony
Ceremony
6/21/2007
2007 Achievement Summit—Academy of Achievement Dinner and
Reception/Dinner
Reception
6/23/2007
Ford’s Theatre Gala Rehearsal Reception
Reception/Dinner
7/4/2007
July 4th Concert Reception
Reception/Dinner
7/17/2007
Reception honoring Dr. Norman Borlaug fol owing the presentation
Reception/Dinner
of the Congressional Gold Medal in the Rotunda
8/25/2007
Wreath Laying Ceremony Honoring Father Junipero Serra
Ceremony
11/30/2007 Kennedy Center Gala Reception
Reception/Dinner
12/4/2007
Presentation of the Freedom Award to former Speaker Thomas Foley Reception/Dinner
by the U.S. Capitol Historical Society
1/19/2008
Wreath Laying Ceremony Honoring General Robert E. Leec
Ceremony
1/28/2008
Media Availability for Members of Congress fol owing a Presidential
Media Event
Address before a Joint Session of Congress
2/14/2008
Memorial Service for the Late Honorable Tom Lantos
Memorial Service
3/5/2008
Reception for the Washington Premiere of the HBO series of “John
Reception/Dinner
Adams” hosted by the Speaker
4/3/2008
Congressional Tribute to the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King
Ceremony
“Renewing the Dream”
4/17/2008
Association of Former Members of Congress Reception
Reception/Dinner
5/21/2008
Congressional Tribute to the Centennial of the Birth of President
Ceremony
Lyndon Johnson
5/25/2008
Memorial Day Concert Reception
Reception/Dinner
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link to page 18 link to page 18 Use of National Statuary Hall: Assignment and Historic Events
Date
Event
Type
5/31/2008
National Moment of Remembrance
Ceremony
5/31/2008
Ford’s Theatre Gala Rehearsal Reception
Reception/Dinner
6/8/2008
King Kamehameha Lei Draping Ceremonyd
Ceremony
7/4/2008
July 4th Concert Reception
Reception/Dinner
9/10/2008
Memorial Service for the Late Honorable Stephanie Tubbs Jones
Memorial Service
9/24/2008
Reception Honoring Retiring Members of the 110th Congress and the
Reception/Dinner
Presentation of the Freedom Award by the Capitol Historical Society
9/24/2008
Reception honoring the Congressional Black Caucus hosted by
Reception/Dinner
Speaker Pelosi and Leader Reid
11/18/2008 Reception for New Members of Congress hosted by the Speaker
Reception/Dinner
12/7/2008
Kennedy Center Honors Reception
Reception/Dinner
12/15/2008 Reception Honoring Representative John Tanner and NATO
Reception/Dinner
Parliamentarians hosted by the Speaker
1/20/2009
Inaugural Luncheon
Reception/Dinner
2/10/2009
Celebrating the Honorable John Dingell of Michigan on the Occasion
Ceremony
of Becoming the Longest-Serving Member in the History of the U.S.
House of Representatives
2/24/2009
Media Availability for Members of Congress fol owing a Presidential
Media Event
Address before a Joint Session of Congress
5/13/2009
Reception for New Members of Congress hosted by the Capitol
Reception/Dinner
Historical Society
5/24/2009
Memorial Day Concert Reception
Reception/Dinner
5/31/2009
National Moment of Remembrance
Ceremony
6/3/2009
Reception and Dinner honoring Mrs. Ronald Reagan and the Unveiling Reception/Dinner
of the Statue of President Ronald Reagan
6/16/2009
Association of Former Members of Congress Reception
Reception/Dinner
7/4/2009
July 4th Concert Reception
Reception/Dinner
7/28/2009
Unveiling of the Official Portrait of Speaker J. Dennis Hastert
Ceremony
1/27/2010
Media Availability for Members of Congress fol owing a Presidential
Media Event
Address before a Joint Session of Congress
3/21/2010
Sunday Worship Service for Members of Congress and Congressional
Ceremony
staff e
3/25/2010
Women’s History Event Honoring Secretary Hil ary Clinton hosted
Ceremony
by the Speaker
3/30/2010
Memorial Service for the Late Honorable John P. Murtha
Memorial Service
5/30/2010
Memorial Day Concert Reception
Reception/Dinner
5/31/2010
National Moment of Remembrance
Ceremony
6/5/2010
Ford’s Theatre Gala Rehearsal Reception
Reception/Dinner
6/15/2010
Association of Former Members of Congress Reception
Reception/Dinner
6/24/2010
Ceremony to Commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the End of the
Ceremony
Korean War
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Use of National Statuary Hall: Assignment and Historic Events
Date
Event
Type
7/4/2010
July 4th Concert Reception
Reception/Dinner
7/24/2010
Reception and Dinner for the Spain/US Council Annual Forum
Reception/Dinner
7/26/2010
Reception honoring the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with
Ceremony
Disabilities Act
11/8/2010
Kennedy Center Gala Reception
Reception/Dinner
11/8/2010
Kennedy Center Reception Honoring the 2010 Recipient of the Mark
Reception/Dinner
Twain Award
11/14/2010 Reception hosted by Leader Boehner for Republican New Members
Reception/Dinner
1/25/2011
Media Availability for Members of Congress fol owing a Presidential
Media Event
Address before a Joint Session of Congress
3/9/2011
Reception to Welcome Members of the 112th Congress hosted by
Reception/Dinner
the Capitol Historical Society
3/24/2011
150th Anniversary of the Congressional Medal of Honor
Reception/Dinner
3/30/2011
40th Anniversary of the Congressional Black Caucus
Reception/Dinner
5/3/2011
Dinner Honoring the Unveiling of the Statue of President Gerald R.
Reception/Dinner
Ford
5/31/2011
Reception fol owing the Memorial Day Concert
Reception/Dinner
6/4/2011
Ford’s Theatre Gala Rehearsal Reception
Reception/Dinner
6/14/2011
Former Members Association Annual Dinner
Reception/Dinner
7/4/2011
Reception fol owing “A Capitol Fourth" Concert
Reception/Dinner
11/17/2011 Presentation of the Capitol Historical Society Freedom Award to
Ceremony
Senator Daniel Inouye and Representative John Dingell
12/7/2011
35th Anniversary of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus
Reception/Dinner
12/12/2011 Farwel Reception Honoring the Service of the Honorable Wilson
Ceremony
Livingood, Sergeant at Arms
4/25/2012
Celebration of the Life of the Hon. Donald M. Payne
Memorial Service
5/8/2012
A Prayer of Rededication for America: Honoring George
Ceremony
Washington’s 223rd Anniversary of his Inauguration
5/27/2012
Reception fol owing the Memorial Day Concert
Reception/Dinner
6/2/2012
Ford’s Theatre Gala Reception
Reception/Dinner
7/4/2012
Reception fol owing the Capitol Fourth Concert
Reception/Dinner
9/7/2012
Welcome Reception for the G-8 Presiding Officers
Reception/Dinner
10/26/2012 Academy of Achievement Dinner and Reception
Reception/Dinner
11/13/2012 Dinner for new Members of the 113th Congress hosted by the
Reception/Dinner
Speaker
11/14/2012 Dinner for new Members of the 113th Congress hosted by the
Reception/Dinner
Democratic Leader
1/21/2013
Inaugural Luncheon
Reception/Dinner
2/27/2013
Dedication and Unveiling of a Statue of Rosa Parks
Ceremony
3/6/2013
Welcome Reception for New Members of the 113th Congress hosted
Reception/Dinner
by the Capitol Historical Society
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Use of National Statuary Hall: Assignment and Historic Events
Date
Event
Type
5/8/2013
Washington: A Man of Prayer Service
Ceremony
5/14/2013
Former Members Association Reception
Reception/Dinner
6/1/2013
Ford’s Theatre Gala Reception
Reception/Dinner
6/5/2013
Centennial of the Inauguration of President Woodrow Wilson
Reception/Dinner
6/13/2013
Celebration Recognizing Representative John D. Dingell as the
Ceremony
Longest-Serving Member in the History of the U.S. Congress
7/23/2013
Celebration of the 90th Birthday of Senator Robert J. Dole
Reception/Dinner
7/31/2013
50th Anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom
Ceremony
9/10/2013
Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony honoring Addie Mae Col ins,
Ceremony
Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, and Cynthia Wesley
10/29/2013 Memorial Service to Honor Former Speaker Thomas Foley
Memorial Service
10/30/2013 Dedication of a Bust of Sir Winston Churchil
Ceremony
11/20/2013 Freedom Award Presentation hosted by the Capitol Historical
Reception/Dinner
Society
3/13/2014
New Members Reception hosted by the Capitol Historical Society
Reception/Dinner
3/25/2014
Congressional Ceremony Commemorating the Dedication of the
Ceremony
Statue of Dr. Norman E. Borlaug (Iowa)
4/30/2014
Anne Frank Tree Dedication
Ceremony
5/7/2014
Washington: A Man of Prayer Service
Ceremony
7/20/2014
American-Australian Education Leadership Dialogue
Reception/Dinner
11/12/2014 Dinner for New Members of the 114th Congress hosted by the
Reception/Dinner
Democratic Leader
11/13/2014 Dinner for New Members of the 114th Congress hosted by the
Reception/Dinner
Republican Leader
11/19/2014 Presentation of the Capitol Historical Society Freedom Award to
Reception/Dinner
Representative John Lewis
11/19/2014 Dedication of a bust of Vaclav Havel
Ceremony
2/11/2015
Congressional ceremony commemorating the dedication of the
Ceremony
Statue of the Honorable Barry Goldwater of Arizona
3/4/2015
150th Commemoration of President Lincoln’s Second Inaugural
Reception/Dinner
Address
5/30/2015
Ford’s Theater Gala Reception
Reception/Dinner
8/14/2015
110th Anniversary of the Dedication of the Statue of Francis Wil ard
Ceremony
1/12/2016
Media Availability for Members of Congress fol owing a Presidential
Media Event
Address before a Joint Session of Congress
2/24/2016
Reception honoring the 90th Anniversary of the Joint Committee on
Reception/Dinner
Taxation
3/2/2016
Women’s History Event honoring Veterans hosted by Rep. Nancy
Reception/Dinner
Pelosi with President and Mrs. Obama
4/27/2016
Washington: A Man of Prayer
Prayer Service
5/11/2016
U.S. Capitol Historical Society Freedom Award Ceremony
Reception/Dinner
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Use of National Statuary Hall: Assignment and Historic Events
Date
Event
Type
5/18/2016
Reception Commemorating the Centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising
Reception/Dinner
in Ireland
6/12/2016
Ford’s Theatre Reception
Reception/Dinner
6/15/2016
U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress Memorial Service
Memorial Service
honoring former Members who died in the past year
6/16/2016
Media Event hosted by the Speaker of the House about the U.S.
Media Event
Constitution
9/14/2016
Celebration of the Life of Rep. Mark Takai
Memorial Service
9/21/2016
Congressional Statue Dedication Ceremony in honor of Thomas Alva
Ceremony
Edison
11/14/2016 Dinner hosted by the Speaker of the House to Honor Newly Elected
Reception/Dinner
Republican Members of the 115th Congress
11/15/2016 Dinner hosted by the Democratic Leader to Honor Newly Elected
Reception/Dinner
Democratic Members of the 115th Congress
1/20/2017
Inaugural Luncheon hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on
Reception/Dinner
Inaugural Ceremonies
2/28/2017
Media Availability for Members of Congress fol owing a Presidential
Media Event
Address before a Joint Session of Congress
3/9/2017
A Celebration of the Life of former Rep. Robert Michel
Memorial Service
4/26/2017
“Washington: A Man of Prayer” Prayer Event
Ceremony
5/4/2017
National Day of Prayer Celebration
Ceremony
5/25/2017
Wreath Laying Ceremony to Honor the Armed Services
Ceremony
6/3/2017
Ford’s Theatre Gala Reception
Reception/Dinner
9/27/2017
Association of Former Members of Congress Memorial Service
Memorial Service
Honoring Former Members of Congress who Passed in the Last Year
10/5/2017
Reception hosted by Whip Scalise Honoring First Responders
Reception/Dinner
4/12/2018
Ceremony to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the
Ceremony
Assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
4/18/2018
A Celebration of the Life of the Late Honorable Louise Slaughter
Memorial Service
5/14/2018
GOP Spouse Reception and Tour
Reception/Dinner
5/23/2018
Capitol Historical Society Reception honoring the House Committee
Reception/Dinner
on Energy and Commerce
6/9/2018
Ford’s Theatre Gala Reception
Reception/Dinner
9/5/2018
Association of Former Members of Congress Memorial Service
Memorial Service
Honoring Former Members of Congress Who Passed in the Last
Year
9/18/2018
225th Anniversary of Laying of the Capitol Cornerstone
Ceremony
9/26/2018
“Washington: A Man of Prayer” Prayer Event
Ceremony
11/13/2018 Speaker’s Reception and Dinner in Honor of the Newly Elected
Reception/Dinner
Members of the 116th Congress
11/14/2018 Democratic Leader’s Reception and Dinner Honoring Democratic
Reception/Dinner
Members-elect of the 116th Congress
3/27/2019
Women’s History Month Event
Ceremony
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link to page 18 Use of National Statuary Hall: Assignment and Historic Events
Date
Event
Type
5/1/2019
“Lincoln Room” (H-226) Naming Ceremony
Ceremony
5/2/2019
National Day of Prayer Celebration
Ceremony
5/13/2019
Reception and tour hosted by House Minority Leader for GOP First
Reception/Dinner
Ladies
5/14/2019
Reception and tour hosted by Democratic Caucus Chair for
Reception/Dinner
Democratic First Ladies
5/21/2019
House Passage of 19th Amendment Centennial Reception
Reception/Dinner
6/1/2019
Ford’s Theatre Gala Reception
Reception/Dinner
7/16/2019
U.S. Capitol Historical Society Welcome Reception for 116th
Reception/Dinner
Congress
9/18/2019
Dedication of Statue of Ponca Chief Standing Bear from Nebraska
Ceremony
9/26/2019
Association of Former Members of Congress Memorial Service
Memorial Service
10/24/2019 Arrival Ceremony for Rep. Elijah Cummings Lying in State0
Ceremony
10/19/2019 Unveiling of the Official Portrait of Speaker John A. Boehner
Ceremony
1/15/2020
Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony in honor of Stephen Michael
Ceremony
Gleason
11/13/2020 Speaker's Reception/Dinner in Honor of the Newly Elected
Reception/Dinner
Democratic Members of the 117th Congress
11/15/2020 Leader McCarthy Reception/Dinner Honoring the Newly Elected
Reception/Dinner
Republican Members of the 117th Congress
1/6/2022
Live Broadcast from CNN in Statuary Hall/Town Hall (all day event
Media Event
that POTUS & VPOTUS attended)
5/18/2022
Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony in honor of World War II
Ceremony
Merchant Mariners
6/23/2022
Unveiling of a Portrait of the Late Honorable Patsy Takemoto Mink
Ceremony
7/27/2022
Dedication of a Statue of Amelia Earhart of Kansas
Ceremony
9/29/2022
Dedication of a Statue of Harry S. Truman of the State of Missouri
Ceremony
9/29/2022
Association of Former Members of Congress Memorial Service
Memorial Service
11/14/2022 Speaker’s Reception/Dinner in Honor of the Newly Elected
Reception/Dinner
Democratic Members of the 118th Congress
11/15/2022 Leader McCarthy Reception/Dinner Honoring the Newly Elected
Reception/Dinner
Republican Members of the 118th Congress
12/13/2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit hosted by the Speaker
Ceremony
12/14/2022 Official Portrait Unveiling & Renaming of the “Nancy Pelosi Caucus
Ceremony
Room” in the Cannon House Office Building
Source: The list of events held in National Statuary Hall was provided to CRS by the Office of the House
Sergeant at Arms. The House Sergeant at Arms maintains the list of events.
Notes: In March 2020, the House began restricting access to the House office buildings and the House wing of
the Capitol because of COVID-19. Subsequently, between the January 15, 2020, Congressional Gold Medal
Ceremony for Stephen Gleason, and the Democratic Party reception/dinner for new Members of the 117th
Congress, no events were held in Statuary Hall because of COVID-19. For more information, see U.S. Congress.
House, Committee on House Administration and Committee on Ethics, “Update about the Coronavirus: Joint
House Administration-Ethics Guidance,” at https://e-dearcol eague.house.gov/Home/Preview?DCID=295964.
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Use of National Statuary Hall: Assignment and Historic Events
a. Inaugural lunches are hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on the Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC).
The first luncheon in Statuary Hal was held in 1953 for President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
b. The Gold Medal Ceremony for the Tuskegee Airmen was held in the Rotunda (see S.Con.Res. 15, 110th
Congress). In addition to being used for photo opportunities, Statuary Hall was used as an overflow room
for the Gold Medal Ceremony.
c. The Robert E. Lee statue was moved to the Capitol Crypt in 2008.
d. The King Kamehameha statue was moved to the Capitol Visitor Center’s (CVC’s) Emancipation Hal in
2009. The Lei Draping ceremony was moved to the CVC beginning in June 2009.
e. The worship service held in Statuary Hall was in conjunction with a Sunday session of the House
(Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 156 [March 21, 2010], pp. H-1819-H1890.)
Representative Elijah Cummings lay in state at the main door to the House chamber on October
24, 2019. For more information, see U.S. Congress, Office of the House Sergeant at Arms,
“Arrangements for the Late Honorable Elijah Cummings,” at https://e-dearcolleague.house.gov/
Home/Preview?DCID=278042; and CRS Insight IN11472, Members of the House of
Representatives Lying in State in the U.S. Capitol, by Jacob R. Straus.
Author Information
Jacob R. Straus
Specialist on the Congress
Disclaimer
This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan
shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and
under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should not be relied upon for purposes other
than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in
connection with CRS’s institutional role. CRS Reports, as a work of the United States Government, are not
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