Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall: Concurrent Resolutions, 101st to 118th Congresses
Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall: Concurrent Resolutions, 101st to 118th Congresses
Updated January 30, 2025
Congressional Research Service
https://crsreports.congress.gov
RL34619
Congressional Research Service
SUMMARY
Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall: Concurrent
Resolutions, 101st to 118th Congresses
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.
The House and the Senate agreed to 111 concurrent resolutions authorizing the use of the Rotunda between the 101st and the 118th 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.
The House and the Senate agreed to 120 concurrent resolutions authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds between the 101st Congress and the 118th Congress. 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 end of the 118th Congress, 60 concurrent resolutions authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall have been agreed to.
RL34619
January 30, 2025
Jacob R. Straus Specialist on the Congress
Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Congressional Research Service
Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1 Concurrent Resolutions for Use of the Rotunda .............................................................................. 2
Methodology ............................................................................................................................. 2 Results ....................................................................................................................................... 2
Commemoration Ceremonies ............................................................................................. 3 Congressional Gold Medal Ceremonies ............................................................................. 3 Artwork Unveilings ............................................................................................................ 3 Persons Lying in State or Honor ......................................................................................... 3 Presidential Inaugural Activities ......................................................................................... 4 Receiving or Honoring Living Persons ............................................................................... 4
Prayer Vigils ........................................................................................................................ 5
Concurrent Resolutions for Use of the Capitol Grounds ................................................................. 5
Methodology ............................................................................................................................. 5 Results ....................................................................................................................................... 5
Nonfederal-Government-Sponsored Events ....................................................................... 6 Memorial Services .............................................................................................................. 6 Federal Government Sponsored Events .............................................................................. 7
Award and Dedication Ceremonies ..................................................................................... 7
Use of Emancipation Hall of the Capitol Visitor Center ................................................................. 7
Methodology ............................................................................................................................. 8 Results ....................................................................................................................................... 8
Commemoration Ceremonies ............................................................................................. 9 Congressional Gold Medal Ceremonies ............................................................................. 9 Artwork Unveilings ............................................................................................................ 9 Presidential Inauguration Activities .................................................................................... 9
Tables
Table 1. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for Use of the Rotunda ............................................... 2 Table 2. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for Use of the Rotunda, by Category .......................... 5
Table 3. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for Use of the Capitol Grounds .................................. 6 Table 4. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for Use of the Capitol Grounds, by Category ............. 7
Table 5. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for Use of Emancipation Hall ..................................... 8
Table 6. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for Use of Emancipation Hall, by Category ............. 10
Table A-1. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for the Use of the Capitol Rotunda ........................ 11
Table B-1. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for the Use of the Capitol Grounds ...................... 16 Table C-1. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for the Use of Emancipation Hall ......................... 21
Appendixes
Appendix A. Concurrent Resolutions for the Use of the Capitol Rotunda ..................................... 11
Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Congressional Research Service
Appendix B. Concurrent Resolutions for the Use of the Capitol Grounds ................................... 16 Appendix C. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for the Use of Emancipation Hall ..................... 21
Contacts
Author Information ........................................................................................................................ 23
Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Congressional Research Service 1
Introduction
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 (2007-2009), 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 Traditionally held on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day, these concerts feature the National Symphony Orchestra, are free, and are open to the public.7
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), agreed to June 27, 2008.
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 can be found on the Capitol Police website at https://www.uscp.gov/visiting-capitol-hill/activities-requiring-permits. The application, available at https://www.uscp.gov/sites/uscapitolpolice.house.gov/files/wysiwyg_uploaded/ Application%20for%20Conducting%20an%20Event%20on%20U.S.%20Capitol%20Grounds_December%202019.pdf, must be submitted at least 120 hours, or five days, in advance of the activity.
5 P.L. 110-437, §103, 122 Stat. 4986 (2008); 2 U.S.C. §2203.
6 H.Con.Res. 133 (97th Congress), 95 Stat. 1760 (1981); 40 U.S.C. §5107.
7 U.S. Congress, Architect of the Capitol, “Concerts at the U.S. Capitol,” at https://www.aoc.gov/what-we-do/ programs-ceremonies/concerts.
Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Congressional Research Service 2
Concurrent Resolutions for Use of the Rotunda
Methodology
To identify legislation that authorized the use of the Capitol Rotunda, CRS conducted a search of Congress.gov for the 101st Congress (1989-1991) through the 118th Congress (2023-2025) for 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
Results
The search identified 111 concurrent resolutions that were agreed to by the House and Senate. Between the 101st Congress and the 118th 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.
Table 1. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for Use of the Rotunda
101st Congress to 118th Congress
Congress Number Congress Number
101 (1989-1991) 7 110 (2007-2009) 9
102 (1991-1993) 4 111 (2009-2011) 9
103 (1993-1995) 1 112 (2011-2013) 9
104 (1995-1997) 6 113 (2013-2015) 6
105 (1997-1999) 8 114 (2015-2017) 3
106 (1999-2001) 8 115 (2017-2019) 6
107 (2001-2003) 8 116 (2019-2021) 1
108 (2003-2005) 7 117 (2021-2023) 8
109 (2005-2007) 8 118 (2023-2025) 3
Total (101st-118th) 111
Source: Database query of Congress.gov, 101st-118th 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.
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.
Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Congressional Research Service 3
Commemoration Ceremonies
The largest percentage of concurrent resolutions (30.6%) 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
Congressional Gold Medal Ceremonies
Ceremonies to award Congressional Gold Medals account for 23.4% 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
Artwork Unveilings
Since the 101st Congress, 14.4% 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
Persons Lying in State or Honor
Use of the Rotunda for individuals to lie in state or honor accounted for 13.5% of Rotunda events authorized by concurrent resolution.17 These events have included the lying in state of President
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. For more information on the National Statuary Hall Collection, see CRS Report R42812, National Statuary Hall Collection: Background and Legislative Options, by Jacob R. Straus, R. Eric Petersen, and Jennifer E. Manning.
17 On December 29, 2024, President James Earl “Jimmy” Carter Jr. died. In the tradition of past presidential deaths, President Carter received a state funeral and lay in state in the Capitol Rotunda. Authorization for President Carter to lie in state occurred in the 119th Congress (S.Con.Res. 3) and is not reflected in this report. For more information on individuals lying in state or honor in the Rotunda, see CRS Insight IN10961, Senators Lying in State in the U.S. Capitol, by Jacob R. Straus; CRS Insight IN11472, Members of the House of Representatives Lying in State in the U.S. Capitol, by Jacob R. Straus; and CRS Insight IN11510, Lying in State or Honor in the U.S. Capitol by Non-Members of Congress, by Jacob R. Straus.
Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Congressional Research Service 4
Ronald Reagan and President George H. W. Bush,18 Senator Claude Pepper,19 Senator Daniel K. Inouye,20 Senator John McCain,21 Representative John Lewis,22 Senator Harry Reid, and Senator Robert Dole;23 the lying in honor of Rosa Parks, Reverend Billy Graham, and Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams,24 Capitol Police Officers William F. Evans and Brian Sicknick,25 and Ralph Puckett Jr.;26 and the memorial service for Detective John Michael Gibson and Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut of the U.S. Capitol Police.27
Presidential Inaugural Activities
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, 115th, 117th, and 118th Congresses.28 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.”29 Since the 101st Congress, 10.8% of concurrent resolutions have authorized the use of the Rotunda for inaugural activities.
Receiving or Honoring Living Persons
Since the 101st Congress, 5.4% 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.30 During the 105th Congress, use of the Rotunda was authorized for a ceremony honoring Mother Teresa.31 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.32
18 President Reagan: H.Con.Res. 444, 108th Congress; S.Con.Res. 115, 108th Congress; President Bush: S.Con.Res. 55, 115th Congress.
19 Sen. Claude Pepper: H.Con.Res. 139, 101st Congress.
20 Sen. Daniel K. Inouye: S.Con.Res. 64, 112th Congress.
21 Sen. John McCain: S.Con.Res. 44, 115th Congress.
22 Rep. John Lewis: H.Con.Res. 105, 116th Congress.
23 Sen. Robert Dole: S.Con.Res. 23, 117th Congress; Sen. Harry Reid: S.Con.Res. 25, 117th Congress.
24 Rosa Parks: S.Con.Res. 61, 109th Congress; Reverend Billy Graham: H.Con.Res. 107, 115th Congress; Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams: S.Con.Res. 42, 117th Congress.
25 Officer Sicknick: H.Con.Res. 10, 117th Congress; Officer Evans: H.Con.Res. 27, 117th Congress.
26 Ralph Puckett Jr.: S.Con.Res. 33, 118th Congress.
27 USCP Detective John Michael Gibson and Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut: H.Con.Res. 206, 105th Congress.
28 For example, see S.Con.Res. 68, 110th Congress.
29 For example, see S.Con.Res. 68, 110th Congress.
30 H.Con.Res. 115, 102nd Congress.
31 S.Con.Res. 26, 105th Congress.
32 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 U.S. Capitol and his address to a joint session of Congress, see CRS In Focus IF10211, Foreign Leaders Addressing Congress, by Jacob R. Straus.
Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Congressional Research Service 5
Prayer Vigils
On two occasions during the 107th Congress (1.8%), 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 118th Congress
Category Number Percentage of Total
Commemoration Ceremonies 34 30.6%
Congressional Gold Medal Ceremonies 26 23.4%
Artwork Unveilings 16 14.4%
Persons Lying in State or Honor 15 13.5%
Presidential Inaugural Activities 12 10.8%
Receiving or Honoring Living People 6 5.4%
Prayer Vigils 2 1.8%
Total 111 100%
Source: Database query of Congress.gov, 101st-118th Congresses.
Concurrent Resolutions for Use of the Capitol Grounds
Methodology
To identify legislation that authorized the use of the Capitol Rotunda, CRS conducted a search of Congress.gov for the 101st Congress (1989-1991) through the 118th Congress (2023-2025) for agreed-to concurrent resolutions with 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.33 The uses of the Capitol Grounds identified here are restricted to those authorized by concurrent resolution of the House and Senate.
Results
The search identified a total of 120 concurrent resolutions that were agreed to by the House and Senate. Between the 101st Congress and the 118th Congress, the House and Senate agreed to between 2 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.
33 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.
Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Congressional Research Service 6
Table 3. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for Use of the Capitol Grounds
101st Congress to 118th Congress
Congress Number Congress Number
101 (1989-1991) 4 110 (2007-2009) 8
102 (1991-1993) 6 111 (2009-2011) 7
103 (1993-1995) 7 112 (2011-2013) 6
104 (1995-1997) 6 113 (2013-2015) 7
105 (1997-1999) 9 114 (2015-2017) 10
106 (1999-2001) 14 115 (2017-2019) 5
107 (2001-2003) 9 116 (2019-2021) 2
108 (2003-2005) 7 117 (2021-2023) 3
109 (2005-2007) 7 118 (2023-2025) 3
Total (101st-118th) 120
Source: Database query of Congress.gov, 101st-118th Congresses.
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.
Nonfederal-Government-Sponsored Events
The largest percentage of concurrent resolutions agreed to (63.62%) 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 Derby34 and the District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Relay35 are typically agreed to each Congress.
Memorial Services
Memorial services held on the Capitol Grounds account for 25.6% 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.36 The ceremony honors law enforcement officers who gave their lives in the line of duty during the previous year.37
34 For example, see H.Con.Res. 311, 110th Congress.
35 For example, see H.Con.Res. 309, 110th Congress.
36 For example, see H.Con.Res. 308, 110th Congress.
37 U.S. Congress, Architect of the Capitol, “Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service,” May 14, 2019, at https://www.aoc.gov/about-us/news-notices/annual-national-peace-officers-memorial-service.
Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Congressional Research Service 7
Federal Government Sponsored Events
Events sponsored by the federal government compose 8.3% 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,38 allowing the National Book Festival to run programs on the Capitol Grounds,39 and authorizing a celebration for the Library of Congress’s 200th birthday.40
Award and Dedication Ceremonies
Award and dedication ceremonies account for 2.5% 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;41 in the 108th Congress (2003-2005), the dedication ceremony for the National World War II Memorial was authorized for the Capitol Grounds;42 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.43
Table 4. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for Use of the Capitol Grounds, by
Category
101st Congress to 118th Congress
Category Number Percentage of Total
Nonfederal-Government-Sponsored Event 77 63.6%
Memorial Services 31 25.6%
Federal Government Sponsored Events 10 8.3%
Award and Dedication Ceremonies 3 2.5%
Total 121a 100%
Source: Database query of Congress.gov, 101st-118th Congresses. Note: a. While 120 resolutions were agreed to, a total of 121 uses of the Capitol Grounds were authorized. H.Con.Res. 92, 113th Congress, authorized two separate uses of the Capitol Grounds.
Use of Emancipation Hall of the Capitol Visitor Center
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
38 For example, see H.Con.Res. 76, 107th Congress.
39 For example, see H.Con.Res. 348, 107th Congress.
40 For example, see H.Con.Res. 279, 106th Congress.
41 S.Con.Res. 139, 106th Congress.
42 H.Con.Res. 423, 108th Congress.
43 H.Con.Res. 196, 110th Congress.
Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Congressional Research Service 8
Capitol Grounds. Use of Emancipation Hall requires the passage of a resolution agreed to by both houses of Congress authorizing its use.44
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.”45 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.”46
Methodology
To identify legislation that authorized the use of the Capitol Rotunda, CRS conducted a search of Congress.gov from the 101st Congress (1989-1991) through the 118th Congress (2023-2025) for agreed-to concurrent resolutions 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.
Results
The search identified a total of 60 concurrent resolutions that were agreed to by the House and Senate. Between the 110th Congress and the 118th 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 the 118th Congress
Congress Number Congress Number
110 (2007-2009) 1 115 (2017-2019) 8
111 (2009-2011) 4 116 (2019-2021) 6
112 (2011-2013) 6 117 (2021-2023) 1
113 (2013-2015) 9 118 (2023-2025) 10
114 (2015-2017) 15 Total (110th-118th) 60
Source: Database query of Congress.gov, 110th-118th 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
44 P.L. 110-437, §103, 122 Stat. 4986 (2008); 2 U.S.C. §2203.
45 H.Con.Res. 435, 110th Congress.
46 H.Con.Res. 435, 110th Congress.
Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Congressional Research Service 9
provided for on Emancipation Hall. Table 6 contains the number of concurrent resolutions agreed to by Congress since 2007 by category.
Commemoration Ceremonies
The largest percentage of concurrent resolutions agreed to (48.3%) 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.47
Congressional Gold Medal Ceremonies
Ceremonies to award Congressional Gold Medals account for 30.0% 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,48 the Montford Point Marines,49 and Native American Code Talkers.50
Artwork Unveilings
Since the 110th Congress, 11.7% 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,51 a marker acknowledging the role of slaves in building the Capitol,52 a statue of Frederick Douglass,53 and the American Prisoners of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Chair of Honor.54
Presidential Inauguration Activities
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.”55 Since the 110th Congress, 10.0% of concurrent resolutions have authorized the use of Emancipation Hall for inaugural activities.
47 For example, see H.Con.Res. 80, 111th Congress; and H.Con.Res. 105, 112th Congress.
48 H.Con.Res. 239, 111th Congress.
49 H.Con.Res. 128, 112th Congress.
50 S.Con.Res. 25, 113th Congress.
51 H.Con.Res. 86, 111th Congress.
52 H.Con.Res. 99, 112th Congress.
53 S.Con.Res. 16, 113th Congress.
54 S.Con.Res. 26, 115th Congress.
55 S.Con.Res. 2, 113th Congress.
Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Congressional Research Service 10
Table 6. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for Use of Emancipation Hall,
by Category
110th Congress to 118th Congress
Category Number Percentage of Total
Commemorative Ceremonies 29 48.3%
Congressional Gold Medal Ceremonies 18 30.0%
Artwork Unveilings 7 11.7%
Presidential Inauguration Activities 6 10.0%
Total 60 100%
Source: Database query of Congress.gov, 110th-118th Congresses.
Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Congressional Research Service 11
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 118th Congress
Congress Resolution Subject
Commemoration Ceremonies
101st (1989-1991) S.Con.Res. 133 Ceremony celebrating American military heroism
H.Con.Res. 50 Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust
102nd (1991-1993) H.Con.Res. 45 Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust
103rd (1993-1995) H.Con.Res. 41 Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust
104th (1995-1997) S.Con.Res. 29 Ceremony celebrating the 3000th Anniversary of Jerusalem
H.Con.Res. 106 Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 20 Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust
105th (1997-1999) H.Con.Res. 206 Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 11 Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust
106th (1999-2001) H.Con.Res. 244 Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 81 Ceremony in honor of the 50th anniversary of NATO
H.Con.Res. 19 Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust
107th (2001-2003) H.Con.Res. 325 Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 14 Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust
108th (2003-2005) H.Con.Res. 359 Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 40 Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust
109th (2005-2007) H.Con.Res. 427 Ceremony for the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Department of Veterans Affairs
H.Con.Res. 350 Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 202 Ceremony to honor Constantino Brumidi on the 200th anniversary of his birth
H.Con.Res. 63 Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust
Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Congressional Research Service 12
Congress Resolution Subject
110th (2007-2009) H.Con.Res. 377 Ceremony commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the integration of the Armed Forces
H.Con.Res. 313 Ceremony to honor Iraq War troops and those serving in Afghanistan and throughout the world
H.Con.Res. 306 Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 66 Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust
111th (2009-2011) H.Con.Res. 27 Ceremony in honor of the bicentennial of the birth of President Abraham Lincoln
H.Con.Res. 54 Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 236 Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust
S.Con.Res. 75 Ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the inaugural address of President John F. Kennedy
112th (2011-2013) S.Con.Res. 2 Ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the inaugural address of President John F. Kennedy
H.Con.Res. 33 Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 108 Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust
113th (2013-2015) H.Con.Res. 14 Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 100 Ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
115th (2017-2019) H.Con.Res. 18 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) H.Con.Res. 139 Authorizing the use of the Rotunda for the lying in state of the remains of the Honorable Claude Pepper
105th (1997-1999) H.Con.Res. 310 Authorizing a memorial service for John Gibson and Jacob Chestnut of the Capitol Police
108th (2001-2003) S.Con.Res. 115 Authorizing the use of the Rotunda for the lying in state of the remains of Ronald Reagan
109th (2005-2007) S.Con.Res. 61 Authorizing the remains of Rosa Parks to lie in honor in the Rotunda
112th (2011-2013) S.Con.Res. 64 Authorizing the use of the Rotunda for the lying in state of the remains of the Honorable Daniel K. Inouye
115th (2017-2019) H.Con.Res. 107 Authorizing Reverend Billy Graham to lie in honor in the Rotunda
S.Con.Res. 44 Authorizing the use of the Rotunda for the lying in state of the remains of the Honorable John Sidney McCain, III
S.Con.Res. 55 Authorizing the use of the Rotunda for the lying in state of the remains of George Herbert Walker Bush
116th (2019-2021) H.Con.Res. 105 Authorizing the use of the Rotunda for the lying in state of the remains of John Lewis
Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Congressional Research Service 13
Congress Resolution Subject
117th (2021-2023) H.Con.Res. 10 Authorizing the use of the Rotunda for the lying in honor of the remains of U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick
H.Con.Res. 27 Authorizing the use of the Rotunda for the lying in honor of the remains of U.S. Capitol Police Officer William F. Evans
S.Con.Res. 23 Authorizing the use of the Rotunda for the lying in state of the remains of Robert Joseph Dole
S.Con.Res. 25 Authorizing the use of the Rotunda for the lying in state of the remains of Harry Mason Reid Jr.
S.Con.Res. 42 Authorizing the use of the Rotunda for the lying in honor of Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams
118th (2023-2025) S.Con.Res. 33 Authorizing the use of the Rotunda for the lying in honor of Ralph Puckett Jr.
Congressional Gold Medal Ceremonies
104th (1995-1997) S.Con.Res. 45 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Reverend and Mrs. Billy Graham
105th (1997-1999) H.Con.Res. 326 Presenting the Congressional Gold Medal to Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
106th (1999-2001) H.Con.Res. 127 Presenting a gold medal on behalf of Congress to Rosa Parks
H.Con.Res. 196 Presenting the Congressional Gold Medal to Mrs. Gerald R. Ford
H.Con.Res. 344 Presenting the Congressional Gold Medal to Father Theodore Hesburgh
107th (2001-2003) H.Con.Res. 149 Awarding a gold medal on behalf of Congress to Charles M. Schulz
H.Con.Res. 174 Awarding Congressional Gold Medals to the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers
H.Con.Res. 305 Awarding a gold medal on behalf of Congress to former President Reagan and his wife
H.Con.Res. 469 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to General Henry H. Shelton
108th (2003-2005) H.Con.Res. 357 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Dorothy Height
109th (2005-2007) H.Con.Res. 79 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Jackie Robinson
110th (2007-2009) H.Con.Res. 164 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Norman E. Borlaug
H.Con.Res. 196 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dali Lama
S.Con.Res. 15 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the Tuskegee Airmen
S.Con.Res. 71 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Michael Ellis DeBakey, M.D.
111th (2009-2011) S.Con.Res. 43 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to former Senator Edward Brooke
112th (2011-2013) S.Con.Res. 29 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Neil Armstrong, Edwin E. “Buzz” Aldrin Jr., Michael Collins, and John Glenn
H.Con.Res. 133 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Arnold Palmer
H.Con.Res. 135 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
113th (2013-2015) H.Con.Res. 20 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Professor Muhamad Yunus
S.Con.Res. 36 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Raoul Wallenberg
Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Congressional Research Service 14
Congress Resolution Subject
S.Con.Res. 37 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Shimon Peres
114th (2015-2017) H.Con.Res. 12 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Jack Nicklaus
115th (2017-2019) S.Con.Res. 31 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Bob Dole
117th (2021-2023) H.Con.Res. 118 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the U.S. Capitol Police officers who protected the Capitol on January 6, 2021
118th (2023-2025) H.Con.Res. 126 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the Servicemembers who Perished in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021
Presidential Inaugural Activities
102nd (1991-1993) S.Con.Res. 103 Use of Rotunda by Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 1993
104th (1995-1997) S.Con.Res. 48 Use of Rotunda by Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 1997
106th (1999-2001) S.Con.Res. 90 Use of Rotunda by Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2001
108th (2003-2005) S.Con.Res. 93 Use of Rotunda by Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2005
110th (2007-2009) S.Con.Res. 68 Use of Rotunda by Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2009
111th (2009-2011) S.Con.Res. 2 Reauthorization of use of Rotunda by Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2009
112th (2011-2013) S.Con.Res. 36 Use of Rotunda by Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2013
113th (2013-2015) S.Con.Res. 2 Reauthorization of use of Rotunda by Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2013
114th (2015-2017) S.Con.Res. 29 Use of Rotunda by Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2017
115th (2017-2019) S.Con.Res. 1 Reauthorization of the use of Rotunda by Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2017
117th (2021-2023) S.Con.Res. 2 Reauthorization of the use of the Rotunda by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2021
118th (2023-2025) S.Con.Res. 35 Use of the Rotunda by the Joint Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2025
Artwork Unveiling
101st (1989-1991) S.Con.Res. 5 Ceremony to inaugurate the display of the POW/MIA flag
H.Con.Res. 251 Dedication ceremony incidental to the placement of bust of Lajos Kossuth in the Capitol
H.Con.Res. 226 Presentation ceremony of statue of Philo T. Farnsworth prior to placement in Statuary Hall
102nd (1991-1993) S.Con.Res. 49 Unveiling ceremony of portrait bust of President George H.W. Bush
104th (1995-1997) H.Con.Res. 94 Dedication ceremony incidental to the placement of bust of Raoul Wallenberg in the Capitol
105th (1997-1999) H.Con.Res. 25 Presentation ceremony of statue of Jack Swigert prior to placement in Statuary Hall
Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Congressional Research Service 15
Congress Resolution Subject
106th (1999-2001) H.Con.Res. 333 Presentation ceremony of statue of Chief Washakie prior to placement in Statuary Hall
108th (2003-2005) H.Con.Res. 236 Unveiling ceremony of statue of Sarah Sakakawea prior to placement in Statuary Hall
S.Con.Res. 63 Unveiling ceremony of portrait bust of Vice President Dan Quayle
109th (2005-2009) H.Con.Res. 5 Presentation ceremony of statue of Sarah Winnemucca prior to placement in Statuary Hall
H.Con.Res. 242 Presentation ceremony of statue of Po’Pay prior to placement in Statuary Hall
111th (2009-2011) H.Con.Res. 101 Presentation ceremony of statue of Ronald Reagan prior to placement in Statuary Hall
S.Con.Res. 41 Presentation ceremony of statue of Helen Keller prior to placement in Statuary Hall
S.Con.Res. 42 Presentation ceremony of statue of Helen Keller prior to placement in Statuary Hall
112th (2011-2013) H.Con.Res. 27 Presentation ceremony of statue of Gerald R. Ford prior to placement in Rotunda
117th (2021-2023) S.Con.Res. 44 Presentation ceremony of statue of Harry S. Truman prior to placement in Rotunda
Prayer Vigils
107th (2001-2003) H.Con.Res. 233 Prayer Vigil in memory of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001
S.Con.Res. 83 Ceremony as part of a National Day of Reconciliation
Receiving or Honoring Living People
101st (1989-1991) H.Con.Res. 344 Reception for His All Holiness Patriarch Dimitrios
102nd (1991-1993) H.Con.Res. 115 Ceremony and Reception for the Dalai Lama
105th (1997-1999) S.Con.Res. 56 Ceremony honoring Leslie Townes (Bob) Hope
S.Con.Res. 26 Ceremony honoring Mother Teresa
H.Con.Res. 134 Reception for His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew
114th (2015-2017) H.Con.Res. 43 Events for the Visit of His Holiness Pope Francis
Source: Database query of Congress.gov, 101st-118th Congresses.
Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Congressional Research Service 16
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 118th Congress
Congress Resolution Subject
Nonfederal-Government-Sponsored Events
101st (1989-1991) H.Con.Res. 71 Torch Relay for 1989 Special Olympics
H.Con.Res. 286 Torch Relay for 1990 Special Olympics
S.Con.Res. 98 Public event for Earth Day 1990
102nd (1991-1993) H.Con.Res. 138 Program for National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
H.Con.Res. 331 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 1992
H.Con.Res. 367 Morning Star Foundation and the 1992 Alliance may present “Native Voices: 500 Years After”
S.Con.Res. 34 Torch Relay for 1991 Special Olympics
S.Con.Res. 111 Torch Relay for 1992 Special Olympics
103rd (1993-1995) H.Con.Res. 81 Torch Relay for 1993 Special Olympics
H.Con.Res. 82 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 1993
H.Con.Res. 236 Torch Relay for 1994 Special Olympics
H.Con.Res. 238 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 1994
104th (1995-1997) H.Con.Res. 34 Commemoration of Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus
H.Con.Res. 38 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 1995
H.Con.Res. 64 Torch Relay for 1995 Special Olympics
H.Con.Res. 146 Torch Relay for 1996 Special Olympics
H.Con.Res. 153 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 1996
H.Con.Res. 166 Washington for Jesus 1996 prayer rally
H.Con.Res. 172 1996 Summer Olympics Torch Run Relay
105th (1997-1999) H.Con.Res. 49 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 1997
H.Con.Res. 67 Torch Relay for 1997 Special Olympics
H.Con.Res. 98 SAFE KIDS Buckle Up Car Seat Safety Check
H.Con.Res. 238 National Race for the Cure Breast Cancer Survivors Event
H.Con.Res. 255 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 1998
H.Con.Res. 262 District of Columbia 1998 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run
106th (1999-2001) H.Con.Res. 47 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 1999
H.Con.Res. 49 Earth Force Youth Bike Summit Bike Rodeo
H.Con.Res. 50 District of Columbia 1999 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run
Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Congressional Research Service 17
Congress Resolution Subject
H.Con.Res. 105 Law Enforcement Torch Run for the 1999 Special Olympics World Games
H.Con.Res. 277 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2000
H.Con.Res. 280 District of Columbia 2000 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run
H.Con.Res. 314 Earth Force Youth Bike Summit Bike Rodeo
H.Con.Res. 423 Million Family March
107th (2001-2003) H.Con.Res. 79 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2001
H.Con.Res. 87 District of Columbia 2001 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run
H.Con.Res. 356 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2002
108th (2001-2003) H.Con.Res. 53 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2003
H.Con.Res. 128 District of Columbia 2003 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run
H.Con.Res. 376 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2004
H.Con.Res. 389 District of Columbia 2004 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run
109th (2005-2007) H.Con.Res. 86 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2005
H.Con.Res. 135 District of Columbia 2005 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run
H.Con.Res. 161 Tenth Anniversary of the Million Man March
H.Con.Res. 349 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2006
H.Con.Res. 359 District of Columbia 2006 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run
110th (2007-2009) H.Con.Res. 79 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2007
H.Con.Res. 123 District of Columbia 2007 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run
H.Con.Res. 309 District of Columbia 2008 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run
H.Con.Res. 311 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2008
H.Con.Res. 335 Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated
111th (2009-2011) H.Con.Res. 37 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2009
H.Con.Res. 39 District of Columbia 2009 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run
H.Con.Res. 247 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2010
H.Con.Res. 263 District of Columbia 2010 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run
112th (2011-2013) H.Con.Res. 16 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2011
H.Con.Res. 67 District of Columbia 2011 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run
H.Con.Res. 106 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2012
Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Congressional Research Service 18
Congress Resolution Subject
H.Con.Res. 118 District of Columbia 2012 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run
113th (2013-2015) H.Con.Res. 19 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2013
H.Con.Res. 32 National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition
H.Con.Res. 44 District of Columbia 2013 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run
H.Con.Res. 88 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2014
H.Con.Res. 92 National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition
H.Con.Res. 103 District of Columbia 2014 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run
114th (2015-2017) H.Con.Res. 21 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2015
H.Con.Res. 70 District of Columbia 2015 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run
H.Con.Res. 73 2nd Annual Fallen Firefighters Congressional Flag Presentation Ceremony
H.Con.Res. 74 20th Anniversary of the Million Man March
H.Con.Res. 119 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2016
H.Con.Res. 120 3rd Annual Fallen Firefighters Congressional Flag Presentation Ceremony
H.Con.Res. 131 District of Columbia 2016 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run
115th (2017-2019) H.Con.Res. 36 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2017
H.Con.Res. 69 District of Columbia 2017 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run
H.Con.Res. 113 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2018
116th (2019-2021) H.Con.Res. 19 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2019
117th (2021-2023) H.Con.Res. 88 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2022
118th (2023-2025) H.Con.Res. 43 Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2023
Federal Government Sponsored Events
101st (1989-1991) H.Con.Res. 198 Authorizing a concert performance on Capitol Grounds
103rd (1993-1995) H.Con.Res. 146 Commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the laying of the Capitol cornerstone
105th (1997-1999) H.Con.Res. 265 John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts performances on East Front of Capitol
106th (1999-2001) H.Con.Res. 52 John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts performances on East Front of Capitol
H.Con.Res. 279 Library of Congress 200th Birthday Celebration
H.Con.Res. 281 John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts performances on East Front of Capitol
107th (2001-2003) H.Con.Res. 76 John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts performances on East Front of Capitol
S.Con.Res. 41 National Book Festival 2001
H.Con.Res. 348 National Book Festival 2002
Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Congressional Research Service 19
Congress Resolution Subject
114th (2015-2017) H.Con.Res. 43 Events for Visit of His Holiness Pope Francis
Memorial Services
103rd (1993-1995) H.Con.Res. 71 Twelfth Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
H.Con.Res. 237 Thirteenth Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
104th (1995-1997) H.Con.Res. 147 Fifteenth Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
105th (1997-1999) H.Con.Res. 66 Sixteenth Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
H.Con.Res. 263 Seventeenth Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
106th (1999-2001) H.Con.Res. 44 Eighteenth Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
H.Con.Res. 278 Nineteenth Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
107th (2001-2003) H.Con.Res. 74 Twentieth Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
H.Con.Res. 347 Twenty-First Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
108th (2003-2005) H.Con.Res. 96 Twenty-Second Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
H.Con.Res. 388 Twenty-Third Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
109th (2005-2007) H.Con.Res. 136 Twenty-Fourth Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
H.Con.Res. 360 Twenty-Fifth Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
110th (2007-2009) H.Con.Res. 124 Twenty-Sixth Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
H.Con.Res. 308 Twenty-Seventh Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
111th (2009-2011) H.Con.Res. 38 Twenty-Eighth Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
H.Con.Res. 171 National Weekend of Remembrance Service to honor military personnel who died in service to the United States
H.Con.Res. 264 Twenty-Ninth Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
112th (2011-2013) H.Con.Res. 46 Thirtieth Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
H.Con.Res. 117 Thirty-First Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
113th (2013-2015) H.Con.Res. 18 Thirty-Second Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
H.Con.Res. 92 Thirty-Third Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
114th (2015-2017) H.Con.Res. 25 National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition
H.Con.Res. 117 National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition
115th (2017-2019) H.Con.Res. 35 National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition
H.Con.Res. 115 National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition
116th (2019-2021) H.Con.Res. 16 National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition
117th (2021-2023) H.Con.Res. 41 National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition
H.Con.Res. 74 National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition
Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Congressional Research Service 20
Congress Resolution Subject
118th (2023-2025) H.Con.Res. 15 National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition
H.Con.Res. 83 National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition
Award and Commemorative Ceremonies
106th (1999-2001) S.Con.Res. 139 Dedication of the Japanese-American Memorial to Patriotism
108th (2003-2005) H.Con.Res. 423 Dedication of the National World War II Memorial
110th (2007-2009) H.Con.Res. 196 Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony for Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama
Source: Database query of Congress.gov, 101st-118th Congresses.
Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Congressional Research Service 21
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
110th Congress to 118th Congress
Congress Resolution Subject
Commemoration Ceremonies
110th (2007-2009) H.Con.Res. 435 Ceremonies and activities in connection with the opening of the Capitol Visitor Center
111th (2009-2011) H.Con.Res. 80 Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I
H.Con.Res. 243 Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I
112th (2011-2013) H.Con.Res. 105 Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I
S.Con.Res. 16 Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I
113th (2013-2015) H.Con.Res. 43 Ceremony honoring the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela on his 95th birthday
H.Con.Res. 83 Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I
H.Con.Res. 90 Ceremony for commemoration of the day of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust
S.Con.Res. 10 Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I
114th (2015-2017) H.Con.Res. 9 Ceremony for commemoration of the day of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 43 Events for Visit of His Holiness Pope Francis
H.Con.Res. 48 Ceremony to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War
H.Con.Res. 93 Ceremony to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Ratification of the 13th Amendment
H.Con.Res. 111 Ceremony for commemoration of the day of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 115 Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I
S.Con.Res. 3 Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I
115th (2017-2019) S.Con.Res. 14 Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I
H.Con.Res. 102 Event celebrating the 200th anniversary of Frederick Douglass’s birth
H.Con.Res. 103 Ceremony commemorating the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 112 Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I
116th (2019-2021) H.Con.Res. 31 Ceremony commemorating the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 53 Commemoration of the 400th Anniversary of the arrival of the first African slaves to the territory that would become the United States (commemoration on September 9, 2019)
H.Con.Res. 57 Commemoration of the 400th Anniversary of the arrival of the first African slaves to the territory that would become the United States (commemoration on September 10, 2019)
Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Congressional Research Service 22
Congress Resolution Subject
H.Con.Res. 87 Ceremony commemorating the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust
S.Con.Res. 14 Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I
118th (2023-2025) H.Con.Res. 25 Ceremony commemorating the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 35 Celebration of King Kamehameha Day Lei Draping Ceremony
S.Con.Res. 36 Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I
H.Con.Res. 89 Ceremony commemorating the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust
Congressional Gold Medal Ceremonies
111th (2009-2011) H.Con.Res. 239 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Air Force Service Pilots
112th (2011-2013) H.Con.Res. 128 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the Montford Point Marines
S.Con.Res. 28 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) H.Con.Res. 106 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
H.Con.Res. 120 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the World War II members of the Civil Air Patrol
S.Con.Res. 25 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Native American code talkers
114th (2015-2017 H.Con.Res. 34 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the American Fighter Aces
S.Con.Res. 2 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the First Special Service Force, in recognition of its superior service in World War II
S.Con.Res. 7 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the World War II members of the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders
H.Con.Res. 64 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the Monuments Men
H.Con.Res. 109 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the foot soldiers who participated in the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches
H.Con.Res. 113 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal collectively to the 65th Infantry Regiment, known as the “Borinqueneers”
115th (2017-2019) S.Con.Res. 23 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal collectively to Filipino Veterans of World War II
H.Con.Res. 106 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal collectively to the members of the Office of Strategic Services
116th (2019-2021) H.Con.Res. 91 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal collectively to Chinese- American Veterans of World War II
118th (2023-2025) H.Con.Res. 84 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal collectively to the 23d Headquarters Special Troops and the 3133d Signal Services Company, known collectively as the “Ghost Army”
H.Con.Res. 85 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal collectively to “Rosie the Riveter”
Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Congressional Research Service 23
Congress Resolution Subject
H.Con.Res. 124 Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Katherine Johnson, Christine Darden, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson (NASA Hidden Figures)
Art Work Unveilings
111th (2009-2011) H.Con.Res. 86 Unveiling a bust of Sojourner Truth
112th (2011-2013) H.Con.Res. 99 Unveiling a marker to acknowledge the role that slave labor played in the construction of the U.S. Capitol
113th (2013-2015) S.Con.Res. 16 Unveiling a statue of Frederick Douglass
114th (2015-2017) S.Con.Res. 24 Unveiling of the marble bust of Vice President Richard Cheney
115th (2017-2019) S.Con.Res. 26 Unveiling of the American Prisoners of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Chair of Honor
118th (2023-2025) H.Con.Res. 120 Unveiling a statue of Johnny Cash
H.Con.Res. 127 Unveiling a statue of Martha Hughes Cannon
Presidential Inauguration Activities
112th (2011-2013) S.Con.Res. 36 Use of Emancipation Hall by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2013
113th (2013-2015) S.Con.Res. 2 Reauthorization for the use of Emancipation Hall by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2013
114th (2015-2017) S.Con.Res. 29 Use of Emancipation Hall by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2017
115th (2017-2019) S.Con.Res. 1 Reauthorization for the use of Emancipation Hall by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2017
117th (2021-2023) S.Con.Res. 2 Reauthorization for the use of Emancipation Hall by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2021
118th (2023-2025) S.Con.Res. 35 Use of Emancipation Hall by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2025
Source: Database query of Congress.gov, 110th-118th Congresses.
Author Information
Jacob R. Straus Specialist on the Congress
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.
Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Congressional Research Service RL34619 · VERSION 30 · UPDATED 24
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.