WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HR 155

A resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for Edward Vaughn, former member of the House of Representatives.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Hall

Ceremonial House resolution honors Edward 'Ed' Vaughn for life, civil-rights leadership, and public service in Detroit; expresses condolences to his family; no legal effect.

adopted by unanimous standing vote
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 155

Summary — H.R. 155: Resolution of Tribute (Memorial for Edward “Ed” Vaughn)

Status: Adopted (by unanimous standing vote)
Introduced: September 2, 2025 (filed) — final actions recorded September 3, 2025
Classification: House resolution (ceremonial memorial)
Related bill: H.R. 3001 (companion)

Purpose

H.R. 155 is a ceremonial resolution offered as a memorial tribute to Edward “Ed” Vaughn, a former member of the House of Representatives. Its primary purpose is to honor his life, public service, civil‑rights leadership, and contributions to the Detroit community and to transmit the Legislature’s condolences to his family.

Key provisions / content

  • Officially recognizes and commemorates the life and public service of Edward Vaughn (born 1934).
  • Summarizes Vaughn’s biography and achievements, including:
    • Education: bachelor’s degree in history and government from Fisk University; one year at University of Illinois Law School.
    • Military service: U.S. Army (honorably discharged c.1959).
    • Community leadership: founder/operator of Vaughn’s Book Store on Dexter Avenue — a hub for African‑American literature and civil‑rights organizing — and founder/organizer roles in Pan‑African and civil‑rights groups.
    • Legislative service: member of the state House representing the 8th District (elected 1978; served 1979–1980) and later the 4th District (1995–2000). Committee leadership and membership cited (e.g., Chair of Constitutional and Civil Rights, Vice‑Chair of Agriculture, committees on Economic Development, Judiciary, Public Safety, etc.).
    • Civic advocacy: notable defense of local control for Detroit Public Schools during a state takeover effort in 1999.
    • Later civic roles: NAACP leadership in Alabama (vice president, Dothan/Wiregrass branch; president, NAACP Alabama State Conference) and national convention delegate.
    • Legacy: Vaughn’s Book Store added to the National Register of Historic Places (2023); local revitalization efforts ongoing.
  • Expresses condolences to Vaughn’s surviving family (wife Wilma, five of six children, grandchildren, extended family).
  • Directs that copies of the resolution be transmitted to the Vaughn family as evidence of the Legislature’s esteem.

Who is affected / impact

  • Primary: the Vaughn family, Detroit community, and organizations preserving Vaughn’s legacy.
  • Secondary: constituents and civic institutions in Detroit and those documenting legislative history.
  • Practical impact: purely honorary and commemorative—no legal, regulatory, or fiscal effects.

Legislative / procedural notes

  • The legislative record shows multiple filings and calendar placements during 2025 (including earlier readings/placements in Feb–May and a final adoption recorded Sept. 3, 2025).
  • The resolution was presented on behalf of the membership (introduced by the Speaker) and adopted by unanimous standing vote.
  • Sponsors and cosponsors are listed in the record; the resolution was reported enrolled following adoption and copies authorized for public and press distribution.

This resolution functions as a formal memorial recognizing Edward Vaughn’s public career and community contributions; it does not change law or appropriate funds.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.