WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 614

Reverend Smalls Road Naming

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Margie Bright Matthews

Designates Sumner Row (16th to L St NW) as Alexi Navalny Way, a symbolic US gesture of solidarity with democratic rights and Navalny's anti-corruption activism.

Adopted, returned to Senate with concurrence
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 614

Summary of S. 614 — Designation of “Alexi Navalny Way” in Washington, DC

A Senate bill introduced on February 18, 2025 would designate a segment of a DC street as “Alexi Navalny Way,” in honor of Russian dissident Alexei Navalny and to express solidarity with democratic freedoms and human rights.

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes a federal designation for a specific area in Washington, DC to be named “Alexi Navalny Way.”
  • Aims to honor Alexei Navalny for his anti-corruption work and promotion of democratic freedoms, and to acknowledge the broader context of political repression under the Vladimir Putin administration.
  • The designation is framed as a gesture of solidarity with the people of the Russian Federation who strive for fundamental freedoms.

Key provisions

  • The designated area: Sumner Row between 16th Street NW and L Street NW in Washington, DC, would be officially named “Alexi Navalny Way.”
  • The designation is described as a continuing expression of solidarity between the people of the United States and those in the Russian Federation who seek democratic rights.
  • The bill references Navalny’s activism, international recognition, and alleged persecution, including allegations of poisonings and political imprisonment, as part of the legislative findings (background statements).

Affected parties and impact

  • District of Columbia and local signage authorities would implement the new street designation, consistent with standard practices for street-name changes.
  • The designation serves as a symbolic gesture tied to diplomatic and human-rights messaging, particularly relating to relations with Russia and the Russian Ambassador’s presence in DC.
  • The section near the Russian Ambassador’s official residence is highlighted in the findings as context for the symbolic renaming.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Introduced in the Senate.
  • Introduction date: February 18, 2025.
  • Legislative actions: On February 18, 2025, the bill was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
  • Related legislation: House companion bill HR 1738 exists.

Sponsorship and related legislation

  • Primary sponsor: Richard J. Durbin.
  • Notable co-sponsors (senators): Catherine Cortez Masto, Rick Scott, Tim Kaine, Alex Blumenthal (note: correct name is Richard Blumenthal), Chris Van Hollen, Chris Coons, Bill Cassidy, Jeff Merkley, Sheldon Whitehouse.
  • Related bill: HR 1738 (House companion).

Context and background (Findings)

  • The bill’s introductory findings discuss alleged transnational repression by the Russian government, including killings, poisoning, arrests, and human-rights abuses.
  • It highlights Navalny as a Russian dissident and anti-corruption figure, notes his death claim (announced February 16, 2024) in a prison context, and cites Navalny’s international recognitions.
  • The findings frame renaming as an expression of solidarity with those seeking democratic freedoms.

Note: This summary reflects the bill as introduced and does not reflect any subsequent amendments or changes in status.

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

Sign in to ask a question.