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Bill

Bill

HR 10121

To obtain and direct the placement in the Capitol or on the Capitol Grounds of a statue to honor American humanitarian and star athlete Roberto Clemente of Puerto Rico.

119th Congress Introduced by Gus Bilirakis and 4 co-sponsors

Authorize obtaining and installing a Roberto Clemente statue in the U.S. Capitol, funded up to $500,000 from the Capitol Preservation Fund.

Introduced in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 10121

Overview

  • Bill: H.R. 10121
  • Session: 119th Congress, 2nd Session
  • Purpose: To obtain and direct the placement in the U.S. Capitol or Capitol Grounds of a statue honoring Roberto Clemente Walker, celebrated humanitarian and star baseball player from Puerto Rico.

What the bill seeks to do (Main purpose)

  • Authorize the Joint Committee on the Library (in coordination with the Architect of the Capitol) to obtain, via donation or purchase, a statue honoring Roberto Clemente Walker and to install it permanently in the Capitol or on the Capitol Grounds.
  • Allow the use of Capitol Preservation Fund resources (up to a $500,000 transfer) to cover the costs of obtaining and installing the statue, subject to applicable law and rules.

Key provisions and changes

  1. Findings about Roberto Clemente

    • Establishes background on Clemente: Puerto Rico-born baseball star (Pirates), humanitarian work, public service (e.g., relief efforts after natural disasters), and his legacy in sports and philanthropy.
    • Notes Clemente’s MLB achievements and off-field contributions as context for honoring him with a statue.

  2. Statue obtaining and selection (Section 2(a))

    • Timeframe: Not later than 2 years after enactment.
    • Process: Joint Committee on the Library to enter into an agreement to obtain a statue honoring Clemente.
    • Artist diversity: When selecting the statue, the Joint Committee must consider artists from a variety of backgrounds, including Puerto Rican and other underrepresented groups; public announcements should target such artists.
    • Donation option: The statue may be obtained by donation, subject to laws and rules governing donated works of art.

  3. Installation (Section 2(b))

    • The Architect of the Capitol, under the direction of the Joint Committee on the Library, must permanently install the statue in an appropriate location in the Capitol or on the Capitol Grounds, per 40 U.S.C. § 5102.

  4. Funding (Section 2(c))

    • Authorization to transfer funds from the Capitol Preservation Fund to cover the statue project, via approval by the Capitol Preservation Commission (as established under existing law), with a cap.
    • Transfer limit: Up to $500,000 may be transferred for obtaining and installing the statue.

Who would be affected

  • Legislative entities:
    • Joint Committee on the Library
    • Architect of the Capitol
    • Committee on House Administration (and Senate counterpart committees via consultative process)
  • Capitol-facing stakeholders:
    • Public officials and museum/artpace managers responsible for Capitol art installations
    • The Puerto Rican community and general public, given the cultural significance of Clemente
  • Funding bodies:
    • Capitol Preservation Fund, with potential funds allocated or transferred to support the statue project

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction date: August 20, 2026
  • Referral: House Committee on House Administration
  • Timeline requirement: Not later than 2 years after enactment to secure the statue
  • Process considerations:
    • Publicly announce and solicit artists from diverse backgrounds
    • Potential donation pathway for the statue
    • Compliance with laws governing art donations and the acquisition/installation process

Potential impact and significance

  • Symbolic recognition: Elevates Roberto Clemente’s legacy as a humanitarian and sports icon by placing a statue in the U.S. Capitol environment.
  • Cultural inclusivity: Emphasizes diversity in artistic representation by encouraging participation from underrepresented groups and the Puerto Rican community.
  • Public education and remembrance: Creates a tangible monument for visitors and future generations to recognize Clemente’s contributions to sport and humanitarian aid.
  • Financial considerations: Uses up to half a million dollars from the Capitol Preservation Fund to facilitate the project, subject to statutory and procedural constraints.

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

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