Urges Congress to repeal the Residence Act of 1790 and designate Missouri as the nation's capitol

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Louis Riggs

Missouri asks Congress to repeal the Residence Act of 1790 and designate Missouri as the U.S. capital; non-binding, expressing the state’s policy position.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)

#federal-staterelations #generalassembly

Overview

House Concurrent Resolution 32 (HCR 32), introduced in the Missouri General Assembly during the 2026 session, urges the federal government to repeal the Residence Act of 1790 and designate Missouri as the nation's capital. The measure is non-binding at the state level and expresses the legislature’s position on a federal constitutional/policy matter.

Purpose and intent

Primary aim: Request Congress to repeal the Residence Act of 1790 and designate Missouri as the capital of the United States.

Rationale: The resolution reflects a political statement by Missouri lawmakers regarding the federal capital location, signaling alignment with the idea that Missouri should be the capital rather than Washington, D.C. (as implied by the act historically establishing the capital region and its governance).

Key provisions and changes

Formal urging to Congress: The bill directs the Missouri congressional delegation and the federal government to take action to repeal the Residence Act of 1790.

Designation of Missouri as capital: The resolution asks Congress to designate Missouri as the nation’s capital, replacing the current capital location.

Non-binding nature: As a concurrent resolution, it does not repeal federal law or create state requirements; it expresses the sentiments and policy position of Missouri’s General Assembly.

Sponsorship: Co-sponsor listed as Louis Riggs, indicating bipartisan or cross-party support within the chamber.

Who or what would be affected

State government: The resolution itself is a statement of Missouri’s legislative position and would not alter state law or budget directly.

Federal government: The request would be directed at Congress and the federal executive branch; the actual effect would depend on federal action, which is outside Missouri’s immediate control.

Citizens and stakeholders: The resolution could influence public discourse or political messaging but does not impose duties or changes on individuals or Missouri agencies beyond conveying legislative stance.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and first reading: January 13, 2026.

Second reading: January 14, 2026.

Referral: May 15, 2026, to Emerging Issues (H) committee, indicating consideration of a broad or evolving topic.

Status: Pending committee review and potential floor action; as a concurrent resolution, it typically requires passage by both chambers but does not require the governor’s signature.

Potential impact and considerations

Symbolic impact: Serves as a formal statement of Missouri’s desire regarding the location of the U.S. capital, which could shape legislative and public dialogue.

Legal/constitutional constraints: Any change to the location of the U.S. capital would require federal constitutional processes and actions beyond the scope of a state resolution.

Political implications: The resolution may reflect regional perspectives, national policy debates, and strategic messaging ahead of broader discussions about the federal capital’s location.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to historic proposals or summarize related federal debates about the Residence Act and capital relocation.