Congress·Passed House·H.Res. 137

Resolution designating the House Press Gallery (Rooms H-315, H-316, H-317, H-318, and H-319 in the United States Capitol) as the 'Frederick Douglass Press Gallery’

Renaming the House Press Gallery for Frederick Douglass

Jun 9, 2025·View on Congress.gov·Read full text

Next up: The SenateNo action in 13 months

The Senate must act next: Senate consideration, where most legislation needs 60 votes to advance.

Legislative Progress

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Senate

President

Law

Very likely to pass

This is a House Resolution concerning internal House space and has already been passed by the chamber.

Key Points

The House of Representatives voted to rename the rooms used by reporters in the Capitol building. These rooms will now be known as the Frederick Douglass Press Gallery to honor his legacy as a journalist and civil rights leader.
Frederick Douglass was the first Black reporter allowed to work in the Capitol press galleries. From 1871 to 1875, he reported on new laws to keep the African American community informed during the years after the Civil War.
This change recognizes the history of Douglass breaking barriers. He escaped slavery to become a famous speaker and newspaper editor who fought for equal rights and women's rights.
The resolution is a symbolic gesture to celebrate the role Douglass played in American history. It does not change how the press gallery works or how reporters do their daily jobs inside the Capitol.

Impact Analysis

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Milestones

3 milestones13 actions

Jun 9, 2025House

The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.

Jun 9, 2025House

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2549-2550)

The House fast-tracked this bill — limited debate, no amendments allowed, but needs two-thirds support to pass.

Jun 9, 2025

Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2549-2550)

The House fast-tracked this bill — limited debate, no amendments allowed, but needs two-thirds support to pass.

Jun 9, 2025House

DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 137.

Jun 9, 2025House

Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2549-2551)

The House fast-tracked this bill — limited debate, no amendments allowed, but needs two-thirds support to pass.

No votes, news coverage, or related bills recorded for this bill yet.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Resolution designating the House Press Gallery (Rooms H-315, H-316, H-317, H-318, and H-319 in the United States Capitol) as the 'Frederick Douglass Press Gallery’

Bill NumberHRES 137

Congress119th Congress

ChamberHouse of Representatives

Latest ActionThe title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.