Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall: Concurrent Resolutions, 101st to 119th Congresses
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Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds,
and Emancipation Hall: Concurrent
Resolutions, 101st to 119th Congresses
Updated February 6, 2026
Congressional Research Service
https://crsreports.congress.gov
RL34619
SUMMARY
Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds,
and Emancipation Hall: Concurrent
Resolutions, 101st to 119th Congresses
RL34619
February 6, 2026
Jacob R. Straus
Specialist on the Congress
The Capitol Rotunda and the Capitol Grounds have been used as the setting for a variety of
events, ranging from memorial ceremonies and the reception of foreign dignitaries to the
presentation of awards and the hosting of public competitions. This report identifies and
categorizes uses of the Capitol Rotunda and Capitol Grounds authorized by concurrent resolutions since the 101 st Congress.
In most cases, use of the Capitol Rotunda requires a concurrent resolution agreed to by both the House and Senate. A
concurrent resolution for the use of the Rotunda typically identifies the event and date for which use is authorized. Often, the
resolution also directs physical preparations to be carried out under the supervision of the Architect of the Capitol.
The House and the Senate agreed to 113 concurrent resolutions authorizing the use of the Rotunda between the 101 st
Congress and the first session of the 119th Congress. These resolutions can be divided into seven categories: (1)
commemoration ceremonies; (2) Congressional Gold Medal ceremonies; (3) artwork unveilings; (4) presidential inauguration
activities; (5) receptions or ceremonies honoring living people; (6) persons lying in state or honor; and (7) prayer vigils.
Use of the Capitol Grounds can be authorized either by the passage of a concurrent resolution or through an application
process with the Capitol Police. A concurrent resolution is typically needed for events longer than 24 hours in duration, for
events that require vehicles on the Capitol Grounds for setup, for events requiring electronics on the Lower West Terrace of
the Capitol, and for events where a large number of Members will be in attendance. The Capitol Police’s special events office
handles permits and approval for all other events.
The House and the Senate agreed to 121 concurrent resolutions authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds between the 101 st
Congress and the first session of the 119th Congress. These resolutions can be divided into four categories: (1) events
sponsored by nonfederal-government groups; (2) memorial services; (3) events sponsored by the federal government; and (4)
award and dedication ceremonies.
Upon the completion and opening of the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) during the 110 th Congress, Emancipation Hall of the
CVC became available for use in the same manner as the Rotunda and Capitol Grounds. Use of Emancipation Hall requires
the passage of a resolution agreed to by both houses of Congress authorizing its use. These resolutions can be divided into
four categories: (1) commemoration ceremonies, (2) congressional gold medal ceremonies, (3) artwork unveilings, and (4)
presidential inauguration activities. As of the end of the first session of the 119th Congress, 67 concurrent resolutions
authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall have been agreed to.
Congressional Research Service
Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Concurrent Resolutions for Use of the Rotunda .............................................................................. 2
Methodology ............................................................................................................................. 2
Results ....................................................................................................................................... 2
Commemoration Ceremonies ............................................................................................. 3
Congressional Gold Medal Ceremonies ............................................................................. 3
Artwork Unveilings ............................................................................................................ 3
Persons Lying in State or Honor ......................................................................................... 3
Presidential Inaugural Activities ......................................................................................... 4
Receiving or Honoring Living Persons............................................................................... 4
Prayer Vigils........................................................................................................................ 5
Concurrent Resolutions for Use of the Capitol Grounds ................................................................. 5
Methodology ............................................................................................................................. 5
Results ....................................................................................................................................... 5
Nonfederal-Government-Sponsored Events ....................................................................... 6
Memorial Services .............................................................................................................. 6
Federal Government Sponsored Events .............................................................................. 7
Award and Dedication Ceremonies ..................................................................................... 7
Use of Emancipation Hall of the Capitol Visitor Center ................................................................. 7
Methodology ............................................................................................................................. 8
Results ....................................................................................................................................... 8
Commemoration Ceremonies ............................................................................................. 9
Congressional Gold Medal Ceremonies ............................................................................. 9
Artwork Unveilings ............................................................................................................ 9
Presidential Inauguration Activities .................................................................................... 9
Tables
Table 1. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for Use of the Rotunda ............................................... 2
Table 2. Uses of the Rotunda by Category in Agreed-Upon Concurrent Resolutions..................... 5
Table 3. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for Use of the Capitol Grounds .................................. 6
Table 4. Uses of the Capitol Grounds by Category in Agreed-Upon Concurrent
Resolutions ................................................................................................................................... 7
Table 5. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for Use of Emancipation Hall ..................................... 8
Table 6. Uses of Emancipation Hall by Category in Agreed-Upon Concurrent
Resolutions ................................................................................................................................. 10
Table A-1. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for the Use of the Capitol Rotunda ........................ 11
Table B-1. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for the Use of the Capitol Grounds ...................... 16
Table C-1. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for the Use of Emancipation Hall ......................... 21
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Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Appendixes
Appendix A. Concurrent Resolutions for the Use of the Capitol Rotunda ..................................... 11
Appendix B. Concurrent Resolutions for the Use of the Capitol Grounds ................................... 16
Appendix C. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for the Use of Emancipation Hall ..................... 21
Contacts
Author Information........................................................................................................................ 24
Congressional Research Service
Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Introduction
Both the Capitol Rotunda and the Capitol Grounds have been used as the setting for a variety of
events, ranging from memorial ceremonies and the reception of foreign dignitaries to the
presentation of awards and the hosting of public competitions. This report identifies and
categorizes uses of the Capitol Rotunda and Capitol Grounds authorized by concurrent
resolutions since the 101st Congress.
In most cases, use of the Capitol Rotunda requires a concurrent resolution agreed to by both the
House and Senate.1 A concurrent resolution for the use of the Rotunda typically identifies the
event and date for which use is authorized. Often, the resolution also directs physical preparations
to be carried out “in accordance with such conditions as the Architect of the Capitol may
provide.”2
Use of the Capitol Grounds requires either the passage of a concurrent resolution or permit
approval from the Capitol Police. Events that entail the use of the West Front Steps of the Capitol,
electricity on the Lower West Terrace of the Capitol, require more than 24 hours from setup to
cleanup, require vehicles on Capitol Grounds for setup, or will have a large number of Members
in attendance typically require a concurrent resolution.3 All other events can typically be issued
permits by the U.S. Capitol Police.4
Upon the completion and opening of the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) during the 110th Congress
(2007-2009), Emancipation Hall of the CVC became available for use in the same manner as the
Rotunda and Capitol Grounds. Use of Emancipation Hall requires the passage of a resolution
agreed to by both houses of Congress authorizing its use.5
Additionally, Congress has provided an ongoing authorization for holiday concerts on Capitol
Grounds.6 Traditionally held on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day, these concerts
feature the National Symphony Orchestra, are free, and are open to the public.7
1 Congressional leaders have authorized the use of the Rotunda without a concurrent resolution for the lying in state of
an official when Congress was out of session. For example, use of the Rotunda for the lying in state of President Ford
in January 2007 was authorized by the Speaker of the House and the majority leader of the Senate. Telephone
conversation between the author and Becky F. Dougherty, protocol officer of the U.S. Senate, Office of the Sergeant at
Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate, July 24, 2008.
2 For example, see H.Con.Res. 377 (110th Congress), agreed to June 27, 2008.
3 Telephone conversation between the author and Lt. Kathryn Stillman, special events, U.S. Capitol Police, July 16,
2008.
4 The U.S. Capitol Police application for conducting an event can be found on the Capitol Police website at
https://www.uscp.gov/visiting-capitol-hill/activities-requiring-permits. An application must be submitted at least 120
hours, or five days, in advance of the activity.
5 P.L. 110-437, §103, 122 Stat. 4986 (2008); 2 U.S.C. §2203.
6 H.Con.Res. 133 (97th Congress), 95 Stat. 1760 (1981); 40 U.S.C. §5107.
7 U.S. Congress, Architect of the Capitol, “Concerts at the U.S. Capitol,” https://www.aoc.gov/what-we-do/programsceremonies/concerts.
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Concurrent Resolutions for Use of the Rotunda
Methodology
To identify legislation that authorized the use of the Capitol Rotunda, CRS conducted a search of
Congress.gov for the 101st Congress (1989-1991) through the first session of the 119th Congress
(2025) for agreed-to concurrent resolutions using the subject term “rotunda.” The results of the
search were then examined individually to differentiate resolutions for the use of the Rotunda
from references to it in otherwise unrelated legislation.8
Results
The search identified 113 concurrent resolutions that were agreed to by the House and Senate.
Between the 101st Congress and the first session of the 119th Congress, the House and Senate
agreed to between one and nine concurrent resolutions per Congress that authorized the use of the
Rotunda. Table 1 reports the total number of resolutions agreed to in each Congress.
Table 1. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for Use of the Rotunda
101st Congress to first session, 119th Congress
Congress
Number
Congress
Number
101 (1989-1991)
7
111 (2009-2011)
9
102 (1991-1993)
4
112 (2011-2013)
9
103 (1993-1995)
1
113 (2013-2015)
6
104 (1995-1997)
6
114 (2015-2017)
3
105 (1997-1999)
8
115 (2017-2019)
6
106 (1999-2001)
8
116 (2019-2021)
1
107 (2001-2003)
8
117 (2021-2023)
8
108 (2003-2005)
7
118 (2023-2025)
3
109 (2005-2007)
8
119 (2025-2027)
2
110 (2007-2009)
9
Total (101st-119th)
113
Source: Database query of Congress.gov, 101st Congress to first session 119th Congress.
Appendix A, which lists the results of the database search, provides the following information for
each concurrent resolution: the Congress in which the resolution was introduced, the resolution
number, and the subject of the resolution.
Concurrent resolutions authorizing the use of the Rotunda can be divided into seven categories:
(1) commemoration ceremonies; (2) Congressional Gold Medal ceremonies; (3) artwork
unveilings; (4) presidential inauguration activities; (5) receptions or ceremonies honoring living
people; (6) persons lying in state or honor; and (7) prayer vigils. The following sections provide a
brief explanation of each category and examples of activities. Table 2 contains the number of
concurrent resolutions agreed to by Congress since 1989, by category.
8 Each piece of legislation identified by the search was examined to determine (1) whether the legislation authorized the
use of the Rotunda, and (2) the purpose for which the use was authorized.
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Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Commemoration Ceremonies
The largest percentage of concurrent resolutions (30.1%) authorized the use of the Rotunda for a
commemoration ceremony, often of an historical event. For example, concurrent resolutions
authorizing the use of the Rotunda for a ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of
remembrance of victims of the Holocaust were passed during each Congress.9 In recent
Congresses, resolutions were also agreed to for Rotunda ceremonies to commemorate the 60th
anniversary of the integration of the U.S. Armed Forces,10 the 200th birthday of Constantino
Brumidi,11 the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration,12 and the 50th
anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.13
Congressional Gold Medal Ceremonies
Ceremonies to award Congressional Gold Medals account for 23.0% of the concurrent resolutions
for the use of the Rotunda agreed to since the 101st Congress. These award ceremonies include
presentations of Congressional Gold Medals to Rosa Parks, cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, the
Tuskegee Airmen, and other recipients.14
Artwork Unveilings
Since the 101st Congress, 14.2% of concurrent resolutions have been agreed to for the use of the
Rotunda for ceremonies to unveil artwork. These have included unveiling ceremonies for portrait
busts of former Vice Presidents,15 as well as presentation ceremonies of statues prior to placement
in Statuary Hall.16
Persons Lying in State or Honor
Use of the Rotunda for individuals to lie in state or honor accounted for 14.2% of Rotunda events
authorized by concurrent resolution.17 These events have included the lying in state of President
9 For example, see H.Con.Res. 66, 110th Congress.
10 H.Con.Res. 377, 110th Congress.
11 H.Con.Res. 202, 109th Congress. Constantino Brumidi was an artist who painted the “apotheosis of Washington” in
the dome of the Capitol as well as frescoes and murals in the first floor hallways on the Senate wing of the Capitol
Building. For more information on Constantino Brumidi, see U.S. Congress, Architect of the Capitol, Constantino
Brumidi: Artist of the Capitol (Washington: GPO, 1998).
12 S.Con.Res. 75, 111th Congress.
13 H.Con.Res. 100, 113th Congress.
14 For a list of Congressional Gold Medals awarded, see CRS Report R45101, Congressional Gold Medals:
Background, Legislative Process, and Issues for Congress, by Jacob R. Straus.
15 For example, S.Con.Res. 63, 108th Congress, authorized the use of the Rotunda for an unveiling ceremony of a
portrait bust of former Vice President Quayle.
16 For example, H.Con.Res. 242, 109th Congress, authorized the use of the Rotunda for a presentation ceremony of a
statue of Po’Pay, prior to placement in Statuary Hall. For more information on the National Statuary Hall Collection,
see CRS Report R42812, National Statuary Hall Collection: Background and Legislative Options, by Jacob R. Straus,
R. Eric Petersen, and Jennifer E. Manning.
17 On December 29, 2024, President James Earl “Jimmy” Carter Jr. died. In the tradition of past presidential deaths,
President Carter received a state funeral and lay in state in the Capitol Rotunda. Authorization for President Carter to
lie in state occurred in the 119th Congress (S.Con.Res. 3) and is not reflected in this report. For more information on
individuals lying in state or honor in the Rotunda, see CRS Insight IN10961, Senators Lying in State in the U.S.
Capitol, by Jacob R. Straus; CRS Insight IN11472, Members of the House of Representatives Lying in State in the U.S.
Capitol, by Jacob R. Straus; and CRS Insight IN11510, Lying in State or Honor in the U.S. Capitol by Non-Members of
Congress, by Jacob R. Straus.
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Ronald Reagan,18 President George H. W. Bush,19 and President Jimmy Carter;20 Senator Claude
Pepper,21 Senator Daniel K. Inouye,22 Senator John McCain,23 Representative John Lewis,24
Senator Harry Reid, and Senator Robert Dole;25 the lying in honor of Rosa Parks, Reverend Billy
Graham, and Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams,26 Capitol Police Officers William F. Evans
and Brian Sicknick,27 and Ralph Puckett Jr.;28 and the memorial service for Detective John
Michael Gibson and Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut of the U.S. Capitol Police.29
Presidential Inaugural Activities
In preparation for the quadrennial Presidential inauguration activities that take place at the
Capitol, concurrent resolutions were passed during the 102nd, 104th, 106th, 108th, 110th, 112th,
113th, 115th, 117th, 118th, and 119th Congresses.30 These resolutions have authorized the Joint
Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies to use the Rotunda “in connection with the
proceedings and ceremonies conducted for the inauguration of the President-elect and the Vice
President-elect of the United States.”31 Since the 101st Congress, 11.5% of concurrent resolutions
have authorized the use of the Rotunda for inaugural activities.
Receiving or Honoring Living Persons
Since the 101st Congress, 5.3% of concurrent resolutions have authorized the use of the Rotunda
for the purposes of receiving foreign dignitaries or honoring a living person. For example, during
the 102nd Congress, use of the Rotunda was authorized for a ceremony and reception for the Dalai
Lama.32 During the 105th Congress, use of the Rotunda was authorized for a ceremony honoring
Mother Teresa.33 During the 114th Congress, the use of the Rotunda was authorized for events
surrounding the visit by His Holiness Pope Francis to address a joint session of Congress.34
18 President Reagan: H.Con.Res. 444, 108th Congress; S.Con.Res. 115, 108th Congress.
19 President Bush: S.Con.Res. 55, 115th Congress.
20 President Carter: S.Con.Res. 3, 119th Congress.
21 Sen. Claude Pepper: H.Con.Res. 139, 101st Congress.
22 Sen. Daniel K. Inouye: S.Con.Res. 64, 112th Congress.
23 Sen. John McCain: S.Con.Res. 44, 115th Congress.
24 Rep. John Lewis: H.Con.Res. 105, 116th Congress.
25 Sen. Robert Dole: S.Con.Res. 23, 117th Congress; Sen. Harry Reid: S.Con.Res. 25, 117th Congress.
26 Rosa Parks: S.Con.Res. 61, 109th Congress; Reverend Billy Graham: H.Con.Res. 107, 115th Congress; Hershel
Woodrow “Woody” Williams: S.Con.Res. 42, 117th Congress.
27 Officer Sicknick: H.Con.Res. 10, 117th Congress; Officer Evans: H.Con.Res. 27, 117th Congress.
28 Ralph Puckett Jr.: S.Con.Res. 33, 118th Congress.
29 USCP Detective John Michael Gibson and Private First Class Jacob Joseph Chestnut: H.Con.Res. 206, 105th
Congress.
30 For example, see S.Con.Res. 68, 110th Congress.
31 For example, see S.Con.Res. 68, 110th Congress.
32 H.Con.Res. 115, 102nd Congress.
33 S.Con.Res. 26, 105th Congress.
34 H.Con.Res. 43, 114th Congress. The same resolution also authorized the use of the Capitol Grounds and
Emancipation Hall for events. For more information on His Holiness Pope Francis’s visit to the U.S. Capitol and his
address to a joint session of Congress, see CRS In Focus IF10211, Foreign Leaders Addressing Congress, by Jacob R.
Straus.
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Prayer Vigils
On two occasions during the 107th Congress (1.8%), concurrent resolutions were agreed to for the
use of the Rotunda for prayer vigils. H.Con.Res. 233 authorized the use of the Rotunda for a
prayer vigil in memory of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. S.Con.Res. 83
authorized the use of the Rotunda for a ceremony as part of a National Day of Reconciliation.
Table 2. Uses of the Rotunda by Category in Agreed-Upon Concurrent Resolutions
101st Congress to first session 119th Congress
Category
Number of Uses
Percentage of Total
Commemoration Ceremonies
34
30.1%
Congressional Gold Medal Ceremonies
26
23.0%
Artwork Unveilings
16
14.2%
Persons Lying in State or Honor
16
14.2%
Presidential Inaugural Activities
13
11.5%
Receiving or Honoring Living People
6
5.3%
Prayer Vigils
2
1.8%
Total
113
100%
Source: Database query of Congress.gov, 101st Congress to first session 119th Congress.
Concurrent Resolutions for Use of the Capitol
Grounds
Methodology
To identify legislation that authorized the use of the Capitol Rotunda, CRS conducted a search of
Congress.gov for the 101st Congress (1989-1991) through the first session of the 119th Congress
(2025) for agreed-to concurrent resolutions with the subject term “Capitol Grounds.” The results
of the search were then examined individually to differentiate resolutions for the use of the
Capitol Grounds from references to it in otherwise unrelated legislation.35 The uses of the Capitol
Grounds identified here are restricted to those authorized by concurrent resolution of the House
and Senate.
Results
The search identified a total of 121 concurrent resolutions that were agreed to by the House and
Senate. Between the 101st Congress and the first session of the 119th Congress, the House and
Senate agreed to between 1 and 14 concurrent resolutions per Congress that authorized the use of
the Capitol Grounds. Table 3 reports the total number of resolutions agreed to in each Congress.
35 Each piece of legislation identified by the search was examined to determine (1) whether the legislation authorized
the use of the Capitol Grounds, and (2) the purpose for which the use was authorized.
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Table 3. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for Use of the Capitol Grounds
101st Congress to first session 119th Congress
Congress
Number
Congress
Number
101 (1989-1991)
4
111 (2009-2011)
7
102 (1991-1993)
6
112 (2011-2013)
6
103 (1993-1995)
7
113 (2013-2015)
7
104 (1995-1997)
6
114 (2015-2017)
10
105 (1997-1999)
9
115 (2017-2019)
5
106 (1999-2001)
14
116 (2019-2021)
2
107 (2001-2003)
9
117 (2021-2023)
3
108 (2003-2005)
7
118 (2023-2025)
3
109 (2005-2007)
7
119 (2025-2027)
1
8
Total (101st-118th)
121
110 (2007-2009)
Source: Database query of Congress.gov, 101st Congress to first session 119th Congress.
Appendix B, which lists the results of the database search, provides the following information for
each concurrent resolution: the Congress in which the resolution was introduced, the resolution
number, and the subject of the resolution.
Concurrent resolutions authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds can be divided into one of four
categories: (1) events sponsored by nonfederal-government groups; (2) memorial services; (3)
events sponsored by the federal government; and (4) award and dedication ceremonies. The
following sections provide a brief explanation of each category with examples of the types of
activities concurrent resolutions provided for on the Capitol Grounds. Table 4 contains the
number of concurrent resolutions agreed to by Congress since 1989 by category.
Nonfederal-Government-Sponsored Events
The largest percentage of concurrent resolutions agreed to (63.1%) authorized events that are
sponsored by nonfederal-government entities. For example, concurrent resolutions authorizing
the use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby36 and the District of
Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Relay37 are typically agreed to each
Congress.
Memorial Services
Memorial services held on the Capitol Grounds account for 26.2% of the concurrent resolutions
passed since the 101st Congress. Each year since 1989, the House and Senate have agreed to a
concurrent resolution allowing the National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service to be conducted on
Capitol Grounds.38 The ceremony honors law enforcement officers who gave their lives in the
line of duty during the previous year.39
36 For example, see H.Con.Res. 311, 110th Congress.
37 For example, see H.Con.Res. 309, 110th Congress.
38 For example, see H.Con.Res. 308, 110th Congress.
39 U.S. Congress, Architect of the Capitol, “Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service,” May 14, 2019, at
https://www.aoc.gov/about-us/news-notices/annual-national-peace-officers-memorial-service.
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Federal Government Sponsored Events
Events sponsored by the federal government compose 8.2% of events on the Capitol Grounds
authorized by concurrent resolution. These events have included authorizing the John F. Kennedy
Center for the Performing Arts to hold performances on the East Front of the Capitol,40 allowing
the National Book Festival to run programs on the Capitol Grounds,41 and authorizing a
celebration for the Library of Congress’s 200th birthday.42
Award and Dedication Ceremonies
Award and dedication ceremonies account for 2.5% of events authorized by concurrent resolution
for the Capitol Grounds. Since 1989, three award and dedication ceremonies have been
authorized through concurrent resolution. In the 106th Congress (1999-2001), Congress
authorized the use of the Capitol Grounds for the dedication of the Japanese-American Memorial
to Patriotism;43 in the 108th Congress (2003-2005), the dedication ceremony for the National
World War II Memorial was authorized for the Capitol Grounds;44 and in the 110th Congress
(2007-2009), the presentation ceremony for the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to Tenzin
Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, took place on the Capitol Grounds.45
Table 4. Uses of the Capitol Grounds by Category in Agreed-Upon
Concurrent Resolutions
101st Congress to first session 119th Congress
Category
Number of Uses
Percentage of Total
Nonfederal-Government-Sponsored Event
77
63.1%
Memorial Services
32
26.2%
Federal Government Sponsored Events
10
8.2%
Award and Dedication Ceremonies
3
2.5%
Total
122
100%
Source: Database query of Congress.gov, 101st Congress to first session 119th Congress.
Use of Emancipation Hall of the Capitol Visitor
Center
Upon the completion and opening of the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC) during the 110th Congress,
Emancipation Hall of the CVC became available for use in the same manner as the Rotunda and
Capitol Grounds. Use of Emancipation Hall requires the passage of a resolution agreed to by both
houses of Congress authorizing its use.46
40 For example, see H.Con.Res. 76, 107th Congress.
41 For example, see H.Con.Res. 348, 107th Congress.
42 For example, see H.Con.Res. 279, 106th Congress.
43 S.Con.Res. 139, 106th Congress.
44 H.Con.Res. 423, 108th Congress.
45 H.Con.Res. 196, 110th Congress.
46 P.L. 110-437, §103, 122 Stat. 4986 (2008); 2 U.S.C. §2203.
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The first concurrent resolution authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall was agreed to during the
110th Congress. It provided for the use of the Hall in connection with “ceremonies and activities
held in connection with the opening of the Capitol Visitor Center to the public.”47 Consistent with
previous resolutions authorizing the use of the Rotunda, the concurrent resolution for the use of
Emancipation Hall directed that physical preparations be carried out “in accordance with such
conditions as the Architect of the Capitol may provide.”48
Methodology
To identify legislation that authorized the use of the Capitol Rotunda, CRS conducted a search of
Congress.gov from the 101st Congress (1989-1991) through the first session of the 119th Congress
(2025) for agreed-to concurrent resolutions using the subject term “Emancipation Hall.” The uses
of Emancipation Hall identified here are restricted to those authorized by concurrent resolution of
the House and Senate.
Results
The search identified a total of 67 concurrent resolutions that were agreed to by the House and
Senate. Between the 110th Congress and the first session of the 119th Congress, the House and
Senate agreed to between 1 and 15 concurrent resolutions per Congress that authorized the use of
Emancipation Hall. Table 5 reports the total number of resolutions agreed to in each Congress.
Table 5. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for Use of Emancipation Hall
110th Congress to first session 119th Congress
Congress
Number
Congress
Number
110 (2007-2009)
1
115 (2017-2019)
8
111 (2009-2011)
4
116 (2019-2021)
6
112 (2011-2013)
6
117 (2021-2023)
1
113 (2013-2015)
9
118 (2023-2025)
10
114 (2015-2017)
15
119 (2025-2027)
7
Total (110th-119th)
60
Source: Database query of Congress.gov, 110th Congress to first session 119th Congress.
Appendix C, which lists the results of the database search, provides the following information for
each concurrent resolution: the Congress in which the resolution was introduced, the resolution
number, and the subject of the resolution.
Concurrent resolutions authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall can be divided into one of four
categories: (1) commemoration ceremonies, (2) congressional gold medal ceremonies, (3)
artwork unveilings, and (4) presidential inauguration activities. The following sections provide a
brief explanation of each category with examples of the types of activities concurrent resolutions
provided for on Emancipation Hall. Table 6 contains the number of concurrent resolutions agreed
to by Congress since 2007 by category.
47 H.Con.Res. 435, 110th Congress.
48 H.Con.Res. 435, 110th Congress.
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Commemoration Ceremonies
The largest percentage of concurrent resolutions agreed to (46.3%) authorized the use of
Emancipation Hall for commemoration ceremonies. For example, concurrent resolutions
authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall are agreed to annually to celebrate the birthday of King
Kamehameha.49
Congressional Gold Medal Ceremonies
Ceremonies to award Congressional Gold Medals account for 31.3% of the concurrent resolutions
for the use of Emancipation Hall agreed to since the 110th Congress. These award ceremonies
include presentations of Congressional Gold Medals to Women Air Force Service Pilots,50 the
Montford Point Marines,51 and Native American Code Talkers.52
Artwork Unveilings
Since the 110th Congress, 11.9% of concurrent resolutions have been agreed to for the use of
Emancipation Hall for ceremonies to unveil artwork. These have included unveiling ceremonies
for a bust of Sojourner Truth,53 a marker acknowledging the role of slaves in building the
Capitol,54 a statue of Frederick Douglass,55 and the American Prisoners of War/Missing in Action
(POW/MIA) Chair of Honor.56
Presidential Inauguration Activities
Since Emancipation Hall opened in the middle of the 110th Congress, Congress has also utilized
the space for inaugural activities. Just like the resolutions authorizing the use of the Rotunda for
inaugural activities, these resolutions have authorized the Joint Congressional Committee on
Inaugural Ceremonies to use Emancipation Hall “in connection with the proceedings and
ceremonies conducted for the inauguration of the President-elect and the Vice President-elect of
the United States.”57 Since the 110th Congress, 10.4% of concurrent resolutions have authorized
the use of Emancipation Hall for inaugural activities.
49 For example, see H.Con.Res. 80, 111th Congress; and H.Con.Res. 105, 112th Congress.
50 H.Con.Res. 239, 111th Congress.
51 H.Con.Res. 128, 112th Congress.
52 S.Con.Res. 25, 113th Congress.
53 H.Con.Res. 86, 111th Congress.
54 H.Con.Res. 99, 112th Congress.
55 S.Con.Res. 16, 113th Congress.
56 S.Con.Res. 26, 115th Congress.
57 S.Con.Res. 2, 113th Congress.
Congressional Research Service
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Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Table 6. Uses of Emancipation Hall by Category in Agreed-Upon
Concurrent Resolutions
110th Congress to first session 119th Congress
Category
Number of Uses
Percentage of Total
Commemorative Ceremonies
31
46.3%
Congressional Gold Medal Ceremonies
21
31.3%
Artwork Unveilings
8
11.9%
Presidential Inauguration Activities
7
10.4%
Total
67
100%
Source: Database query of Congress.gov, 110th Congress to first session 119th Congress.
Congressional Research Service
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Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Appendix A. Concurrent Resolutions for the Use of
the Capitol Rotunda
Table A-1. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for the Use of the Capitol Rotunda
101st Congress to first session 119th Congress
Congress
Resolution
Subject
Commemoration Ceremonies
101st (1989-1991)
S.Con.Res. 133
Ceremony celebrating American military heroism
H.Con.Res. 50
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance
of victims of the Holocaust
102nd (1991-1993)
H.Con.Res. 45
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance
of victims of the Holocaust
103rd (1993-1995)
H.Con.Res. 41
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance
of victims of the Holocaust
104th (1995-1997)
S.Con.Res. 29
Ceremony celebrating the 3000th Anniversary of Jerusalem
H.Con.Res. 106
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance
of victims of the Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 20
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance
of victims of the Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 206
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance
of victims of the Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 11
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance
of victims of the Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 244
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance
of victims of the Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 81
Ceremony in honor of the 50th anniversary of NATO
H.Con.Res. 19
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance
of victims of the Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 325
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance
of victims of the Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 14
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance
of victims of the Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 359
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance
of victims of the Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 40
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance
of victims of the Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 427
Ceremony for the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the
Department of Veterans Affairs
H.Con.Res. 350
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance
of victims of the Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 202
Ceremony to honor Constantino Brumidi on the 200th anniversary of
his birth
H.Con.Res. 63
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance
of victims of the Holocaust
105th (1997-1999)
106th (1999-2001)
107th (2001-2003)
108th (2003-2005)
109th (2005-2007)
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Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Congress
Resolution
Subject
110th (2007-2009)
H.Con.Res. 377
Ceremony commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the integration of
the Armed Forces
H.Con.Res. 313
Ceremony to honor Iraq War troops and those serving in Afghanistan
and throughout the world
H.Con.Res. 306
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance
of victims of the Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 66
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance
of victims of the Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 27
Ceremony in honor of the bicentennial of the birth of President
Abraham Lincoln
H.Con.Res. 54
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance
of victims of the Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 236
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance
of victims of the Holocaust
S.Con.Res. 75
Ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the inaugural address of
President John F. Kennedy
S.Con.Res. 2
Ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the inaugural address of
President John F. Kennedy
H.Con.Res. 33
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance
of victims of the Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 108
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance
of victims of the Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 14
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance
of victims of the Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 100
Ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the enactment of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964
H.Con.Res. 18
Ceremony as part of the commemoration of the days of remembrance
of victims of the Holocaust
111th (2009-2011)
112th (2011-2013)
113th (2013-2015)
115th (2017-2019)
Persons Lying in State or Honor
101st (1989-1991)
H.Con.Res. 139
Authorizing the use of the Rotunda for the lying in state of the remains
of the Honorable Claude Pepper
105th (1997-1999)
H.Con.Res. 310
Authorizing a memorial service for John Gibson and Jacob Chestnut of
the Capitol Police
108th (2001-2003)
S.Con.Res. 115
Authorizing the use of the Rotunda for the lying in state of the remains
of Ronald Reagan
109th (2005-2007)
S.Con.Res. 61
Authorizing the remains of Rosa Parks to lie in honor in the Rotunda
112th (2011-2013)
S.Con.Res. 64
Authorizing the use of the Rotunda for the lying in state of the remains
of the Honorable Daniel K. Inouye
115th (2017-2019)
H.Con.Res. 107
Authorizing Reverend Billy Graham to lie in honor in the Rotunda
S.Con.Res. 44
Authorizing the use of the Rotunda for the lying in state of the remains
of the Honorable John Sidney McCain, III
S.Con.Res. 55
Authorizing the use of the Rotunda for the lying in state of the remains
of George Herbert Walker Bush
H.Con.Res. 105
Authorizing the use of the Rotunda for the lying in state of the remains
of John Lewis
116th (2019-2021)
Congressional Research Service
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Congress
Resolution
Subject
117th (2021-2023)
H.Con.Res. 10
Authorizing the use of the Rotunda for the lying in honor of the
remains of U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick
H.Con.Res. 27
Authorizing the use of the Rotunda for the lying in honor of the
remains of U.S. Capitol Police Officer William F. Evans
S.Con.Res. 23
Authorizing the use of the Rotunda for the lying in state of the remains
of Robert Joseph Dole
S.Con.Res. 25
Authorizing the use of the Rotunda for the lying in state of the remains
of Harry Mason Reid Jr.
S.Con.Res. 42
Authorizing the use of the Rotunda for the lying in honor of Hershel
Woodrow “Woody” Williams
118th (2023-2025)
S.Con.Res. 33
Authorizing the use of the Rotunda for the lying in honor of Ralph
Puckett Jr.
119th (2025-2027)
S.Con.Res. 3
Authorizing the use of the Rotunda for the lying in state of the remains
of James Earl Carter, Jr.
Congressional Gold Medal Ceremonies
104th (1995-1997)
S.Con.Res. 45
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Reverend and Mrs. Billy
Graham
105th (1997-1999)
H.Con.Res. 326
Presenting the Congressional Gold Medal to Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
106th (1999-2001)
H.Con.Res. 127
Presenting a gold medal on behalf of Congress to Rosa Parks
H.Con.Res. 196
Presenting the Congressional Gold Medal to Mrs. Gerald R. Ford
H.Con.Res. 344
Presenting the Congressional Gold Medal to Father Theodore
Hesburgh
H.Con.Res. 149
Awarding a gold medal on behalf of Congress to Charles M. Schulz
H.Con.Res. 174
Awarding Congressional Gold Medals to the original 29 Navajo Code
Talkers
H.Con.Res. 305
Awarding a gold medal on behalf of Congress to former President
Reagan and his wife
107th (2001-2003)
H.Con.Res. 469
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to General Henry H. Shelton
108th (2003-2005)
H.Con.Res. 357
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Dorothy Height
109th (2005-2007)
H.Con.Res. 79
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Jackie Robinson
110th (2007-2009)
H.Con.Res. 164
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Norman E. Borlaug
H.Con.Res. 196
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Tenzin Gyatso, the
Fourteenth Dali Lama
S.Con.Res. 15
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the Tuskegee Airmen
S.Con.Res. 71
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Michael Ellis DeBakey,
M.D.
111th (2009-2011)
S.Con.Res. 43
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to former Senator Edward
Brooke
112th (2011-2013)
S.Con.Res. 29
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Neil Armstrong, Edwin E.
“Buzz” Aldrin Jr., Michael Collins, and John Glenn
H.Con.Res. 133
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Arnold Palmer
H.Con.Res. 135
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi
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Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Congress
Resolution
Subject
113th (2013-2015)
H.Con.Res. 20
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Professor Muhamad Yunus
S.Con.Res. 36
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Raoul Wallenberg
S.Con.Res. 37
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Shimon Peres
114th (2015-2017)
H.Con.Res. 12
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Jack Nicklaus
115th (2017-2019)
S.Con.Res. 31
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Bob Dole
117th (2021-2023)
H.Con.Res. 118
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the U.S. Capitol Police
officers who protected the Capitol on January 6, 2021
118th (2023-2025)
H.Con.Res. 126
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the Servicemembers who
Perished in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021
Presidential Inaugural Activities
102nd (1991-1993)
S.Con.Res. 103
Use of Rotunda by Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural
Ceremonies for 1993
104th (1995-1997)
S.Con.Res. 48
Use of Rotunda by Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural
Ceremonies for 1997
106th (1999-2001)
S.Con.Res. 90
Use of Rotunda by Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural
Ceremonies for 2001
108th (2003-2005)
S.Con.Res. 93
Use of Rotunda by Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural
Ceremonies for 2005
110th (2007-2009)
S.Con.Res. 68
Use of Rotunda by Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural
Ceremonies for 2009
111th (2009-2011)
S.Con.Res. 2
Reauthorization of use of Rotunda by Joint Congressional Committee
on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2009
112th (2011-2013)
S.Con.Res. 36
Use of Rotunda by Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural
Ceremonies for 2013
113th (2013-2015)
S.Con.Res. 2
Reauthorization of use of Rotunda by Joint Congressional Committee
on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2013
114th (2015-2017)
S.Con.Res. 29
Use of Rotunda by Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural
Ceremonies for 2017
115th (2017-2019)
S.Con.Res. 1
Reauthorization of the use of Rotunda by Joint Congressional
Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2017
117th (2021-2023)
S.Con.Res. 2
Reauthorization of the use of the Rotunda by the Joint Congressional
Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2021
118th (2023-2025)
S.Con.Res. 35
Use of the Rotunda by the Joint Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies
for 2025
119th (2025-2027)
S.Con.Res. 1
Reauthorization of the use of the Rotunda by the Joint Committee on
Inaugural Ceremonies for 2025
Artwork Unveiling
101st (1989-1991)
102nd (1991-1993)
S.Con.Res. 5
Ceremony to inaugurate the display of the POW/MIA flag
H.Con.Res. 251
Dedication ceremony incidental to the placement of bust of Lajos
Kossuth in the Capitol
H.Con.Res. 226
Presentation ceremony of statue of Philo T. Farnsworth prior to
placement in Statuary Hall
S.Con.Res. 49
Unveiling ceremony of portrait bust of President George H.W. Bush
Congressional Research Service
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Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Congress
Resolution
Subject
104th (1995-1997)
H.Con.Res. 94
Dedication ceremony incidental to the placement of bust of Raoul
Wallenberg in the Capitol
105th (1997-1999)
H.Con.Res. 25
Presentation ceremony of statue of Jack Swigert prior to placement in
Statuary Hall
106th (1999-2001)
H.Con.Res. 333
Presentation ceremony of statue of Chief Washakie prior to placement
in Statuary Hall
108th (2003-2005)
H.Con.Res. 236
Unveiling ceremony of statue of Sarah Sakakawea prior to placement in
Statuary Hall
S.Con.Res. 63
Unveiling ceremony of portrait bust of Vice President Dan Quayle
H.Con.Res. 5
Presentation ceremony of statue of Sarah Winnemucca prior to
placement in Statuary Hall
H.Con.Res. 242
Presentation ceremony of statue of Po’Pay prior to placement in
Statuary Hall
H.Con.Res. 101
Presentation ceremony of statue of Ronald Reagan prior to placement
in Statuary Hall
S.Con.Res. 41
Presentation ceremony of statue of Helen Keller prior to placement in
Statuary Hall
S.Con.Res. 42
Presentation ceremony of statue of Helen Keller prior to placement in
Statuary Hall
112th (2011-2013)
H.Con.Res. 27
Presentation ceremony of statue of Gerald R. Ford prior to placement
in Rotunda
117th (2021-2023)
S.Con.Res. 44
Presentation ceremony of statue of Harry S. Truman prior to
placement in Rotunda
109th (2005-2009)
111th (2009-2011)
Prayer Vigils
107th (2001-2003)
H.Con.Res. 233
Prayer Vigil in memory of those who lost their lives on September 11,
2001
S.Con.Res. 83
Ceremony as part of a National Day of Reconciliation
Receiving or Honoring Living People
101st (1989-1991)
H.Con.Res. 344
Reception for His All Holiness Patriarch Dimitrios
102nd (1991-1993)
H.Con.Res. 115
Ceremony and Reception for the Dalai Lama
105th (1997-1999)
S.Con.Res. 56
Ceremony honoring Leslie Townes (Bob) Hope
S.Con.Res. 26
Ceremony honoring Mother Teresa
H.Con.Res. 134
Reception for His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew
H.Con.Res. 43
Events for the Visit of His Holiness Pope Francis
114th (2015-2017)
Source: Database query of Congress.gov, 101st Congress to first session 119th Congress.
Congressional Research Service
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Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Appendix B. Concurrent Resolutions for the Use of
the Capitol Grounds
Table B-1. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for the Use of the Capitol Grounds
101st Congress to first session 119th Congress
Congress
Resolution
Subject
Nonfederal-Government-Sponsored Events
101st (1989-1991)
102nd (1991-1993)
103rd (1993-1995)
104th (1995-1997)
105th (1997-1999)
106th (1999-2001)
H.Con.Res. 71
Torch Relay for 1989 Special Olympics
H.Con.Res. 286
Torch Relay for 1990 Special Olympics
S.Con.Res. 98
Public event for Earth Day 1990
H.Con.Res. 138
Program for National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
H.Con.Res. 331
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 1992
H.Con.Res. 367
Morning Star Foundation and the 1992 Alliance may present “Native
Voices: 500 Years After”
S.Con.Res. 34
Torch Relay for 1991 Special Olympics
S.Con.Res. 111
Torch Relay for 1992 Special Olympics
H.Con.Res. 81
Torch Relay for 1993 Special Olympics
H.Con.Res. 82
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 1993
H.Con.Res. 236
Torch Relay for 1994 Special Olympics
H.Con.Res. 238
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 1994
H.Con.Res. 34
Commemoration of Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus
H.Con.Res. 38
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 1995
H.Con.Res. 64
Torch Relay for 1995 Special Olympics
H.Con.Res. 146
Torch Relay for 1996 Special Olympics
H.Con.Res. 153
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 1996
H.Con.Res. 166
Washington for Jesus 1996 prayer rally
H.Con.Res. 172
1996 Summer Olympics Torch Run Relay
H.Con.Res. 49
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 1997
H.Con.Res. 67
Torch Relay for 1997 Special Olympics
H.Con.Res. 98
SAFE KIDS Buckle Up Car Seat Safety Check
H.Con.Res. 238
National Race for the Cure Breast Cancer Survivors Event
H.Con.Res. 255
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 1998
H.Con.Res. 262
District of Columbia 1998 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch
Run
H.Con.Res. 47
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 1999
H.Con.Res. 49
Earth Force Youth Bike Summit Bike Rodeo
H.Con.Res. 50
District of Columbia 1999 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch
Run
Congressional Research Service
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Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Congress
107th (2001-2003)
108th (2001-2003)
109th (2005-2007)
110th (2007-2009)
111th (2009-2011)
112th (2011-2013)
Resolution
Subject
H.Con.Res. 105
Law Enforcement Torch Run for the 1999 Special Olympics World
Games
H.Con.Res. 277
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2000
H.Con.Res. 280
District of Columbia 2000 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch
Run
H.Con.Res. 314
Earth Force Youth Bike Summit Bike Rodeo
H.Con.Res. 423
Million Family March
H.Con.Res. 79
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2001
H.Con.Res. 87
District of Columbia 2001 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch
Run
H.Con.Res. 356
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2002
H.Con.Res. 53
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2003
H.Con.Res. 128
District of Columbia 2003 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch
Run
H.Con.Res. 376
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2004
H.Con.Res. 389
District of Columbia 2004 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch
Run
H.Con.Res. 86
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2005
H.Con.Res. 135
District of Columbia 2005 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch
Run
H.Con.Res. 161
Tenth Anniversary of the Million Man March
H.Con.Res. 349
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2006
H.Con.Res. 359
District of Columbia 2006 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch
Run
H.Con.Res. 79
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2007
H.Con.Res. 123
District of Columbia 2007 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch
Run
H.Con.Res. 309
District of Columbia 2008 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch
Run
H.Con.Res. 311
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2008
H.Con.Res. 335
Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,
Incorporated
H.Con.Res. 37
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2009
H.Con.Res. 39
District of Columbia 2009 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch
Run
H.Con.Res. 247
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2010
H.Con.Res. 263
District of Columbia 2010 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch
Run
H.Con.Res. 16
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2011
H.Con.Res. 67
District of Columbia 2011 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch
Run
H.Con.Res. 106
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2012
Congressional Research Service
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Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Congress
Resolution
Subject
H.Con.Res. 118
District of Columbia 2012 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch
Run
H.Con.Res. 19
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2013
H.Con.Res. 32
National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition
H.Con.Res. 44
District of Columbia 2013 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch
Run
H.Con.Res. 88
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2014
H.Con.Res. 92
National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition
H.Con.Res. 103
District of Columbia 2014 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch
Run
H.Con.Res. 21
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2015
H.Con.Res. 70
District of Columbia 2015 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch
Run
H.Con.Res. 73
2nd Annual Fallen Firefighters Congressional Flag Presentation Ceremony
H.Con.Res. 74
20th Anniversary of the Million Man March
H.Con.Res. 119
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2016
H.Con.Res. 120
3rd Annual Fallen Firefighters Congressional Flag Presentation Ceremony
H.Con.Res. 131
District of Columbia 2016 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch
Run
H.Con.Res. 36
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2017
H.Con.Res. 69
District of Columbia 2017 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch
Run
H.Con.Res. 113
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2018
116th (2019-2021)
H.Con.Res. 19
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2019
117th (2021-2023)
H.Con.Res. 88
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2022
118th (2023-2025)
H.Con.Res. 43
Greater Washington Soap Box Derby 2023
113th (2013-2015)
114th (2015-2017)
115th (2017-2019)
Federal Government Sponsored Events
101st (1989-1991)
H.Con.Res. 198
Authorizing a concert performance on Capitol Grounds
103rd (1993-1995)
H.Con.Res. 146
Commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the laying of the Capitol
cornerstone
105th (1997-1999)
H.Con.Res. 265
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts performances on East
Front of Capitol
106th (1999-2001)
H.Con.Res. 52
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts performances on East
Front of Capitol
H.Con.Res. 279
Library of Congress 200th Birthday Celebration
H.Con.Res. 281
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts performances on East
Front of Capitol
H.Con.Res. 76
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts performances on East
Front of Capitol
S.Con.Res. 41
National Book Festival 2001
H.Con.Res. 348
National Book Festival 2002
107th (2001-2003)
Congressional Research Service
18
Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Congress
Resolution
Subject
114th (2015-2017)
H.Con.Res. 43
Events for Visit of His Holiness Pope Francis
Memorial Services
103rd (1993-1995)
H.Con.Res. 71
Twelfth Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
H.Con.Res. 237
Thirteenth Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
104th (1995-1997)
H.Con.Res. 147
Fifteenth Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
105th (1997-1999)
H.Con.Res. 66
Sixteenth Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
H.Con.Res. 263
Seventeenth Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
H.Con.Res. 44
Eighteenth Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
H.Con.Res. 278
Nineteenth Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
H.Con.Res. 74
Twentieth Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
H.Con.Res. 347
Twenty-First Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
H.Con.Res. 96
Twenty-Second Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
H.Con.Res. 388
Twenty-Third Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
H.Con.Res. 136
Twenty-Fourth Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
H.Con.Res. 360
Twenty-Fifth Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
H.Con.Res. 124
Twenty-Sixth Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
H.Con.Res. 308
Twenty-Seventh Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
H.Con.Res. 38
Twenty-Eighth Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
H.Con.Res. 171
National Weekend of Remembrance Service to honor military personnel
who died in service to the United States
H.Con.Res. 264
Twenty-Ninth Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
H.Con.Res. 46
Thirtieth Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
H.Con.Res. 117
Thirty-First Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
H.Con.Res. 18
Thirty-Second Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
H.Con.Res. 92
Thirty-Third Annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service
H.Con.Res. 25
National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor
Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition
H.Con.Res. 117
National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor
Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition
H.Con.Res. 35
National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor
Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition
H.Con.Res. 115
National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor
Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition
116th (2019-2021)
H.Con.Res. 16
National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor
Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition
117th (2021-2023)
H.Con.Res. 41
National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor
Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition
H.Con.Res. 74
National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor
Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition
106th (1999-2001)
107th (2001-2003)
108th (2003-2005)
109th (2005-2007)
110th (2007-2009)
111th (2009-2011)
112th (2011-2013)
113th (2013-2015)
114th (2015-2017)
115th (2017-2019)
Congressional Research Service
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Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Congress
Resolution
Subject
118th (2023-2025)
H.Con.Res. 15
National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor
Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition
H.Con.Res. 83
National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor
Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition
H.Con.Res. 9
National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor
Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition
119th (2025-2027)
Award and Commemorative Ceremonies
106th (1999-2001)
S.Con.Res. 139
Dedication of the Japanese-American Memorial to Patriotism
108th (2003-2005)
H.Con.Res. 423
Dedication of the National World War II Memorial
110th (2007-2009)
H.Con.Res. 196
Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony for Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth
Dalai Lama
Source: Database query of Congress.gov, 101st Congress to first session 119th Congress.
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Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Appendix C. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for
the Use of Emancipation Hall
Table C-1. Concurrent Resolutions Agreed to for the Use of Emancipation Hall
110th Congress to first session 119th Congress
Congress
Resolution
Subject
Commemoration Ceremonies
110th (2007-2009)
H.Con.Res. 435
Ceremonies and activities in connection with the opening of the Capitol
Visitor Center
111th (2009-2011)
H.Con.Res. 80
Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I
H.Con.Res. 243
Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I
H.Con.Res. 105
Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I
S.Con.Res. 16
Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I
H.Con.Res. 43
Ceremony honoring the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela on his 95 th
birthday
H.Con.Res. 83
Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I
H.Con.Res. 90
Ceremony for commemoration of the day of remembrance of victims of
the Holocaust
S.Con.Res. 10
Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I
H.Con.Res. 9
Ceremony for commemoration of the day of remembrance of victims of
the Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 43
Events for Visit of His Holiness Pope Francis
H.Con.Res. 48
Ceremony to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War
H.Con.Res. 93
Ceremony to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Ratification of
the 13th Amendment
H.Con.Res. 111
Ceremony for commemoration of the day of remembrance of victims of
the Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 115
Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I
S.Con.Res. 3
Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I
S.Con.Res. 14
Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I
H.Con.Res. 102
Event celebrating the 200th anniversary of Frederick Douglass’s birth
H.Con.Res. 103
Ceremony commemorating the days of remembrance of victims of the
Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 112
Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I
H.Con.Res. 31
Ceremony commemorating the days of remembrance of victims of the
Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 53
Commemoration of the 400th Anniversary of the arrival of the first
African slaves to the territory that would become the United States
(commemoration on September 9, 2019)
H.Con.Res. 57
Commemoration of the 400th Anniversary of the arrival of the first
African slaves to the territory that would become the United States
(commemoration on September 10, 2019)
112th (2011-2013)
113th (2013-2015)
114th (2015-2017)
115th (2017-2019)
116th (2019-2021)
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Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Congress
118th (2023-2025)
119th (2025-2027)
Resolution
Subject
H.Con.Res. 87
Ceremony commemorating the days of remembrance of victims of the
Holocaust
S.Con.Res. 14
Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I
H.Con.Res. 25
Ceremony commemorating the days of remembrance of victims of the
Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 35
Celebration of King Kamehameha Day Lei Draping Ceremony
S.Con.Res. 36
Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I
H.Con.Res. 89
Ceremony commemorating the days of remembrance of victims of the
Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 17
Ceremony commemorating the days of remembrance of victims of the
Holocaust
H.Con.Res. 24
Ceremony celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I
Congressional Gold Medal Ceremonies
111th (2009-2011)
H.Con.Res. 239
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Air Force
Service Pilots
112th (2011-2013)
H.Con.Res. 128
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the Montford Point Marines
S.Con.Res. 28
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal collectively to the 100th Infantry
Battalion, 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and the Military Intelligence
Service, U.S. Army in recognition of their service during World War II
H.Con.Res. 106
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal in honor of the men and women
who perished as a result of the terrorist attacks on the United States on
September 11, 2001
H.Con.Res. 120
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the World War II members
of the Civil Air Patrol
S.Con.Res. 25
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Native American code talkers
H.Con.Res. 34
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the American Fighter Aces
S.Con.Res. 2
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the First Special Service
Force, in recognition of its superior service in World War II
S.Con.Res. 7
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the World War II members
of the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders
H.Con.Res. 64
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the Monuments Men
H.Con.Res. 109
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the foot soldiers who
participated in the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches
H.Con.Res. 113
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal collectively to the 65th Infantry
Regiment, known as the “Borinqueneers”
S.Con.Res. 23
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal collectively to Filipino Veterans
of World War II
H.Con.Res. 106
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal collectively to the members of
the Office of Strategic Services
116th (2019-2021)
H.Con.Res. 91
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal collectively to ChineseAmerican Veterans of World War II
118th (2023-2025)
H.Con.Res. 84
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal collectively to the 23d
Headquarters Special Troops and the 3133d Signal Services Company,
known collectively as the “Ghost Army”
113th (2013-2015)
114th (2015-2017
115th (2017-2019)
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Congress
119th (2025-2027)
Resolution
Subject
H.Con.Res. 85
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal collectively to “Rosie the
Riveter”
H.Con.Res. 124
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Katherine Johnson, Christine
Darden, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson (NASA Hidden Figures)
H.Con.Res. 22
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the “Six Triple Eight”
H.Con.Res. 39
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the Harlem Hellfighters
S.Con.Res. 12
Awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the United States Army
Rangers of World War II
Art Work Unveilings
111th (2009-2011)
H.Con.Res. 86
Unveiling a bust of Sojourner Truth
112th (2011-2013)
H.Con.Res. 99
Unveiling a marker to acknowledge the role that slave labor played in the
construction of the U.S. Capitol
113th (2013-2015)
S.Con.Res. 16
Unveiling a statue of Frederick Douglass
114th (2015-2017)
S.Con.Res. 24
Unveiling of the marble bust of Vice President Richard Cheney
115th (2017-2019)
S.Con.Res. 26
Unveiling of the American Prisoners of War/Missing in Action
(POW/MIA) Chair of Honor
118th (2023-2025)
H.Con.Res. 120
Unveiling a statue of Johnny Cash
H.Con.Res. 127
Unveiling a statue of Martha Hughes Cannon
H.Con.Res. 62
Unveiling a statue of Barbara Rose Johns
119th (2025-2027)
Presidential Inauguration Activities
112th (2011-2013)
S.Con.Res. 36
Use of Emancipation Hall by the Joint Congressional Committee on
Inaugural Ceremonies for 2013
113th (2013-2015)
S.Con.Res. 2
Reauthorization for the use of Emancipation Hall by the Joint
Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2013
114th (2015-2017)
S.Con.Res. 29
Use of Emancipation Hall by the Joint Congressional Committee on
Inaugural Ceremonies for 2017
115th (2017-2019)
S.Con.Res. 1
Reauthorization for the use of Emancipation Hall by the Joint
Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2017
117th (2021-2023)
S.Con.Res. 2
Reauthorization for the use of Emancipation Hall by the Joint
Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2021
118th (2023-2025)
S.Con.Res. 35
Use of Emancipation Hall by the Joint Congressional Committee on
Inaugural Ceremonies for 2025
119th (2025-2027)
S.Con.Res. 1
Reauthorization of the use of Emancipation Hall by the Joint
Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies for 2025
Source: Database query of Congress.gov, 110th Congress to first session 119th Congress.
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Use of the Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Grounds, and Emancipation Hall
Author Information
Jacob R. Straus
Specialist on the Congress
Acknowledgments
This report was initially coauthored with Matthew E. Glassman, former analyst on the Congress. The listed
author is available to congressional staff to answer questions about its content.
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