Install Benjamin Franklin Statue in Capitol

Summary#

This bill directs the Joint Committee on the Library to obtain a statue of Benjamin Franklin and place it in the United States Capitol. The Committee must enter an agreement to obtain the statue by December 31, 2025, and place it in a permanent, publicly accessible location in the Capitol by December 31, 2026. The statue must be accessible to people who take guided tours through the Capitol Visitor Center.

  • Main change: The Joint Committee on the Library must procure (buy or commission) a statue of Benjamin Franklin.
  • Timing: Agreement to obtain the statue by December 31, 2025; statue placed in the Capitol by December 31, 2026.
  • Public access: The statue must be in a permanent location where it is accessible during a guided Capitol tour provided by the Capitol Visitor Center.
  • Decision authority: The Joint Committee may set terms and conditions for obtaining the statue as it considers appropriate and consistent with law.
  • What is unclear: The bill does not say how the statue will be paid for, how the design or artist will be chosen, or the exact site inside the Capitol.

What it means for you#

  • Visitors to the Capitol: You could see a new permanent statue of Benjamin Franklin on guided tours once it is placed.
  • Joint Committee on the Library: The Committee must run the procurement, choose terms, and pick a location for display by the deadlines.
  • Congress and Capitol staff: They will be responsible for managing the acquisition, installation, and oversight of the new statue.
  • Taxpayers / budget watchers: The bill requires action but does not identify funding. This could affect budgets for Capitol operations if costs are charged to existing appropriations.
  • Artists, foundries, or vendors: This could create an opportunity to sell or be contracted to create or provide the statue, depending on how the Committee conducts procurement.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

  • The bill does not include a fiscal note or specify a funding source.
  • Likely cost categories (not estimated in the bill) include purchase or commission price, shipping, installation, site preparation, ongoing maintenance, and security or display-related expenses.
  • It is not stated whether current Library of Congress or Capitol budgets would cover costs, or whether new appropriations would be required.

Proponents' View#

  • The bill appears intended to honor Benjamin Franklin by adding a permanent statue of him to the Capitol.
  • A possible argument for the bill is that it would increase public education about a major historical figure and enrich the Capitol’s collection of civic and historical art.
  • Supporters may see the statue as enhancing visitor experience on guided tours and as a symbolic recognition of Franklin’s role in U.S. history.

Opponents' View#

  • One concern is that the bill does not explain where the money will come from. The lack of a funding provision raises questions about budget impacts.
  • The bill does not describe how the statue’s artist, design, or vendor will be selected. This may raise questions about transparency and competition in procurement.
  • It is unclear how the Committee will choose the exact placement inside the Capitol and whether that will affect existing displays or use of limited space.
  • The bill sets deadlines but gives few details on implementation, which may create scheduling or logistical problems for installation and access.