H.R. 1500, Robert Emmet Park Act of 2017

Floor Situation

On Tuesday, June 27, 2017, the House will consider H.R. 1500, the Robert Emmet Park Act of 2017, under suspension of the rules. H.R. 1500 was introduced on March 10, 2017, by Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-NY) and was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, which ordered the bill reported on April 27, 2017 by unanimous consent.

Summary

H.R. 1500 renames the National Park Service Reservation 302, located at the corner of 24th Street and Massachusetts Avenue Northwest in the District of Columbia, as “Robert Emmet Park”. The .08 acre triangular property prominently features a nearly 100 year-old statue of Robert Emmet, the first statute ever made of the Irish hero. Furthermore, the bill also authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to post informational signage regarding Robert Emmet and his statute around the park. 

Background

Robert Emmet is a prominent historical figure known for his role in the Irish Rebellion of 1803 and his classic “Speech from the Dock'” that inspired future efforts to gain Irish Independence. Emmet, greatly influenced by American democracy and the American Revolution, famously said before his execution, “To [Ireland] I sacrificed every selfish, every lasting sentiment . . . I wished to place her independence beyond the reach of any power of earth . . . to procure for my country the guarantee which Washington procured for America . . . to exalt her to that proud station in the world.''[1]

In the 114th Congress, the House passed similar legislation, H.R. 4564, by voice vote on September 22, 2016.

Cost

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the cost for the NPS to update signage for the park would be insignificant; such spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

Staff Contact

For questions or further information please contact Jake Vreeburg with the House Republican Policy Committee by email or at 2-1374.