Bill grants site exception for Thomas Paine memorial in Washington, D.C.
In markupH.R. 9600Latest action
Sponsor: Jamie Raskin · Representative · MD
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Common Sense 250 Act of 2026
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
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The bill lets a previously authorized Thomas Paine memorial be built in "Area I" despite normal Mall-area placement restrictions.
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What does this do?
This bill approves a specific location in Washington, D.C., known as "Area I," for a planned memorial to Thomas Paine, author of "Common Sense." Congress had already authorized the memorial in a 2023 spending law, but this bill creates an exception to the Commemorative Works Act's usual restrictions on monument placement near the National Mall.
Who does it affect?
It affects the organization or group planning the Paine memorial, officials such as the National Park Service and Congress's oversight committees, and future visitors to the National Mall area. It does not directly affect most Americans outside Washington, D.C.
Why does it matter?
The bill is narrow and technical, changing only the placement process for this one memorial rather than creating new programs or broader policy. It is named the "Common Sense 250 Act," likely tied to 2026 marking the 250th anniversary of "Common Sense" and U.S. independence.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Based on the “Introduced in House” text of Jul 6, 2026.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJul 6, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · Sep 15, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.