Prohibiting Members of the House of Representatives from bringing or displaying a flag of a foreign nation on the floor of the House, and for other purposes. | ChamberLight
Bills · HRES 49
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House Res.HRES 49National symbolsMembers of Congress
Prohibiting Members of the House of Representatives from bringing or displaying a flag of a foreign nation on the floor of the House, and for other purposes.
INTRO JAN 16· LAST ACTION JAN 16
READING
2MIN
COSPONSORS
12
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Non-binding
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it concerns the symbolic representation and decorum of the U.S. House of Representatives, which is the legislative body closest to the American people. By limiting the display of foreign flags, it aims to reinforce the focus on American interests and the United States' role as a sovereign nation within its primary legislative chamber.
If this bill becomes law, the visual environment of the House floor would change, potentially emphasizing national unity and domestic focus. If it doesn't pass, members would continue to have the discretion to display foreign flags, potentially using them to express solidarity, protest, or draw attention to international events, which some see as an important part of political expression.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Prohibits Members of the House of Representatives from bringing or displaying any flag of a foreign nation on the House floor during a session.
This establishes a new restriction on what members can physically present on the floor.
PROVISION 02
Allows foreign flags to be worn as small lapel pins by Members, Delegates, or Resident Commissioners.
This provides a small exception for symbolic expression without a large display.
PROVISION 03
Allows depictions of foreign flags to be used as part of an exhibit during a speech or debate under the Rules of the House of Representatives.
This ensures members can still use foreign flags for educational or illustrative purposes during formal presentations.
PROVISION 04
Charges the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House with enforcing this prohibition.
This designates the specific authority responsible for upholding the new rule.
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · RULES COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 16, 2025
House Res.HRES 49National symbolsMembers of Congress
Prohibiting Members of the House of Representatives from bringing or displaying a flag of a foreign nation on the floor of the House, and for other purposes.
This bill matters because it concerns the symbolic representation and decorum of the U.S. House of Representatives, which is the legislative body closest to the American people. By limiting the display of foreign flags, it aims to reinforce the focus on American interests and the United States' role as a sovereign nation within its primary legislative chamber.
If this bill becomes law, the visual environment of the House floor would change, potentially emphasizing national unity and domestic focus. If it doesn't pass, members would continue to have the discretion to display foreign flags, potentially using them to express solidarity, protest, or draw attention to international events, which some see as an important part of political expression.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Prohibits Members of the House of Representatives from bringing or displaying any flag of a foreign nation on the House floor during a session.
This establishes a new restriction on what members can physically present on the floor.
med
Allows foreign flags to be worn as small lapel pins by Members, Delegates, or Resident Commissioners.
This provides a small exception for symbolic expression without a large display.
med
Allows depictions of foreign flags to be used as part of an exhibit during a speech or debate under the Rules of the House of Representatives.
This ensures members can still use foreign flags for educational or illustrative purposes during formal presentations.
low
Charges the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House with enforcing this prohibition.
This designates the specific authority responsible for upholding the new rule.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
House of Representatives
One of the two chambers of the U.S. Congress, made up of elected representatives from each state.
Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner
An elected or appointed individual serving in the House of Representatives, including those representing U.S. territories.
Floor of the House
The main area within the House chamber where members sit, debate, and vote during legislative sessions.
Sergeant-at-Arms
The chief law enforcement and protocol officer of the House of Representatives, responsible for maintaining order and security.
Resolution
A legislative measure expressing an opinion or sentiment, or creating a new rule for the chamber, but without the force of a public law.