A bill to direct the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library to procure a statue of Benjamin Franklin for placement in the United States Capitol.

# Summary of S. 44 (119th Congress) **What the Bill Would Do** This bill directs Congress's Joint Committee on the Library to commission and install a statue of Benjamin Franklin inside the U.S. Capitol building. The statue would be placed in a permanent public location that visitors can access during Capitol tours.

The bill sets specific deadlines: the contract for the statue must be finalized by December 31, 2025, and the finished statue must be installed by December 31, 2026. **Who It Affects and Key Details** The bill primarily affects the Joint Committee on the Library, which would oversee the project's execution. It impacts visitors to the Capitol who would have access to see the Franklin statue during guided tours. Since Benjamin Franklin was a Founding Father, inventor, and diplomat, the bill aims to honor his historical significance with a permanent Capitol memorial. **Current Status** As of now, the bill remains in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. It was introduced by Senator Christopher Coons (D-Delaware) but has not advanced further in the legislative process.