119-HRES-1086 Journalist Public Summary
A non-binding House resolution to recognize the history of the slave ship Clotilda, condemn the United States’ role in the transatlantic slave trade, honor descendants and Africatown, and encourage consideration of a Capitol memorial; introduced February 26, 2026 and referred to committee.
Headline Summary
A simple House resolution recognizing the Clotilda’s history, condemning the U.S. role in the Atlantic slave trade, honoring descendants and Africatown, and urging consideration of a memorial at the U.S. Capitol.
What It Does
The measure formally acknowledges the Clotilda as the last known slave ship to reach the United States and honors the 110 Africans it brought in 1860 and their descendants. It condemns the United States’ participation in the transatlantic slave trade, recognizes its lasting harms to African Americans, affirms the cultural and historical importance of Africatown, and encourages the Architect of the Capitol to consider a memorial to the Clotilda and all victims of the Atlantic slave trade. As a House resolution, it expresses the House’s views and does not create new law or funding.
Who’s For It
- Lead sponsor: Rep. Shomari Figures (D-AL), joined by Democratic co-sponsors including Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Reps. Terri Sewell (AL), Bobby Scott (VA), Marc Veasey (TX), Joyce Beatty (OH), and others.
- Supporters frame the resolution as a factual recognition of history that honors the Clotilda’s survivors and descendants, promotes preservation of Africatown, and helps educate the public about the slave trade’s enduring impact.
- Backers also highlight that the proposal is non-binding and focuses on remembrance and education rather than new mandates or spending.
Who’s Against It
- No formal opposition is on record yet; as of March 3, 2026 the resolution is in committee and has not received a floor vote.
- Potential concerns some members may raise (not yet formally stated) include: preferring local rather than congressional commemoration; objections to language condemning U.S. institutions; or precedent and cost questions about encouraging a new Capitol memorial—though this resolution neither authorizes funding nor mandates construction.
What’s Next
Introduced on February 26, 2026 and referred to the House Committees on Foreign Affairs and on House Administration. Next steps could include hearings or markups; if reported, the full House may vote. Because it is a simple House resolution, Senate or presidential action is not required.
Discussion