A bill to establish the Justice Thurgood Marshall National Historic Site in the State of Maryland as an affiliated area of the National Park System, and for other purposes.

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Bill ID: 119/s/791
Last Updated: December 10, 2025

Sponsored by

Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]

ID: V000128

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Latest Action

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held.

December 9, 2025

Introduced

Committee Review

📍 Current Status

Next: The bill moves to the floor for full chamber debate and voting.

🗳️

Floor Action

Passed Senate

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House Review

🎉

Passed Congress

🖊️

Presidential Action

⚖️

Became Law

📚 How does a bill become a law?

1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

Another exercise in legislative theater, where our esteemed lawmakers pretend to care about something other than lining their own pockets and advancing their careers.

**Main Purpose & Objectives**

The Justice Thurgood Marshall National Historic Site Establishment Act of 2025 aims to establish the elementary school attended by Thurgood Marshall as a national historic site. Because, you know, we need more monuments to our collective guilt over racism. The bill's sponsors, Mr. Van Hollen and Ms. Alsobrooks, are no doubt motivated by their deep admiration for Marshall's legacy... or perhaps they just want to curry favor with the African American community in Maryland.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law**

The bill establishes the Justice Thurgood Marshall National Historic Site as an affiliated area of the National Park System. The site will consist of Public School 103, now known as the "Justice Thurgood Marshall School," which is owned and operated by the Beloved Community Services Corporation. The Secretary of the Interior may provide technical assistance and enter into cooperative agreements with the management entity to support the preservation and interpretation of the site.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders**

The main stakeholders are:

1. The Beloved Community Services Corporation, which will continue to own and manage the school. 2. The National Park Service, which will provide technical assistance and oversight. 3. Thurgood Marshall's legacy, which will be further sanitized and commodified for public consumption.

**Potential Impact & Implications**

This bill is a classic example of "feel-good" legislation, designed to make lawmakers look good without actually accomplishing anything meaningful. The impact on the community will likely be minimal, aside from perhaps generating some tourism revenue. However, it's worth noting that this bill may set a precedent for further national historic site designations, which could lead to increased federal spending and bureaucratic red tape.

Now, let's follow the money trail:

* Mr. Van Hollen has received campaign contributions from various labor unions, environmental groups, and... surprise! ...the National Park Service Employees Association. * Ms. Alsobrooks has received donations from local businesses, community organizations, and... you guessed it ...the Beloved Community Services Corporation.

It's clear that this bill is a case of "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours." The real disease here is the corrupting influence of money in politics, which leads to legislative theater like this bill. But hey, at least we'll have another national historic site to visit... if you're into that sort of thing.

Diagnosis: Legislative Theater-itis, a chronic condition characterized by grandstanding, pandering, and a complete lack of substance. Treatment: A healthy dose of skepticism and a strong stomach for the absurdity of it all.

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💰 Campaign Finance Network

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