This bill directs the Joint Committee on the Library to obtain a statue honoring humanitarian and athlete Roberto Clemente and to have the Architect of the Capitol permanently install it in the Capitol or on the Capitol Grounds. The Joint Committee must consult with the House and Senate committees named in the bill, consider artists from a variety of backgrounds (including Puerto Rican and underrepresented artists), and may accept a donated work. The statue must be obtained within two years and installed in an appropriate location.
If enacted, the bill would lead to a permanent statue of Roberto Clemente displayed in the Capitol or on the Capitol Grounds. The selection process aims to include artists from Puerto Rican and other underrepresented communities. The work could be donated, and installation would be handled by the Architect of the Capitol. For most people, this is a symbolic action honoring Clemente; it does not change services or programs described in the bill text.
The bill authorizes transferring up to $500,000 from the Capitol Preservation Fund to the Joint Committee on the Library and the Architect of the Capitol to obtain and install the statue. The statue may instead be obtained by donation. No other costs, budget offsets, or detailed expense estimates are provided in the bill text.
The bill text describes Roberto Clemente as a celebrated athlete and humanitarian: a star outfielder with multiple awards (including MVP honors, Gold Gloves, batting titles, and membership in the Hall of Fame), a longtime community supporter in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, a Marine Corps Reserve member during his rookie season, and a leader in relief efforts. The text highlights his 1972 death while delivering aid and portrays him as a figure of respect across Puerto Rican communities and beyond. These findings are presented as reasons to honor him with a statue.
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