WASHINGTON – Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL), in collaboration with Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), hosted a dedication ceremony for the formal designation of the Frederick Douglass Press Gallery in the U.S. Capitol Building.

Congressman Byron Donalds, Speaker Mike Johnson, and Congressman Burgess Owens (R-UT) gave remarks celebrating the passage of House Resolution 137 and the formal dedication of the House Press Gallery after Frederick Douglass.

"It is an honor to be here as we dedicate this gallery to a man who truly understood the weight of words. Today, in the U.S. Capitol, we pay a debt of gratitude to a quintessential American hero. When we talk about Frederick Douglass, we are talking about a man who possessed a profound and unshakeable faith in America's founding," said Congressman Byron Donalds. "By putting his name here, we are setting a standard for every journalist which occupies those seats... Let today be a reminder to all of us that we are stewards of a republic that was bought with the courage of men and women like Frederick Douglass. Let us all make sure that we strive to live up to that example. God bless you all. Thank you for being here today. God bless America."

Watch the full dedication ceremony HERE.
Watch Congressman Donalds' full remarks HERE.

Background:

The resolution was introduced on February 14, 2025 to honor the 207th birthday of Frederick Douglass and designated the House Press Gallery (United States Capitol Rooms H-315, H-316, H-317, H-318, and H-319) as the “Frederick Douglass Press Gallery."

H.Res.137 – "The Bipartisan Frederick Douglass Press Gallery Renaming Resolution" was co-sponsored by Representatives Andre Carson (D-IN), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Wesley Hunt (R-TX), Burgess Owens (R-UT), John James (R-MI) and was advanced to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on April 2, 2025.

On June 9, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed Donalds-resolution H.Res.137 – "The Bipartisan Frederick Douglass Press Gallery Renaming Resolution" by unanimous, bipartisan, voice vote to officially name the U.S. House of Representatives Press Gallery after the legendary abolitionist, writer, and statesman.

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