Kelly co-sponsors Benjamin Franklin Statue Placement Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- This week, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) co-sponsored the Benjamin Franklin Statue Placement Act. This bill aims to recognize Benjamin Franklin’s immeasurable impact on the nation’s founding by placing a statue of him along the U.S. Capitol Tour route. The legislation would place a statue of Franklin in the Capitol before the end of 2026, which coincides with America’s 250th anniversary.
The legislation is led by Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) and Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and John Boozman (R-AR).
"Whether it was his role as Founding Father, a diplomat, postmaster general, newspaper editor and printer, or inventor, Benjamin Franklin helped to shape the United States from its earliest days," said Kelly. "As we approach our nation's 250th birthday, I look forward to honoring Benjamin Franklin's legacy and contributions in the U.S. Capitol for all to see."
“Benjamin Franklin is an integral part of the American story,” said Houlahan. “As the only signer of all three documents separating us from the British, his contributions to American history are the foundation for our great nation. I am thrilled that Senators Coons and Boozman are joining Representative Fitzpatrick and me in our effort to honor Mr. Franklin and his legacy in our nation’s Capitol. With America’s 250th birthday approaching, it is imperative that we bestow this honor on Mr. Franklin quickly. Two-hundred-and-fifty years is a long time to wait, and I appreciate the bipartisan group of representatives and senators who have supported us in our endeavor.”
“Benjamin Franklin is a figure of paramount importance to the history of Philadelphia and this nation," said Fitzpatrick. "I am proud to join my fellow Pennsylvanian, Rep. Houlahan, on this bipartisan effort to ensure that Dr. Franklin has a prominent place of honor in the United States Capitol."
“Benjamin Franklin’s legacy as a statesman and politician, printer and publisher, philosopher and patriot, and inventor and scientist shaped the principles of American democracy and the ideals we continue to strive toward today,” said Coons. “His work to unify the colonies and his contributions to our Constitution played a major role in Delaware declaring its independence and becoming the nation’s first state. As we approach America’s 250th birthday, it’s only fitting that this statue to his memory finally comes to reside in a place of prominence in our nation’s Capitol.”
“Benjamin Franklin’s unique role in our nation’s founding, including as our first diplomat to France, deserves special acknowledgment,” said Boozman. “As a Co-Chair of the Senate French Caucus, I’m proud to help ensure visitors to the U.S. Capitol have an opportunity to celebrate that special connection and his many important contributions.”
BACKGROUND
According to the Benjamin Franklin Historical Society, Franklin was an important statesman and diplomat, in addition to his notable scientific contributions, such as discovering that lightning was electricity. Franklin played an essential role in the American Revolution and the founding of the nation. He negotiated the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War and helped draft the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Franklin was the only Founding Father to sign all three of these documents, formally separating America from Britain. He also served as the first Postmaster General of the United States, appointed in 1775.
While Benjamin Franklin was born in Massachusetts, his roots in Pennsylvania and his impact on its founding are undeniable. He was instrumental in founding and shaping what became the University of Pennsylvania; he bought and published the Pennsylvania Gazette at age 23 and even served as President of Pennsylvania’s Supreme Executive Council, the present-day equivalent of the governor, from 1785 to 1788. Throughout his life and beyond, Franklin was known as a renowned author, philanthropist, inventor, and businessman. Learn more about Franklin here.
Read the full text of the bill here.