H.R. 9600 — Common Sense 250 Act of 2026
Executive Summary
H.R. 9600, the 'Common Sense 250 Act of 2026,' authorizes the placement of a commemorative work honoring Founding Father Thomas Paine within Area I of the District of Columbia. The bill bypasses standard Commemorative Works Act requirements to expedite the memorial's placement, building on prior authorization from the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act. This bipartisan effort aims to recognize Paine's foundational contributions to American independence ahead of the United States Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) in 2026.
Arguments For
- Bipartisan, feel-good legislation honoring a universally recognized Founding Father ahead of the 2026 Semiquincentennial celebrations.
- Resolves bureaucratic delays by bypassing standard Commemorative Works Act hurdles for a memorial that was already authorized by Congress in 2023.
Likely Supporters
Arguments Against
- Waiving the Commemorative Works Act sets a legislative precedent that could encourage future circumvention of established memorial planning and zoning processes.
- Area I is highly restricted reserve space; adding new monuments contributes to the cluttering of the National Mall and its immediate environs, which preservationists often oppose.
Likely Opponents
📋 Key Provisions
- Approves the location of a Thomas Paine memorial within Area I of Washington, D.C., as depicted on the 'Commemorative Areas Washington, DC and Environs' map.
- Waives the standard location approval requirements under section 8908(b)(1) of the Commemorative Works Act (40 U.S.C. 8908(b)(1)).
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Verification Guide
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Waives standard requirements under the Commemorative Works Act.
"Notwithstanding the requirements described in sec-"
Approves the memorial's location specifically within Area I.
"note) within Area I, as depicted"