Sens. Tillis And Burr, Rep. Budd Lead NC Delegation On Legislation To Expedite Billy Graham Statue In U.S. Capitol PDF Print E-mail
Federal Government
By Administrator   
Wednesday, 10 November 2021 17:35
U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Richard Burr (R-NC) and Representatives Ted Budd (R-NC), Greg Murphy, M.D. (R-NC), Richard Hudson (R-NC), Dan Bishop (R-NC), David Rouzer (R-NC), and Madison Cawthorn (R-NC) proposed a resolution to expedite the installation of the statue of the Reverend William Franklin ‘‘Billy’’ Graham, Jr. into the U.S. Capitol’s Statuary Hall.
 
Two steps remain in the process of placing the statue in the Capitol, and this resolution would prohibit the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress (JCL) from unnecessarily bottlenecking the process and ensure the completion of the remaining steps without further delay. The bill would mandate that the JCL approve or deny the full-sized clay model and pedestal design of a statue within 30 days and approve or deny the completed statue within 30 days.
 
“Billy Graham was a beloved figure and dedicated servant of the Lord who made a profound impact on the people of North Carolina and across the world,” said Senator Tillis. “Each state is afforded the opportunity to display two statues in the U.S. Capitol, and I can think of no figure better suited to represent North Carolina. I am proud to join my colleagues in the North Carolina delegation to lead the effort to expedite the approval of Billy Graham’s statue for placement in the U.S. Capitol and will work to quickly pass this legislation out of Congress.”
 
“Reverend Graham touched the lives of countless Christians across the nation and across the world,” said Senator Burr. “As America’s Pastor, he served as a respected and valued voice in times of need. I can think of no better way to commemorate his devotion, character, and humility than by erecting a statue in the U.S. Capitol in his honor. I’m proud to work with my colleagues on this important legislation.”
 
“The legacy of Rev. Billy Graham is based on his simple message of forgiveness based on John 3:16,” said Rep. Budd. “His lifelong commitment to preaching the Gospel, his fight for civil rights, his opposition to communism, and the spiritual guidance provided hope to hundreds of millions. He was the first private citizen from North Carolina to lie in honor in the United States Capitol and his likeness should stand right outside the House chamber forever. After years of bureaucratic delay, it’s time to get this done.”
 
“I voted to place the Billy Graham statue in Statuary Hall as a member of the North Carolina General Assembly in 2015,” said Rep. Bishop. “Now, six years later, there is still no statue in the Capitol. But there should be, as Rev. Graham’s legacy speaks for itself. I am proud to cosponsor this resolution and hope the Joint Committee will take swift action to approve the statue and honor a North Carolina legend.”
 
“Billy Graham has inspired millions of people across our community, state, nation and the world,” said Rep. Hudson. “I join with my colleagues to ensure the approval process for his statue continues without further delay.”
 
“There should be no bureaucratic delay of the installation of Reverend Billy Graham’s statue in the U.S. Capitol,” said Rep. Rouzer. “Known as “America’s Pastor”, he dedicated his life to proclaiming the Gospel throughout the world and saved the souls of millions. I’m proud to co-sponsor this resolution to ensure a more timely placement of his statue where countless visitors and lawmakers will be able to view it and honor his legacy for generations to come.”
 
“Billy Graham inspired and moved generations of faithful North Carolinians, and the international community,” said Rep. Murphy, M.D. “He brought messages of hope, comfort, and guidance to people across the world, and was undoubtedly one of the most beloved evangelical Christian figures of our time. I look forward to the day when I can walk the halls of the U.S. Capitol with Members of Congress and constituents alike, and tell them about the extraordinary legacy of Billy Graham as a proud symbol of our great state. In such a time of moral relativism, we should celebrate a man who preached the Judeo-Christian principles on which this nation was founded. I am proud to support Rep. Budd’s resolution to fast-track approval of Billy Graham’s statue to be enshrined in Statuary Hall.”
 
Background:
Each state is authorized to designate “two statues of notable citizens for display in the United States Capitol.”
A state is allowed to replace a statue by requesting the approval of the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress (JCL).
On October 2, 2015, the North Carolina General Assembly approved a request to the JCL to approve the replacement of the Statue of Charles Brantley Aycock with the Reverend William Franklin “Billy” Graham, Jr. A statue of Rev. Graham became eligible for placement after his death in 2018. 
The North Carolina General Assembly sent to JCL the proposed statue design in August 2020, but the committee took over a year to approve this simple step. 
 
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