H.R. 1774: To amend title 23, United States Code, to withhold certain apportionment funds from the District of Columbia unless the Mayor of the District of Columbia removes the phrase Black Lives Matter from the street symbolically designated as Black Lives Matter Plaza, redesignates such street as Liberty Plaza, and removes such phrase from each website, document, and other material under the jurisdiction of the District of Columbia.

The bill, labeled H.R. 1774, proposes changes related to the designation and public representation of a specific area in Washington, D.C., formally known as Black Lives Matter Plaza. The key components of the bill are as follows:

Withholding of Funds

The legislation stipulates that the Secretary of Transportation would withhold 50% of specific federal funds allocated to the District of Columbia if the Mayor does not comply with the requirements set forth in the bill.

Requirements for Compliance

Within 60 days of the bill's enactment, the Mayor of the District of Columbia must:

• Remove the phrase Black Lives Matter from:
• 16th Street, N.W., between H Street, N.W., and K Street, N.W., which is currently designated as Black Lives Matter Plaza.
• All websites, documents, and other materials under the jurisdiction of the District of Columbia.
• Redesignate this street as Liberty Plaza.

Clerical Amendment

The bill also includes a clerical amendment to update the analysis of the relevant section of the U.S. Code to reflect these changes.

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of the bill is to mandate the removal of specific language associated with a social movement from public spaces and documents in the District of Columbia and to create a new designation for that area.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

If the Mayor does not meet the compliance requirements, the District could face significant funding reductions, potentially impacting transportation and infrastructure projects reliant on these federal funds.

Summary

This legislation seeks to reshape public expression related to the Black Lives Matter movement within the District of Columbia, with a focus on both symbolic changes and financial incentives tied to compliance.

Relevant Companies

None found.