(a) Legal Description.—The United States Capitol Grounds comprises all squares, reservations, streets, roadways, walks, and other areas as defined on a map entitled “Map showing areas comprising United States Capitol Grounds”, dated June 25, 1946, approved by the Architect of the Capitol, and recorded in the Office of the Surveyor of the District of Columbia in book 127, page 8, including all additions added by law after June 25, 1946.
(b) Jurisdiction.—(1) Architect of the capitol.—The jurisdiction and control over the Grounds, vested prior to July 31, 1946, by law in the Architect, is extended to the entire area of the Grounds. Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Architect is responsible for the maintenance and improvement of the Grounds, including those streets and roadways in the Grounds as shown on the map referred to in subsection (a) as being under the jurisdiction and control of the Commissioners of the District of Columbia.
(2) Mayor of the district of columbia.—(A) In general.—The Mayor of the District of Columbia is responsible for the maintenance and improvement of those portions of the following streets which are situated between the curblines of those streets: Constitution Avenue from Second Street Northeast to Third Street Northwest, First Street from D Street Northeast to D Street Southeast, D Street from First Street Southeast to Washington Avenue Southwest, and First Street from the north side of Louisiana Avenue to the intersection of C Street and Washington Avenue Southwest, Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest from First Street Northwest to Third Street Northwest, Maryland Avenue Southwest from First Street Southwest to Third Street Southwest, Second Street Northeast from F Street Northeast to C Street Southeast; C Street Southeast from Second Street Southeast to First Street Southeast; that portion of Maryland Avenue Northeast from Second Street Northeast to First Street Northeast; that portion of New Jersey Avenue Northwest from D Street Northwest to Louisiana Avenue; that portion of Second Street Southwest from the north curb of D Street to the south curb of Virginia Avenue Southwest; that portion of Virginia Avenue Southwest from the east curb of Second Street Southwest to the west curb of Third Street Southwest; that portion of Third Street Southwest from the south curb of Virginia Avenue Southwest to the north curb of D Street Southwest; that portion of D Street Southwest from the west curb of Third Street Southwest to the east curb of Second Street Southwest; that portion of Washington Avenue Southwest, including sidewalks and traffic islands, from the south curb of Independence Avenue Southwest to the west curb of South Capitol Street.
(B) Repair and maintenance of utility services.—The Mayor may enter any part of the Grounds to repair or maintain or, subject to the approval of the Architect, construct or alter, any utility service of the District of Columbia Government.
(c) National Garden of the United States Botanic Garden.—(1) In general.—Except as provided under paragraph (2), the United States Capitol Grounds shall include—(A) the National Garden of the United States Botanic Garden;
(B) all grounds contiguous to the Administrative Building of the United States Botanic Garden, including Bartholdi Park; and
(C) all grounds bounded by the curblines of First Street, Southwest on the east; Washington Avenue, Southwest to its intersection with Independence Avenue, and Independence Avenue from such intersection to its intersection with Third Street, Southwest on the south; Third Street, Southwest on the west; and Maryland Avenue, Southwest on the north.
(2) Maintenance and improvements.—Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), jurisdiction and control over the buildings on the grounds described in paragraph (1) shall be retained by the Joint Committee on the Library, and the Joint Committee on the Library shall continue to be solely responsible for the maintenance and improvement of the grounds described in such paragraph.
(3) Authority not limited.—Nothing in this subsection shall limit the authority of the Architect of the Capitol under section 307E of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1989 (40 U.S.C. 216c).11 See References in Text note below.
(d) Library of Congress Buildings and Grounds.—(1) In general.—Except as provided under paragraph (2), the United States Capitol Grounds shall include the Library of Congress grounds described under section 11 of the Act entitled “An Act relating to the policing of the buildings 22 So in original. Probably should be followed by “and grounds”. of the Library of Congress”, approved August 4, 1950 (2 U.S.C. 167j).
(2) Authority of librarian of congress.—Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), the Librarian of Congress shall retain authority over the Library of Congress buildings and grounds in accordance with section 1 of the Act of June 29, 1922 (2 U.S.C. 141; 42 Stat. 715).
(Pub. L. 107–217, Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1175; Pub. L. 108–7, div. H, title I, § 1016(b), Feb. 20, 2003, 117 Stat. 364; Pub. L. 110–161, div. H, title I, § 1004(d)(2)(A)(ii), Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 2233; Pub. L. 110–178, § 4(b)(1)(B), Jan. 7, 2008, 121 Stat. 2551; Pub. L. 111–145, § 6(d)(1), Mar. 4, 2010, 124 Stat. 54.)
Definition of United States Capitol GroundsFor provisions directing amendment of this section (or section 1 of the Act of July 31, 1946, as amended (former 40 U.S.C. 193a), which was repealed and reenacted by Pub. L. 107–217, §§ 1, 6(b), Aug. 21, 2002, 116 Stat. 1062, 1304, as this section) to include within or exclude from the definition of the United States Capitol Grounds certain parcels or areas, see notes set out below and under section 6101 of this title.
Historical and Revision Notes
RevisedSectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)
510240:193a.July 31, 1946, ch. 707, § 1, 60 Stat. 718; Pub. L. 90–108, § 1(a), Oct. 20, 1967, 81 Stat. 275; Pub. L. 93–198, § 739(g)(7), Dec. 24, 1973, 87 Stat. 829; Pub. L. 96–432, § 2, Oct. 10, 1980, 94 Stat. 1852.
In subsection (b)(2), the words “Mayor of the District of Columbia” are substituted for “Commissioners of the District of Columbia” [meaning the Board of Commissioners of the District of Columbia] [subsequently changed to “Commissioner of the District of Columbia” because of section 401 of Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1967 (eff. Aug. 11, 1967, 81 Stat. 951)] because of section 421 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act (Public Law 93–198, 87 Stat. 789). In subparagraph (A), the words “Washington Avenue Southwest” are substituted for “Canal Street S. W.” and “Canal Street Southwest” because of section 2 of D.C. Law 8–39. See section 7–451 note of the District of Columbia Code.
Editorial Notes
References in TextSection 307E of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1989, referred to in subsec. (c)(3), is section 307E of Pub. L. 100–458, which was classified to section 216c of former Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works, and was transferred to section 2146 of Title 2, The Congress.
Amendments2010—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 111–145 repealed Pub. L. 110–161, § 1004(d)(2)(A)(ii). See 2007 Amendment note below.
2008—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 110–178 added subsec. (d).
2007—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 110–161, § 1004(d)(2)(A)(ii), which made an amendment identical to that made by Pub. L. 110–178, was repealed by Pub. L. 111–145. See Effective Date of 2010 Amendment note below.
2003—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 108–7 added subsec. (c).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2010 AmendmentRepeal of section 1004 of Pub. L. 110–161 by Pub. L. 111–145 effective as if included in the enactment of Pub. L. 110–161 and provisions amended by section 1004 of Pub. L. 110–161 to be restored as if such section had not been enacted, and repeal to have no effect on the enactment or implementation of any provision of Pub. L. 110–178, see section 6(d) of Pub. L. 111–145, set out as a note under section 1901 of Title 2, The Congress.
Effective Date of 2008 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 110–178 effective Oct. 1, 2009, see section 4(d) of Pub. L. 110–178, set out as an Effective Date of Repeal note under section 167 of Title 2, The Congress.
Effective Date of 2007 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 110–161 effective Oct. 1, 2009, see section 1004(d)(4) of title I of div. H of Pub. L. 110–161, set out as an Effective Date of Repeal note under section 167 of Title 2, The Congress.
Effective Date of 2003 AmendmentAmendment by Pub. L. 108–7 applicable to fiscal year 2003 and each fiscal year thereafter, see section 1016(d) of Pub. L. 108–7, set out as a note under section 1961 of Title 2, The Congress.
Authorizing Commercial Activity on Union SquarePub. L. 113–76, div. I, title II, § 213, Jan. 17, 2014, 128 Stat. 436, provided that:
“(a) Treatment as Part of Capitol Grounds.—“(1) In general.—For purposes of chapter 51 of title 40, United States Code, the United States Capitol Grounds shall include Union Square.
“(2) Union square defined.—In this section, the term ‘Union Square’ means the area for which jurisdiction and control was transferred to the Architect of the Capitol under section 1202 of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2012 (Public Law 112–74) [2 U.S.C. 1811 note].
“(b) Continuation of Types of Activity Previously Authorized.—“(1) In general.—Notwithstanding any limitations on the use of the United States Capitol Grounds (including section 5104(c) of title 40, United States Code), the Chief of the United States Capitol Police (hereafter referred to as the ‘Chief’)—“(A) may issue a permit authorizing a person to engage in commercial activity in Union Square if the activity is similar to the types of commercial activity permitted in Union Square prior to the transfer of jurisdiction and control of Union Square to the Architect of the Capitol under section 1202 of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2012 (Public Law 112–74) [2 U.S.C. 1811 note]; and
“(B) under the terms and conditions of such a permit, may require the person to whom the permit is issued to pay a fee to cover any costs incurred by the Architect of the Capitol as a result of the issuance of the permit, if the fees are similar to the fees collected by the Director of the National Park Service for commercial activity permitted in Union Square prior to such transfer of jurisdiction and control.
“(2) Regulations.—The Chief shall carry out this section in accordance with such regulations as the Capitol Police Board may promulgate pursuant to the Board’s authority under section 14 of the Act of July 31, 1946 (2 U.S.C. 1969), except that the Board shall promulgate the regulations in consultation with the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate.
“(c) Capitol Trust Account.—“(1) Establishment.—There is established in the Treasury of the United States an account for the Architect of the Capitol to be known as the ‘Capitol Trust Account’, consisting of all fees collected by the Chief under subsection (b)(2).
“(2) Transfer.—Immediately upon receiving any fees collected under subsection (b)(2), the Chief shall transfer the fees to the Capitol Trust Account.
“(3) Use of funds.—Amounts in the Capitol Trust Account shall be available without fiscal year limitation for such maintenance, improvements, and projects with respect to Union Square as the Architect of the Capitol considers appropriate, subject to the approval of the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and Senate.
“(d) Effective Date.—This section shall take effect on the date of the enactment of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2012 (Public Law 112–74) [Dec. 23, 2011].”
Transfers and Conveyances Affecting Properties in the District of Columbia and General ProvisionsPub. L. 109–396, title II, §§ 201, 204, title IV, §§ 401–407, Dec. 15, 2006, 120 Stat. 2713, 2715, 2718–2720, provided that:
Changes in United States Capitol GroundsPub. L. 108–447, div. G, title II, § 213, Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3196, provided that:
“(a) Transfer of Jurisdiction.—“(1) In general.—Jurisdiction over the parcels of Federal real property described under paragraph (2) (over which jurisdiction was transferred under section 514(b)(2)(C) of the Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Management Act of 1996 (40 U.S.C. 5102 note; Public Law 104–333)) is transferred to the Architect of the Capitol, without consideration.
“(2) Parcels.—The parcels of Federal real property referred to under paragraph (1) are the following:“(A) That portion of New Jersey Avenue, N.W., between the northernmost point of the intersection of New Jersey Avenue, N.W., and D Street, N.W., and the northernmost point of the intersection of New Jersey Avenue, N.W., and Louisiana Avenue, N.W., between squares 631 and W632, which remains Federal property, and whose maintenance and repair shall be the responsibility of the District of Columbia.
“(B) That portion of D Street, N.W., between its intersection with New Jersey Avenue, N.W., and its intersection with Louisiana Avenue, N.W., between squares 630 and W632, which remains Federal property.
“(b) Miscellaneous.—“(1) Compliance with other laws.—Compliance with this section shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of all laws otherwise applicable to transfers of jurisdiction over parcels of Federal real property.
“(2) United states capitol grounds.—“(A) Definition.—Section 5102 of title 40, United States Code, is amended to include within the definition of the United States Capitol Grounds the parcels of Federal real property described in subsection (a)(2).
“(B) Jurisdiction of capitol police.—The United States Capitol Police shall have jurisdiction over the parcels of Federal real property described in subsection (a)(2) in accordance with section 9 of the Act entitled ‘An Act to define the United States Capitol Grounds, to regulate the use thereof, and for other purposes’, approved July 31, 1946 (2 U.S.C. 1961).
“(3) Effect of transfer.—A person relinquishing jurisdiction over any parcel of Federal real property transferred by subsection (a) shall not retain any interest in the parcel except as specifically provided in this section.
“(c) Effective Date.—This Act [probably means this section] shall apply to fiscal year 2005 and each fiscal year thereafter.”
Pub. L. 104–333, div. I, title V, § 514, Nov. 12, 1996, 110 Stat. 4165, provided that:
“(a) Purpose.—It is the purpose of this section—“(1) to assist in the effort to timely establish within the District of Columbia a national memorial to Japanese American patriotism in World War II; and
“(2) to improve management of certain parcels of Federal real property located within the District of Columbia,
by the transferring jurisdiction over such parcels to the Architect of the Capitol, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Government of the District of Columbia.
“(b) Transfers of Jurisdiction.—“(1) In general.—Effective on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 12, 1996] and notwithstanding any other provision of law, jurisdiction over the parcels of Federal real property described in paragraph (2) is transferred without additional consideration as provided by paragraph (2).
“(2) Specific transfers.—“(A) Transfers to secretary of the interior.—“(i) In general.—Jurisdiction over the following parcels is transferred to the Secretary of the Interior: “(I) That triangle of Federal land, including any contiguous sidewalks and tree space, that is part of the United States Capitol Grounds under the jurisdiction of the Architect of the Capitol bound by D Street, N.W., New Jersey Avenue, N.W., and Louisiana Avenue, N.W., in square W632 in the District of Columbia, as shown on the Map Showing Properties Under Jurisdiction of the Architect of the Capitol, dated November 8, 1994.
“(II) That triangle of Federal land, including any contiguous sidewalks and tree space, that is part of the United States Capitol Grounds under the jurisdiction of the Architect of the Capitol bound by C Street, N.W., First Street, N.W., and Louisiana Avenue, N.W., in the District of Columbia, as shown on the Map Showing Properties Under Jurisdiction of the Architect of the Capitol, dated November 8, 1994.
“(ii) Limitation.—The parcels transferred by clause (i) shall not include those contiguous sidewalks abutting Louisiana Avenue, N.W., which shall remain part of the United States Capitol Grounds under the jurisdiction of the Architect of the Capitol.
“(iii) Consideration as memorial site.—The parcels transferred by subclause (I) of clause (i) may be considered as a site for a national memorial to Japanese American patriotism in World War II.
“(B) Transfers to architect of the capitol.—Jurisdiction over the following parcels is transferred to the Architect of the Capitol:“(i) That portion of the triangle of Federal land in Reservation No. 204 in the District of Columbia under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior, including any contiguous sidewalks, bound by Constitution Avenue, N.E., on the north, the branch of Maryland Avenue, N.E., running in a northeast direction on the west, the major portion of Maryland Avenue, N.E., on the south, and 2nd Street, N.E., on the east, including the contiguous sidewalks.
“(ii) That irregular area of Federal land in Reservation No. 204 in the District of Columbia under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior, including any contiguous sidewalks, northeast of the real property described in clause (i) bound by Constitution Avenue, N.E., on the north, the branch of Maryland Avenue, N.E., running to the northeast on the south, and the private property on the west known as lot 7, in square 726.
“(iii) The two irregularly shaped medians lying north and east of the property described in clause (i), located between the north and south curbs of Constitution Avenue, N.E., west of its intersection with Second Street, N.E., all as shown in Land Record No. 268, dated November 22, 1957, in the Office of the Surveyor, District of Columbia, in Book 138, Page 58.
“(iv) All sidewalks under the jurisdiction of the District of Columbia abutting on and contiguous to the land described in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii).
“(C) Transfers to district of columbia.—Jurisdiction over the following parcels is transferred to the Government of the District of Columbia:“(i) That portion of New Jersey Avenue, N.W., between the northernmost point of the intersection of New Jersey Avenue, N.W., and D Street, N.W., and the northernmost point of the intersection of New Jersey Avenue, N.W., and Louisiana Avenue, N.W., between squares 631 and W632, which remains Federal property.
“(ii) That portion of D Street, N.W., between its intersection with New Jersey Avenue, N.W., and its intersection with Louisiana Avenue, N.W., between squares 630 and W632, which remains Federal property.
“(c) Miscellaneous.—“(1) Compliance with other laws.—Compliance with this section shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of all laws otherwise applicable to transfers of jurisdiction over parcels of Federal real property.
“(2) Law enforcement responsibility.—Law enforcement responsibility for the parcels of Federal real property for which jurisdiction is transferred by subsection (b) shall be assumed by the person acquiring such jurisdiction.
“(3) United states capitol grounds.—“(A) Definition.—The first section of the Act entitled ‘An Act to define the United States Capitol Grounds, to regulate the use thereof, and for other purposes’, approved July 31, 1946 (40 U.S.C. 193a) [now 40 U.S.C. 5102], is amended to include within the definition of the United States Capitol Grounds the parcels of Federal real property described in subsection (b)(2)(B).
“(B) Jurisdiction of capitol police.—The United States Capitol Police shall have jurisdiction over the parcels of Federal real property described in subsection (b)(2)(B) in accordance with section 9 of such Act of July 31, 1946 (40 U.S.C. 212a) [now 2 U.S.C. 1961].
“(4) Effect of transfers.—A person relinquishing jurisdiction over a parcel of Federal real property transferred by subsection (b) shall not retain any interest in the parcel except as specifically provided by this section.”
Pub. L. 97–379, Dec. 22, 1982, 96 Stat. 1935, provided:
“That section 1 of the Act of July 31, 1946, as amended (40 U.S.C. 193a) [now 40 U.S.C. 5102], is amended to include within the definition of the United States Capitol Grounds the following additional areas which are situated as follows:
“(1) All sidewalks and contiguous areas presently under the jurisdiction of the District of Columbia located on the south side of Pennsylvania Avenue, Northwest, between the west curb of First Street, Northwest and the east curb of Third Street, Northwest.
“(2) All sidewalks and contiguous areas presently under the jurisdiction of the District of Columbia located on the north side of Maryland Avenue, Southwest, between the west curb of First Street, Southwest and the east curb of Third Street, Southwest.
“(3) All sidewalks and contiguous areas presently under the jurisdiction of the District of Columbia located on the west side of First Street between the south curb of Pennsylvania Avenue, Northwest and the north curb of Maryland Avenue, Southwest.
“(4) All sidewalks and contiguous areas presently under the jurisdiction of the District of Columbia located on the east side of Third Street between the south curb of Pennsylvania Avenue, Northwest and the north curb of Maryland Avenue, Southwest.”
Pub. L. 96–432, § 1, Oct. 10, 1980, 94 Stat. 1851, provided:
“That section 1 of the Act of July 31, 1946, as amended (40 U.S.C. 193a) [now 40 U.S.C. 5102], is amended to include within the definition of the United States Capitol Grounds the following additional areas and portions of streets which are situated as follows:
“(1) that portion of D Street Northeast from the east curb of Second Street Northeast to the east curb of First Street Northeast;
“(2) that portion of Second Street Northeast and Southeast from the south curb of F Street Northeast to the south curb of C Street Southeast;
“(3) that portion of Constitution Avenue Northeast from the east curb of Second Street Northeast to the east curb of First Street Northeast;
“(4) that portion of Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest from the west curb of First Street Northwest to the east curb of Third Street Northwest;
“(5) that portion of Maryland Avenue Southwest from the west curb of First Street Southwest to the east curb of Third Street Southwest;
“(6) that portion of Constitution Avenue Northwest from the east curb of Second Street Northwest to the east curb of Third Street Northwest;
“(7) that portion of Independence Avenue Southwest from the west curb of First Street Southwest to the east curb of Third Street Southwest;
“(8) that portion of Maryland Avenue Northeast from the east curb of Second Street Northeast to the east curb of First Street Northeast;
“(9) that portion of East Capitol Street from the east curb of Second Street Southeast to the east curb of First Street Southeast;
“(10) that portion of Independence Avenue Southeast from the east curb of Second Street Southeast to the east curb of First Street Southeast;
“(11) that portion of C Street Southeast from the east curb of Second Street Southeast to the east curb of First Street Southeast;
“(12) that portion of North Capitol Street from the south curb of Massachusetts Avenue to the north curb of Louisiana Avenue;
“(13) that portion of New Jersey Avenue Northwest from the north curb of D Street Northwest to the north curb of Louisiana Avenue;
“(14) that portion of Second Street Southwest from the north curb of D Street to the south curb of Virginia Avenue Southwest;
“(15) that portion of Virginia Avenue Southwest from the east curb of Second Street Southwest to the west curb of Third Street Southwest;
“(16) that portion of Third Street Southwest from the south curb of Virginia Avenue Southwest to the north curb of D Street Southwest;
“(17) that portion of D Street Southwest from the west curb of Third Street Southwest to the east curb of Second Street Southwest;
“(18) that portion of Canal Street Southwest, including sidewalks and traffic islands, from the south curb of Independence Avenue Southwest to the west curb of South Capitol Street; and
“(19) all that area contiguous to, and surrounding, square numbered 724 from the property line thereof to the contiguous curb;
“(20) those areas contiguous to, and surrounding, the areas comprising the grounds of the United States Botanic Garden from the property line of such grounds to the contiguous curb;
“(21) all that area contiguous to, and surrounding, the structures comprising the United States Capitol Power Plant, from the building lines of such structures to the contiguous curbs; and
“(22) all that area contiguous to, and surrounding, square numbered 581 from the property line thereof to the contiguous curb.”
Pub. L. 93–198, title VII, § 739(g)(3), Dec. 24, 1973, 87 Stat. 828, effective Jan. 2, 1975, [title IV of Pub. L. 93–198 having been accepted by a majority of the registered qualified electors in the District of Columbia voting on the charter issue in the charter referendum conducted May 8, 1974], provided in part that the definition of United States Capitol Grounds should include the following streets: Independence Avenue from the west curb of First Street S.E. to the east curb of First Street S.W., New Jersey Avenue S.E. from the south curb of Independence Avenue to the north curb of D Street S.E., South Capitol Street from the south curb of Independence Avenue to the north curb of D Street; Delaware Avenue S.W. from the south curb of C Street S.W. to the North Curb of D Street S.W., C Street from the west curb of First Street S.E. to the intersection of First and Canal Streets, S.W., D Street from the west curb of First Street S.E. to the intersection of Canal Street and Delaware Avenue S.W., that part of First Street lying west of the outer face of the curb of the sidewalk on the east side thereof from D Street, N.E. to D Street S.E., that part of First Street within the east and west curblines thereof extending from the north side of Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. to the intersection of C Street and Canal Street S.W., including the two circles within such area, but that nothing in the inclusion of such streets should be construed as repealing, or otherwise altering, modifying, affecting, or superseding those provisions of law in effect prior to the vesting of authority in the United States Supreme Court police and Library of Congress police by title IV of Pub. L. 93–198 to make arrests in adjacent streets, including First Street N.E. and First Street S.E.
Jurisdiction of the Capitol Police Board and the Architect of the CapitolPub. L. 96–432, § 3, Oct. 10, 1980, 94 Stat. 1852, provided that: “On and after the effective date of this section [see Pub. L. 96–432, § 4, Oct. 10, 1980, 94 Stat. 1853], that portion of C Street Northeast from the west curb of Second Street Northeast to the east curb of First Street Northeast shall be under the exclusive jurisdiction and control of the Capitol Police Board and the Architect of the Capitol in the same manner and to the same extent as such Board or the Architect of the Capitol has over other streets comprising the United States Capitol Grounds, and the Architect of the Capitol shall be responsible for the maintenance and improvement thereof.”
United States Supreme Court and Library of Congress; Jurisdictional BoundariesPub. L. 96–432, § 6(a), (b), Oct. 10, 1980, 94 Stat. 1853, provided that:
“(a) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act [enacting section 1962 of Title 2, The Congress, amending section 193a of former Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section], with respect to those squares occupied by the United States Supreme Court and the Library of Congress, those streets or portions thereof referred to in the first section of this Act [set out as a note above] which surround such squares shall be considered a part of the Capitol Grounds only to the face of the curbs contiguous to such squares.
“(b) Nothing in this Act shall be construed as repealing, or otherwise altering, modifying, affecting, or superseding those provisions of law in effect on the date immediately preceding the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 10, 1980] vesting authority in the United States Supreme Court Police and the Library of Congress Police to make arrests in adjacent streets.”
Architect of the Capitol; Acquisition of Additional PropertyPub. L. 97–12, title I, June 5, 1981, 95 Stat. 64, provided in part: “That upon acquisition of such real property pursuant to this paragraph [incorporating by reference the provisions of Pub. L. 96–432, Oct. 10, 1980, 94 Stat. 1851, which related to the acquisition of property in squares 693, 640, and 582 in the District of Columbia], the structure located on lot 801 of square 693 shall become a part of the House Office Buildings, subject to the provisions of the Act of July 31, 1946 (40 U.S.C. secs. 193a through 193m, [207a,] 212a, [212a–2, 212a–3,] and 212b) [now 2 U.S.C. 1922, 1961, 1966, 1967, 1969; 40 U.S.C. 5101–5107, 5109, see References in Text note under section 1819 of Title 2, The Congress], including any amendments thereto, which are applicable to the Capitol Buildings, and to the Act of March 4, 1907 (40 U.S.C. 175) [now 2 U.S.C. 2001].”
Pub. L. 96–432, §§ 7–10, Oct. 10, 1980, 94 Stat. 1853, 1854, provided that:
Acquisition of Property for Additions to United States Capitol GroundsPub. L. 85–429, May 29, 1958, 72 Stat. 148 and Pub. L. 85–591, Aug. 6, 1958, 72 Stat. 495, in part authorized the Architect of the Capitol to acquire certain real property for additions to United States Capitol Grounds.
Other Legislative Documents
Order of the House Office Building Commission
October 17, 1967WHEREAS, under authority of Section 1202 of Public Law 24, 84th Congress (69 Stat. 41), approved April 22, 1955, known as the “Additional House Office Building Act of 1955”, the Architect of the Capitol, at the direction of the House Office Building Commission, acquired during the period of 1955 to 1960, on behalf of the United States, by condemnation, seven squares in the District of Columbia, located south of Independence Avenue, in the vicinity of the United States Capitol Grounds, as a site for an additional office building and other necessary facilities for the House of Representatives and for additions to the United States Capitol Grounds;
WHEREAS, under the aforesaid authority, the Architect of the Capitol, at the direction of the Commission, acquired in 1965 on behalf of the United States, through transfer from the Redevelopment Land Agency, Square 639, also located south of Independence Avenue, for an addition to the United States Capitol Grounds;
WHEREAS, the aforesaid eight squares are identified and bound as follows: Square 635, bounded on the north by Independence Avenue, on the east by Delaware Avenue, on the west by First Street, on the south by C Street; Square 637, bounded on the north by C Street, on the east by South Capitol Street, on the west by Delaware Avenue, on the south by D Street; Square South of 635, bounded on the north by C Street, on the east by Delaware Avenue, on the west and south by Canal Street; Square 691, bounded on the north by C Street, on the east by New Jersey Avenue, on the west by South Capitol Street, on the south by D Street; Square 692, bounded on the north by C Street, on the east by First Street, on the west by New Jersey Avenue, on the south by D Street; Square 732 north, bounded on the north by Independence Avenue, on the east by Second Street, on the west by First Street, on the south by Carroll Street; Square 732 south, bounded on the north by Carroll Street, on the east by Second Street, on the west by First Street, on the south by C Street; and Square 639, bounded on the north by D Street, on the east by South Capitol Street, on the west and south by Canal Street;
WHEREAS, title to all real property in these 8 squares is now vested in fee simple absolute in the United States of America;
WHEREAS, subsequent to acquisition of these 8 squares, under the aforesaid authority, all alleys in these squares were closed and vacated, as were also Delaware Avenue between Independence Avenue and C Street and Carroll Street between First and Second Streets, by the Commissioners of the District of Columbia, and all areas between the property lines and outer faces of curbs surrounding these squares and Square 636 were transferred from the jurisdiction of the Commissioners of the District of Columbia to the jurisdiction of the Architect of the Capitol;
WHEREAS, the Rayburn House Office Building has been constructed on Squares 635 and 636 (the latter square being already owned by the government and having been combined with Square 635 as a site for this building under the aforesaid authority), and the said building is now maintained by the Architect of the Capitol as a part of the House Office Buildings, and the sidewalks and other paved and grassed areas surrounding this building are now maintained as part of the Capitol Grounds;
WHEREAS, underground garages for the House of Representatives have been constructed in Squares 637 and 691 and are now maintained by the Architect of the Capitol as part of the House Office Buildings, and the areas above these garages have been landscaped as a part of the Capitol Grounds;
WHEREAS, Squares South of 635 and 639 have been developed as parking lots for automobiles for Members and employees of the House and are now maintained as part of the Capitol Grounds;
WHEREAS, part of Square 692 is occupied by the Congressional Hotel, acquired by the Architect of the Capitol under the aforesaid authority and leased to the Knott Hotels Corporation for use as a hotel, and the remainder of this square has been converted into a parking lot for automobiles for Members and employees of the House and is now maintained as a part of the Capitol Grounds;
WHEREAS, Squares 732 north and south were acquired as an addition to the Capitol Grounds, are now maintained as part of the Capitol Grounds, and will continue to be so maintained until such time as required for construction thereon of the Library of Congress James Madison Memorial Building, authorized by Public Law 89–260, approved October 19, 1965;
WHEREAS, the aforesaid Additional House Office Building Act provides, in pertinent part, with respect to these properties, as follows:
“* * * At such time or times as may be fixed by order of the House Office Building Commission, (1) any real property acquired under, or made available for the purposes of, this chapter shall become part of the United States Capitol Grounds and subject to the Act entitled ‘An Act to define the area of the United States Capitol Grounds, to regulate the use thereof, and for other purposes’, approved July 31, 1946 (40 U.S.C., secs. 193a—193m, [207a,] 212a, [212a–2, 212a–3,] and 212b) [now 2 U.S.C. 1922, 1961, 1966, 1967, 1969; 40 U.S.C. 5101–5107, 5109, see References in Text note under section 1819 of Title 2, The Congress], and (2) the building and all facilities constructed pursuant to section 1201 of this chapter shall become subject to such Act approved July 31, 1946, and to the provisions of law relating to the control, supervision, and care of the House Office Building contained in the Act approved Mar. 4, 1907, as amended (40 U.S.C., sec. 175) [now 2 U.S.C. 2001].”
NOW, THEREFORE, in formal compliance with the aforecited provisions of the Additional House Office Building Act, the House Office Building Commission, in confirmation of actions heretofore taken by the Commission, hereby orders:
1. The Rayburn House Office Building, the subway connecting such building to the Capitol Building, the pedestrian tunnels connecting such building to the Longworth House Office Building, the underground garages in Squares 637 and 691 and the tunnels connecting these garages to the House Office Buildings, are hereby declared to be House Office Buildings and, as such, are hereby made subject to those provisions of the Act of July 31, 1946 (40 U.S.C., secs. 193a to 193m, [207a,] 212a, [212a–2, 212a–3,] and 212b) [now 2 U.S.C. 1922, 1961, 1966, 1967, 1969; 40 U.S.C. 5101–5107, 5109], including any amendments to such Act, which are applicable to the Capitol Buildings, and to the Act of Mar. 4, 1907 (40 U.S.C. 175) [now 2 U.S.C. 2001].
2. All other real property acquired by the Architect of the Capitol under authority of the Additional House Office Building Act is hereby declared to be part of the United States Capitol Grounds and is hereby made subject to the Act of July 31, 1946 (40 U.S.C., secs. 193a to 193m, [207a,] 212a, [212a–2, 212a–3,] and 212b) [now 2 U.S.C. 1922, 1961, 1966, 1967, 1969; 40 U.S.C. 5101–5107, 5109], including any amendments to such Act.
3. Nothing herein shall be construed to contravene (a) the provisions of Public Law 89–260 authorizing the future use of Squares 732 north and south as a site for the Library of Congress James Madison Memorial Building; or (b) the authority delegated by the House Office Building Commission to the Select House Committee under authority of H. Res. 514, 90th Congress, pertaining to the direction and supervision of the use and operation of the four House Garages and outdoor parking lots.
4. This order shall become effective immediately.
HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING COMMISSION
John W. McCormack, Chairman.
Emanuel Celler, Member.
Charles E. Goodell, Member.