HR 4641
In CommitteeHouse
Julia Butler Hansen
Honoring Julia Butler Hansen.
This status may be delayed. See Action History below for the latest updates.
How does a bill become law?
- Introduced: The bill is filed and assigned a number.
- Committee: A subject-matter committee holds hearings, takes public testimony, and decides whether to advance the bill.
- Floor Vote: The full chamber (House or Senate) debates and votes on the bill.
- Opposite Chamber: The bill repeats the committee and floor vote process in the other chamber.
- Governor: The Governor reviews the bill and decides whether to sign or veto it.
- Signed: The bill has been signed into law.
AI Analysis
This resolution formally honors Congresswoman Julia Butler Hansen, a pioneering Washington state and federal leader, and recognizes the historical importance of her family home in Cathlamet. It celebrates her legacy as a trailblazer for women in politics and her contributions to regional infrastructure and public service.
- Formally honors Congresswoman Julia Butler Hansen on the 20th anniversary of her passing (she died in 1981).
- Recognizes the Julia Butler Hansen House in Cathlamet as the oldest surviving pioneer structure in Wahkiakum County and a repository of historically significant artifacts.
- Highlights her historic achievements, including being the first woman to chair a Congressional Appropriations Subcommittee and her instrumental role in major Pacific Northwest infrastructure projects like the Astoria-Megler Bridge.
- Acknowledges her distinguished service in both the Washington State House of Representatives (1939–1960) and the U.S. House of Representatives (1960–1974).
- Notes the house contains original documents, photos, and correspondence from presidents, governors, and other national leaders.
Who is affected
- General public — The public, especially residents of Wahkiakum County and Southwest Washington, who may benefit from increased awareness and preservation efforts related to the Julia Butler Hansen House and its historical significance.
- Historic preservation groups — Historic preservation organizations and local governments may gain renewed attention and support for preserving similar historic sites.
- State agencies (e.g., Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation) — State employees and agencies involved in heritage and tourism promotion may use the resolution as a framework for educational programming or outreach.
- Students and historians — Students and researchers may benefit from increased visibility of Julia Butler Hansen’s legacy and related primary-source materials held at the house.
Pro/Con Analysis
Stronger case for benefits
Potential Benefits (5)
Formal recognition of a historic figure and site may foster community pride and civic engagement, encouraging local stewardship of public spaces and heritage tourism infrastructure.
Public SafetyRef: Preamble & Whereas clauses (entire resolution)Increased visibility of Julia Butler Hansen’s legacy may support educational programming in schools and museums across Southwest Washington, particularly in history and civics curricula.
EducationRef: Whereas clauses 1, 2, 4, and 6The resolution may catalyze local efforts to preserve and promote the Julia Butler Hansen House, potentially supporting heritage tourism and related small-scale economic activity in Cathlamet.
Local GovernmentRef: Whereas clauses 2 and 6Highlighting Hansen’s role in major infrastructure projects (e.g., Astoria-Megler Bridge) may reinforce public appreciation for long-term public investment in transportation safety and connectivity.
Public SafetyRef: Whereas clause 3The resolution draws attention to primary-source materials at the Hansen House, which may increase access for researchers, students, and historians studying Washington’s political and infrastructure history.
EducationRef: Whereas clause 5
Who Is Most Affected
Residents of Wahkiakum County and Southwest Washington may benefit from increased local visibility, heritage tourism, and educational programming tied to the Hansen House.
Historic preservation groups may use the resolution as a tool to advocate for additional funding or attention to similar sites, though the resolution itself imposes no new obligations or funding.
State agencies (e.g., DAHP) may leverage the resolution to support outreach or interpretive programming, but no new resources or mandates are assigned.
Students and researchers may gain greater access to primary-source materials and contextual awareness of Hansen’s legacy, though the resolution itself does not change access protocols.
Local governments in Wahkiakum County may see modest benefits from increased tourism or educational partnerships, but the resolution does not allocate funding or authority.