Joint resolution to provide for a feasibility study and to accept a gift from the United States Capitol Historical Society.
Public Law 93-226 · H.J.Res. 736 · 93rd Congress · began in the House
Signed by Richard Nixon (R) on Dec 29, 1973 · Congress
Sponsor: Rep. Tip O’Neill (D-MA-8)
Cosponsors (6): Rep. Gerald Ford, Rep. John McFall,
Passage votes
- HouseMethod not stated
- SenateMethod not stated
Data notes
The final version of the law, as each chamber passed it. A chamber that passed it by voice vote or unanimous consent has no count. “Method not stated” means the record does not say how the chamber voted. Where the record has a member-by-member vote, the “Who voted for it” section shows who voted yea.
Summary
The Congressional Research Service’s plain-language summary of what the law does.
Authorizes the United States Capitol Historical Society, under direction of the Architect of the Capitol, to prepare a feasibility study to determine the desirability of installing within the United Stated Capitol Grounds, at the east front of the United States Capitol, all items of equipment and other facilities required for a sound and light performance, consisting of an interplay of light, music, narrative, and sound effects which when projected onto the imposing facade of the east front of the United States Capitol, will re-create the evolution of American history, based on a foundation of thorough historical research.
Requires the Architect of the Capitol to review such report and submit the same, with his recommendations, to the Speaker and majority and minority leaders of the House of Representatives and to the U.S. Senate Commission on Art and Antiquities.
Provides that if the project, as presented, with or without modifications, meets with the approval of such House and Senate officials, the Architect of the Capitol, notwithstanding any other provision of law, is authorized after such approval to accept gifts and expend funds to carry out this joint resolution.
Committees
The committees the bill was sent to, and what each did with it.
Data notes
A committee links to its page only where it exists in the current Congress; older and renamed committees are named without a link.
Timeline
From introduction to signing, newest first: the committees, the floor and the president. 11 actions.
- Dec 29, 1973Became lawBecame law · Signed by President.
- PresidentPresident · Public law 93-226.
- Dec 21, 1973PresidentPresident · Measure presented to President.
- Dec 19, 1973Resolving differencesResolving differences · House agreed to Senate amendments.
- Dec 7, 1973FloorFloor · Measure passed Senate, amended, in lieu of S.J.Res. 169.
- CommitteeCommittee · Discharged from Senate Environment and Public Works Committee
- Dec 4, 1973CommitteeCommittee · Referred to Senate Environment and Public Works Committee
- Dec 3, 1973FloorFloor · Measure passed House.
- Nov 29, 1973CommitteeCommittee · Reported by House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
- Sep 19, 1973CommitteeCommittee · Referred to House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
- IntroducedIntroduced · Introduced in the House
Data notes
Shows the introduction, each committee and subcommittee step the source dates (referral, hearings, markup, report, discharge), and the floor, conference, presidential and became-law steps. Calendar placements, messages between the chambers, amendments and committee report numbers are not shown for laws before the 108th Congress. Two entries the source lists twice are shown once.
Official record
The bill’s full text and every action, including introduction and committee steps, are on Congress.gov. Data through Oct 7, 2026.