A debate has started again in Washington, D.C. Rep. Al Green, a Democratic congressman from Texas, is asking the U.S. Senate to remove former Sen. Richard B. Russell’s name from one of its main office buildings. Green says this is not just about a name. It is about choosing symbols that match the country’s values of fairness and equality, instead of honoring someone who supported segregation.
The Rationale: Why Rep. Green is Challenging a Senatorial Honor
Rep. Green sent a letter to every U.S. Senator explaining why the name should be removed. He believes that keeping Russell’s name on the building sends the wrong message about who the country chooses to honor. Green says it is wrong to celebrate a person who worked to block civil rights for millions of Americans.
He also explains that he is not trying to erase history. Instead, he wants the government to choose carefully who it honors in public spaces. Green suggests changing the building’s name back to the original, simple name—the Old Senate Office Building—until leaders find a better person to honor. His goal is to support fairness and justice through this symbolic change.
The Controversial Legacy of Richard B. Russell
To understand why this debate matters, it is important to look at Richard B. Russell Jr.’s past. Russell served in the Senate from 1933 to 1971. He was a powerful and respected senator from Georgia. However, Russell strongly supported racial segregation and white supremacy. Some key points about his record include:
- Opposition to Civil Rights: He fought against major civil rights laws, including anti-lynching bills and laws to end segregation.
- The Southern Manifesto: He helped write and sign this 1956 document that protested the Supreme Court’s decision to end segregation in public schools.
- Public Support of Segregation: Historical records show that Russell said America should stay “a white man’s country,” clearly supporting racism and discrimination.
Because of his long service and influence, the Senate named a major office building after him after he died.
ALSO Read: Traffic stops in Texas could soon include immigration checks under new program
Political and Legislative Action on Capitol Hill
Rep. Green has introduced House Resolution 646 (H.Res. 646). This resolution asks the Senate to remove Russell’s name from the building, now called the Russell Senate Office Building. The House cannot rename a Senate building on its own, but the resolution helps bring attention and public support to the issue.
This is not the first time people have tried to change the name. In 2018, former Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer suggested renaming the building after Sen. John McCain. That idea did not move forward, but it showed that many leaders have concerns about keeping Russell’s name.
Significance and the Broader Reckoning with History
For Rep. Green and others who support the change, this issue is about more than just a building. It is about showing what values the country stands for. They argue that keeping Russell’s name is a “symbol of national shame” because it honors a leader who supported racism.
People who want the name removed say it is wrong to honor a segregationist in such an important government building. They believe removing his name is an important step toward creating a more inclusive and fair national identity. This debate shows the ongoing struggle between keeping old traditions and embracing progress in civil rights.
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources. Readers should cross-check updates from official news outlets.