In recent developments, Republican representatives have put forth a series of bills and resolutions aimed at honoring former President Donald Trump. The proposed honors include featuring Trump on the $500 bill and renaming an international airport in his name.
What Happened: These largely symbolic gestures are viewed as attempts to gain favor from Trump, whose endorsements can significantly influence political careers, reported USA Today.
Earlier this month, Rep. Paul Gosar, (R-Ariz.), proposed a bill to reintroduce the $500 bill, featuring Trump’s portrait, after a 79-year hiatus. Gosar’s proposal aims to underscore the high inflation rates under President Joe Biden’s administration.
In May, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, (R-Fla.), advocated for a bill to award Trump the Congressional Gold Medal for his administration’s foreign policy achievements. “They’re all trying to curry favor from the former president,” commented Fred Upton, a retired Republican representative.
Other proposals include renaming the country’s coastal exclusive economic zone and Dulles International Airport after Trump. These proposals surface amidst a close presidential race, with some Congress members aiming to place national real estate under the Trump brand.
That proposal is backed by Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, (R-Pa.), according to another USA Today report. He called the move a “symbol of freedom, prosperity, and strength.”
In response to the airport renaming proposal, Democrats proposed a bill to name the Miami Federal Correctional Institution after Trump, alluding to his ongoing legal battles.
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Why It Matters: The proposed bills come at a time when the 2024 presidential race is heating up. According to a Benzinga report from June, polls indicate a close race between Joe Biden and Trump.
Furthermore, Trump’s recent venture of selling Bibles, which was criticized by former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), has also been a topic of discussion. Cheney suggested that Trump should read the Bible’s verse on adultery, in response to Trump’s Bible sale announcement.
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This story was generated using Benzinga Neuro and edited by Shivdeep Dhaliwal
