WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressmen Darin LaHood (IL-18) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-8) unveiled the “Lincoln Room” in the United States Capitol yesterday evening. The Congressmen were joined by former Illinois Congressman Jerry Weller, President of the Illinois State Society, and John O’Brien, President of the Lincoln Group of Washington, D.C.
“Having the privilege of representing the same district Abraham Lincoln did during his only term in Congress, the opportunity to rename this room is truly an honor,” stated Rep. LaHood. “During my time in Congress, I have often reflected on the values of hard work and dedication embodied by President Lincoln. I am grateful to be joined by Congressman Krishnamoorthi in this effort and humbled to have the opportunity to permanently commemorate this room in the U.S. Capitol.”
“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to have partnered with Congressman LaHood to commemorate President Lincoln’s service in Congress through renaming this room in his honor,” said Rep. Krishnamoorthi. “It’s especially fitting that we should rename this particular room for President Lincoln as the room was formerly the House post office during Lincoln’s time in Congress, a crucial gathering place where President Lincoln built some of the friendships with which he helped guide our country through its darkest years.”
The Lincoln Room
Room H-226, which is currently part of Majority Whip Jim Clyburn’s (SC-6) office, of the United States Capitol once served as the post office of the House while then-Representative Abraham Lincoln served in Congress from 1847-1849. During the 115th Congress, Minority Whip Steve Scalise unofficially named the room after Lincoln, but legislation was required to formally named the room in honor of 16th President. Reps. LaHood and Krishnamoorthi, then co-chairs of the Illinois State Society, saw it fitting to permanently name the room during Illinois’ bicentennial.
This legislation would not be possible without the hard work and leadership of John Elliff, a former member of the Abraham Lincoln Association, who unfortunately passed away this past August. One of John’s goals was to see a bi-partisan resolution brought forward to have this space in the Capitol renamed in honor of Abraham Lincoln. We were honored to have John’s wife, Linda, celebrate this unveiling with us.
Additional photos from the event can be found here.
