Bill would put Thomas Paine memorial on Washington’s National Mall

A bipartisan House bill would authorize a Thomas Paine memorial in Area I of Washington, D.C., giving the American revolutionary a place among the nation’s most honored founders as the country marks the 250th anniversaries of independence and Common Sense. Supporters say the project would cap decades of advocacy and could move forward if Congress approves the measure.

Why it matters: - The Common Sense 250 Act of 2026 would give Thomas Paine a memorial site in Area I of Washington, D.C.’s monumental core, a setting reserved for figures whose contributions carry preeminent and lasting historical significance. - The proposal would place Paine among America’s most honored founders at a moment when the country is marking the 250th anniversaries of independence and the publication of Common Sense. - Supporters say the memorial would correct a long-standing gap in national recognition for the writer whose work helped turn colonial resistance into a movement for independence.

What happened: - Congress received bipartisan legislation, H.R. 9600, sponsored by Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., and Rep. Victoria Spartz, R-Ind. - The Thomas Paine Memorial Association welcomed the bill and said it represents the strongest step yet toward a long-sought national memorial. - The measure would authorize a memorial honoring Paine in Area I of Washington, D.C.

The details: - Paine arrived in America in 1774 with a letter of introduction from Benjamin Franklin. - Common Sense, published in January 1776, became the bestselling political work of the 18th century and argued for complete independence from Britain. - Paine declined royalties from Common Sense, surrendered the copyright so others could reprint it freely, and donated earnings to support the Continental Army. - Paine also served with General George Washington’s troops and wrote The American Crisis, which became a wartime morale booster. - Paine later condemned slavery, backed universal education, defended religious liberty, promoted democratic government, supported social welfare programs, and popularized the phrase “United States of America.” - If Congress approves the bill, supporters would have up to seven years to raise funds, complete the design, secure federal approvals, and build the memorial on an approved Area I site. - TPMA has already enlisted sculptor Zenos Frudakis to design the memorial. - The Thomas Paine Memorial Association website is here. - The organization also posted updates on Facebook and its Meetup group.

Between the lines: - The bill frames Paine not just as a revolutionary writer, but as a broader champion of democratic ideals that shaped American civic life. - The timing is strategic. The 250th-anniversary milestone gives backers a national spotlight and a ready-made reason to elevate Paine’s legacy. - Raskin called the legislation a chance to move Paine “from the attics and libraries of history” to a prominent place on the National Mall. - Spartz linked the effort to the sacrifices of the Revolutionary War and the duty to preserve freedom for future generations. - TPMA leaders described the measure as the product of decades of organizing by supporters in the U.S. and abroad. - Frudakis said he aims to create a memorial that speaks to both Paine’s own era and future generations.

What’s next: - Congress must approve the legislation before any memorial can move forward. - If the bill passes, supporters will begin fundraising, design work, federal review, and construction planning. - TPMA says the project remains focused on securing a memorial near the Capitol and National Mall.

The bottom line: - The bill could finally place Thomas Paine in Washington’s most prestigious commemorative landscape, turning a long-running campaign into a concrete national tribute.