Congressional Bills H.J. Res 133 and H.R. 1512 Signed into Law

12/2/2025

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Date of Action: December 2, 2025.
H.J. Res 133: Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to implement unique, one-time arrangements for displays on the National Mall and the Washington Monument from December 31, 2025, to January 5, 2026.
H.R. 1512 – Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act: Permanently extends the requirements for the Department of State to review and report on its guidance to Executive Branch agencies and offices regarding U.S. relations with Taiwan.

**H.J. Res 133**: The authorization for unique displays on the National Mall is unlikely to present direct risks to Vanderbilt University. However, it underscores the administration’s interest in cultural and national events, which may influence future federal funding priorities.
**H.R. 1512 – Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act**: This act emphasizes the permanence of U.S. relations with Taiwan, signaling potential geopolitical shifts. While not directly impacting Vanderbilt, increased focus on Taiwan may influence international collaborations and research partnerships, particularly those related to Asia-Pacific studies.
The act may lead to changes in foreign policy that could affect international student enrollment from the Asia-Pacific region, necessitating adjustments in recruitment and support services at the university.

Vanderbilt’s Asian Studies Program might experience increased interest and funding opportunities for research on Taiwan and U.S.-Asia relations. This could lead to expanded academic offerings and faculty recruitment in this area.
The Office of International Student and Scholar Services might need to adjust strategies to support students from Taiwan and other Asia-Pacific regions, particularly in light of any shifts in diplomatic relations.
Peabody College may find new opportunities to engage in educational exchanges and collaborative projects with institutions in Taiwan.

While the immediate financial impact is minimal, the focus on Taiwan may open avenues for grants and funding related to international relations and Asian studies.
Potential shifts in international student demographics could impact tuition revenue and necessitate adjustments in financial aid strategies.
Increased attention to geopolitical issues may influence the university’s international partnerships and collaborations, impacting funding and resource allocation.

Relevance Score: 2 (The impacts are minor and primarily involve strategic opportunities related to international relations.)

Vanderbilt’s International Relations Program should analyze the implications of the “Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act” to understand its impact on U.S.-Taiwan relations. This analysis can be incorporated into curriculum and research initiatives focused on international diplomacy and global security.
The Office of Global Strategy may consider exploring partnerships or exchange programs with Taiwanese universities to leverage the strengthened U.S.-Taiwan relations, enhancing collaborative research opportunities and cultural exchange.
Vanderbilt’s Political Science Department could offer seminars or public lectures on the significance of the U.S. commitment to Taiwan, engaging students and the community in discussions about international policy and its global implications.

The act offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Asian Studies Program to expand educational offerings related to East Asian politics and U.S.-Asia relations, attracting students interested in international affairs.
Vanderbilt could host conferences or workshops focusing on U.S.-Taiwan relations, positioning the university as a thought leader in international policy discussions and potentially influencing future policy directions through academic contributions.

Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to align educational and research programs with evolving international relations.)

Average Relevance Score: 3

H.J. Res 133: Arrangement period for displays on the National Mall and Washington Monument from December 31, 2025 to January 5, 2026 (6-day period).
H.R. 1512: Permanent extension of reporting requirements with no specific implementation timeline (permanent directive—no additional deadline applies).

Relevance Score: 5

Department of the Interior: H.J. Res 133 directs the Secretary of the Interior to authorize special display arrangements on the National Mall and at the Washington Monument during the designated period.
Department of State: H.R. 1512, the “Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act,” mandates that the Department of State continue to review and report on its guidance to Executive Branch agencies regarding relations with Taiwan.

Relevance Score: 1 (Only 1 or 2 agencies are affected by these legislative actions.)

Secretary of the Interior – Responsible for authorizing unique, one-time arrangements for displays on the National Mall and the Washington Monument during the specified period.
Department of State (under the direction of the Secretary of State) – Tasked with reviewing and reporting on its guidance to Executive Branch agencies on relations with Taiwan.

Relevance Score: 4 (Directives specifically affect the heads of major agencies, namely the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of State.)