Designates a portion of Sumner Row in Washington, D.C., as "Alexei Navalny Way" to honor the Russian political activist and show solidarity with those fighting for freedom in Russia.
Mike Quigley
Representative
IL-5
This bill designates the section of Sumner Row NW in Washington, D.C., near the Russian Ambassador's residence, as "Alexei Navalny Way" to honor the Russian pro-democracy activist who died in a Russian prison. It requires the District of Columbia to erect street signs with the new designation at specific locations. The aim is to show solidarity with the Russian people fighting for fundamental freedoms.
DC Street to Be Renamed 'Alexei Navalny Way' in Honor of Deceased Russian Dissident
This bill is all about sending a message. It designates a stretch of Sumner Row in Washington, D.C. – specifically the part between 16th Street Northwest and L Street Northwest – as "Alexei Navalny Way." This is a direct tribute to the Russian opposition leader who died in a Russian prison earlier this year. The bill itself lays out the reasoning, citing Russia's record of repression and human rights abuses under Vladimir Putin, and highlighting Navalny's fight for democratic freedoms and against corruption (SEC. 1).
Making a Statement
The core action here is pretty straightforward: rename a street. The bill mandates that the District of Columbia put up two "Alexei Navalny Way" signs. One will go above existing signs between 1135 16th Street Northwest and 1119-1125 16th Street Northwest, and the other on a signpost at 1555 L Street Northwest. The design is supposed to be similar to Metro station signs (SEC. 2). It is a very visible way of honoring the man.
The Bigger Picture
While this is a symbolic gesture, it's a pointed one. The findings section of the bill (SEC. 1) explicitly connects Navalny's death to the broader context of political repression in Russia. It mentions his multiple awards and recognitions, including nominations and prizes for courage and human rights advocacy, and even details the attempts on his life. The bill also draws a direct line between American support for democratic values and the struggles of the Russian people. The location is also significant, as it's near the Russian Ambassador's residence. It's a way of saying that the U.S. stands with those in Russia fighting for basic freedoms.