# Plain Language Summary: Lewis Howard Latimer Commemorative Stamp Resolution

This is a request for the U.S. Postal Service to create and issue a special commemorative stamp honoring Lewis Howard Latimer, an African American inventor and scientist who lived from 1848 to 1928. The resolution marks the 175th anniversary of his birth in 2023. It's not a law that requires anything to happen—it's more like an official recommendation from the House of Representatives asking the Postal Service to consider issuing this stamp.

Lewis Howard Latimer was a remarkable figure in American history who deserves recognition. Born to escaped slaves, he served in the Navy during the Civil War at just 16 years old, then taught himself mechanical drawing and drafting. He worked closely with famous inventors like Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison, making crucial contributions to the development of electric lighting and telecommunications. Latimer improved the carbon filament used in light bulbs, making them last longer and affordable for everyday use. He also invented an early version of air conditioning and wrote the first published description of Edison's electric lighting system. Beyond his scientific achievements, Latimer was a civil rights advocate who fought for Black Americans' rights and was the only African American among the 28 charter members of the Edison Pioneers.

The practical effect of this resolution is minimal for everyday people—it's essentially Congress saying "we think this person is important enough to be remembered on a stamp." If approved, you might see a Lewis Howard Latimer stamp available at your post office, similar to other commemorative stamps honoring historical figures. The resolution doesn't create any new laws or programs; it simply asks the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee to recommend the stamp to the Postmaster General, who would make the final decision about whether to produce it.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States Postal Service should issue a commemorative postage stamp honoring Lewis Howard Latimer, in recognition of his distinctive life, scientific achievements, and his civic contributions to technological advancement, to commemorate the 175th year anniversary of his birth and that the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee should recommend to the Postmaster General that such a stamp be issued.

Meng, Grace

 <p>This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that a commemorative stamp should be issued by the U.S. Postal Service honoring the life and legacy of Lewis Howard Latimer.</p>