The Library of Congress will announce its first John W. Kluge Prize at 10 a.m. today.

The $1 million award, which will be presented to its recipient during an evening ceremony in the Library’s Great Hall, honors lifetime achievement in history, philosophy, politics, anthropology, sociology, religion, linguistics and other human sciences. [IMGCAP(1)]

“The main criterion for a recipient of the Kluge Prize is deep intellectual accomplishment in the human sciences,” a Library statement explains.

Nominations for the award were provided by universities, research institutions and independent scholars from around the world, and reviewed by a 20-member “Scholars’ Council” as well as the director of the LOC’s Office of Scholarly Programs. Librarian of Congress James Billington made the final selection.

Shadow Dollars. D.C. City Councilmember Phil Mendelson (D-At Large) introduced legislation Tuesday to create a fundraising committee dedicated to the District’s shadow Congressional delegation.

“We intend to lobby hard for it,” said Shadow Rep. Ray Browne (D), who hopes to get the legislation passed by the end of the year. The funds raised by such a committee would be used to cover general costs of the shadow delegation and would not be used for campaign expenses.

The District’s three shadow Members — Democrats Paul Strauss and Florence Pendleton serve as Shadow Senators — are locally elected officials who lobby for statehood and full Congressional representation. Although the city government provides the delegation with office space at Judiciary Square, the posts are unpaid and the officials must raise funds for day-to-day costs, such as travel or office supplies.

— Jennifer Yachnin