II 109th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 205 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES January 31, 2005 Ms. Landrieu (for herself and Mr. Vitter) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources A BILL To authorize the American Battle Monuments Commission to establish in the State of Louisiana a memorial to honor the Buffalo Soldiers.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Buffalo Soldiers commemoration Act of 2005.

2.

Establishment of Buffalo Soldiers memorial

(a)

Authorization

The American Battle Monuments Commission is authorized to establish a memorial to honor the Buffalo Soldiers in or around the City of New Orleans on land donated for such purpose or on Federal land with the consent of the appropriate land manager. (b)

Contributions

The Commission shall solicit and accept contributions for the construction and maintenance of the memorial. (c)

Cooperative agreements

The Commission may enter into a cooperative agreement with a private or public entity for the purpose of fundraising for the construction and maintenance of the memorial. (d)

Maintenance agreement

Prior to beginning construction of the memorial, the Commission shall enter into an agreement with an appropriate public or private entity to provide for the permanent maintenance of the memorial and shall have sufficient funds, or assurance that it will receive sufficient funds, to complete the memorial.

3.

Buffalo Soldiers memorial account

(a)

Establishment

The Commission shall maintain an escrow account (account) to pay expenses incurred in constructing the memorial. (b)

Deposits into the account

The Commission shall deposit into the account any principal and interest by the United States that the Chairman determines has a suitable maturity. (c)

Use of account

Amounts in the account, including proceeds of any investments, may be used to pay expenses incurred in establishing the memorial. After construction of the memorial amounts in the account shall be transferred by the Commission to the entity providing for permanent maintenance of the memorial under such terms and conditions as the Commission determines will ensure the proper use and accounting of the amounts.

4.

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this Act.