110 HR 6696 IH: To authorize the American Battle Monuments Commission to U.S. House of Representatives 2008-07-31 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I 110th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 6696 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES July 31, 2008 Mr. Poe introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources A BILL To authorize the American Battle Monuments Commission to establish a memorial, in the District of Columbia or its environs, to honor members of the Armed Forces who served in World War I, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Frank Buckles World War I Memorial Act.

2.

Authority to establish memorial

(a)

In general

The American Battle Monuments Commission (hereinafter in this Act referred to as the Commission) is authorized to establish a memorial to honor members of the Armed Forces who served in World War I and to commemorate the participation of the United States in that war. (b)

Location of memorial

The memorial established pursuant to this Act shall be— (1)located generally on and abutting the Federal land in the District of Columbia where the District of Columbia War Memorial is currently located; and (2)incorporated with the District of Columbia War Memorial. (c)

Compliance with standards for commemorative works

The establishment of the memorial shall be in accordance with chapter 89 of title 40, United States Code. (d)

Handicapped access

The plan, design, construction, and operation of the memorial pursuant to this section shall provide for accessibility by, and accommodations for, the physically handicapped.

3.

Advisory board

(a)

Establishment of board

There is hereby established a World War I Memorial Advisory Board, consisting of 12 members, who shall be appointed by the President from among veterans of World War I, historians of World War I, and representatives of veterans organizations, historical associations, and groups knowledgeable about World War I. (b)

Appointments

Members of the Board shall be appointed not later than 3 months after the date of the enactment of this Act and shall serve for the life of the Board. The President shall make appointments to fill such vacancies as may occur on the Board. (c)

Responsibilities of the board

The Board shall— (1)in the manner specified by the Commission, promote establishment of the memorial and encourage donation of private contributions for the memorial; and (2)upon the request of the Commission, advise the Commission on the site and design for the memorial. (d)

Sunset

The Board shall cease to exist on the last day of the third month after the month in which the memorial is completed or the month of the expiration of the authority for the memorial under chapter 89 of title 40, United States Code, whichever first occurs.

4.

Private contributions

The Commission shall solicit and accept private contributions for the memorial.

5.

Fund in the treasury for the memorial

(a)

In general

There is hereby created in the Treasury a fund which shall be available to the Commission for the expenses of establishing the memorial. The fund shall consist of— (1)amounts deposited, and interest and proceeds credited, under subsection (b); and (2)obligations obtained under subsection (c). (b)

Deposits and credits

The Chairman of the Commission shall deposit in the fund the amounts accepted as contributions under section 4. The Secretary of the Treasury shall credit to the fund the interest on, and the proceeds from sale or redemption of, obligations held in the fund. (c)

Obligations

The Secretary of the Treasury shall invest any portion of the fund that, as determined by the Chairman of the Commission, is not required to meet current expenses. Each investment shall be made in an interest bearing obligation of the United States or an obligation guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States that, as determined by the Chairman of the Commission, has a maturity suitable for the fund. (d)

Abolition

Upon the final settlement of the accounts of the fund, the Secretary of the Treasury shall submit to the Congress a draft of legislation (including technical and conforming provisions) recommended by the Secretary for the abolition of the fund.

6.

Deposit of excess funds

If, upon payment of all expenses of the establishment of the memorial (including the maintenance and preservation amount provided for in chapter 89 of title 40, United States Code), or upon expiration of the authority for the memorial under chapter 89 of title 40, United States Code, there remains a balance in the fund created by section 5, the Chairman of the Commission shall transmit the amount of the balance to the Secretary of the Treasury for deposit in the account provided for in chapter 89 of title 40, United States Code.