[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 134 (Thursday, September 22, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 22, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
         INTRODUCTION OF CENTENNIAL OF FLIGHT COMMEMORATION ACT

                                 ______


                           HON. TONY P. HALL

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 22, 1994

  Mr. HALL of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, the conquest of flight was one of 
history's greatest triumphs of technology. The first flight by Wilbur 
and Orville Wright on December 17, 1903, was the fulfillment of man's 
ages-old dream to fly. Since that time, the world has never been the 
same. As much as any other invention in the industrial era, the 
airplane has changed the course of transportation, commerce, 
communication, and warfare.
  Aviation represents a significant segment of the U.S. economy. 
According to a study conducted by Wilbur Smith Associates, civil 
aviation contributed $692.9 billion to the economy in 1991. This sector 
generated 8.4 million jobs with an annual payroll of $206.6 billion. In 
addition, aerospace-related spending by the Department of Defense and 
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration is more than $1 
billion annually.
  Few inventions have directly touched the lives of Americans as has 
the airplane. An estimated 77 percent of all Americans have flown on an 
airplane at least once.
  The year 2003 will mark the 100th anniversary of the first flight. It 
will be a time to mark that historic event and reflect on how aerospace 
technology has affected our lives. Our Nation can celebrate what the 
Wright brothers' achievement represents: American ingenuity, 
inventiveness, and diligence in developing new technologies. It will 
also be a time to draw inspiration from the Wright brothers and to 
nenew their values of creativity and daring which are so critical to 
the future of the Nation.
  Because of the significance of aerospace to our economy and way of 
life, the centennial of the first flight will be celebrated with 
widespread interest and fanfare. National and international 
celebrations could be planned by a wide range of aerospace-related 
organizations, companies, governmental bodies, and educational 
institutions.
  Today, I join my colleague, Martin Lancaster, and a majority of the 
members of the Ohio and North Carolina congressional delegations in 
introducing legislation creating the Centennial of Flight Commission to 
help plan and coordinate the national celebration of the centennial of 
the first flight. The legislation is similar to laws enacted to help 
plan major commemorative celebrations connected with other milestones 
in our Nation's history.
  Ohio and North Carolina have a special stake in ensuring a successful 
national celebration of the Wright brothers' achievement. It was in 
Ohio that the Wright brothers grew up and constructed the airplane and 
it was in North Carolina that the first flight occurred.
  The Centennial of Flight Commission would be charged with planning, 
developing, and coordinating programs and activities commemorating the 
100th anniversary of the first flight. It would also help coordinate 
the U.S. participation in international centennial celebrations. The 
commission would be composed of 25 members, including experts, Federal 
officials, and private citizens. It would terminate in 2004, the year 
after the celebration.
  In 2003 and the years leading up to it, our Nation will have the 
opportunity to celebrate one of our great achievements. It will be a 
time to reaffirm our faith in the Nation's ability to solve nearly 
impossible problems and fulfill dreams of mankind. The Centennial of 
Flight Commission is intended to make the best of that celebration.
  The text of the legislation follows:

                                H.R. --

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Centennial of Flight 
     Commemoration Act''.

     SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS.

       The Congress finds that--
       (1) December 17, 2003, is the 100th anniversary of the 1st 
     successful manned, controlled, heavier-than-air, powered 
     flight;
       (2) The First Flight by Orville and Wilbur Wright 
     represents the fulfillment of the age-old dream of flying;
       (3) the airplane has dramatically changed the course of 
     transportation, commerce, communication, and warfare 
     throughout the world;
       (4) the achievement by the Write brothers was a triumph of 
     American ingenuity, inventiveness, and diligence in 
     developing new technologies, and remains an inspiration for 
     all Americans;
       (5) it is appropriate to remember and renew the legacy of 
     the Write brothers at a time when the values of creativity 
     and daring represented by the Wright brothers are critical to 
     the future of the Nation; and
       (6) as the Nation approaches the 100th anniversary of the 
     First Flight, it is appropriate to celebrate and commemorate 
     the anniversary through local, national, and international 
     observances and activities.

     SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT.

       There is established a commission to be known as the 
     Centennial of Flight Commission.

     SEC. 4. MEMBERSHIP.

       (a) Number and Appointment.--
       (1) In general.--The Commission shall be composed of 25 
     members, as follows:
       (A) The Librarian of Congress, or a designee.
       (B) The Archivist of the United States, or a designee.
       (C) The Secretary of the Interior, or a designee.
       (D) The Director of the National Air and Space Museum, or a 
     designee.
       (E) The Secretary of Education, or a designee.
       (F) The Secretary of Defense, or a designee.
       (G) The Secretary of Transportation, or a designee.
       (H) The Governor of the State of North Carolina, or a 
     designee.
       (I) The Governor of the State of Ohio, or a designee.
       (J) The Executive Director of the 2003 Committee, or a 
     designee.
       (K) The President of the First Flight Society, or a 
     designee.
       (L) The Mayor of Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina.
       (M) The Mayor of Dayton, Ohio.
       (N) 12 citizens of the United States, appointed by the 
     President, who are not officers or employees of any 
     government, except to the extent that they are considered to 
     be such officers or employees by virtue of their membership 
     on the Commission.
       (2) Appointments by president.--Of the individuals referred 
     to in paragraph (1)(N)--
       (1) 2 shall be chosen from among persons recommended by the 
     majority leader of the Senate in consultation with the 
     minority leader of the Senate;
       (2) 2 shall be chosen from among persons recommended by the 
     Speaker of the House of Representatives in consultation with 
     the minority leader of the House of Representatives; and
       (3) 8 shall be chosen based on qualifications or experience 
     in the field of history, aerospace science or industry, or 
     any other profession that would enhance the work of the 
     Commission and assist in commemorating the accomplishments of 
     the Wright brothers.
       (b) Time of Appointment.--Each member of the Commission 
     shall be appointed not later than 90 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act.
       (c) Terms.--Each member of the Commission shall be 
     appointed for the life of the Commission.
       (d) Vacancies.--Any vacancy in the Commission shall be 
     filled in the same manner in which the original appointment 
     was made.
       (e) Compensation.--
       (1) Prohibition of pay.--Except as provided in paragraph 
     (2), members of the Commission shall serve without pay.
       (2) Travel expenses.--Each member of the Commission may 
     receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of 
     subsistence, in accordance with sections 5702 and 5703 of 
     title 5, United States Code.
       (f) Quorum.--13 members of the Commission shall constitute 
     a quorum.
       (g) Chairperson.--The President shall designate 1 of the 
     individuals appointed under subsection (a)(1)(N) as the 
     chairperson of the Commission.
       (h) Meetings.--The Commission shall meet at the call of its 
     chairperson or a majority of its members.

     SEC. 5. DUTIES.

       (a) In General.--The Commission shall--
       (1) plan and develop, in coordination with the First Flight 
     Society, the 2003 Committee, the First Flight Centennial 
     Commission of North Carolina, and the Ohio Wright-Dunbar 
     State Heritage Commission, programs and activities that are 
     appropriate to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First 
     Flight;
       (2) maintain a calendar or register of programs and 
     projects concerning, and provide a central clearinghouse for 
     information and coordination regarding, dates, events, 
     places, documents, artifacts, and personalities of historical 
     and commemorative significance regarding aviation history in 
     general and the First Flight in particular;
       (3) coordinate activities with other countries regarding 
     aviation history in general and the First Flight in 
     particular, and promote participation by the United States in 
     such activities;
       (4) encourage participation in commemoration of the First 
     Flight by persons and entities including--
       (A) aerospace manufacturing companies;
       (B) aerospace-related military organizations;
       (C) workers employed in aerospace-related industries;
       (D) commercial aviation companies;
       (E) general aviation owners and pilots;
       (F) aerospace researchers, instructors, and enthusiasts;
       (G) elementary, secondary, and higher educational 
     institutions;
       (H) civil, patriotic, educational, sporting, arts, 
     cultural, and historical organizations and technical 
     societies;
       (I) aerospace-related museums; and
       (J) State and local governments;
       (5) assist in conducting educational, civic, and 
     commemorative activities relating to the First Flight 
     throughout the United States, especially activities that 
     occur in the States of North Carolina and Ohio and that 
     highlight the activities of the Wright brothers in such 
     States; and
       (6) develop and coordinate any other activities that the 
     Commission determines to be appropriate relating to the 
     anniversary of the First Flight, which may include the 
     preparation, distribution, dissemination, exhibition, or sale 
     of historical, commemorative, or informative materials or 
     objects, produced by the Commission, that will contribute to 
     public awareness of and interest in the centennial of the 
     First Flight.
       (b) Nonduplication of Activities.--The Commission shall 
     attempt to plan and conduct its activities in such a manner 
     that activities conducted pursuant to this Act enhance, but 
     do not duplicate, traditional and established activities of 
     the 2003 Committee, the First Flight Society, the First 
     Flight Centennial Commission of North Carolina, and the Ohio 
     Wright-Dunbar State Heritage Commission.

     SEC. 6. POWERS.

       (a) Advisory Committees.--
       (1) In general.--The Commission may appoint any advisory 
     committee that it determines to be necessary to carry out 
     this Act.
       (2) Prohibition of pay other than travel expenses.--Members 
     of an advisory committee authorized by paragraph (1) may 
     receive pay and travel expenses to the same extent that 
     members of the Commission may receive pay and travel expenses 
     under section (4)(e).
       (b) Powers of Members and Agents.--Any member or agent of 
     the Commission may, if authorized by the Commission, take any 
     action that the Commission is authorized to take under this 
     Act.
       (c) Authority To Procure and To Make Legal Agreements.--
       (1) In general.--The Commission may procure supplies, 
     services, and property, and make or enter into leases and 
     other legal agreements, in order to carry out this Act.
       (2) Restriction.--A contract, lease, or other legal 
     agreement made or entered into by the Commission may not 
     extend beyond the date of the termination of the Commission.
       (3) Supplies and property possessed by commission at 
     termination.--Any supplies and property, except historically 
     significant items, that are acquired by the Commission under 
     this Act and remain in the possession of the Commission on 
     the date of the termination of the Commission shall become 
     the property of the General Services Administration upon the 
     date of the termination.
       (d) Requests for Official Information.--The Commission may 
     request from any Federal department or agency information 
     necessary to enable the Commission to carry out this Act. The 
     head of the Federal department or agency shall furnish the 
     information to the Commission unless the release of the 
     information by the department or agency to the public is 
     prohibited by law.
       (e) Mails.--The Commission may use the United States mails 
     in the same manner and under the same conditions as any other 
     Federal agency.

     SEC. 7. STAFF AND SUPPORT SERVICES.

       (a) Executive Director.--The chairperson of the Commission, 
     with the advice of the Commission, shall appoint an executive 
     director of the Commission. The executive director may be 
     paid at a rate not to exceed the maximum rate of basic pay 
     payable for the Senior Executive Service.
       (b) Staff.--The Commission may appoint and fix the pay of 
     any additional personnel that it considers appropriate, 
     except that an individual appointed under this subsection may 
     not receive pay in excess of the maximum rate of basic pay 
     payable for GS-14 of the General Schedule.
       (c) Inapplicability of Certain Civil Service Laws.--The 
     executive director and staff of the Commission may be 
     appointed without regard to the provisions of title 5, United 
     States Code, governing appointments in the competitive 
     service, and may be paid without regard to the provisions of 
     chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title, 
     relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates, 
     except as provided in subsections (a) and (b) of this 
     section.
       (d) Staff of Federal Agencies.--Upon request by the 
     chairperson of the Commission, the head of any Federal 
     department or agency may detail, on a nonreimbursable basis, 
     any of the personnel of the department or agency to the 
     Commission to assist the Commission to carry out its duties 
     under this Act.
       (e) Experts and Consultants.--The chairperson of the 
     Commission may procure temporary and intermittent services 
     under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, at a 
     rate that does not exceed the daily equivalent of the annual 
     rate of basic pay payable under Level V of the Executive 
     Schedule under section 5316 of such title.
       (f) Administrative Support Services.--The Administrator of 
     General Services shall provide to the Commission, on a 
     reimbursable basis, any administrative support services that 
     are necessary to enable the Commission to carry out this Act.

     SEC. 8. CONTRIBUTIONS.

       (a) Donations.--
       (1) In general.--The Commission may accept donations of 
     money, personal services, and real or personal property, 
     including books, manuscripts, memorabilia, relics, objects, 
     and other materials that are related to the Wright brothers 
     or the history of aviation.
       (2) Donated funds.--Any funds donated to the Commission may 
     be used by the Commission to carry out this Act. Funds 
     donated to and accepted by the Commission pursuant to this 
     section shall not be considered to be appropriated funds and 
     shall not be subject to any requirements or restrictions 
     applicable to appropriated funds.
       (b) Volunteer Services.--Notwithstanding section 1342 of 
     title 31, United States Code, the Commission may accept and 
     use voluntary and uncompensated services as the Commission 
     determines necessary.
       (c) Remaining Funds.--Any donated funds remaining to the 
     Commission on the date of the termination of the Commission 
     may be used to ensure the proper disposition, as specified in 
     the final report required by section 10(b), of historically 
     significant property donated to or acquired by the 
     Commission. Any such donated funds remaining after such 
     disposition shall be transferred to the Secretary of the 
     Treasury for deposit into the general fund of the Treasury 
     of the United States.

     SEC. 9. EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO NAME, LOGOS, EMBLEMS, SEALS, AND 
                   MARKS.

       (A) In General.--The Commission may devise any logo, 
     emblem, seal, or descriptive or designating mark that is 
     required to carry out its duties or that it determines is 
     appropriate for use in connection with the commemoration of 
     the First Flight. The Commission shall have the sole and 
     exclusive right to use, or to allow or refuse the use of, the 
     name ``Centennial of Flight Commission'' or any logo, emblem, 
     seal, or descriptive or designating mark that the Commission 
     lawfully adopts.
       (b) Effect on Other Rights.--No provision of this section 
     may be construed to conflict or interfere with established or 
     vested rights.

     SEC. 10. REPORTS.

       (a) Annual Report.--In each fiscal year in which the 
     Commission is in existence, the Commission shall prepare and 
     submit to the Congress a report describing the activities of 
     the Commission during the fiscal year. Each annual report 
     shall also include--
       (1) recommendations regarding appropriate activities to 
     commemorate the centennial of the First Flight, including--
       (A) the production, publication, and distribution of books, 
     pamphlets, films, and other educational materials;
       (B) bibliographical and documentary projects and 
     publications;
       (C) conferences, convocations, lectures, seminars, and 
     other similar programs;
       (D) the development of exhibits for libraries, museums, and 
     other appropriate institutions;
       (E) ceremonies and celebrations commemorating specific 
     events that relate to the history of aviation;
       (F) programs focusing on the history of aviation and its 
     benefits to the United States and humankind; and
       (G) competitions, commissions, and awards regarding 
     historical, scholarly, artistic, literary, musical, and other 
     works, programs, and projects related to the centennial of 
     the First Flight;
       (2) recommendations to appropriate agencies or advisory 
     bodies regarding the issuance of commemorative coins, medals, 
     and stamps by the United States relating to aviation or the 
     First Flight;
       (3) recommendations for any legislation or administrative 
     action that the Commission determines to be appropriate 
     regarding the commemoration of the First Flight; and
       (4) an accounting of funds received and expended by the 
     Commission in the fiscal year that the report concerns, 
     including a detailed description of the source and amount of 
     any funds donated to the Commission in the fiscal year.
       (b) Final Report.--Not later than June 30, 2004, the 
     Commission shall submit to the President and the Congress a 
     final report. The final report shall contain--
       (1) a summary of the activities of the Commission;
       (2) a final accounting of funds received and expended by 
     the Commission;
       (3) any findings and conclusions of the Commission; and
       (4) specific recommendations concerning the final 
     disposition of any historically significant items acquired by 
     the Commission, including items donated to the Commission 
     under section 8(a)(1).

     SEC. 11. AUDIT OF FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS.

       (A) In General.--The Inspector General of the General 
     Services Administration shall audit the financial 
     transactions of the Commission, including financial 
     transactions involving donated funds, in accordance with 
     generally accepted auditing standards. In conducting an audit 
     pursuant to this section, the Inspector General shall have 
     access to all books, accounts, financial records, reports, 
     files, and other papers, items, or property in use by the 
     Commission, as necessary to facilitate the audit, and shall 
     be afforded full facilities for verifying the financial 
     transactions of the Commission, including access to any 
     financial records or securities held for the Commission by 
     depositories, fiscal agents, or custodians.
       (b) Report.--Not later than September 31, 2004, the 
     Inspector General of the General Services Administration 
     shall submit to the President and to the Congress a report 
     detailing the results of any audit of the financial 
     transactions of the Commission conducted by the Inspector 
     General.

     SEC. 12. DEFINITIONS.

       For purposes of this Act:
       (1) The term ``Commission'' means the Centennial of Flight 
     Commission.
       (2) The term ``First Flight'' means the 1st successful 
     manned, controlled, heavier-than-air, powered flight, which 
     was accomplished by Orville and Wilbur Wright on December 17, 
     1903.

     SEC. 13. TERMINATION.

       The Commission shall terminate not later than 60 days after 
     the submission of the final report required by section 10(b).

     SEC. 14. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 
     Act $500,000 for each of the fiscal years 1995 through 2004.

                          ____________________