[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 56 (Thursday, May 7, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H2937]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   AUTHORIZING USE OF EAST FRONT OF CAPITOL GROUNDS FOR PERFORMANCES 
      SPONSORED BY JOHN F. KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

  Mr. KIM. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent for the immediate 
consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 265) 
authorizing the use of the East Front of the Capitol Grounds for 
performances sponsored by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing 
Arts.
  The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Speaker, reserving my right to object, I would ask 
the gentleman from California (Mr. Kim) to give an explanation of the 
resolution at this point.
  Mr. KIM. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?
  Mr. TRAFICANT. I yield to the gentleman from California.
  Mr. KIM. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  House Concurrent Resolution 265 authorizes the use of the East Front 
of the Capitol for performances of the Millennium Stage of John F. 
Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The performances are to take 
place on Tuesdays and Thursdays when Congress is in session, beginning 
on May 12 and running through September 30, 1998.
  The performances will be open to the public free of charge, and the 
sponsors of the event, the Kennedy Center and the National Park 
Service, will assume responsibility for all liabilities associated with 
the event. The Architect of the Capitol will be responsible for some of 
the expenses associated with the event. The resolution expressly 
prohibits sales, displays, and solicitation in connection with the 
event.
  This is a unique event for use of Capitol grounds, as it will take 
place over a period of time with the Architect's assistance. However, 
these arrangements are warranted due to the unique mission of the 
Kennedy Center to provide leadership in the national performing arts 
education policy and programs and to conduct education and community 
outreach. By permitting these performances on the East Front, the 
Congress is assisting the Kennedy Center, a Federal entity, in 
fulfilling this mission.
  Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Speaker, further reserving my right to object, 
these concerts will be free of charge, open to the public. And the 
Kennedy Center is well known throughout the world now, especially in 
our country, for the great contributions they make.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge support of the resolution, and I withdraw my 
reservation of objection.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  The Clerk read the concurrent resolution, as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 265

       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), 

     SECTION 1. AUTHORIZING USE OF EAST FRONT FOR PERFORMANCES 
                   SPONSORED BY KENNEDY CENTER.

       In carrying out its duties under section 4 of the John F. 
     Kennedy Center Act (20 U.S.C. 76j), the John F. Kennedy 
     Center for the Performing Arts in cooperation with the 
     National Park Service (in this resolution jointly referred to 
     as the ``sponsor'') may sponsor public performances on the 
     East Front of the Capitol Grounds at such dates and times as 
     the Speaker of the House of Representatives and Committee on 
     Rules and Administration of the Senate may approve jointly.

     SEC. 2. TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

       (a) In General.--Any performance authorized under section 1 
     shall be free of admission charge to the public and arranged 
     not to interfere with the needs of Congress, under conditions 
     to be prescribed by the Architect of the Capitol and the 
     Capitol Police Board.
       (b) Assumption of Liabilities.--The sponsor shall assume 
     full responsibility for all liabilities incident to all 
     activities associated with the performance.

     SEC. 3. PREPARATIONS.

       (a) Structures and Equipment.--In consultation with the 
     Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
     Rules and Administration of the Senate, the Architect of the 
     Capitol shall provide upon the Capitol grounds such stage, 
     sound amplification devices, and other related structures and 
     equipment as may be required for a performance authorized 
     under section 1.
       (b) Additional Arrangements.--The Architect of the Capitol 
     and the Capitol Police Board may make such additional 
     arrangements as may be required to carry out the performance.

     SEC. 4. APPLICABILITY OF PROHIBITIONS.

       Nothing in this resolution may be construed to waive the 
     applicability of the prohibitions established by section 4 of 
     the Act of July 31, 1946 (40 U.S.C. 193d; 60 Stat. 718), 
     concerning sales, displays and solicitations on the Capitol 
     Grounds.

     SEC. 5. EXPIRATION OF AUTHORITY.

       A performance may not be conducted under this resolution 
     after September 30, 1998.

  The concurrent resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.




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