[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 10 (Tuesday, February 8, 2000)]
[House]
[Pages H227-H230]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              ABRAHAM LINCOLN BICENTENNIAL COMMISSION ACT

  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in 
the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 1451) to establish the Abraham 
Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.
  The Clerk read as follows:

       Senate amendment:
       Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert:

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial 
     Commission Act''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

       Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President, was one of the 
     Nation's most prominent leaders, demonstrating true courage 
     during the Civil War, one of the greatest crises in the 
     Nation's history.
       (2) Born of humble roots in Hardin County, Kentucky, on 
     February 12, 1809, Abraham Lincoln rose to the Presidency 
     through a legacy of honesty, integrity, intelligence, and 
     commitment to the United States.
       (3) With the belief that all men were created equal, 
     Abraham Lincoln led the effort to free all slaves in the 
     United States.
       (4) Abraham Lincoln had a generous heart, with malice 
     toward none and with charity for all.
       (5) Abraham Lincoln gave the ultimate sacrifice for the 
     country Lincoln loved, dying from an assassin's bullet on 
     April 15, 1865.
       (6) All Americans could benefit from studying the life of 
     Abraham Lincoln, for Lincoln's life is a model for 
     accomplishing the ``American Dream'' through honesty, 
     integrity, loyalty, and a lifetime of education.
       (7) The year 2009 will be the bicentennial anniversary of 
     the birth of Abraham Lincoln, and a commission should be 
     established to study and recommend to Congress activities 
     that are fitting and proper to celebrate that anniversary in 
     a manner that appropriately honors Abraham Lincoln.

     SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT.

       There is established a commission to be known as the 
     Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission (referred to in this 
     Act as the ``Commission'').

     SEC. 4. DUTIES.

       The Commission shall have the following duties:
       (1) To study activities that may be carried out by the 
     Federal Government to determine whether the activities are 
     fitting and proper to honor Abraham Lincoln on the occasion 
     of the bicentennial anniversary of Lincoln's birth, 
     including--
       (A) the minting of an Abraham Lincoln bicentennial penny;
       (B) the issuance of an Abraham Lincoln bicentennial postage 
     stamp;
       (C) the convening of a joint meeting or joint session of 
     Congress for ceremonies and activities relating to Abraham 
     Lincoln;
       (D) a redesignation of the Lincoln Memorial, or other 
     activity with respect to the Memorial; and
       (E) the acquisition and preservation of artifacts 
     associated with Abraham Lincoln.
       (2) To recommend to Congress the activities that the 
     Commission considers most fitting and proper to honor Abraham 
     Lincoln on such occasion, and the entity or entities in the 
     Federal Government that the Commission considers most 
     appropriate to carry out such activities.

     SEC. 5. MEMBERSHIP.

       (a) Number and Appointment.--The Commission shall be 
     composed of 15 members appointed as follows:
       (1) Two members, each of whom shall be a qualified citizen 
     described in subsection (b), appointed by the President.
       (2) One member, who shall be a qualified citizen described 
     in subsection (b), appointed by the President on the 
     recommendation of the Governor of Illinois.
       (3) One member, who shall be a qualified citizen described 
     in subsection (b), appointed by the President on the 
     recommendation of the Governor of Indiana.
       (4) One member, who shall be a qualified citizen described 
     in subsection (b), appointed by the President on the 
     recommendation of the Governor of Kentucky.
       (5) Three members, at least one of whom shall be a Member 
     of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of 
     the House of Representatives.
       (6) Three members, at least one of whom shall be a Senator, 
     appointed by the majority leader of the Senate.
       (7) Two members, at least one of whom shall be a Member of 
     the House of Representatives, appointed by the minority 
     leader of the House of Representatives.
       (8) Two members, at least one of whom shall be a Senator, 
     appointed by the minority leader of the Senate.
       (b) Qualified Citizen.--A qualified citizen described in 
     this subsection is a private citizen of the United States 
     with--
       (1) a demonstrated dedication to educating others about the 
     importance of historical figures and events; and
       (2) substantial knowledge and appreciation of Abraham 
     Lincoln.
       (c) Time of Appointment.--Each initial appointment of a 
     member of the Commission shall be made before the expiration 
     of the 120-day period beginning on the date of enactment of 
     this Act.
       (d) Continuation of Membership.--If a member of the 
     Commission was appointed to the Commission as a Member of 
     Congress, and ceases to be a Member of Congress, that member 
     may continue to serve on the Commission for not longer than 
     the 30-day period beginning on the date that member ceases to 
     be a Member of Congress.
       (e) Terms.--Each member shall be appointed for the life of 
     the Commission.
       (f) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Commission shall not 
     affect the powers of the Commission but shall be filled in 
     the manner in which the original appointment was made.
       (g) Basic Pay.--Members shall serve on the Commission 
     without pay.
       (h) Travel Expenses.--Each member shall receive travel 
     expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in 
     accordance with sections 5702 and 5703 of title 5, United 
     States Code.
       (i) Quorum.--Five members of the Commission shall 
     constitute a quorum but a lesser number may hold hearings.
       (j) Chair.--The Commission shall select a Chair from among 
     the members of the Commission.
       (k) Meetings.--The Commission shall meet at the call of the 
     Chair. Periodically, the Commission shall hold a meeting in 
     Springfield, Illinois.

     SEC. 6. DIRECTOR AND STAFF.

       (a) Director.--The Commission may appoint and fix the pay 
     of a Director and such additional personnel as the Commission 
     considers to be appropriate.
       (b) Applicability of Certain Civil Service Laws.--
       (1) Director.--The Director 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 that title 
     relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates.
       (2) Staff.--The staff of the Commission shall be appointed 
     subject to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, 
     governing appointments in the competitive service, and shall 
     be paid in accordance with the provisions of chapter 51 and 
     subchapter III of chapter 53 of that title relating to 
     classification and General Schedule pay rates.

     SEC. 7. POWERS.

       (a) Hearings and Sessions.--The Commission may, for the 
     purpose of carrying out this Act, hold such hearings, sit and 
     act at such times and places, take such testimony, and 
     receive such evidence as the Commission considers to be 
     appropriate.
       (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 by this Act.
       (c) Obtaining Official Data.--The Commission may secure 
     directly from any department or agency of the United States 
     information necessary to enable the Commission to carry out 
     this Act. Upon request of the Chair of the Commission, the 
     head of that department or agency shall furnish that 
     information to the Commission.
       (d) Mails.--The Commission may use the United States mails 
     in the same manner and under the same conditions as other 
     departments and agencies of the United States.
       (e) Administrative Support Services.--Upon the request of 
     the Commission, the Administrator of General Services shall 
     provide to the Commission, on a reimbursable basis, the 
     administrative support services necessary for the Commission 
     to carry out its responsibilities under this Act.

     SEC. 8. REPORTS.

       (a) Interim Reports.--The Commission may submit to Congress 
     such interim reports as the Commission considers to be 
     appropriate.
       (b) Final Report.--The Commission shall submit a final 
     report to Congress not later than the expiration of the 4-
     year period beginning on the date of the formation of the 
     Commission. The final report shall contain--
       (1) a detailed statement of the findings and conclusions of 
     the Commission;
       (2) the recommendations of the Commission; and
       (3) any other information that the Commission considers to 
     be appropriate.

     SEC. 9. BUDGET ACT COMPLIANCE.

       Any spending authority provided under this Act shall be 
     effective only to such extent and in such amounts as are 
     provided in appropriation Acts.

     SEC. 10. TERMINATION.

       The Commission shall terminate 120 days after submitting 
     the final report of the Commission pursuant to section 8.

     SEC. 11. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

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

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Illinois (Mrs. Biggert) and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert).

[[Page H228]]

                             General Leave

  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks on the bill, H.R. 1451.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Illinois?
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1451, the Abraham 
Lincoln Bicentennial Commission Act, as amended by the Senate. As my 
colleagues will recall, this is the second time the House has 
considered H.R. 1451, which creates a commission to honor the life of 
Abraham Lincoln. Last October, this body overwhelmingly passed this 
legislation by a vote of 411 to 2 and sent it to the Senate for 
consideration.
  I am pleased to have the opportunity today to manage H.R. 1451 for 
the second time. I congratulate the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. 
LaHood), my good friend and colleague, for authoring this fine bill.
  Mr. Speaker, in 2009, America will celebrate the 200th anniversary of 
the birth of our 16th and perhaps greatest President, Abraham Lincoln.
  Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809, in Hardin County, 
Kentucky. He was the son of a Kentucky frontiersman and struggled 
throughout most of his younger years in both Kentucky and Illinois to 
earn a living and to learn.
  Abraham Lincoln once claimed he had been educated by ``littles,'' a 
little now and a little then. Yet for a man without what we would call 
a formal education, Abraham Lincoln embodied every character trait that 
we aspire to attain.
  It is because Abraham Lincoln possessed these traits that his name is 
synonymous with all that is great and good in America. His name has 
come to symbolize commitment, freedom, honesty, bravery and vision: 
freedom because it was Abraham Lincoln who led the successful effort to 
free all slaves in the United States; honesty because of his 
untarnished character and impeccable integrity, which earned him the 
nickname ``Honest Abe''; bravery because he fought for and eventually 
gave his life to advance the principles that guided our Founding 
Fathers, including that ``all men are created equal''; and he had the 
vision to preserve a ``more perfect union'' by guiding this country 
through its most divisive period, the Civil War. When that war was 
drawing to a conclusion, Lincoln sought to bind up the Nation's wounds 
rather than punish those who had seceded from the union.
  Tragically, an assassin's bullet not only took Lincoln's life, but 
with it killed any chance for a magnanimous peace.
  Let me take a moment to inform my colleagues of the changes the 
Senate has made to H.R. 1451. Under both the House- and Senate-passed 
bills, the commission will consist of 15 members, individuals who 
possess a substantial appreciation of Abraham Lincoln's life. However, 
as amended by the Senate, the individual who chairs the commission will 
be appointed by the members of the commission, not by the President.
  In addition, the Senate amendments reduce the number of commissioners 
appointed by the President from nine to five. The number of commission 
members appointed by congressional leaders is increased from six to 10, 
and the leaders are provided more flexibility in making those 
appointments.
  Finally, the Senate amendments provide that three, rather than six, 
of the President's appointments will be individuals recommended by the 
governors of Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky, States in which Lincoln 
spent most of his life. I believe these are appropriate changes and 
urge all Members to concur with their adoption.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to offer this legislation. I am also proud to 
be a cosponsor of the bill, and I encourage the support of all Members.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, this legislation before us today establishes a 
bicentennial commission to celebrate the life and accomplishments of 
this Nation's 16th President, Abraham Lincoln.
  In many respects, Abraham Lincoln was an ordinary man who, throughout 
his life, did many extraordinary things. Mr. Lincoln was poor and 
struggled to educate himself. After completing his duties, he practiced 
law. He served in the military, holding the rank of captain during the 
Black Hawk War. Thereafter, he continued his public service by spending 
8 years in the Illinois legislature. Then in 1836, he was elected to 
Congress and served two terms.

                              {time}  1415

  In 1832, when Abraham Lincoln was seeking his first seat in the 
Illinois General Assembly, he stated in his first political 
announcement, and I quote, ``Upon the subject of education, not 
presuming to dictate any plan or system respecting it, I can only say 
that I view it as a most important subject which we as a people can be 
engaged in. That every man receive at least a moderate education and 
thereby be enabled to read the histories of his own and other countries 
by which he may duly appreciate the value of our free institutions, 
appears to be an object vital importance.''
  It is important that H.R. 1451 stipulates that the members of the 
commission be selected based on their demonstrated dedication to 
educating others about the importance of historical figures and events. 
It is through education that we learn about our pasts and prepare 
ourselves for our future. Abraham Lincoln made decisions and took 
actions that would forever change the course of America. The commission 
will be responsible for educating Americans, young and old, about the 
importance of the Lincoln legacy and contributions he made for a free 
and unified country.
  In 1854, Lincoln took an unpopular stance and opposed the Kansas-
Nebraska Act, which threatened to extend slavery to other States. 
Lincoln was elected president in 1860 when the United States was no 
longer united but was divided over slavery. Believing that secession 
was illegal, he was prepared to use force to defend the union and did 
so. The Civil War began in 1861 and would last 4 years costing the 
lives of over 500,000 Americans.
  On November 16, 1863, in the midst of a war, on a battlefield near 
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, President Lincoln not only acknowledged the 
sacrifice of thousands who had perished but presented his vision for 
the future of our Nation, conceived in liberty, where everyone is 
created equal. The speech known as the Gettysburg Address shaped the 
destiny of the United States of America; that government of the people 
and by the people should be for all the people, regardless of race or 
color. For this, Mr. Lincoln lost his life on the balcony of the Ford 
Theater in 1865 right here in Washington, D.C.
  The Bicentennial Commission will recommend to Congress what 
activities and actions should be taken to celebrate the life of Abraham 
Lincoln. The commission's recommendations to this body should reflect 
how a man of humble roots rose to the office of the President of the 
United States of America.
  The bicentennial anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln presents 
the opportunity for Americans to recommit ourselves to the principles 
extolled by Abraham Lincoln; honesty, integrity, loyalty and the 
pursuit of education. I urge all Members of this body to support H.R. 
1451.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. LaHOOD), the author of this bill.
  (Mr. LaHood asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentlewoman from 
Illinois (Mrs. Biggert) for yielding this time to me, and also thank 
the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings) for his remarks here today, 
his remarks in the committee, and his remarks when we previously 
considered this bill last year. They were most eloquent about President 
Lincoln.
  Mr. Speaker, I am here today to celebrate the life and legacy of 
President Abraham Lincoln by asking for my colleagues' support of H.R. 
1451, the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Act of 1999. The bill, which has 
passed the Senate,

[[Page H229]]

will establish a commission, the purpose of which would be to make 
recommendations to Congress for a national program to honor President 
Abraham Lincoln in the year 2009, the bicentennial celebration of his 
birth.
  For decades historians have acknowledged President Lincoln as one of 
our country's greatest presidents. As our 16th President, Lincoln 
served the country during a most precarious era. While most of the 
country looked to divide, President Lincoln fought for unity and 
eventually saved the Union.
  With the belief that all men are created equal, President Lincoln led 
the charge to end slavery in America. Without the determination and 
wisdom of President Lincoln, our country as we know it may not exist 
today.
  President Lincoln also serves as a national symbol of the American 
Dream. Born of humble roots on February 12, 1809 in Hardin County, 
Kentucky, Abraham Lincoln rose to the Presidency through a legacy of 
honesty, integrity, intelligence, and commitment to the United States 
of America.
  In 1909, America celebrated the centennial of President Lincoln's 
birth in a manner deserving of the accomplishments. Congress approved 
placing the image of President Lincoln on the first-class stamp for the 
first time, made President Lincoln's birth a national holiday, and 
passed legislation leading to the construction of the Lincoln Memorial 
here in Washington, D.C. Further, President Theodore Roosevelt approved 
placing the image of President Lincoln on the penny.
  As in 1909, I am pleased that Congress will again honor President 
Lincoln in 2009 by establishing the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial 
Commission. Through this commission, Congress will be able to 
demonstrate its appreciation for Abraham Lincoln's accomplishments and 
ultimate sacrifice for our country.
  The commission will identify and recommend to Congress appropriate 
actions to carry out this mission. And through the recommendations of 
this commission and subsequent acts of Congress, the American people 
will benefit by learning about the life of President Lincoln.
  As an Illinoisan, I am proud of the fact President Lincoln considered 
Illinois his home for virtually all his adult life. In one of his most 
famous acts, President Lincoln enacted the Emancipation Proclamation, 
which went into effect January 1, 1863. Abraham Lincoln is remembered 
for his vital role as the leader in preserving the Union and beginning 
the process that led to the end of slavery in the United States.
  He is remembered for his character, his speeches, his letters, and as 
a man of humble origin whose determination, preservation, perseverance 
led him to the Nation's highest office.
  I would also like to acknowledge the assistance of a man named Peter 
Kovler, who actually came to me with this idea of establishing the 
commission. And it was he, as a private citizen, because of his 
interest in Lincoln, that this idea was brought forth in the form of a 
bill which will become law.
  I would also like to thank Chuck Schierer of my staff and Chris 
Guidry of my staff for their help in drafting this bill.
  I also want to acknowledge the fact that I have spoken to the 
gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Lewis), and we both have agreed that the 
commission should strongly consider holding their first meeting in 
Kentucky, the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, as the site of its 
inaugural meeting. And we hope that will be accomplished.
  I ask all my colleagues to join me today in honoring the memory of 
President Abraham Lincoln by supporting the Abraham Lincoln 
Bicentennial Commission Act of 1999.
  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Shimkus).
  (Mr. SHIMKUS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join my colleague, the gentleman 
from Illinois (Mr. LaHood), and the entire Illinois delegation in 
supporting H.R. 1451 to create the Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.
  As we near the 200th birthday of one of America's greatest 
presidents, it is important that we celebrate and commemorate his 
legacy. There can be no doubt that it was Abraham Lincoln's resolve 
that kept our Nation together during its most turbulent period. To 
forget or overlook that resolve and the sacrifices that President 
Lincoln and millions of others made, and many continue to make, would 
be wrong.
  It is said that the 1700s were about creating a Nation, the 1800s 
were about preserving a Nation, and the 1900s about bringing a Nation 
together. Let us dedicate this next 100 years to building on the 
Lincoln legacy, to move our Nation forward as one people committed to 
freedom.
  Lincoln said at Gettysburg that the world would not long remember and 
would soon forget what he and others were doing to preserve our Nation. 
Well, I say that we have not forgotten the sacrifices made and we will 
not take President Lincoln's legacy for granted. We thank him for his 
service and the example of the ends to which we must go to preserve 
this Nation and the rights of all citizens.
  Happy birthday, Mr. Lincoln. I ask my colleagues for a favorable 
vote.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, when I look at what we are doing today, I think it is 
extremely important, and I certainly urge my colleagues to support this 
very important legislation; but I was considering something that 
Abraham Lincoln said that I think is just so telling about the man that 
we honor through this legislation. It is a quote I had not heard 
before, but I think it is one that perhaps all of us should give some 
serious consideration to.
  He said, ``I desire to so conduct the affairs of this administration 
that if at the end, when I come to lay down the reins of power, I have 
lost every other friend on earth, I shall at least have one friend left 
and that friend shall be down inside of me.'' He really said something. 
The fact is that Abraham Lincoln stood for so much.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LaHood) 
for his foresight in taking up the mantle of a constituent, which says 
a lot. I think a lot of times constituents think that they have little 
effect. But the fact is that here we are standing here today with this 
legislation because the gentleman took it upon himself to lift up the 
idea of a constituent. It goes to the same kind of thing, that one 
person can make a difference.
  So with that, Mr. Speaker, I again urge our colleagues to support the 
legislation, and I want to thank the gentlewoman for her cooperation 
and certainly the ranking member and the chair of our committee and 
subcommittee.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  Mr. Speaker, let me close by reading to my colleagues a portion of 
the sermon given by Phineas D. Gurley at President Lincoln's funeral at 
the White House. The sermon and its message are powerful. They express 
the essence of Abraham Lincoln's character and why we seek to honor him 
today with this legislation.
  I quote Dr. Gurley. ``Probably no man since the days of Washington 
was ever so deeply and firmly embedded and enshrined in the very hearts 
of the people as Abraham Lincoln. Nor was it a mistaken confidence and 
love. He deserved it well, deserved it all. He merited it by his 
character, by his acts, and by the whole tenor and tone and spirit of 
his life. He was simple and sincere, plain and honest, truthful and 
just, benevolent and kind. His perceptions were quick and clear, his 
judgments were calm and accurate, and his purposes were good and pure 
beyond a question. Always and everywhere he aimed and endeavored to be 
right and to do right.''
  Let us do right by our 16th president by passing this legislation 
today.
  Again, Mr. Speaker, I commend the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. 
LaHood) for introducing the bill. I also thank the gentleman from 
Indiana (Mr. Burton), the chairman of the Committee on Government 
Reform, and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Scarborough), the chairman 
of the Subcommittee on Civil Service, for expediting its consideration, 
as well as the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings) and the gentleman 
from California (Mr. Waxman) for their strong support. I urge all 
Members to support H.R. 1451.

[[Page H230]]

  Mr. ROEMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1451, The 
Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission Act recognizing the 
bicentennial of his birth. As a proud Hoosier, I call attention to the 
fact that Abraham Lincoln spent several key years of his life, his most 
formative years, maturing from youth to manhood while living in the 
State of Indiana.
  Therefore, it is most fitting that this bill gives the Governor of 
Indiana the authority to appoint two members of the commission. Growing 
up in Indiana was a considerable influence in the life and development 
of Abraham Lincoln. He received his first exposure to politics and the 
issues that would later dominate his life in public service while 
living in Indiana. One of his first jobs was at a general store and 
meat market, which was owned by William Jones, whose family owned 
slaves in violation of the Indiana State Constitution. This was 
Lincoln's first introduction to slavery.
  Abraham Lincoln firmly held to the highest ethical standards 
throughout his political career, appropriately earning the nickname 
Honest Abe. His vigorous work ethic and strong sense of morality are 
shining examples of selfless devotion to public service. His memory 
continues to serve as a guiding light for the future. He was fiercely 
devoted to his family, and he put the interests of his country above 
his own, which tragically led to his assassination. The Gettysburg 
Address and Second Inaugural Speech live on as two of the most 
important and best written speeches in American history.
  Mr. Speaker, Indiana takes pride in its contributions to the life of 
President Lincoln, and we look forward to the work of the Commission in 
honoring him and reminding Americans of his legacy. All Americans, 
regardless of their state, take great pride in Abraham Lincoln. I 
encourage my colleagues to support this legislation.
  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 
1451, the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission Act. First of all, I 
would like to thank Congresswoman Judy Biggert of the Civil Service 
Subcommittee, who happens to represent Illinois, for speaking so 
eloquently on this important piece of legislation. Secondly, I commend 
Mr. LaHood, my colleague also from Illinois, for his sponsorship of 
this measure honoring President Abraham Lincoln. I also would like to 
mention Congressman Ron Lewis of Kentucky for his work on H.R. 1451, 
which ensured that President Lincoln's birthplace of Kentucky also had 
a legitimate role in this commission.
  Mr. Speaker, in 9 years the United States will celebrate the 
bicentennial anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. On this occasion 
we will certainly want to properly honor Abraham Lincoln for his 
immeasurable contributions to our Nation and to mankind. The Abraham 
Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, established by H.R. 1451, will study 
and recommend activities and programs through which we, as a nation, 
can best remember and honor Abraham Lincoln, and rededicate ourselves 
to the ideals for which he fought and died.
  At this time, I also would like to express my appreciation to my 
colleague from Indiana, Congressman Mark Souder, for his efforts on 
behalf of our home State. Indiana is proud to be the boyhood home of 
Abraham Lincoln. From age 7 to age 21, he lived on the frontier in 
southern Indiana. During his years in Indiana, he acquired his 
education, grew to his full height, and most important, developed his 
strong character which served our Nation so well during the crisis of 
the Civil War.
  I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1451, and again thank all those 
involved for making this the exceptional piece of legislation that you 
see before you.
  Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to again voice my 
support for the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission Act. It is very 
fitting that we are considering this legislation today because this 
Saturday, February 12, will mark the 191st birthday of one of the 
greatest Presidents to ever serve our Nation.
  Lincoln occupied the White House through 4 of our country's darkest 
years and was faced with the prospect of uniting our country torn 
asunder by civil war. Through his leadership and perseverance, Mr. 
Speaker, the Union was preserved.
  While it is impossible to overlook his contributions to America from 
the White House, there is much more to the story of Abraham Lincoln 
that endures in the hearts and minds of his countrymen. Lincoln was 
born to humble roots in a log cabin in Hodgenville, Kentucky, located 
in the Second District. He was largely self-educated, yet became one of 
our country's greatest statesman with his eloquent use of the English 
language. He clung to the highest ethical standards throughout his 
political career, earning the nickname Honest Abe. He was fiercely 
devoted to his family, and he put the interest of his country above his 
own, which ultimately led to his assassination. He was born into 
obscurity but earned the gratitude and love of every American.
  Lincoln's story is one of America, and should serve as an inspiration 
to all of us. It is a story posterity needs to learn, and it is 
incumbent on the Federal Government to use all available resources to 
preserve his legacy.
  Lincoln has always been one of my heroes of history. In fact, his 
portrait, along with many other likenesses, graces my Washington and 
District offices and serves as a reminder to me of my duty to my 
country and responsibility to those who have elected me to serve.
  I urge my colleagues to support the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial 
Commission Act. As Edwin Stanton said upon the President's death, ``Now 
he belongs to the ages.'' We have an opportunity today to make sure 
President Lincoln remains a man for the ages by passing this 
legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that this commission will conduct its 
inaugural meeting in Hodgenville, Kentucky, the birthplace of Abraham 
Lincoln.
  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Barrett of Nebraska). The question is on 
the motion offered by the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert) that 
the House suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the 
bill, H.R. 1451.
  The question was taken.
  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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