[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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