[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 140 (Monday, October 30, 2000)]
[House]
[Pages H11585-H11588]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          JAMESTOWN 400TH COMMEMORATION COMMISSION ACT OF 2000

  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
pass the bill (H.R. 4907) to establish the Jamestown 400th 
Commemoration Commission, and for other purposes.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.R. 4907

       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 ``Jamestown 400th 
     Commemoration Commission Act of 2000''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
       (1) the founding of the colony at Jamestown, Virginia in 
     1607, the first permanent English colony in the New World, 
     and the capital of Virginia for 92 years, has major 
     significance in the history of the United States;
       (2) the settlement brought people from throughout the 
     Atlantic Basin together to form a multicultural society, 
     including English, other Europeans, Native Americans, and 
     Africans;
       (3) the economic, political, religious, and social 
     institutions that developed during the first 9 decades of the 
     existence of Jamestown continue to have profound effects on 
     the United States, particularly in English common law and 
     language, cross cultural relationships, and economic 
     structure and status;
       (4) the National Park Service, the Association for the 
     Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, and the Jamestown-
     Yorktown Foundation of the Commonwealth of Virginia 
     collectively own and operate significant resources related to 
     the early history of Jamestown; and
       (5) in 1996--
       (A) the Commonwealth of Virginia designated the Jamestown-
     Yorktown Foundation as the State agency responsible for 
     planning and implementing the Commonwealth's portion of the 
     commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the founding of the 
     Jamestown settlement;
       (B) the Foundation created the Celebration 2007 Steering 
     Committee, known as the Jamestown 2007 Steering Committee; 
     and
       (C) planning for the commemoration began.
       (b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to establish the 
     Jamestown 400th Commemoration Commission to--
       (1) ensure a suitable national observance of the Jamestown 
     2007 anniversary by complementing the programs and activities 
     of the State of Virginia;
       (2) cooperate with and assist the programs and activities 
     of the State in observance of the Jamestown 2007 anniversary;

[[Page H11586]]

       (3) assist in ensuring that Jamestown 2007 observances 
     provide an excellent visitor experience and beneficial 
     interaction between visitors and the natural and cultural 
     resources of the Jamestown sites;
       (4) assist in ensuring that the Jamestown 2007 observances 
     are inclusive and appropriately recognize the experiences of 
     all people present in 17th century Jamestown;
       (5) provide assistance to the development of Jamestown-
     related programs and activities;
       (6) facilitate international involvement in the Jamestown 
     2007 observances;
       (7) support and facilitate marketing efforts for a 
     commemorative coin, stamp, and related activities for the 
     Jamestown 2007 observances; and
       (8) assist in the appropriate development of heritage 
     tourism and economic benefits to the United States.

     SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act:
       (1) Commemoration.--The term ``commemoration'' means the 
     commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the founding of the 
     Jamestown settlement.
       (2) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the 
     Jamestown 400th Commemoration Commission established by 
     section 4(a).
       (3) Governor.--The term ``Governor'' means the Governor of 
     the State.
       (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Interior.
       (5) State.--
       (A) In general.--The term ``State'' means the State of 
     Virginia.
       (B) Inclusions.--The term ``State'' includes agencies and 
     entities of the State.

     SEC. 4. JAMESTOWN 400TH COMMEMORATION COMMISSION.

       (a) In General.--There is established a commission to be 
     known as the ``Jamestown 400th Commemoration Commission''.
       (b) Membership.--
       (1) In general.--The Commission shall be composed of 16 
     members, of whom--
       (A) 4 members shall be appointed by the Secretary, taking 
     into consideration the recommendations of the Chairperson of 
     the Jamestown 2007 Steering Committee;
       (B) 4 members shall be appointed by the Secretary, taking 
     into consideration the recommendations of the Governor;
       (C) 2 members shall be employees of the National Park 
     Service, of which--
       (i) 1 shall be the Director of the National Park Service 
     (or a designee); and
       (ii) 1 shall be an employee of the National Park Service 
     having experience relevant to the commemoration, to be 
     appointed by the Secretary; and
       (D) 5 members shall be individuals that have an interest 
     in, support for, and expertise appropriate to, the 
     commemoration, to be appointed by the Secretary.
       (2) Term; vacancies.--
       (A) Term.--A member of the Commission shall be appointed 
     for the life of the Commission.
       (B) Vacancies.--
       (i) In general.--A vacancy on the Commission shall be 
     filled in the same manner in which the original appointment 
     was made.
       (ii) Partial term.--A member appointed to fill a vacancy on 
     the Commission shall serve for the remainder of the term for 
     which the predecessor of the member was appointed.
       (3) Meetings.--
       (A) In general.--The Commission shall meet--
       (i) at least twice each year; or
       (ii) at the call of the Chairperson or the majority of the 
     members of the Commission.
       (B) Initial meeting.--Not later than 30 days after the date 
     on which all members of the Commission have been appointed, 
     the Commission shall hold the initial meeting of the 
     Commission.
       (4) Voting.--
       (A) In general.--The Commission shall act only on an 
     affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the 
     Commission.
       (B) Quorum.--A majority of the Commission shall constitute 
     a quorum.
       (5) Chairperson.--The Secretary shall appoint a Chairperson 
     of the Commission, taking into consideration any 
     recommendations of the Governor.
       (c) Duties.--
       (1) In general.--The Commission shall--
       (A) plan, develop, and execute programs and activities 
     appropriate to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the 
     founding of Jamestown;
       (B) generally facilitate Jamestown-related activities 
     throughout the United States;
       (C) encourage civic, patriotic, historical, educational, 
     religious, economic, and other organizations throughout the 
     United States to organize and participate in anniversary 
     activities to expand the understanding and appreciation of 
     the significance of the founding and early history of 
     Jamestown;
       (D) coordinate and facilitate for the public scholarly 
     research on, publication about, and interpretation of, 
     Jamestown; and
       (E) ensure that the 400th anniversary of Jamestown provides 
     a lasting legacy and long-term public benefit by assisting in 
     the development of appropriate programs and facilities.
       (2) Plans; reports.--
       (A) Strategic plan; annual performance plans.--In 
     accordance with the Government Performance and Results Act of 
     1993 (Public Law 103-62; 107 Stat. 285), the Commission shall 
     prepare a strategic plan and annual performance plans for the 
     activities of the Commission carried out under this Act.
       (B) Final report.--Not later than September 30, 2008, the 
     Commission shall complete a final report that contains--
       (i) a summary of the activities of the Commission;
       (ii) a final accounting of funds received and expended by 
     the Commission; and
       (iii) the findings and recommendations of the Commission.
       (d) Powers of the Commission.--The Commission may--
       (1) accept donations and make dispersions of money, 
     personal services, and real and personal property related to 
     Jamestown and of the significance of Jamestown in the history 
     of the United States;
       (2) appoint such advisory committees as the Commission 
     determines to be necessary to carry out this Act;
       (3) authorize any member or employee of the Commission to 
     take any action that the Commission is authorized to take by 
     this Act;
       (4) procure supplies, services, and property, and make or 
     enter into contracts, leases or other legal agreements, to 
     carry out this Act (except that any contracts, leases or 
     other legal agreements made or entered into by the Commission 
     shall not extend beyond the date of termination of the 
     Commission);
       (5) use the United States mails in the same manner and 
     under the same conditions as other Federal agencies;
       (6) subject to approval by the Commission, make grants in 
     amounts not to exceed $10,000 to communities and nonprofit 
     organizations to develop programs to assist in the 
     commemoration;
       (7) make grants to research and scholarly organizations to 
     research, publish, or distribute information relating to the 
     early history of Jamestown; and
       (8) provide technical assistance to States, localities, and 
     nonprofit organizations to further the commemoration.
       (e) Commission Personnel Matters.--
       (1) Compensation of members of the commission.--
       (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a 
     member of the Commission shall serve without compensation.
       (B) Federal employees.--A member of the Commission who is 
     an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall serve 
     without compensation in addition to the compensation received 
     for the services of the member as an officer or employee of 
     the Federal Government.
       (C) Travel expenses.--A member of the Commission shall be 
     allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of 
     subsistence, at rates authorized for an employee of an agency 
     under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States 
     Code, while away from the home or regular place of business 
     of the member in the performance of the duties of the 
     Commission.
       (2) Staff.--
       (A) In general.--The Chairperson of the Commission may, 
     without regard to the civil service laws (including 
     regulations), appoint and terminate an executive director and 
     such other additional personnel as are necessary to enable 
     the Commission to perform the duties of the Commission.
       (B) Confirmation of executive director.--The employment of 
     an executive director shall be subject to confirmation by the 
     Commission.
       (3) Compensation.--
       (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), 
     the Chairperson of the Commission may fix the compensation of 
     the executive director and other personnel without regard to 
     the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 
     of title 5, United States Code, relating to classification of 
     positions and General Schedule pay rates.
       (B) Maximum rate of pay.--The rate of pay for the executive 
     director and other personnel shall not exceed the rate 
     payable for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 
     5316 of title 5, United States Code.
       (4) Detail of government employees.--
       (A) Federal employees.--
       (i) In general.--On the request of the Commission, the head 
     of any Federal agency may detail, on a reimbursable or non-
     reimbursable basis, any of the personnel of the agency to the 
     Commission to assist the Commission in carrying out the 
     duties of the Commission under this Act.
       (ii) Civil service status.--The detail of an employee under 
     clause (i) shall be without interruption or loss of civil 
     service status or privilege.
       (B) State employees.--The Commission may--
       (i) accept the services of personnel detailed from States 
     (including subdivisions of States); and
       (ii) reimburse States for services of detailed personnel.
       (5) Volunteer and uncompensated 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.
       (6) Support services.--The Director of the National Park 
     Service shall provide to the Commission, on a reimbursable 
     basis, such administrative support services as the Commission 
     may request.
       (f) Procurement of Temporary and Intermittent Services.--
     The Chairperson of the Commission may procure temporary and 
     intermittent services in accordance with section 3109(b) of 
     title 5, United States Code, at rates for individuals that do 
     not exceed the

[[Page H11587]]

     daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed 
     for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of 
     that title.
       (g) FACA Nonapplicability.--Section 14(b) of the Federal 
     Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the 
     Commission.
       (h) No Effect on Authority.--Nothing in this section 
     supersedes the authority of the State, the National Park 
     Service, or the Association for the Preservation of Virginia 
     Antiquities, concerning the commemoration.
       (i) Termination.--The Commission shall terminate on 
     December 31, 2008.

     SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

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

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


                             General Leave

  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. 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 under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Virginia?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4907, the Jamestown 
400th Commemoration Commission Act of 2000. 2007 marks the 400th 
anniversary of the founding of Jamestown, the first permanent English 
settlement in America. This legislation will establish a Federal 
commission to complement Virginia's preparations for the upcoming 
anniversary and help make this a truly national event.
  The late Herb Bateman originally introduced H.R. 4907, the House 
companion bill, with enthusiastic support from the Virginia 
congressional delegation. The bill was of particular importance to Mr. 
Bateman because Jamestown is located in Virginia's First Congressional 
District which he represented or, as he preferred to call it, 
``America's First District.'' Passing H.R. 4907 is a final opportunity 
for us to honor the memory of Herb Bateman.
  In 1607, Jamestown started as a struggling settlement but eventually 
became the first capital of Virginia and the birthplace of 
representative democracy. Its settlers left a legacy of language, 
customs and common law which remain with us to this day. Native 
Americans, Europeans, predominantly English, and Africans all played 
vital roles in forming this early settlement.
  Since at least 1807, Jamestown's founding has been celebrated every 
50 years. The Federal commission that would be created by H.R. 4907 is 
modeled after the commissions established for past Jamestown 
anniversary festivities. The 15-member commission will be appointed by 
the Secretary of the Interior and will terminate in 2008. The proposed 
commission will play a similar role to help coordinate events, 
activities, fund-raising, and capital improvements by partners on the 
Federal, State, and local levels, and in the private sector. It will 
bring national and international attention to this pivotal event in our 
Nation's history, and it will promote scholarly research and 
publications. The commission will help ensure that all people who were 
living in 17th century Jamestown are represented in the celebration.
  The 400th anniversary celebration will include reconstructions of the 
Jamestown fort, a Native American village, and the English settlers' 
three ships which have been rebuilt to reflect current research. The 
2007 commemoration will include also exhibitions highlighting exciting 
new archaeological, historical and scientific findings made by the 
Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities and the 
National Park Service, including the original 1607 fort. These 
organizations are now jointly planning a revitalization of Jamestown 
Island to provide a more engaging experience for visitors and an 
increased appreciation for their irreplaceable museum collections.
  The upcoming 400th anniversary of the Jamestown settlement is an 
event of historic importance that deserves national attention and 
commemoration. I urge all my colleagues to join me in supporting this 
legislation and honoring the memory of our late colleague, Herb 
Bateman.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, in June 1606, King James I granted a charter to a group 
of London entrepreneurs, the Virginia Company, to establish a satellite 
English settlement in the Chesapeake region of North America. By 
December, 108 settlers sailed from London instructed to settle in 
Virginia, find gold and a water route to the Orient.
  On May 14, 1607, the Virginia Company explorers landed on Jamestown 
Island, founding the first permanent English settlement in America. The 
first representative assembly in the new world convened in the 
Jamestown church on July 30, 1619. The general assembly met in response 
to orders from the Virginia Company to, quote, ``establish one equal 
and uniform government over all Virginia.''
  The other crucial event that would play a role in the development of 
America was the arrival of Africans to Jamestown. A Dutch slave trader 
exchanged his cargo of Africans for food in 1619 and thus began the 
presence of Africans in Jamestown. The celebration in 2007 of the 400th 
anniversary of the landing at Jamestown will involve coordination 
between many partners on the Federal, State and local level and with 
the private sector. In 1996, the Commonwealth of Virginia designated 
the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation as the State agency responsible for 
planning and implementing the Commonwealth's portion of the 
commemoration.
  H.R. 4907 establishes a Federal commission to assist in the 
coordination of the 400th anniversary commemoration of the landing of 
Jamestown. The purpose of the commission is to bring national and 
international attention to the significance of the landing of Jamestown 
and heightened interest in the early history of our Nation. The 
commission would help coordinate events, activities, fund-raising, and 
capital improvements related to the Jamestown 2007 anniversary. The 
commission will ensure that Jamestown 2007 observances are inclusive 
and, in addition to the English settlers, recognize the invaluable 
contributions of Native Americans and Africans to the development of 
Jamestown and this country.
  I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to yield such time as 
he may consume to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Bliley).
  Mr. BLILEY. I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the measure sponsored by our 
departed friend and colleague, Herb Bateman, to establish a Federal 
commission to join the Commonwealth of Virginia in preparing for the 
400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown in Virginia.
  Nearly 400 years ago, the English established the first permanent 
settlement in the present-day United States at Jamestown. The upcoming 
400th anniversary in May 2007 affords all American citizens the 
opportunity to appreciate the adventurous spirit that led the early 
English settlers on a voyage to a new world in the hopes of finding 
mountains of gold. While the settlers failed to realize their dreams of 
gold, their struggles and sacrifices paved the way for the formation of 
a nation rich in racial and ethnic diversity and democratic ideals. In 
fact, Jamestown is commonly referred to as the birthplace of our 
Nation.
  Clearly, Jamestown is significant not just in the history of the 
Commonwealth but to the Nation as a whole. Initially a fledgling 
settlement, Jamestown became the capital of Virginia and held the first 
representative legislative assembly in the Americas, known as the House 
of Burgesses. These early meetings of the House of Burgesses fostered 
the ideas of self-government and representative government which serve 
as the cornerstone of the United States Constitution. The legacy of 
Jamestown, however, is not limited to these democratic principles that 
we cherish. The legacy can also be viewed in terms of the common 
language and customs that remain with us today.

[[Page H11588]]

  For that reason, a national commission is appropriate and necessary 
to complement the commemorative programs and activities undertaken by 
the Commonwealth of Virginia's Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation. The 
national commission will assist in the development of Jamestown-related 
programs and activities, support scholarly research and publications, 
facilitate marketing and fund-raising efforts, and further encourage 
heritage tourism. These activities will expand the understanding and 
appreciation of the significance of the founding and early history of 
Jamestown. It will also perpetuate the memory of the first permanent 
English-speaking settlers of Virginia and the United States.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the 
distinguished gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott).
  Mr. SCOTT. I thank the gentleman from Maryland for yielding me this 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4907, legislation to establish 
the Jamestown 400th Commemoration Commission. Mr. Speaker, this bill 
was introduced by our late colleague, Herb Bateman, who represented 
Jamestown. Jamestown is located in the First Congressional District of 
Virginia, and since we are talking about Jamestown, I think it is 
appropriate to note that Herb always called his district America's 
first district.
  This bill authorizes the Jamestown Commemoration Commission that will 
head up the preparations for the 400th anniversary of Jamestown, which 
will be celebrated in 2007. Jamestown was not only the first permanent 
English colony but it also became the first capital of Virginia. The 
first legislative assembly was held in Jamestown; and it was there that 
the idea of common law, common customs, and common language began and 
continues to this day.
  Mr. Speaker, planning for the 400th anniversary has been under way 
for several years and establishment of a national commission will 
complement the ongoing State efforts as well as extend national and 
international significance to this historic anniversary. The State has 
been conducting roundtables throughout Virginia to get citizen input to 
design a statewide commemoration. Efforts are also being taken to 
continue the rebuilding of ships which brought the 1607 colonists and 
which were originally reconstructed for the 350th anniversary, as well 
as rebuilding the Jamestown fort and the Native American village.
  Mr. Speaker, passage of this measure will ensure that the 400th 
anniversary of Jamestown is recognized at a national level for its 
historic significance and contributions to the founding of our country. 
It is also a fitting manner in which to honor our late colleague, Herb 
Bateman. Before yielding back the balance of my time, I want to commend 
the Members of the staff of Virginia's First Congressional District for 
their tireless efforts in making sure this bill moved forward. The 
constituents of the First Congressional District have been well 
represented by the staff since the untimely loss of Herb Bateman, and 
it is in large part because of their efforts that this bill is before 
us today.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge the passage of this measure.
  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I also want to recognize the work of particularly Dan 
Scandling, Herb Bateman's chief of staff, and Julie Newell, whom I know 
helped put this together, and the other staff members who put this 
together. This is a fitting legacy for Congressman Bateman who started 
this.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge the adoption of this measure.
  Mr. SISISKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of my late friend 
and colleague, Herb Bateman, to speak in support of legislation that 
was near and dear to his heart, H.R. 4907, legislation to establish a 
Federal commission to coordinate activities related to the 400th 
anniversary of the establishment of the colony at Jamestown.
  Someone once said that a land without ruins is a land without 
memories, and a land without memories is a nation without history. 
Thanks to the National Park Service and the foresight of the people of 
Virginia, the memory and history of Jamestown are alive and well.
  Jamestown is to the United States what the historical centers of Rome 
and Athens are to the people of Italy and Greece.
  The Jamestown visitors center, the replicas of the ships that brought 
the colonists to the new world, and the Jamestown fort and native 
American village are more than just tourist destinations, they are 
symbols of our democracy and values.
  Consider that Jamestown was Virginia's first capital and held the 
first legislative assembly, leaving a legacy of common law, customs and 
language that we rely on today.
  This 400th anniversary commemoration, to take place in 2007, is 
probably as historically important to our Nation as the bicentennial 
celebration of 1976. The progress made in planning events for 2007, are 
due in no small measure to the people of Virginia.
  They've held roundtables throughout the State to solicit input from 
every corner of the commonwealth, and they've worked in conjunction 
with the National Park Service to conduct archaeological, historical 
and scientific research.
  Creating a national commission is the last piece of the puzzle which 
will ensure that the Jamestown commemoration becomes a truly national 
celebration.
  I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution.
  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for 
time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I urge the adoption of this important 
legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Davis) that the House suspend the rules 
and pass the bill, H.R. 4907.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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