[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 22 (Thursday, February 15, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1498-S1500]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Ms. LANDRIEU (for herself, Mrs. Lincoln, and Mr. Breaux):
  S. 356. A bill to establish a National Commission on the Bicentennial 
of the Louisiana Purchase; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, today I rise, along with Senators 
Lincoln, Breaux, and Carnahan, to introduce a bill to establish a 
National Commission on the Bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase. This 
legislation has particularly special meaning to Senators from Louisiana 
because the site of the actual transfer of the Louisiana Purchase in 
1803, the Cabildo, is a building still located in Jackson Square in New 
Orleans.
  The bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase, which occurs in 2003, 
marks an event that more than any other, determined the character of 
our national life--determined that we should be a great expanding 
nation instead of a relatively small and stationary one.
  For only $15 million, three cents an acre, a remarkable bargain, all 
or part of 14 states were created out of vast territory acquired in the 
Louisiana Purchase, virtually doubling the size of the United States. 
The largest peaceful land transaction in history, the Purchase opened 
the heartland of North America for exploration, settlement and 
achievement to the people of the United States and immigrant from 
around the world.
  It made possible the travels of Lewis and Clark, whose invaluable 
knowledge of the land and peoples beyond the Mississippi River 
emboldened thousands of Americans to search for a new life Out West. 
Around the world, the American Frontier became synonymous with the 
search for spiritual, economic and political freedom.
  The bill we are introducing today creating this Commission would 
require an appropriation of no more than $4,000,000. The Commission 
would be composed of a bipartisan group of 24 members, appointed by the 
President through recommendations of the Speaker of the House and the 
Senate majority and minority leaders. A year after enactment of this 
order, the Commission will submit a report to the President and 
Congress detailing its recommendations for activities to celebrate the 
event. By March 31, 2005, the Commission is to submit a final report 
describing all activities, programs, expenditures and donations 
relating to its work.
  Commemoration of the Louisiana Purchase and the subsequent opening of 
the West can enhance public understanding of the impact of westward 
expansion on American society and can provide lessons for democratic 
governance in our own time. I call on my colleagues to join us in 
honoring this momentous occasion in our nation's history and provide 
the proper ways and means for us to celebrate it appropriately.
  Mr. President, again, this bill is to establish a national commission 
on the bicentennial of the Louisiana purchase. This, hopefully, is 
going to be an exciting celebration for our Nation. Of course, it will 
take place in the year 2003. This legislation has particularly special 
meaning to the Senators from Louisiana because the site of the actual 
transfer of the Louisiana purchase, of course, which was in 1803, took 
place in the Cabildo, a building that still stands right there on the 
historic Jackson Square in New Orleans.
  The bicentennial of the Louisiana purchase which will occur in 2003 
marks an event that more than any other determined the character of our 
national life. It determined that we should be a great and expanding 
Nation instead of a relatively small and stationary one.
  As we all remember from our history classes, for only $15 million, 3 
cents an acre--a remarkable bargain, actually, for part or all of 14 
States that were created out of this vast territory acquired in the 
Louisiana Purchase, virtually doubling the size of the United States--
this was, in fact, the largest

[[Page S1499]]

peaceful land transaction in history. The purchase opened the heartland 
of North America for exploration, settlement, and achievement to the 
people of the United States and immigrants from around the world. It 
made possible the travel of Lewis and Clark, whose invaluable knowledge 
of the land and peoples beyond the Mississippi River emboldened 
thousands of Americans to search for a new life out West.
  Around the world, the American frontier became synonymous with the 
search for spiritual, economic, and political freedom. So the bill we 
are introducing today creates a commission. It would require an 
appropriation of no more than $4 million. The commission would be 
composed of a bipartisan group of 24 members appointed by the President 
through recommendations of the Speaker of the House and the Senate 
majority and minority leaders. A year after enactment of this order, 
according to our legislation, the commission will submit a report to 
the President and Congress detailing its recommendations and activities 
to celebrate this wonderful event.
  Hopefully, by March of 2005, the commission will submit a final 
report describing all of the activities and programs, expenditures, and 
donations relating to its work.
  The commemoration of the Louisiana Purchase and the subsequent 
opening of the West can enhance a public understanding of the impact of 
the westward expansion on American society, and, I think, provide for 
all of us, adults and children alike, lessons we can use each day as we 
press forward for more stable and robust and terrific democracy and for 
governance in our time.
  I call on colleagues today to join us in honoring this occasion in 
our Nation's history so we can provide the proper ways and means for us 
to celebrate it fully and appropriately.
  I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be printed in the 
Record.
  There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be printed in the 
Record, as follows:

                                 S. 356

       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 ``Louisiana Purchase 
     Bicentennial Commission Act''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

       Congress finds that--
       (1) the Bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase occurs in 
     2003, 200 years after the United States, under the leadership 
     of President Thomas Jefferson and after due consideration and 
     approval by Congress, paid $15,000,000 to France in order to 
     acquire the vast area in the western half of the Mississippi 
     River Basin;
       (2) the Louisiana Purchase was the largest peaceful land 
     transaction in history, virtually doubling the size of the 
     United States;
       (3) the Louisiana Purchase opened the heartland of the 
     North American continent for exploration, settlement, and 
     achievement to the people of the United States;
       (4) in the wake of the Louisiana Purchase, the new frontier 
     attracted immigrants from around the world and became 
     synonymous with the search for spiritual, economic, and 
     political freedom;
       (5) today the States of Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, 
     Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North 
     Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming make up 
     what was the Louisiana Territory; and
       (6) commemoration of the Louisiana Purchase and the opening 
     of the West would--
       (A) enhance public understanding of the impact of westward 
     expansion on the society of the United States; and
       (B) provide lessons for continued democratic governance in 
     the United States.

     SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act:
       (1) Bicentennial.--The term ``Bicentennial'' means the 
     200th anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase.
       (2) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the National 
     Commission on the Bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase 
     established under section 4(a).

     SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION.

       (a) Establishment.--There is established a commission to be 
     known as the ``National Commission on the Bicentennial of the 
     Louisiana Purchase''.
       (b) Duties.--The Commission shall plan, encourage, 
     coordinate, and conduct the commemoration of the 
     Bicentennial.
       (c) Membership.--
       (1) Composition.--The Commission shall be composed of 24 
     members, of which 12 members shall be Republicans and 12 
     members shall be Democrats, including--
       (A) 12 members, of which 6 members shall be Republicans and 
     6 members shall be Democrats, appointed by the President to 
     represent the United States;
       (B) 6 members, of which 3 members shall be Republicans and 
     3 members shall be Democrats, appointed by the President, on 
     the recommendation of the majority and minority leaders of 
     the Senate; and
       (C) 6 members, of which 3 members shall be Republicans and 
     3 members shall be Democrats, appointed by the President, on 
     the recommendation of the Speaker of the House of 
     Representatives, in consultation with the minority leader of 
     the House of Representatives.
       (2) Criteria.--A member of the Commission shall be chosen 
     from among individuals that have demonstrated a strong sense 
     of public service, expertise in the appropriate professions, 
     scholarship, and abilities likely to contribute to the 
     fulfillment of the duties of the Commission.
       (3) Prohibition on federal government employment.--A member 
     of the Commission shall not be an employee or former employee 
     of the Federal Government.
       (4) International Participation.--The President shall 
     invite the Governments of France and Spain to appoint, not 
     later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, 1 
     individual to serve as a nonvoting member of the Commission.
       (5) Date of appointments.--The appointment of a member of 
     the Commission described in paragraph (1) shall be made not 
     later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
       (d) Term; Vacancies.--
       (1) Term.--A member shall be appointed for the life of the 
     Commission.
       (2) Vacancy.--A vacancy on the Commission--
       (A) shall not affect the powers of the Commission; and
       (B) shall be filled in the same manner as the original 
     appointment was made.
       (e) 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.
       (f) Meetings.--The Commission shall meet at the call of the 
     Co-Chairpersons described under subsection (h).
       (g) Quorum.--A quorum of the Commission for decision-making 
     purposes shall be 13 members, except that a lesser number of 
     members, as determined by the Commission, may conduct 
     meetings.
       (h) Co-Chairpersons and Vice Co-Chairpersons.--
       (1) Co-Chairpersons.--The President shall designate 2 of 
     the members, 1 of which shall be a Republican and 1 of which 
     shall be a Democrat, to be Co-Chairpersons of the Commission.
       (2) Co-Vice-Chairpersons.--The Commission shall select 2 
     Co-Vice-Chairpersons, 1 of which shall be a Republican and 1 
     of which shall be a Democrat, from among the members of the 
     Commission.

     SEC. 5. DUTIES.

       (a) In General.--The Commission shall--
       (1) plan and develop activities appropriate to commemorate 
     the Bicentennial including a limited number of proposed 
     projects to be undertaken by the appropriate Federal 
     departments and agencies that commemorate the Bicentennial by 
     seeking to harmonize and balance the important goals of 
     ceremony and celebration with the equally important goals of 
     scholarship and education;
       (2) consult with and encourage Indian tribes, appropriate 
     Federal departments and agencies, State and local 
     governments, elementary and secondary schools, colleges and 
     universities, foreign governments, and private organizations 
     to organize and participate in Bicentennial activities 
     commemorating or examining--
       (A) the history of the Louisiana Territory;
       (B) the negotiations of the Louisiana Purchase;
       (C) voyages of discovery;
       (D) frontier movements; and
       (E) the westward expansion of the United States; and
       (3) coordinate activities throughout the United States and 
     internationally that relate to the history and influence of 
     the Louisiana Purchase.
       (b) Reports.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the 
     President and Congress a comprehensive report that includes 
     specific recommendations for--
       (A) the allocation of financial and administrative 
     responsibility among participating entities and persons with 
     respect to commemoration of the Bicentennial; and
       (B) the commemoration of the Bicentennial and related 
     events through programs and activities, such as--
       (i) the production, publication, and distribution of books, 
     pamphlets, films, electronic publications, and other 
     educational materials focusing on the history and impact of 
     the Louisiana Purchase on the United States and the world;
       (ii) bibliographical and documentary projects, 
     publications, and electronic resources;
       (iii) conferences, convocations, lectures, seminars, and 
     other programs;
       (iv) the development of programs by and for libraries, 
     museums, parks and historic sites, including international 
     and national traveling exhibitions;
       (v) ceremonies and celebrations commemorating specific 
     events;
       (vi) the production, distribution, and performance of 
     artistic works, and of programs

[[Page S1500]]

     and activities, focusing on the international and national 
     significance of the Louisiana Purchase and the westward 
     movement opening the frontier for present and future 
     generations; and
       (vii) the issuance of commemorative coins, medals, 
     certificates of recognition, and stamps.
       (2) Annual report.--The Commission shall submit an annual 
     report that describes the activities, programs, expenditures, 
     and donations of or received by the Commission to--
       (A) the President;
       (B) the Senate; and
       (C) the House of Representatives.
       (3) Final Report.--Not later than March 31, 2005, the 
     Commission shall submit a final report that describes the 
     activities, programs, expenditures, and donations of or 
     received by the Commission to--
       (A) the President;
       (B) the Senate; and
       (C) the House of Representatives.
       (c) Assistance.--In carrying out this Act, the Commission 
     shall consult, cooperate with, and seek advice and assistance 
     from appropriate Federal departments and agencies.

     SEC. 6. POWERS OF THE COMMISSION.

       (a) In General.--The Commission may provide for--
       (1) the preparation, distribution, dissemination, 
     exhibition, and sale of historical, commemorative, and 
     informational materials and objects that will contribute to 
     public awareness of, and interest in, the Bicentennial, 
     except that any commemorative coin, medal, or postage stamp 
     recommended to be issued by the United States shall be sold 
     only by a Federal department or agency;
       (2) competitions and awards for historical, scholarly, 
     artistic, literary, musical, and other works, programs, and 
     projects relating to the Bicentennial;
       (3) a Bicentennial calendar or register of programs and 
     projects, and in other ways provide a central clearinghouse 
     for information and coordination regarding dates, events, 
     places, documents, artifacts, and personalities of 
     Bicentennial historical and commemorative significance; and
       (4) the design and designation of logos, symbols, or marks 
     for use in connection with the commemoration of the 
     Bicentennial shall establish procedures regarding their use.
       (b) Advisory Committee.--The Commission may appoint such 
     advisory committees as the Commission determines necessary to 
     carry out the purposes of this Act.

     SEC. 7. ADMINISTRATION.

       (a) Location of Office.--
       (1) Principal office.--The principal office of the 
     Commission shall be in New Orleans, Louisiana.
       (2) Satellite office.--The Commission may establish a 
     satellite office in Washington, D.C.
       (b) Staff.--
       (1) Appointment of director and deputy director.--
       (A) In general.--The Co-Chairpersons, with the advice of 
     the Commission, may appoint and terminate a director and 
     deputy director without regard to the civil service laws 
     (including regulations).
       (B) Delegation to director.--The Commission may delegate 
     such powers and duties to the director as may be necessary 
     for the efficient operation and management of the Commission.
       (2) Staff paid from federal funds.--The Commission may use 
     any available Federal funds to appoint and fix the 
     compensation of not more than 10 additional personnel staff 
     members, as the Commission determines necessary.
       (3) Staff paid from non-federal funds.--The Commission may 
     use any available non-Federal funds to appoint and fix the 
     compensation of additional personnel.
       (4) Compensation.--
       (A) Members.--
       (i) In general.--A member of the Commission shall serve 
     without compensation.
       (ii) 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.
       (B) Staff.--
       (i) In general.--The Co-Chairpersons of the Commission may 
     fix the compensation of the director, deputy 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.
       (ii) Maximum rate of pay.--

       (I) Director.--The rate of pay for the director shall not 
     exceed the rate payable for level IV of the Executive 
     Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code.
       (II) Deputy director.--The rate of pay for the deputy 
     director shall not exceed the rate payable for level V of the 
     Executive Schedule under section 5316 of title 5, United 
     States Code.
       (III) Staff members.--The rate of pay for staff members 
     appointed under paragraph (2) shall not exceed the rate 
     payable for grade GS-15 of the General Schedule under section 
     5332 of title 5, United States Code.

       (c) Detail of Federal Government Employees.--
       (1) In general.--On request of the Commission, the head of 
     any Federal agency or department may detail any of the 
     personnel of the agency or department to the Commission to 
     assist the Commission in carrying out this Act.
       (2) Reimbursement.--A detail of personnel under this 
     subsection shall be without reimbursement by the Commission 
     to the agency from which the employee was detailed.
       (3) Civil service status.--The detail of the employee shall 
     be without interruption or loss of civil service status or 
     privilege.
       (d) Other Revenues and Expenditures.--
       (1) In general.--The Commission may procure supplies, 
     services, and property, enter into contracts, and expend 
     funds appropriated, donated, or received to carry out 
     contracts.
       (2) Donations.--
       (A) In general.--The Commission may solicit, accept, use, 
     and dispose of donations of money, property, or personal 
     services.
       (B) Limitations.--Subject to subparagraph (C), the 
     Commission shall not accept donations--
       (i) the value of which exceeds $50,000 annually, in the 
     case of donations from an individual; or
       (ii) the value of which exceeds $250,000 annually, in the 
     case of donations from a person other than an individual.
       (C) Nonprofit organization.--The limitations in 
     subparagraph (B) shall not apply in the case of an 
     organization that is--
       (i) described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue 
     Code of 1986; and
       (ii) exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of the 
     Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
       (4) Acquired items.--Any book, manuscript, miscellaneous 
     printed matter, memorabilia, relic, and other material or 
     property relating to the time period of the Louisiana 
     Purchase acquired by the Commission may be deposited for 
     preservation in national, State, or local libraries, museums, 
     archives, or other agencies with the consent of the 
     depositary institution.
       (e) Postal Services.--The Commission may use the United 
     States mail to carry out this Act in the same manner and 
     under the same conditions as other agencies of the Federal 
     Government.

     SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       (a) In General.--Subject to subsections (b) and (c), there 
     are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the purposes 
     of this Act--
       (1) $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2002; and
       (2) such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 
     2003 through 2005.
       (b) Availability of Funds.--Amounts appropriated under this 
     section for any fiscal year shall remain available until 
     March 31, 2005.
       (c) Limitation.--The total amount of funds made available 
     under this section shall not exceed $4,000,000.

     SEC. 9. TERMINATION OF AUTHORITY.

       The authority provided by this Act terminates effective 
     March 31, 2005.
                                 ______