Congressional Record, Volume 153 Issue 142 (Monday, September 24, 2007)

[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 142 (Monday, September 24, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H10709-H10713]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

HUDSON-FULTON-CHAMPLAIN QUADRICENTENNIAL COMMEMORATION ACT OF 2007

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and
pass the bill (H.R. 1520) to establish the Champlain Quadricentennial
Commemoration Commission, the Hudson-Fulton 400th Commemoration
Commission, and for other purposes.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:

H.R. 1520

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Hudson-
Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Commemoration Act of
2007''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act
is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.

TITLE I--FINDINGS AND PURPOSE

Sec. 101. Findings and purpose.
Sec. 102. Coordination.

TITLE II--CHAMPLAIN QUADRICENTENNIAL COMMEMORATION COMMISSION

Sec. 201. Definitions.
Sec. 202. Champlain Quadricentennial Commemoration Commission.
Sec. 203. Audit of Commission.
Sec. 204. Authorization of appropriations.

TITLE III--HUDSON-FULTON 400TH COMMEMORATION COMMISSION

Sec. 301. Definitions.
Sec. 302. Hudson-Fulton 400th Commemoration Commission.
Sec. 303. Audit of Commission.
Sec. 304. Authorization of appropriations.

TITLE I--FINDINGS AND PURPOSE

SEC. 101. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.

(a) Findings.--The Congress finds the following:
(1) The first European exploration of the Hudson River and
Lake Champlain and the introduction of steam navigation to
maritime commerce were events of major historical importance,
both in the United States and internationally.
(2) In 1609, Englishman Henry Hudson, acting in the service
of the Dutch East India Company, was the first European to
sail up the river later named for him in the vessel HALF
MOON. Also in 1609, French explorer Samuel de Champlain was
the first European to see the lake later named for him, as
well as the shores of Northern New York and Vermont.
(3) These voyages were two of the most significant passages
in the European exploration and discovery of America, and
included two of the earliest contacts in the New World
between Native Americans and Europeans.
(4) These explorations led to the establishment of Fort
Orange, a Dutch (and later English) settlement of what is now
the capital city of the State of New York, as well as the
establishment of French trading posts, military posts, and
settlements as far south as Lake George. From these early
establishments came trade, commerce, cultural, and religious
impact deep into the Mohawk Valley and as far west as Lake
Erie. These settlements influenced the Nation's history,
culture, law, commerce, and traditions of liberty that extend
to the present day, and that are constantly reflected in the
position of the United States as the leader of the nations of
the free world.
(5) In 1807, Robert Fulton navigated the Hudson River from
the city of New York to Albany in the steamboat CLERMONT,
successfully inaugurating steam navigation on a commercial
basis. This event is one of the most important events in the
history of navigation. It revolutionized waterborne commerce
on the great rivers of the United States, transformed naval
warfare, and fostered international relations through
transoceanic travel and trade.
(6) In 1909, the Congress authorized a Champlain
Tercentennial Commission and supported its activities. The
Congress recognized the 350th anniversary by establishing a
similar commission to coordinate Federal participation in the
1959 celebration of Hudson's and Champlain's discoveries.
(7) The National Park Service owns and operates significant
resources in New York related to the early history of the
Nation and the Hudson River Valley.
(8) In 2000, Canada's Province of Quebec established a
Quebec 400 Commission with a budget in excess of $1,000,000,
of which commemoration of the 1609 Champlain voyage into the
Lake Champlain region is a part.
(9) In 2002, the State of New York established a Hudson-
Fulton-Champlain Commission.
(10) In 2003, the State of Vermont established a Lake
Champlain Quadricentennial Commission.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to establish the
Champlain Quadricentennial Commemoration Commission and the
Hudson-Fulton 400th Commemoration Commission, to--
(1) ensure a suitable national observance of the Henry
Hudson, Robert Fulton, and Samuel de Champlain 2009
commemorations through cooperation with and assistance to the
programs and activities of New York, Vermont, and the
commemorative commissions formed by these States;
(2) assist in ensuring that Hudson-Fulton-Champlain 2009
observances provide an excellent visitor experience and
beneficial interaction between visitors and the natural and
cultural resources of the New York and Vermont sites;
(3) assist in ensuring that Hudson-Fulton-Champlain 2009
observances are inclusive and appropriately recognize the
diverse Hudson River and Lake Champlain Valley communities
that developed over four centuries;
(4) facilitate international involvement, including the
involvement of the commemorative commission formed by Canada,
in the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain 2009 observances;
(5) support and facilitate marketing efforts for a
commemorative coin, a commemorative stamp, and related
activities for the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain 2009 observances;
(6) assist in the appropriate development of heritage
tourism and economic benefits to the United States; and
(7) support and facilitate the related efforts of the Lake
Champlain Basin Program in the coordination of efforts to
commemorate the voyage of Samuel de Champlain.

SEC. 102. COORDINATION.

The two commissions established under this Act shall ensure
coordination of their activities to achieve seamless and
successful commemorations, and ensure consistency with the
plans and programs of the commemorative commissions
established by the States of New York and Vermont.

TITLE II--CHAMPLAIN QUADRICENTENNIAL COMMEMORATION COMMISSION

SEC. 201. DEFINITIONS.

In this title:
(1) Commemoration.--The term ``commemoration'' means the
commemoration of the 400th anniversary of Samuel de
Champlain's voyage.
(2) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the
Champlain Quadricentennial Commemoration Commission
established by section 202(a).
(3) Lake champlain basin program.--The term ``Lake
Champlain Basin Program'' means the partnership with Federal
agencies established by the States of New York and Vermont
under section 120 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
(33 U.S.C. 1270) to implement the Lake Champlain management
plan entitled ``Opportunities for Action''.
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
(5) States.--The term ``States''--
(A) means the States of New York and Vermont; and
(B) includes agencies and other entities of each such
State.

SEC. 202. CHAMPLAIN QUADRICENTENNIAL COMMEMORATION
COMMISSION.

(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a commission
to be known as the ``Champlain Quadricentennial Commemoration
Commission''.
(b) Membership.--
(1) In general.--The Commission shall be composed of 11
members, of whom--
(A) 2 members shall be employees of the National Park
Service, of whom--
(i) one shall be the Director of the National Park Service
(or a designee of the Director); and
(ii) one shall be an employee of the National Park Service
having experience relevant to the commemoration, who shall be
appointed by the Secretary;
(B) 4 members shall be appointed by the Secretary from
among individuals who, on the date of the enactment of this
Act, are serving as members of the State of New York's
Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Commission and are
residents of the Champlain Valley;
(C) 4 members shall be appointed by the Secretary from
among individuals who, on the date of the enactment of this
Act, are serving as members of the State of Vermont's Lake
Champlain Quadricentennial Commission and are residents of
Vermont; and
(D) one member shall be appointed by the Secretary from
among individuals who have an interest in, demonstrated their
support for, and demonstrated expertise appropriate to, the
commemoration, and are knowledgeable of the Champlain Valley.
(2) Term; vacancies.--
(A) Term.--Each member of the Commission shall be appointed
for the life of the Commission.

[[Page H10710]]

(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) Chairperson and vice chairperson.--
(A) In general.--The Commission shall elect the chairperson
and the vice chairperson of the Commission on an annual
basis.
(B) Vice chairperson.--The vice chairperson shall serve as
the chairperson in the absence of the chairperson.
(5) Quorum.--A majority of voting members of the Commission
shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold
meetings.
(6) Voting.--The Commission shall act only on an
affirmative vote of a majority of the voting members of the
Commission.
(c) Duties.--
(1) In general.--The Commission shall--
(A) plan, develop, and execute programs and activities
appropriate to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the
voyage of Samuel de Champlain, the first European to discover
and explore Lake Champlain;
(B) facilitate Champlain-related activities throughout the
United States;
(C) coordinate its activities with State commemoration
commissions and appropriate Federal Government entities,
including the Departments of Agriculture, Defense, State, and
Transportation, the Lake Champlain Basin Program, the
National Endowment for the Humanities and the National
Endowment for the Arts, and the Smithsonian Institution;
(D) encourage civic, patriotic, historical, educational,
artistic, 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 voyage of Samuel de
Champlain;
(E) provide technical assistance to States, localities, and
nonprofit organizations to further the commemoration;
(F) coordinate and facilitate for the public scholarly
research on, publication about, and interpretation of, the
voyage of Samuel de Champlain;
(G) ensure that the Champlain 2009 anniversary provides a
lasting legacy and long-term public benefit by assisting in
the development of appropriate programs and facilities;
(H) assist in ensuring that the observances of the voyage
of Samuel de Champlain are inclusive and appropriately
recognize the experiences and heritage of all people present
when Samuel de Champlain arrived in the Champlain Valley; and
(I) consult and coordinate with the Lake Champlain Basin
Program and other relevant organizations in the planning and
development of programs and activities for the commemoration
of the voyage of Samuel de Champlain.
(2) Strategic plan and annual performance plans.--The
Commission shall prepare a strategic plan in accordance with
section 306 of title 5, United States Code, and annual
performance plans in accordance with section 1115 of title
31, United States Code, for the activities of the Commission
carried out under this Act.
(3) Reports.--
(A) Annual report.--The Commission shall submit to the
Congress an annual report that contains a list of each gift,
bequest, or devise with a value of more than $250, together
with the identity of the donor of each such gift, bequest, or
devise.
(B) Final report.--Not later than September 30, 2010, the
Commission shall submit to the Secretary 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.--
(1) In general.--The Commission may--
(A) solicit, accept, use, and dispose of gifts, bequests,
or devises of money or other real or personal property for
the purpose of aiding or facilitating the work of the
Commission;
(B) appoint such advisory committees as the Commission
determines to be necessary to carry out this Act;
(C) authorize any member or employee of the Commission to
take any action that the Commission is authorized to take by
this Act;
(D) subject to the availability of appropriations, 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 directly or
with administrative assistance from the Lake Champlain Basin
Program shall not extend beyond the date of the termination
of the Commission;
(E) use the United States mails in the same manner and
under the same conditions as other Federal agencies;
(F) subject to approval by the Commission and the
availability of appropriations, make grants in amounts not to
exceed $20,000 to communities, nonprofit organizations, and
commemorative commissions formed by the States to develop
programs to assist in the commemoration;
(G) subject to the availability of appropriations, make
grants in amounts not to exceed $20,000 to research and
scholarly organizations to research, publish, or distribute
information relating to the early history of the voyage of
Champlain; and
(H) provide technical assistance to the States, localities,
and nonprofit organizations to develop programs and
facilities to further the commemoration.
(2) Coordination and consultation with lake champlain basin
program.--The Commission shall coordinate and consult with
the Lake Champlain Basin Program in providing grants and
technical assistance under subparagraphs (F), (G), and (H) of
paragraph (1) for the conduct of activities relating to the
commemoration of the voyage of Samuel de Champlain.
(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 and lake champlain basin program
employees.--
(A) Federal employees.--
(i) In general.--At the request of the Commission, the head
of any Federal agency may detail, on a reimbursable or
nonreimbursable 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.
(C) Lake champlain basin program employees.--The Commission
may--
(i) accept the services of personnel from the Lake
Champlain Basin Program; and
(ii) reimburse the Lake Champlain Basin Program 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.--
Subject to the availability of appropriations, 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 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.

[[Page H10711]]

(h) No Effect on Authority.--Nothing in this section
supersedes the authority of the States or the National Park
Service concerning the commemoration.
(i) Termination.--The Commission shall terminate on
December 31, 2010, and shall transfer all documents and
materials of the Commission to the National Archives or other
appropriate Federal entity.

SEC. 203. AUDIT OF COMMISSION.

The Inspector General of the Department of the Interior
shall perform an annual audit of the Commission, shall make
the results of the audit available to the public, and shall
transmit such results to the Committee on Government Reform
of the House of Representatives.

SEC. 204. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

There is authorized to be appropriated $500,000 for each of
fiscal years 2007 through 2011 to carry out this title, of
which--
(1) 45 percent shall be for New York activities relating to
the Samuel de Champlain commemoration;
(2) 45 percent shall be for Vermont activities relating to
the Samuel de Champlain commemoration; and
(3) 10 percent shall be for distribution by the Commission
in accordance with this Act for activities relating to the
commemoration.

TITLE III--HUDSON-FULTON 400TH COMMEMORATION COMMISSION

SEC. 301. DEFINITIONS.

In this title:
(1) Commemoration.--The term ``commemoration'' means the
commemoration of--
(A) the 200th anniversary of Robert Fulton's voyage in the
CLERMONT; and
(B) the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's voyage in the
HALF MOON.
(2) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Hudson-
Fulton 400th Commemoration Commission established by section
302(a).
(3) Governor.--The term ``Governor'' means the Governor of
the State of New York.
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
(5) State.--The term ``State''--
(A) means the State of New York; and
(B) includes agencies and entities of each such State.

SEC. 302. HUDSON-FULTON 400TH COMMEMORATION COMMISSION.

(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a commission
to be known as the ``Hudson-Fulton 400th Commemoration
Commission''.
(b) Membership.--
(1) In general.--The Commission shall be composed of 16
members, of whom--
(A) 1 member shall be appointed by the Secretary, after
consideration of the recommendation of the Governor;
(B) 6 members shall be appointed by the Secretary, after
consideration of the recommendations from the Members of the
House of Representatives whose districts encompass the Hudson
River Valley;
(C) 2 members shall be appointed by the Secretary, after
consideration of the recommendations from the Members of the
Senate from New York;
(D) 2 members shall be employees of the National Park
Service, of whom--
(i) one shall be the Director of the National Park Service
(or a designee of the Director); and
(ii) one shall be an employee of the National Park Service
having experience relevant to the commemoration, who shall be
appointed by the Secretary;
(E) 2 members shall be appointed by the Secretary from
among individuals who have an interest in, demonstrated their
support for, and demonstrated expertise appropriate to, the
commemoration, of whom--
(i) one shall be knowledgeable of the Hudson River Valley
National Heritage Area; and
(ii) one shall be knowledgeable of New York City as it
relates to the commemoration;
(F) one member shall be the chairperson of any
commemorative commission formed by New York, or the designee
of the chairperson; and
(G) two members shall be appointed by the Secretary, after
consideration of the recommendation of the mayor of the City
of New York and after consultation with Members of the House
of Representatives whose districts encompass the City of New
York.
(2) Term; vacancies.--
(A) Term.--Each 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) Chairperson and vice chairperson.--
(A) In general.--The Commission shall elect the chairperson
and the vice chairperson of the Commission on an annual
basis.
(B) Vice chairperson.--The vice chairperson shall serve as
the chairperson in the absence of the chairperson.
(5) Quorum.--A majority of voting members shall constitute
a quorum, but a lesser number may hold meetings.
(6) Voting.--
(A) In general.--The Commission shall act only on an
affirmative vote of a majority of the voting members of the
Commission.
(B) Nonvoting member.--The individual appointed under
subparagraph (D)(ii) of paragraph (1) shall be a nonvoting
member, and shall serve only in an advisory capacity.
(c) Duties.--
(1) In general.--The Commission shall--
(A) plan, develop, and execute programs and activities
appropriate to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the
voyage of Henry Hudson, the first European to sail up the
Hudson River, and the 200th anniversary of the voyage of
Robert Fulton, the first person to use steam navigation on a
commercial basis;
(B) facilitate Hudson-Fulton-related activities throughout
the United States;
(C) coordinate its activities with the State commemoration
commission and appropriate Federal Government agencies,
including the Departments of Agriculture, Defense, State, and
Transportation, the National Park Service with respect to the
Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, and the American
Heritage Rivers Initiative Interagency Committee established
by Executive Order 13061, dated September 11, 1997, the
National Endowment for the Humanities and the National
Endowment for the Arts, and the Smithsonian Institution;
(D) encourage civic, patriotic, historical, educational,
artistic, 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 voyages of Henry
Hudson and Robert Fulton;
(E) provide technical assistance to States, localities, and
nonprofit organizations to further the commemoration;
(F) coordinate and facilitate for the public scholarly
research on, publication about, and interpretation of, the
voyages of Henry Hudson and Robert Fulton;
(G) ensure that the Hudson-Fulton 2009 commemorations
provide a lasting legacy and long-term public benefit by
assisting in the development of appropriate programs and
facilities; and
(H) assist in ensuring that the observances of the voyage
of Henry Hudson are inclusive and appropriately recognize the
experiences and heritage of all people present when Henry
Hudson sailed the Hudson River.
(2) Strategic plan and annual performance plans.--The
Commission shall prepare a strategic plan in accordance with
section 306 of title 5, United States Code, and annual
performance plans in accordance with section 1115 of title
31, United States Code, for the activities of the Commission
carried out under this Act.
(3) Reports.--
(A) Annual report.--The Commission shall submit to the
Congress an annual report that contains a list of each gift,
bequest, or devise with a value of more than $250, together
with the identity of the donor of each such gift, bequest, or
devise.
(B) Final report.--Not later than September 30, 2010, the
Commission shall submit to the Secretary 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.--
(1) In general.--The Commission may--
(A) solicit, accept, use, and dispose of gifts, bequests,
or devises of money or other real or personal property for
the purpose of aiding or facilitating the work of the
Commission;
(B) appoint such advisory committees as the Commission
determines to be necessary to carry out this Act;
(C) authorize any member or employee of the Commission to
take any action that the Commission is authorized to take by
this Act;
(D) subject to the availability of appropriations, 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 the termination of the Commission;
(E) use the United States mails in the same manner and
under the same conditions as other Federal agencies;
(F) subject to approval by the Commission and the
availability of appropriations, make grants in amounts not to
exceed $20,000 to communities, nonprofit organizations, and
commemorative commissions formed by the State to develop
programs to assist in the commemoration;
(G) subject to the availability of appropriations, make
grants in amounts not to exceed

[[Page H10712]]

$20,000 to research and scholarly organizations to research,
publish, or distribute information relating to the early
history of the voyages of Hudson and Fulton; and
(H) provide technical assistance to the State, localities,
and nonprofit organizations to develop programs and
facilities 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.--At the request of the Commission, the head
of any Federal agency may detail, on a reimbursable or
nonreimbursable 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 the
State (including subdivisions of the State); and
(ii) reimburse the State 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.--
Subject to the availability of appropriations, 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 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 States or the National Park
Service concerning the commemoration.
(i) Termination.--The Commission shall terminate on
December 31, 2010, and shall transfer all documents and
materials of the Commission to the National Archives or other
appropriate Federal entity.

SEC. 303. AUDIT OF COMMISSION.

SEC. 304. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

There is authorized to be appropriated $500,000 for each of
fiscal years 2007 through 2011 to carry out this title, of
which--
(1) 80 percent shall be for Hudson Valley activities
relating to the commemoration;
(2) 10 percent shall be for New York City activities
relating to the commemoration; and
(3) 10 percent shall be for distribution by the Commission
in accordance with this Act for activities relating to the
commemoration.

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

General Leave

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all
Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their
remarks.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Illinois?
There was no objection.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, as a Member of the House Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleague in the
consideration of H.R. 1520, a bill to establish the Champlain
Quadricentennial Commemoration Commission and the Hudson-Fulton 400th
Commemoration Commission. H.R. 1520 was introduced by Representative
Maurice Hinchey on March 14, 2007. This legislation was reported from
the Oversight and Government Reform Committee on July 19, 2007, by
voice vote.
Mr. Speaker, Henry Hudson was hired by the Dutch East India company
to try to find the Northwest Passage. On this trip in a ship called the
Half Moon, Mr. Hudson sailed to Nova Scotia and then sailed south. In
1609, he found what is now called the Hudson River. Also in 1609, a
French explorer, Samuel de Champlain, was exploring Lake Champlain, as
well as the shore of northern New York and Vermont.
These voyages were two of the most significant passages in the
European exploration and discovery of America. They led to the
establishment of a Dutch settlement of what is now the capital city of
the State of New York. Also, it led to the establishment of French
trading posts, military posts and settlements as far south as Lake
George. These settlements had a great influence on our Nation's
history, culture, law, and commerce.
In 1807, Robert Fulton navigated the Hudson River from the city of
New York to Albany in a steamboat which successfully began the use of
steam navigation on a commercial basis. It revolutionized waterborne
commerce on the great rivers of the United States and fostered
international relations through transoceanic travel and trade.
The Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Commemoration Act of
2007 establishes two commissions that would ensure a national
observance of the Henry Hudson, Robert Fulton, and Samuel de Champlain
2009 commemorations through cooperation with the assistance to the
programs and activities of New York, Vermont, and the commemorative
commissions formed by these States.
Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleague, Representative Maurice Hinchey,
for introducing this legislation, and I urge its swift passage.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1520 establishes two important and historically
based commissions. One commission recognizes the explorations of Henry
Hudson and Robert Fulton in New York and Vermont, and the other
recognizes Samuel de Champlain's discoveries in the same region. The
overall goal of the Hudson-Fulton 400th Commemoration Commission is to
plan, develop, and perform activities to commemorate the 400th
anniversary of Henry Hudson's voyage on the New York river named in his
honor and the 200th anniversary of Robert Fulton's voyage.
In 1609, Englishman Henry Hudson, under the direction of the Dutch
East India Company, was named the first European to sail up the river
later to be named for him and his significant exploration. In 1807,
Robert Fulton's breakthrough use of commercial steam navigation
revolutionized water-based commerce, naval warfare, and international
relations.
It was these important expeditions which brought about the earliest
encounters of Native Americans and Europeans. These voyages introduced
new methods of commerce and trade and also introduced new religious
beliefs,

[[Page H10713]]

cultural exchange, and traditions which extend into the present day.
Together, these two historic events will be celebrated through the
creation of the Hudson-Fulton 400th Commemoration Commission. The same
year of Hudson's exploration, Francis Samuel de Champlain became the
first European to discover the New York lake later to be named in his
honor.
The Champlain Quadricentennial Commemoration Commission will
coordinate its festivities and celebrations with the Hudson-Fulton
Commission. These commissions promote continued education and
observations of historic events such as these which have helped to make
our country what it is today. They influence the culture, heritage, and
way of life for all early citizens of America.
I urge my colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 1520.
Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1520,
the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Commemoration Act of 2007.
I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this legislation, which I
have been working with the Gentleman from New York, Mr. Hinchey, since
2003 to enact. In fact, the House previously passed our bill, H.R.
2528, by voice vote during the 108th Congress.
The bill, H.R. 1520, before the House today would authorize $500,000
annually from fiscal year 2007 through fiscal year 2011 for the
Champlain Quadricentennial Commemoration Commission, to plan and
execute programs and activities to commemorate the 400th anniversary of
Samuel de Champlain's voyage.
Likewise, H.R. 1520 would also authorize $500,000 annually from
fiscal year 2007 through fiscal year 2011 for a second commission, the
Hudson-Fulton 400th Commemoration Commission, to plan and execute
programs and activities to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Henry
Hudson's voyage, as well as the 200th anniversary of Robert Fulton's
invention of the steamboat.
Samuel de Champlain, the ``Father of New France,'' explored a great
deal New York's 23rd Congressional District. In fact, he discovered
Lake Champlain in 1609 and traveled extensively on the St. Lawrence
River. Thus, my constituents in Northern New York, particularly those
in Clinton County, have a keen interest in H.R. 1520, particularly its
potential to enhance tourism.
Thus, I greatly appreciate the work the Gentleman from New York, Mr.
Hinchey, the Gentleman from California, Mr. Waxman, and the Gentleman
from Virginia, Mr. Davis, have done to bring H.R. 1520 to the House
floor and I urge my colleagues to vote for it today.
Mr. HALL of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong
support for the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Commemoration
Act of 2007, which will simultaneously pay homage to the history of New
York's Hudson Valley while helping to build a vibrant future for the
region.
I would like to thank my colleague, Representative Hinchey, for his
leadership in drafting and introducing this important piece of
legislation.
Mr. Speaker, the Hudson Valley has been a cradle of prosperity and a
driver of growth and exploration in America since long before there was
a United States of America. The character of the region, and the
history of the nation, was strongly shaped by two separate voyages that
occurred almost 400 years ago.
In July of 1609, the French explorer Samuel de Champlain, having
already founded the settlement of Quebec, arrived with a group of
Native Americans at what would eventually be known as Lake Champlain.
This expedition would lay the groundwork for the settlement of the
Champlain valley by French colonists in the ``New World''.
The next month, Henry Hudson would begin the voyage aboard that Half
Moon that would bring him into New York under the Dutch flag. His
efforts to find a sea route to Asia on behalf of the Dutch East India
Company travels would eventually take him up what is now the Hudson
River almost to Albany. Hudson was to be the first European explorer to
navigate and note the full length of the Hudson River, and along the
way he noted the region's inherent beauty and engaged in trade with
Native Americans.
By laying the groundwork for settlement and commerce in the region,
these voyages would help establish a corridor for trade that helped to
drive the prosperity of the ``New World'' and continues to be an
economic engine of America.
Two centuries after those fateful journeys, the region was once again
home to a breakthrough that would transform commerce and transportation
throughout the continent. On August 17, 1807 Robert Fulton successfully
sailed his steamboat from New York City to Albany in the first long-
distance trip of such a vessel. This 32-hour long trip opened the
gateway to a new means of trade and transportation.
The Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial Commemoration Act of
2007 will make sure that these events, and their contribution to the
greatness of our nation, will be appropriately honored. By establishing
the Champlain Quadricentennial Commemoration Commission the Hudson-
Fulton 400th Commemoration Commission to plan and execute commemorative
activities in the region, the bill honors the storied past of the
Hudson Valley, will bring increased prosperity to the region, and
perhaps open the door to the Corridor's next great adventure.
I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my
time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. McGovern). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) that the House
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1520.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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