[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 16]
[House]
[Pages 23750-23754]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



              ABRAHAM LINCOLN BICENTENNIAL COMMISSION ACT

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

                               H.R. 1451

       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 ``Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial 
     Commission Act''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

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

     SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT.

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

     SEC. 4. DUTIES.

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

     SEC. 5. MEMBERSHIP.

       (a) Number and Appointment.--The Commission shall be 
     composed of 15 members appointed as follows:
       (1) 3 members, each of whom shall be a qualified citizen 
     described in subsection (b), appointed by the President.
       (2) 2 members, each of whom shall be a qualified citizen 
     described in subsection (b), appointed by the President on 
     the recommendation of the Governor of Illinois.
       (3) 2 members, each of whom shall be a qualified citizen 
     described in subsection (b), appointed by the President on 
     the recommendation of the Governor of Indiana.
       (4) 2 members, each of whom shall be a qualified citizen 
     described in subsection (b), appointed by the President on 
     the recommendation of the Governor of Kentucky.
       (5) 2 members, each of whom shall be Members of the House 
     of Representatives from the State of Illinois, appointed by 
     the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
       (6) 1 member, who shall be a Senator from the State of 
     Illinois, appointed by the Majority Leader of the Senate.
       (7) 1 member, who shall be a Senator, appointed by the 
     Majority Leader of the Senate.
       (8) 1 member, who shall be a Member of the House of 
     Representatives, appointed by the Minority Leader of the 
     House of Representatives.
       (9) 1 member, who shall be a Senator, appointed by the 
     Minority Leader of the Senate.
       (b) Qualified Citizen.--A qualified citizen described in 
     this subsection is a private citizen of the United States 
     with--
       (1) a demonstrated dedication to educating others about the 
     importance of historical figures and events; and
       (2) substantial knowledge and appreciation of Abraham 
     Lincoln.
       (c) Time of Appointment.--Each initial appointment of a 
     member of the Commission shall be made before the expiration 
     of the 120-day period beginning on the date of the enactment 
     of this Act.
       (d) Continuation of Membership.--If a member was appointed 
     to the Commission as a Member of Congress and the member 
     ceases to be a Member of Congress, that member may continue 
     as a member for not longer than the 30-day period beginning 
     on the date that member ceases to be a Member of Congress.
       (e) Terms.--Each member shall be appointed for the life of 
     the Commission.
       (f) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Commission shall be filled 
     in the manner in which the original appointment was made.
       (g) Basic Pay.--Members shall serve without pay.
       (h) Travel Expenses.--Each member shall receive travel 
     expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in 
     accordance with sections 5702 and 5703 of title 5, United 
     States Code.
       (i) Quorum.--5 members of the Commission shall constitute a 
     quorum but a lesser number may hold hearings.
       (j) Chairperson.--The Chairperson shall be designated by 
     the President from among the members of the Commission 
     appointed under section 5(a)(1). The term of office of the 
     Chairperson shall be for the life of the Commission.
       (k) Meetings.--The Commission shall meet at the call of the 
     Chairperson. Periodically, the Commission shall hold its 
     meeting in Springfield, Illinois.

     SEC. 6. DIRECTOR AND STAFF.

       (a) Director.--The Commission may appoint and fix the pay 
     of a Director and any

[[Page 23751]]

     additional personnel as the Commission considers appropriate.
       (b) Applicability of Certain Civil Service Laws.--
       (1) Director.--The Director of the Commission may be 
     appointed without regard to the provisions of title 5, United 
     States Code, governing appointments in the competitive 
     service, and may be paid without regard to the provisions of 
     chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of that title 
     relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates.
       (2) Staff.--The staff of the Commission shall be appointed 
     subject to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, 
     governing appointments in the competitive service, and shall 
     be paid in accordance with the provisions of chapter 51 and 
     subchapter III of chapter 53 of that title relating to 
     classification and General Schedule pay rates.

     SEC. 7. POWERS.

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

     SEC. 8. REPORTS.

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

     SEC. 9. TERMINATION.

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

     SEC. 10. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

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

     SEC. 11. BUDGET ACT COMPLIANCE.

       Any spending authority (as defined in subparagraphs (A) and 
     (C) of section 401(c)(2) of the Congressional Budget Act of 
     1974 (2 U.S.C. 651(c)(2)(A) and (C))) under this Act shall be 
     effective only to such extent and in such amounts as are 
     provided in appropriation Acts.

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


                             General Leave

  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks on the bill, H.R. 1451.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Illinois?
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1451, the Abraham Lincoln 
Bicentennial Commission Act, sponsored by the gentleman from Illinois 
(Mr. LaHood).
  H.R. 1451 authorizes a 15-member commission to begin national 
planning for the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of 
our Nation's 16th President, Abraham Lincoln. This commission would be 
authorized for 4 years and is charged with developing and reporting to 
Congress recommendations on activities that appropriately honor this 
great man and his accomplishments.
  Let me borrow from a line from Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and say 
that it is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. It 
goes without saying that Abraham Lincoln was one of our greatest, if 
not the greatest, Presidents of the United States. Lincoln led our 
country through its most challenging time, the Civil War. He was a man 
who sought to unite rather than to divide, urging a nation battered by 
war to ``bind up its wounds.'' Perhaps most importantly, he was a man 
who stood on principle and believed in the greatness of this Nation and 
its people.
  Abraham Lincoln's every word and action were based on the founding 
principle of our Nation, that all are created equal, and none can be 
denied their natural rights by government or unjust laws. This 
principle, which forms the basis for our Declaration of Independence 
and the moral foundation for our Constitution, lives on today and 
continues to serve this country well.
  Mr. Speaker, Abraham Lincoln described the nobility of our 
experimental form of government more eloquently than any other national 
leader. He did so in a matter of moments on the battlefield at 
Gettysburg.
  The Gettysburg Address was a reaffirmation of the principle that no 
person can rightfully governor others without their consent. It was 
also a testimony to the greatness of our form of government and to the 
American people.
  Through his famous debates with Stephen Douglas, Lincoln reminded the 
citizens of my home State of Illinois, as well as those residing in 
other parts of the country, that there are limits to any form of 
government, even the democratic principle of majority rule.
  Lincoln opposed the doctrine of what was then called ``popular 
sovereignty.'' In contrast to Douglas, Lincoln recognized that a too 
narrow interpretation of the doctrine of majority rule could lead to 
the misguided conclusion if one man would enslave another, no third 
person should intervene.
  Lincoln also recognized that a house divided against itself cannot 
stand. He stood tall, fighting for what provided the American people a 
new birth of freedom.
  Just before an assassin ended his life, Lincoln outlined the approach 
to Reconstruction that would proceed, ``With malice toward none, with 
charity toward all.'' His spirit defines the best of the American 
experiment and appeals to the better angels of our nature.
  As we approach the new millennium, it is entirely fitting that 
Congress adopt this commission bill now. The principles that our 
declaration established and that Lincoln led us to sustain are truly 
timeless. Congress authorized a similar commission nearly 100 years 
ago. It was the recommendations of that commission that created the 
Lincoln Memorial which stands so prominently today in our Nation's 
Capital.

                              {time}  1545

  This same commission also approved the placing of Lincoln's image on 
a stamp and made the day of Lincoln's birth a national holiday.
  H.R. 1451 carries the spirit of this commission. The commission 
called for on this bill will provide recommendations that will help 
this body recognize Lincoln's birth as well as the greatness of the man 
well into the next millennium.
  Let me add that the manager's amendment we are considering today 
amends the bill that was unanimously approved by the Committee on 
Government Reform. It authorizes four additional members of the 
commission, adding two each from Kentucky and Indiana. Given that 
Abraham Lincoln was born in Harding County, Kentucky, on February 12, 
1809, and spent formative years in Indiana, this is an appropriate 
change, and I urge its adoption.
  This manager's amendment has also been modified to address concerns 
about the authority to accept gifts, bequests, and donations that have 
been included in the bill marked up by the Committee on Government 
Reform. The Committee on Ways and Means expressed concerns about that 
provision, and we have deleted such authority since it is not necessary 
to the commission's authority to make recommendations for further 
action.
  I am proud to offer this legislation, and I am proud that the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LaHood) gave me the

[[Page 23752]]

chance to manage this bill and to be a cosponsor of the bill, and I 
encourage the support of all Members.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I, too, want to take a moment to thank the gentleman from Illinois 
(Mr. LaHood) for sponsoring this very important legislation. I think it 
is very important that we take time to recognize those people who came 
upon this Earth, saw it, saw the problems with it and tried to change 
it to make it better; and so I thank him, and I want to thank our 
ranking member of our committee and the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. 
Biggert), the entire Illinois delegation, and certainly the chairman of 
the committee and the chairman of the subcommittee.
  Mr. Speaker, the legislation before us today establishes a 
bicentennial commission to celebrate the life and accomplishments of 
this Nation's 16th President, Abraham Lincoln. In many respects Abraham 
Lincoln was an ordinary man who throughout his life did many 
extraordinary things.
  Mr. Lincoln was poor and struggled to educate himself. He encountered 
numerous business setbacks and challenges. A captain in the Black Hawk 
War, Lincoln practiced law and spent 8 years in the Illinois 
legislature. In 1836, Lincoln was elected to Congress and served two 
terms. Lincoln took 5 years off from politics to focus on his law 
practice. When he returned to the political arena in 1854, he took an 
unpopular stance. He opposed the Kansas Nebraska Act which threatened 
to extend slavery to other States.
  Lincoln was elected President in 1860 when the United States was no 
longer united. Believing that cession was illegal, he was prepared to 
use force to defend the Union and did so. The Civil War began in 1861 
and would last 4 years, costing the lives of over 500,000 Americans.
  On November 16, 1863, in the midst of the war on a battlefield near 
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, President Lincoln presented to the people his 
vision for our Nation, conceived in liberty where everyone is created 
equal. This speech known as the Gettysburg address shaped the destiny 
of the United States of America, that government of the people and by 
the people should be for all people regardless of race, or color, or 
gender. For this, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Lincoln lost his life in the balcony 
of the Ford's Theatre in 1865 right here in Washington, D.C.
  The bicentennial commission will recommend to Congress what 
activities and actions should be taken to celebrate the life of this 
great man. The commission's recommendations to this body should reflect 
how a man of humble roots rose to the Presidency of the United States 
and the diversity and uniqueness of this great Nation. It should send a 
message to all of our young people that they can, too, start in humble 
beginnings; but it will not matter where they were born or who they 
were born to, it is what they do with the life that they have been 
given.
  Again, I commend the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LaHood) and the 
gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert) for working with me and the 
Democratic Illinois delegation to formulate bipartisan language that 
would expand the membership of the commission to allow the House 
minority leader and the Senate minority leader to each appoint one 
Member of Congress to the commission. That is so important because I 
think that is the way Lincoln would have wanted it. The commission's 
bipartisan membership will further honor the memory and works of 
Abraham Lincoln.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. LaHood), my friend and colleague and sponsor of this 
important legislation.
  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. 
Biggert) for yielding this time to me, and I also thank the gentleman 
from Maryland (Mr. Cummings) for his remarks that he made in the 
committee which were very eloquent last week about President Lincoln.
  Mr. Speaker, I am here today to celebrate the life and legacy of 
President Abraham Lincoln by asking for my colleagues' support for H.R. 
1451, the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission Act of 1999. The bill 
will establish a commission, the purpose of which would be to make 
recommendations to Congress for a national program to honor President 
Abraham Lincoln in the year 2009, the bicentennial celebration of his 
birth. For decades historians have acknowledged him as one of our 
country's greatest Presidents. As our 16th President, Lincoln served 
the country during a most precarious era. While most of the country 
looked to divide, President Lincoln fought for unity and eventually 
saved the Union.
  With the belief that all men are created equal, President Lincoln led 
the charge to free all slaves in America. Without the determination and 
wisdom of President Lincoln, our country, as we know it, may not exist 
today.
  President Lincoln also serves as a national symbol of the American 
dream. Born of humble roots in Hardin County, Kentucky, on February 12, 
1809, Abraham Lincoln rose to the Presidency through a legacy of 
honesty, integrity, intelligence, and commitment to the United States 
of America. In 1909, America celebrated the centennial of President 
Lincoln's birth in a manner deserving of the accomplishments. Congress 
approved placing the image of President Lincoln on a first-class stamp 
for the first time, made President Lincoln's birth a national holiday, 
and passed legislation leading to the construction of the Lincoln 
Memorial here in Washington, D.C.
  Further, President Theodore Roosevelt approved placing the image of 
President Lincoln on the penny.
  As in 1909, the Congress again should honor President Lincoln in 2009 
by establishing the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. Through 
this commission, Congress will be able to demonstrate its appreciation 
for Abraham Lincoln's accomplishments and ultimate sacrifice for our 
country.
  This commission will identify and recommend to Congress appropriate 
actions to carry out this mission and through the recommendations of 
this commission and subsequent acts of Congress, the American people 
will benefit by learning about the life of President Lincoln, and as an 
Illinoisan, I am proud of the fact that President Lincoln considered 
Illinois his home for virtually all of his adult life.
  In 1837 Lincoln moved to Springfield, Illinois, which is an area that 
I represent along with the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus) where 
he established a law office and quickly earned a reputation as an 
outstanding trial lawyer. He served in the State legislature from 1834 
to 1842 and was elected to this House of Representatives in 1846 as a 
member of the Whig party, and 9 of the 14 counties that I currently 
represent were once represented by Abraham Lincoln.
  Lincoln joined the Republican party in 1856 and ran for the U.S. 
Senate from Illinois against Stephen Douglas in 1858. As a candidate 
for that office, Lincoln rose from relative obscurity to become a 
nationally known political figure.
  Throughout the campaign, Lincoln stated that the U.S. could not 
survive as half slave and half free States. In a famous campaign speech 
on June 17, Lincoln declared, I quote, ``a House divided against itself 
cannot stand,'' end quote. Additionally, the famous Lincoln-Douglas 
debates drew the attention of the entire Nation. Although Lincoln 
ultimately lost that campaign, he returned only 2 years later to run 
for the Presidency. Lincoln was elected the 16th President on November 
6, 1860, defeating the previous Senate opponent, Stephen A. Douglas. In 
one of the most famous acts President Lincoln enacted, the emancipation 
proclamation went into effect on January 1, 1863.
  After discussing this issue with Representative Ron Lewis of 
Kentucky, we both agree that the commission should strongly consider 
Hodgenville, Kentucky, the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, as the site 
for its inaugural meeting.

[[Page 23753]]

  Abraham Lincoln is remembered for his vital role as the leader in 
preserving the Union and beginning the process that led to the end of 
slavery in the United States. He also is remembered for his character, 
his speeches, his letters, and a man of humble origin whose 
determination and preservation led him to the Nation's highest office.
  I would like to acknowledge the assistance of the, as I mentioned 
earlier, to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cummings), to the 
gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert), also Chuck Schierer and Peter 
Kovlar, who originally brought this idea of a Lincoln commission to me, 
and their research was invaluable to this important project.
  I ask all colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of President 
Abraham Lincoln by supporting the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial 
Commission Act of 1999.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Kentucky (Mr. Lewis).
  Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the 
Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission Act. Abraham Lincoln is rightly 
considered one of America's greatest Presidents. He occupied the White 
House through 4 of our country's darkest years and was faced with the 
prospect of uniting our country torn asunder by civil war. Through his 
leadership and perseverance, Mr. Speaker, our country and system of 
government was preserved.
  While it is impossible to overlook his contributions to America from 
the White House, there is much more to the story of Abraham Lincoln 
that endears in the hearts and minds of his countrymen. Lincoln was 
born to humble roots in Hodgenville, Kentucky, located within my 
district. He was largely self-educated, yet became one of our country's 
greatest statesmen with his eloquent use of the English language. He 
clung to the highest ethical standards throughout his political career, 
earning the nickname Honest Abe. He was fiercely devoted to his family, 
and he put the interests of his country above his own, which ultimately 
led to his assassination. He was born into obscurity but earned the 
gratitude and love of his countrymen.
  Lincoln's story is one of America, and it serves as an inspiration to 
all of us. It is a story all posterity needs to learn, and it is 
incumbent on the Federal Government to use all available resources to 
preserve his legacy.
  To borrow a quote from one of his most famous addresses, ``It is 
altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.''
  I urge my colleagues to support the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial 
Commission Act. As Edwin Stanton said upon the President's death, ``Now 
he belongs to the ages.'' We have an opportunity today to make sure 
President Lincoln remains a man for the ages by passing this 
legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my hope that this commission will be able to 
conduct one of its meetings in Hodgenville, Kentucky, the birthplace of 
Abraham Lincoln.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, finally, I think that, as my colleagues know, when we 
think about the life of Abraham Lincoln, his words of the Gettysburg 
Address were just so profound; and I just repeat them, just a part of 
them, at this moment, for I think they still live in our hearts, and he 
simply said, and this is important, he said, ``It is for the living 
rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who 
fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be 
here dedicated to the great task remaining before us, that from these 
honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they 
gave the last full measure of devotion, that we here highly resolve 
that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this Nation under God 
shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, 
by the people, for the people shall not perish from the Earth.''
  With that, Mr. Speaker, I urge all of our colleagues to support this 
legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  H.R. 1451 provides a means to begin this national period of 
reflection and recognition. I thank my colleagues for their eloquent 
and elegant words on behalf of Abraham Lincoln. I appreciated working 
with the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LaHood), with the gentleman from 
Maryland (Mr. Cummings) from the minority, and my colleagues from 
Kentucky and Indiana to strengthen this legislation.

                              {time}  1600

  I am proud to have brought this legislation to the floor, and I ask 
for the full support of all Members.
  Mr. SOUDER. Mr. Speaker, Abraham Lincoln spent his formative years in 
Indiana, and as a Hoosier I would like to rise in strong support of 
this bill providing for commemoration of the bicentennial of his birth.
  I would like to begin by thanking the bill's sponsor, the gentleman 
from Illinois, Mr. LaHood, and the gentlelady from Illinois, Mrs. 
Biggert for their willingness to work with me to include representation 
from the states of Indiana and Kentucky on the Commission to be formed 
by this bill. Both states played significant roles in the life and 
development of Abraham Lincoln, and I very much appreciate their 
recognition of this history and openness to including citizen members 
from each of these states on the Commission.
  The commission will celebrate the bicentennial of President Lincoln's 
birth in 1809, which took place in Hodgenville, Kentucky. At the age of 
7, young Abe Lincoln moved to Southern Indiana, and the family moved to 
Illinois in 1830. As the National Park Service points out at the 
Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, he spent fourteen of the most 
formative years of his life and grew from youth to manhood in the State 
of Indiana. His mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, is buried at the site. And 
even today, what is probably the largest private Lincoln Museum in 
America is in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in my district.
  Thomas Lincoln moved the family to an 80 acre farm in Perry County, 
Indiana after the crops had failed in Kentucky due to unusually cold 
weather. He bought the land at what even then was the bargain price of 
three dollars an acre. Just days before, Indiana had become the 19th 
state in the union. The land was still wild and untamed. President 
Lincoln later recalled that he had ``never passed through a harder 
experience'' than traveling through the woods and brush between the 
ferry landing on the Ohio river and his Indiana homesite. This 
observation speaks volumes about the nature of the Hoosier frontier.
  The family quickly settled into the log cabin with which we are all 
so familiar from our earliest history lessons. Tom Lincoln worked as a 
cask maker. Abe Lincoln worked hard during the days clearing the land, 
working with the crops, and reading over and over from his three books: 
the Bible, Dilworth's Speller, and Aesop's Fables. He also wrote poems. 
Shortly after the death of Nancy Hanks Lincoln, young Abe attended a 
new one room schoolhouse. When his father remarried, his new stepmother 
Sally Bush Johnston brought four new books, including an elocution 
book. W. Fred Conway pointed out in his book ``Young Abe Lincoln: His 
Teenage Years in Indiana'' that the future president after reading the 
book occasionally ``would disappear into the woods, mount a stump, and 
practice making speeches to the other children.''
  Abraham Lincoln also received his first exposure to politics and the 
issues that would later dominate his presidency while in Indiana. One 
of his first jobs was at a general store and meat market, which was 
owned by William Jones, whose father owned slaves in violation of the 
Indiana State Constitution. This was Lincoln's first introduction to 
slavery. In addition, he exchanged news and stories with customers and 
passersby, with the store eventually becoming a center of the community 
due largely to Young Abe's popularity. Once he was asked what he 
expected to make of himself, and replied that he would ``be President 
of the United States.''
  Mr. Speaker, Indiana takes pride in its contributions to the life of 
President Lincoln, and we greatly look forward to the work of the 
Commission in honoring him and reminding Americans of his legacy. I 
urge my colleagues to support this bill.
  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 
1451, the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission Act. On behalf of my 
constituents in the 9th Congressional District of Illinois. I am a 
proud cosponsor of H.R. 1451, legislation which seeks to further honor 
the life of a most honorable individual, the sixteenth President of the

[[Page 23754]]

United States and an American Hero, Abraham Lincoln.
  H.R. 1451, would establish a commission to study and recommend to 
Congress ways to celebrate the 200th anniversary of President Lincoln's 
birth. The bicentennial of President Lincoln's birth will be February 
12, 2009. Although 2009 is a long way off, planning a celebration of 
the life, achievements and contributions made by President Lincoln to 
the United States is a task that deserves adequate time and resources.
  The values taught by Abraham Lincoln's leadership are celebrated 
today at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. Coming from the State 
of Illinois, which is also known as the ``Land of Lincoln,'' I was 
particularly moved when shortly after being sworn into service in 
Congress, I visited the Lincoln Memorial. I look forward to the 
Memorial's rededication in 2009.
  Authorizing further commemorations of his life and the issuance of a 
memorial stamp and minting of a bicentennial coin, and other activities 
are appropriate ways to celebrate the life of this shining example of 
American value.
  President Lincoln lost his life at the early age of 56, when he was 
shot and killed by an assassin. Although President Lincoln's life was 
taken at a young age, the values and lessons he taught through his 
policies and his eternal words of wisdom will remain with us forever.
  I look forward to reviewing the recommendations of the Abraham 
Lincoln Bicentennial Commission and to celebrating with the people of 
Illinois and the entire nation the bicentennial of his birth in 2009. I 
urge all members to vote in support of H.R. 1451.
  Mrs. Biggert. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Miller of Florida). The question is on 
the motion offered by the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert) that 
the House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1451, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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