[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 18]
[House]
[Pages 25252-25256]
[From the U.S. 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 2 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

[[Page 25253]]

       (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.
       (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.

[[Page 25254]]

       (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.
       (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.

[[Page 25255]]

       (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 $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.

       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. 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

[[Page 25256]]

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, cultural exchange, and traditions which extend into the 
present day. Together, these 2 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.
  Mrs. BIGGERT. 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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