[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 18]
[House]
[Pages 25256-25260]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    STAR-SPANGLED BANNER AND WAR OF 1812 BICENTENNIAL COMMISSION ACT

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
pass the bill (H.R. 1389) to establish the Star-Spangled Banner and War 
of 1812 Bicentennial Commission, and for other purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 1389

       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 ``Star-Spangled Banner and War 
     of 1812 Bicentennial Commission Act''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
       (1) the War of 1812 served as a crucial test for the United 
     States Constitution and the newly established democratic 
     Government;
       (2) vast regions of the new multi-party democracy, 
     including the Chesapeake Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and the 
     Niagara Frontier, were affected by the War of 1812 including 
     the States of Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, 
     Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, 
     Massachusetts,

[[Page 25257]]

     Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, New Jersey, 
     North Carolina, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oregon, 
     Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, 
     Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and the District 
     of Columbia;
       (3) the British occupation of American territory along the 
     Great Lakes and in other regions, the burning of Washington, 
     DC, the American victories at Fort McHenry, New Orleans, and 
     Plattsburgh, among other battles, had far reaching effects on 
     American society;
       (4) at the Battle of Baltimore, Francis Scott Key wrote the 
     poem that celebrated the flag and later was titled ``the 
     Star-Spangled Banner'';
       (5) the poem led to the establishment of the flag as an 
     American icon and became the words of the national anthem of 
     the United States in 1932; and
       (6) it is in the national interest to provide for 
     appropriate commemorative activities to maximize public 
     understanding of the meaning of the War of 1812 in the 
     history of the United States.
       (b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are to--
       (1) establish the Star-Spangled Banner and War of 1812 
     Commemoration Commission;
       (2) ensure a suitable national observance of the War of 
     1812 by complementing, cooperating with, and providing 
     assistance to the programs and activities of the various 
     States involved in the commemoration;
       (3) encourage War of 1812 observances that provide an 
     excellent visitor experience and beneficial interaction 
     between visitors and the natural and cultural resources of 
     the various War of 1812 sites;
       (4) facilitate international involvement in the War of 1812 
     observances;
       (5) support and facilitate marketing efforts for a 
     commemorative coin, stamp, and related activities for the War 
     of 1812 observances; and
       (6) promote the protection of War of 1812 resources and 
     assist in the appropriate development of heritage tourism and 
     economic benefits to the United States.

     SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act:
       (1) Commemoration.--The term ``commemoration'' means the 
     commemoration of the War of 1812.
       (2) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Star-
     Spangled Banner and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission 
     established in section 4(a).
       (3) Qualified citizen.--The term ``qualified citizen'' 
     means a citizen of the United States with an interest in, 
     support for, and expertise appropriate to the commemoration.
       (4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Interior.
       (5) States.--The term ``States''--
       (A) means the States of Alabama, Kentucky, Indiana, 
     Louisiana, Maryland, Vermont, Virginia, New York, Maine, 
     Michigan, and Ohio; and
       (B) includes agencies and entities of each State.

     SEC. 4. STAR-SPANGLED BANNER AND WAR OF 1812 COMMEMORATION 
                   COMMISSION.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a commission 
     to be known as the ``Star-Spangled Banner and War of 1812 
     Bicentennial Commission''.
       (b) Membership.--
       (1) In general.--The Commission shall be composed of 22 
     members, of whom--
       (A) 11 members shall be qualified citizens appointed by the 
     Secretary after consideration of nominations submitted by the 
     Governors of Alabama, Kentucky, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, 
     Maryland, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Vermont, and Virginia;
       (B) 3 members shall be qualified citizens appointed by the 
     Secretary after consideration of nominations submitted by the 
     Mayors of the District of Columbia, the City of Baltimore, 
     and the City of New Orleans;
       (C) 2 members shall be employees of the National Park 
     Service, of whom--
       (i) 1 shall be the Director of the National Park Service 
     (or a designee); and
       (ii) 1 shall be an employee of the National Park Service 
     having experience relevant to the commemoration;
       (D) 4 members shall be qualified citizens appointed by the 
     Secretary with consideration of recommendations--
       (i) 1 of which are submitted by the majority leader of the 
     Senate;
       (ii) 1 of which are submitted by the minority leader of the 
     Senate;
       (iii) 1 of which are submitted by the majority leader of 
     the House of Representatives;
       (iv) 1 of which are submitted by the minority leader of the 
     House of Representatives; and
       (E) 2 members shall be appointed by the Secretary from 
     among individuals with expertise in the history of the War of 
     1812.
       (2) Date of appointments.--The appointment of a member of 
     the Commission shall be made not later than 120 days after 
     the date of enactment of this Act.
       (c) Term; Vacancies.--
       (1) Term.--A member shall be appointed for the life of the 
     Commission.
       (2) Vacancies.--A vacancy on the Commission--
       (A) shall not affect the powers of the Commission; and
       (B) shall be filled in the same manner as the original 
     appointment was made.
       (d) Voting.--
       (1) In general.--The Commission shall act only on an 
     affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the 
     Commission.
       (2) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Commission 
     shall constitute a quorum.
       (e) Chairperson and Vice Chairperson.--
       (1) Selection.--The Commission shall select a chairperson 
     and a vice chairperson from among the members of the 
     Commission.
       (2) Absence of chairperson.--The vice chairperson shall act 
     as chairperson in the absence of the chairperson.
       (f) Initial Meeting.--Not later than 60 days after the date 
     on which all members of the Commission have been appointed 
     and funds have been provided, the Commission shall hold the 
     initial meeting of the Commission.
       (g) Meetings.--Not less than twice a year, the Commission 
     shall meet at the call of the chairperson or a majority of 
     the members of the Commission.
       (h) Removal.--Any member who fails to attend 3 successive 
     meetings of the Commission or who otherwise fails to 
     participate substantively in the work of the Commission may 
     be removed by the Secretary and the vacancy shall be filled 
     in the same manner as the original appointment was made. 
     Members serve at the discretion of the Secretary.

     SEC. 5. DUTIES.

       (a) In General.--The Commission shall--
       (1) plan, encourage, develop, execute, and coordinate 
     programs, observances, and activities commemorating the 
     historic events that preceded and are associated with the War 
     of 1812;
       (2) facilitate the commemoration throughout the United 
     States and internationally;
       (3) coordinate the activities of the Commission with State 
     commemoration commissions, the National Park Service, the 
     Department of Defense, and other appropriate Federal 
     agencies;
       (4) encourage civic, patriotic, historical, educational, 
     religious, economic, tourism, and other organizations 
     throughout the United States to organize and participate in 
     the commemoration to expand the understanding and 
     appreciation of the significance of the War of 1812;
       (5) provide technical assistance to States, localities, 
     units of the National Park System, and nonprofit 
     organizations to further the commemoration and commemorative 
     events;
       (6) coordinate and facilitate scholarly research on, 
     publication about, and interpretation of the people and 
     events associated with the War of 1812;
       (7) design, develop, and provide for the maintenance of an 
     exhibit that will travel throughout the United States during 
     the commemoration period to interpret events of the War of 
     1812 for the educational benefit of the citizens of the 
     United States;
       (8) ensure that War of 1812 commemorations provide a 
     lasting legacy and long-term public benefit leading to 
     protection of the natural and cultural resources associated 
     with the War of 1812; and
       (9) examine and review essential facilities and 
     infrastructure at War of 1812 sites and identify possible 
     improvements that could be made to enhance and maximize 
     visitor experience at the sites.
       (b) Strategic Plan; Annual Performance Plans.--The 
     Commission shall prepare a strategic plan and annual 
     performance plans for any activity carried out by the 
     Commission under this Act.
       (c) Reports.--
       (1) Annual report.--The Commission shall submit to Congress 
     an annual report that contains a list of each gift, bequest, 
     or devise to the Commission with a value of more than $250, 
     together with the identity of the donor of each gift, 
     bequest, or devise.
       (2) Final report.--Not later than September 30, 2015, the 
     Commission shall submit to the Secretary and Congress a final 
     report that includes--
       (A) a summary of the activities of the Commission;
       (B) a final accounting of any funds received or expended by 
     the Commission; and
       (C) the final disposition of any historically significant 
     items acquired by the Commission and other properties not 
     previously reported.

     SEC. 6. POWERS.

       (a) In General.--The Commission may--
       (1) solicit, accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations 
     of money, services, and real and personal property related to 
     the commemoration in accordance with Department of the 
     Interior and National Park Service written standards for 
     accepting gifts from outside sources;
       (2) appoint such advisory committees as the Commission 
     determines to be necessary to carry out this Act;
       (3) authorize any member or employee of the Commission to 
     take any action the Commission is authorized to take under 
     this Act;
       (4) use the United States mails in the same manner and 
     under the same conditions as other agencies of the Federal 
     Government; and
       (5) make grants to communities, nonprofit, commemorative 
     commissions or organizations, and research and scholarly 
     organizations to develop programs and products to

[[Page 25258]]

     assist in researching, publishing, marketing, and 
     distributing information relating to the commemoration.
       (b) Legal Agreements.--
       (1) In general.--In carrying out this Act, the Commission 
     may--
       (A) procure supplies, services, and property; and
       (B) make or enter into contracts, leases, or other legal 
     agreements.
       (2) Length.--Any contract, lease, or other legal agreement 
     made or entered into by the Commission shall not extend 
     beyond the date of termination of the Commission.
       (c) Information From Federal Agencies.--
       (1) In general.--The Commission may secure directly from a 
     Federal agency such information as the Commission considers 
     necessary to carry out this Act.
       (2) Provision of information.--On request of the 
     Chairperson of the Commission, the head of the agency shall 
     provide the information to the Commission in accordance with 
     applicable laws.
       (d) FACA Nonapplicability.--Section 14(b) of the Federal 
     Advisory Committees Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to 
     the Commission.
       (e) No Effect on Authority.--Nothing in this Act supersedes 
     the authority of the States or the National Park Service 
     concerning the commemoration.

     SEC. 7. PERSONNEL MATTERS.

       (a) Members of the Commission.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in subsection 
     (c)(1)(A), a member of the Commission shall serve without 
     compensation.
       (2) 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.
       (3) Status.--A member of the Commission, who is not 
     otherwise a Federal employee, shall be considered a Federal 
     employee only for purposes of the provisions of law related 
     to ethics, conflicts of interest, corruption, and any other 
     criminal or civil statute or regulation governing the conduct 
     of Federal employees.
       (b) Executive Director and Other Staff.--
       (1) In general.--The Chairperson of the Commission may, 
     without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States 
     Code, governing appointments in the competitive service and 
     termination of employees (including regulations), appoint and 
     terminate an executive director, subject to confirmation by 
     the Commission, and appoint and terminate such other 
     additional personnel as are necessary to enable the 
     Commission to perform the duties of the Commission.
       (2) Status.--The Executive Director and other staff 
     appointed under this subsection shall be considered Federal 
     employees under section 2105 of title 5, United States Code, 
     notwithstanding the requirements of such section.
       (3) Confirmation of executive director.--The employment of 
     an executive director shall be subject to confirmation by the 
     Commission.
       (4) 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 basic 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.
       (c) Government Employees.--
       (1) Federal employees.--
       (A) Service on commission.--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.
       (B) Detail.--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.
       (C) Civil service status.--Notwithstanding any other 
     provisions in this section, Federal employees who serve on 
     the Commission, are detailed to the Commission, or otherwise 
     provide services under the Act, shall continue to be Federal 
     employees for the purpose of any law specific to Federal 
     employees, without interruption or loss of civil service 
     status or privilege.
       (2) State employees.--The Commission may--
       (A) accept the services of personnel detailed from States 
     (including subdivisions of States) under subchapter VI of 
     chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code; and
       (B) reimburse States for services of detailed personnel.
       (d) Members of Advisory Committees.--Members of advisory 
     committees appointed under section 6(a)(2)--
       (1) shall not be considered employees of the Federal 
     Government by reason of service on the committees for the 
     purpose of any law specific to Federal employees, except for 
     the purposes of chapter 11 of title 18, United States Code, 
     relating to conflicts of interest; and
       (2) may be paid 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 committee.
       (e) Volunteer and Uncompensated Services.--Notwithstanding 
     section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, the Commission 
     may accept and use such voluntary and uncompensated services 
     as the Commission determines necessary.
       (f) 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.
       (g) Procurement of Temporary and Intermittent Services.--
     The Chairperson of the Commission may employ experts and 
     consultants on a temporary or intermittent basis 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. Such personnel shall be considered Federal employees 
     under section 2105 of title 5, United States Code, 
     notwithstanding the requirements of such section.

     SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       (a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
     carry out this Act not to exceed $500,000 for each of fiscal 
     years 2008 through 2015.
       (b) Availability of Funds.--Amounts appropriated under this 
     section for any fiscal year shall remain available until 
     December 31, 2015.

     SEC. 9. TERMINATION OF COMMISSION.

       (a) In General.--The Commission shall terminate on December 
     31, 2015.
       (b) Transfer of Materials.--Not later than the date of 
     termination, the Commission shall transfer any documents, 
     materials, books, manuscripts, miscellaneous printed matter, 
     memorabilia, relics, exhibits, and any materials donated to 
     the Commission that relate to the War of 1812, to Fort 
     McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine.
       (c) Disposition of Funds.--Any funds held by the Commission 
     on the date of termination shall be deposited in the general 
     fund of the Treasury.
       (d) Annual Audit.--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 Oversight and Government Reform in the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Judiciary in the Senate.

  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. 1389, a bill to establish the Star-Spangled 
Banner and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission.
  H.R. 1389 was introduced by Representative John Sarbanes on March 7, 
2007. This legislation was reported from the Oversight and Government 
Reform Committee on July 19, 2007, by voice vote.
  Mr. Speaker, the War of 1812 was fought between the United States and 
Great Britain from June 1812 to the spring of 1815. During this time, a 
young lawyer by the name of Francis Scott Key witnessed the last 
assault by the British against Fort McHenry in Baltimore. He was so 
inspired by the fort's still standing with its huge flag flying in the 
breeze of victory that Mr. Key wrote a poem celebrating this battle and 
the flag. He composed the lines

[[Page 25259]]

about our great flag, the Star-Spangled Banner, which later became our 
country's national anthem.
  I support H.R. 1389, a bill that will establish the Star-Spangled 
Banner and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission to encourage, plan and 
execute programs commemorating the historic events that are associated 
with the War of 1812.

                              {time}  1515

  Mr. Speaker, I would commend Representative Sarbanes for introducing 
this legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1389, the Star-Spangled 
Banner and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission Act. The commission 
established by this legislation would be responsible for developing 
programs, observations, and activities commemorating the historic 
events associated with the War of 1812. The commission would also 
enhance the visitor experience at the War of 1812 sites and facilitate 
scholarly research on the people and events associated with the War of 
1812. This legislation would provide for appropriate commemorative 
activities to increase public understanding, particularly that of young 
people, of the meaning of the War of 1812 and the history of the United 
States.
  There is much to be learned about the effect of the War of 1812 on 
American history, including the victories at Fort McHenry, New Orleans 
and Plattsburg. As one example, it is often overlooked or even 
forgotten that Francis Scott Key wrote the Star-Spangled Banner during 
the War of 1812.
  The commission is intending to raise public awareness through 
observations that will bring this important chapter in American history 
to thousands of visitors. I urge support of this bill.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such 
time as he might consume to the author of this legislation, the 
gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Sarbanes).
  Mr. SARBANES. I want to thank Chairman Davis for yielding me time.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1389, the Star-Spangled 
Banner and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission Act, which I had the 
privilege of introducing. This legislation would empower a commission 
to plan and coordinate what I believe is going to be one of the most 
spectacular and memorable commemorations in recent history in this 
country, and that is the bicentennial celebration of the War of 1812 
and the Francis Scott Key poem written during the British bombardment 
of Fort McHenry, Maryland, which later became the Star-Spangled Banner, 
our national anthem.
  The Park Service recommended the creation of such a commission in a 
2004 study. Its membership would be drawn from citizens from 
historically significant States, from National Park Service officials, 
historical experts, and other individuals selected by congressional 
leadership.
  Because we are fast approaching the bicentennial of the War of 1812, 
I am pleased the House has taken up this legislation. I hope that the 
Senate will do so as well and the measure can be signed into law in the 
near future.
  Mr. Speaker, many refer to the War of 1812 as the ``second war of 
independence.'' When the war began, our fragile experiment in democracy 
was still in its early stages, and the Nation found itself under attack 
from one of the most powerful countries in the world. Many wondered 
whether a democracy could hold together through the trials of war. The 
War of 1812 proved that it could, and set the stage for the spread of 
democracy around the world.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Waxman and Chairman Davis for 
bringing this measure to the floor. I hope all of my colleagues will 
support the bill, which will help ensure a fitting celebration of the 
War of 1812 and the Star-Spangled Banner bicentennial.
  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
distinguished gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe).
  Mr. POE. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding, and I thank Mr. 
Sarbanes for introducing this very important legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, it is imperative for all Americans to know our early 
American history. Soon after the War of Independence and American 
independence, the new struggling United States had to go to war again 
with England to keep its independence.
  Sometimes the War of 1812 is referred to as the forgotten war in 
American history. It is referred to as the ``second American War of 
Independence.'' Be that as it may, we went to war with England a second 
time because the British kidnapped American sailors on the high seas 
and made them involuntary servants in the British Navy.
  When the British invaded the United States during the War of 1812, 
they burned this city, Washington. They used Thomas Jefferson's books 
to burn this Capitol. They burned the White House. The President had to 
flee in the darkness of a torrential rainstorm. The United States 
future looked bleak.
  So after capturing Washington, DC, the British headed north to finish 
the United States off in Baltimore. During a heated sea battle, the 
British bombarded Fort McHenry, defending the harbor of Baltimore. But 
the fort commander stood defiant, refused to surrender, and hoisted a 
massive American flag over the fort.
  Mr. Speaker, this is no small flag. It is 30 feet by 42 feet in size. 
Such a flag could be seen for miles and miles away from Fort McHenry. 
An American lawyer named Francis Scott Key was onboard a British ship 
during the battle. He was there seeking the release of an American 
captive. After watching the night battle and seeing the glorious U.S. 
flag at sunrise, he wrote a poem, later turned into a song called the 
Star-Spangled Banner to honor this American victory.
  This national anthem of ours is played at sports games and ceremonies 
and events across the Nation every day. In fact, I think the first time 
it was played at a sporting event was at a Chicago White Sox game in 
the early 1900s. Chairman Davis could correct me if that is incorrect.
  Mr. Speaker, it is important that Americans understand what the 
anthem stands for and why it was written. I totally support H.R. 1389. 
This bill will create a commission to plan activities, programs and 
observances of history events surrounding this War of 1812. I am proud 
of how the United States as a new democracy developed into a great 
Nation during this time. This war and Francis Scott Key should be 
celebrated and honored and recognized.
  By the way, Mr. Speaker, the British left the United States 
permanently after the battle of Fort McHenry and after Andrew Jackson 
and his boys defeated the British at the Battle of New Orleans.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve my time.
  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that the majority 
has offered an amendment that I think improves this bill. I support the 
amendment and would encourage others to join me in supporting H.R. 
1389, establishing the Star-Spangled and War of 1812 Bicentennial 
Commission.
  I applaud the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Sarbanes) for his 
introduction of this bill, and I would urge passage.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 1389, as amended, 
and I want to commend the gentleman from Maryland for introducing this 
legislation and for bringing to our attention the importance of the War 
of 1812, the importance of our Star-Spangled Banner.
  I also take this opportunity to commend my elementary school 
teachers, especially Mrs. Beadie King, who taught in a one-room school, 
who was so good that she could teach about the Star-Spangled Banner and 
you could feel shivers kind of going up and down your back. I am so 
pleased that I can still at times feel those and recognize

[[Page 25260]]

perhaps what Francis Scott Key may have been thinking and what he may 
have been feeling when he looked up and saw that the flag was still 
standing.
  So I thank the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Sarbanes) again for 
introducing this legislation and urge its passage.
  Mr. McHUGH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1389, 
the Star-Spangled Banner and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission Act. I 
am proud to be an original cosponsor of this legislation, which is of 
great importance to my constituents in Northern New York. Thus, I 
greatly appreciate the work the Gentleman from Maryland, Mr. Sarbanes, 
the Gentleman from California, Mr. Waxman, and the Gentleman from 
Virginia, Mr. Davis, have done to bring H.R. 1389 to the House floor.
  I represent New York's 23rd Congressional District, which encompasses 
most of Northern New York. From Lake Champlain in the east, my District 
runs along the St. Lawrence River and our nation's Northern border to 
Lake Ontario in the west. The District encompasses territory that 
played an important role in our nation's early history; much of it was 
literally on the front lines of the War of 1812.
  During the War of 1812, my District was not only the site of 
skirmishes but also the significant Battles of Plattsburgh and Sackets 
Harbor. In fact, 193 years ago on September 11, 1814, Commodore Thomas 
McDonough repulsed a British invasion led by Sir George Provost at 
Plattsburgh Bay on Lake Champlain. McDonough's victory was significant 
because it ended a grave threat and gave impetus to then-ongoing peace 
negotiations. Likewise, but earlier during the war and on the other 
side of the District, Brigadier General Jacob Brown stopped a British 
invasion led by Sir George Provost and Commodore James Yeo at Sackets 
Harbor. Of note, Sackets Harbor was the United States' main 
shipbuilding naval base on Lake Ontario.
  In addition to providing a mechanism to properly remember and honor 
these and other significant events in our nation's history, H.R. 1389 
is also important to my constituents because of its potential to help 
increase tourism. Tourism is an important component of the economy in 
New York's 23rd District and is a cornerstone of efforts to further 
much-needed economic development. Accordingly, I ask my colleagues to 
vote for H.R. 1389 today and I look forward to working further to enact 
this legislation.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of our 
time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. 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. 1389, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________