[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 12]
[House]
[Pages 16978-16984]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 FRANK BUCKLES WORLD WAR I MEMORIAL ACT

  Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 6364) to establish a commission to ensure a suitable 
observance of the centennial of World War I, to designate memorials to 
the service of members of the United States Armed Forces in World War 
I, including a National World War I Memorial on the National Mall in 
the District of Columbia, and for other purposes, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 6364

       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 ``Frank 
     Buckles World War I Memorial Act''.

[[Page 16979]]

       (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act 
     is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Findings.
Sec. 3. Definitions.
Sec. 4. Establishment of World War I Centennial Commission.
Sec. 5. Duties of Centennial Commission.
Sec. 6. Powers of Centennial Commission.
Sec. 7. Centennial Commission personnel matters.
Sec. 8. Termination of Centennial Commission.
Sec. 9. Designation of National World War I Museum and Memorial in 
              Kansas City, Missouri.
Sec. 10. Establishment of National World War I Memorial in the District 
              of Columbia.
Sec. 11. Prohibition on obligation of Federal funds.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

       Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) From 2014 through 2018, the United States and nations 
     around the world will mark the centennial of World War I, 
     including the entry of the United States into the war in 
     April 1917.
       (2) America's support of Great Britain, France, Belgium, 
     and its other allies in World War I marked the first time in 
     United States history that American soldiers went abroad in 
     defense of liberty against foreign aggression, and it marked 
     the true beginning of the ``American century''.
       (3) Although World War I was at the time called ``the war 
     to end all wars'', in fact the United States would commit its 
     troops to the defense of foreign lands 3 more times in the 
     20th century.
       (4) More than 4,000,000 men and women from the United 
     States served in uniform during World War I, among them 2 
     future presidents, Harry S. Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower. 
     Two million individuals from the United States served 
     overseas during World War I, including 200,000 naval 
     personnel who served on the seas. The United States suffered 
     375,000 casualties during World War I, including 116,516 
     deaths.
       (5) The events of 1914 through 1918 shaped the world, the 
     United States, and the lives of millions of people.
       (6) The centennial of World War I offers an opportunity for 
     people in the United States to learn about and commemorate 
     the sacrifices of their predecessors.
       (7) Commemorative programs, activities, and sites allow 
     people in the United States to learn about the history of 
     World War I, the United States involvement in that war, and 
     the war's effects on the remainder of the 20th century, and 
     to commemorate and honor the participation of the United 
     States and its citizens in the war effort.
       (8) While the other great conflicts of the 20th century, 
     World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, have 
     national memorials on the Mall in Washington, DC, there 
     currently exists no national memorial honoring the service of 
     the United States and its citizens in World War I.
       (9) In 1921, the people of Kansas City, Missouri, dedicated 
     a site in that city for a memorial to the service of 
     Americans in World War I, a ceremony attended by General John 
     J. Pershing and military leaders of Great Britain, France, 
     Belgium, and Italy. In 1924, the cornerstone of the 217-foot 
     Liberty Memorial Tower was laid. On Armistice Day 1926, 
     President Calvin Coolidge delivered the key note address at 
     the Memorial's dedication ceremony. The Memorial and 
     surrounding grounds were completed in 1938, with an 
     inscription that reads ``In Honor of Those Who Served in the 
     World War in Defense of Liberty and Our Country.''.
       (10) The 106th Congress recognized the Liberty Memorial as 
     a national symbol of World War I.
       (11) The 108th Congress designated the museum at the base 
     of the Liberty Memorial as ``America's National World War I 
     Museum''. The museum preserves the story of World War I, and 
     educates and enlightens people about this significant event.

     SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act--
       (1) America's national world war i museum.--The term 
     ``America's National World War I Museum'' means the Liberty 
     Memorial Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, as recognized by 
     Congress in section 1031(b) of the Ronald W. Reagan National 
     Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 (Public Law 
     108-375; 118 Stat. 2045).
       (2) Centennial commission.--The term ``Centennial 
     Commission'' means the World War I Centennial Commission 
     established by section 4(a).
       (3) Memorial foundation.--The term ``Memorial Foundation'' 
     means the World War I Memorial Foundation authorized to 
     establish the National World War I Memorial in the District 
     of Columbia under section 10.
       (4) Veterans service organization.--The term ``veterans 
     service organization'' means any organization recognized by 
     the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the representation of 
     veterans under section 5902 of title 38, United States Code.

     SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF WORLD WAR I CENTENNIAL COMMISSION.

       (a) Establishment.--There is established a commission to be 
     known as the ``World War I Centennial Commission''.
       (b) Membership.--
       (1) Composition.--The Centennial Commission shall be 
     composed of 12 members as follows:
       (A) Two members who shall be appointed by the Speaker of 
     the House of Representatives.
       (B) One member who shall be appointed by the minority 
     leader of the House of Representatives.
       (C) Two members who shall be appointed by the majority 
     leader of the Senate.
       (D) One member who shall be appointed by the minority 
     leader of the Senate.
       (E) Three members who shall be appointed by the President 
     from among persons who are broadly representative of the 
     people of the United States (including members of the Armed 
     Forces, veterans, and representatives of veterans service 
     organizations).
       (F) One member who shall be appointed by the executive 
     director of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United 
     States.
       (G) One member who shall be appointed by the executive 
     director of the American Legion.
       (H) One member who shall be appointed by the president of 
     the Liberty Memorial Association.
       (2) Time for appointment.--The members of the Centennial 
     Commission shall be appointed not later than 60 days after 
     the date of the enactment of this Act.
       (3) Period of appointment.--Each member shall be appointed 
     for the life of the Centennial Commission.
       (4) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Centennial Commission 
     shall be filled in the manner in which the original 
     appointment was made.
       (c) Meetings.--
       (1) Initial meeting.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the date on 
     which all members of the Centennial Commission have been 
     appointed, the Centennial Commission shall hold its first 
     meeting.
       (B) Location.--The location for the meeting held under 
     subparagraph (A) shall be the America's National World War I 
     Museum.
       (2) Subsequent meetings.--
       (A) In general.--The Centennial Commission shall meet at 
     the call of the Chair.
       (B) Frequency.--The Chair shall call a meeting of the 
     members of the Centennial Commission not less frequently than 
     once each year.
       (C) Location.--Not less frequently than once each year, the 
     Centennial Commission shall meet at the America's National 
     World War I Museum.
       (3) Quorum.--Seven members of the Centennial Commission 
     shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold 
     hearings.
       (d) Chair and Vice Chair.--The Centennial Commission shall 
     select a Chair and Vice Chair from among its members.

     SEC. 5. DUTIES OF CENTENNIAL COMMISSION.

       (a) In General.--The duties of the Centennial Commission 
     are as follows:
       (1) To plan, develop, and execute programs, projects, and 
     activities to commemorate the centennial of World War I.
       (2) To encourage private organizations and State and local 
     governments to organize and participate in activities 
     commemorating the centennial of World War I.
       (3) To facilitate and coordinate activities throughout the 
     United States relating to the centennial of World War I.
       (4) To serve as a clearinghouse for the collection and 
     dissemination of information about events and plans for the 
     centennial of World War I.
       (5) To develop recommendations for Congress and the 
     President for commemorating the centennial of World War I.
       (b) Reports.--
       (1) Periodic report.--Not later than the last day of the 6-
     month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this 
     Act, and not later than the last day of each 3-month period 
     thereafter, the Centennial Commission shall submit to 
     Congress and the President a report on the activities and 
     plans of the Centennial Commission.
       (2) Recommendations.--Not later than 2 years after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the Centennial Commission shall 
     submit to Congress and the President a report containing 
     specific recommendations for commemorating the centennial of 
     World War I and coordinating related activities.

     SEC. 6. POWERS OF CENTENNIAL COMMISSION.

       (a) Hearings.--The Centennial Commission may hold such 
     hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such 
     testimony, and receive such evidence as the Centennial 
     Commission considers appropriate to carry out its duties 
     under this Act.
       (b) Powers of Member and Agents.--If authorized by the 
     Centennial Commission, any member or agent of the Centennial 
     Commission may take any action which the Centennial 
     Commission is authorized to take under this Act.
       (c) Information From Federal Agencies.--The Centennial 
     Commission shall secure directly from any Federal department 
     or agency such information as the Centennial Commission 
     considers necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act. 
     Upon the request of the Chair of the Centennial Commission, 
     the head of such department or agency shall furnish such 
     information to the Centennial Commission.

[[Page 16980]]

       (d) Administrative Support Services.--Upon the request of 
     the Centennial Commission, the Administrator of the General 
     Services Administration shall provide to the Centennial 
     Commission, on a reimbursable basis, the administrative 
     support services necessary for the Centennial Commission to 
     carry out its responsibilities under this Act.
       (e) Contract Authority.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
     Centennial Commission is authorized--
       (A) to procure supplies, services, and property; and
       (B) to make or enter into contracts, leases, or other legal 
     agreements.
       (2) Limitation.--The Centennial Commission may not enter 
     into any contract, lease, or other legal agreement that 
     extends beyond the date of the termination of the Centennial 
     Commission under section 8(a).
       (f) Postal Services.--The Centennial Commission may use the 
     United States mails in the same manner and under the same 
     conditions as other departments and agencies of the Federal 
     Government.
       (g) Gifts, Bequests, and Devises.--The Centennial 
     Commission shall accept, use, and dispose of gifts, bequests, 
     or devises of services or property, both real and personal, 
     for the purpose of covering the costs incurred by the 
     Centennial Commission to carry out its duties under this Act.

     SEC. 7. CENTENNIAL COMMISSION PERSONNEL MATTERS.

       (a) Compensation of Members.--Members of the Centennial 
     Commission shall serve without compensation for such service.
       (b) Travel Expenses.--Each member of the Centennial 
     Commission shall be allowed travel expenses, including per 
     diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with the 
     applicable provisions of title 5, United States Code.
       (c) Staff.--
       (1) In general.--The Chair of the Centennial Commission 
     shall, in consultation with the members of the Centennial 
     Commission, appoint an executive director and such other 
     additional personnel as may be necessary to enable the 
     Centennial Commission to perform its duties.
       (2) Compensation.--
       (A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the Chair of 
     the Centennial Commission may fix the compensation of the 
     executive director and any other personnel appointed under 
     paragraph (1).
       (B) Limitation.--The Chair of the Centennial Commission may 
     not fix the compensation of the executive director or other 
     personnel appointed under paragraph (1) at a rate that 
     exceeds the rate of payable for level IV of the Executive 
     Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code.
       (C) Work location.--If the city government for Kansas City, 
     Missouri, and the Liberty Memorial Association make space 
     available in the building in which the America's National 
     World War I Museum is located, the executive director of the 
     Centennial Commission and other personnel appointed under 
     paragraph (1) shall work in such building to the extent 
     practical.
       (d) Detail of Government Employees.--Upon request of the 
     Centennial Commission, the head of any Federal department or 
     agency may detail, on a reimbursable basis, any employee of 
     that department or agency to the Centennial Commission to 
     assist it in carrying out its duties under this Act.
       (e) Procurement of Temporary and Intermittent Services.--
     The Chair of the Centennial Commission may procure temporary 
     and intermittent services under section 3109(b) of title 5, 
     United States Code.
       (f) Source of Funds.--Gifts, bequests, and devises of 
     services or property, both real and personal, received by the 
     Centennial Commission under section 6(g) shall be the only 
     source of funds to cover the costs incurred by the Centennial 
     Commission under this section.

     SEC. 8. TERMINATION OF CENTENNIAL COMMISSION.

       (a) In General.--The Centennial Commission shall terminate 
     on the earlier of--
       (1) the date that is 30 days after the date the completion 
     of the activities under this Act honoring the centennial 
     observation of World War I; or
       (2) July 28, 2019.
       (b) Application of Federal Advisory Committee Act.--
       (1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
     provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. 
     App.) shall apply to the activities of the Centennial 
     Commission under this Act.
       (2) Exception.--Section 14(a)(2) of such Act shall not 
     apply to the Centennial Commission.

     SEC. 9. DESIGNATION OF NATIONAL WORLD WAR I MUSEUM AND 
                   MEMORIAL IN KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI.

       (a) In General.--The Liberty Memorial of Kansas City at 
     America's National World War I Museum in Kansas City, 
     Missouri, is hereby designated as the ``National World War I 
     Museum and Memorial''.
       (b) Ceremonies.--The Centennial Commission may plan, 
     develop, and execute ceremonies to recognize the designation 
     of the Liberty Memorial of Kansas City as the National World 
     War I Museum and Memorial.

     SEC. 10. ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL WORLD WAR I MEMORIAL IN 
                   THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

       (a) Authority to Establish Commemorative Work.--The World 
     War I Memorial Foundation may establish a commemorative work 
     on Federal land in the District of Columbia and its environs 
     to consist of an appropriate sculptural or other 
     commemorative elements to serve as the National World War I 
     Memorial.
       (b) Limitation on Size of Memorial.--The National World War 
     I Memorial may not exceed 0.5 acres in size.
       (c) Compliance With Standards for Commemorative Works.--
       (1) In general.--Chapter 89 of title 40, United States 
     Code, shall apply to the establishment of the National World 
     War I Memorial in the District of Columbia and its environs.
       (2) Exception from prohibition on additional commemorative 
     works in reserve.--Section 8908(c) of title 40, United States 
     Code, does not apply with respect to the selection of the 
     site for the National World War I Memorial.
       (3) No infringement upon existing memorial.--The site 
     selected for the National World War I Memorial may not 
     infringe upon or adversely impact the District of Columbia 
     War Memorial.
       (d) Limitation on Total Cost.--The total cost to design and 
     construct the National World War I Memorial may not exceed 
     $10,000,000.
       (e) Deposit of Excess Funds.--
       (1) Upon establishment of memorial.--If, upon payment of 
     all expenses for the establishment of the National World War 
     I Memorial (including the maintenance and preservation amount 
     required by section 8906(b)(1) of title 40, United States 
     Code), there remains a balance of funds received for the 
     establishment of the memorial, the Memorial Foundation shall 
     transmit the amount of the balance to the account provided 
     for in section 8906(b)(3) of such title.
       (2) Upon expiration of authority to establish memorial.--
     If, upon expiration of the authority for the National World 
     War I Memorial under section 8903(e) of title 40, United 
     States Code, there remains a balance of funds received for 
     the establishment of the memorial, the Memorial Foundation 
     shall transmit the amount of the balance to a separate 
     account with the National Park Foundation for memorials, to 
     be available to the Secretary of the Interior or 
     Administrator of General Services (as appropriate) following 
     the process provided in section 8906(b)(4) of such title for 
     accounts established under section 8906(b)(3) of such title.
       (f) Ceremonies.--The Centennial Commission may plan, 
     develop, and execute ceremonies to recognize the 
     establishment of the National World War I Memorial.
       (g) Memorial Area Defined.--In this section, the term 
     ``District of Columbia and its environs'' has the meaning 
     given that term in section 8902(a)(2) of title 40, United 
     States Code.

     SEC. 11. PROHIBITION ON OBLIGATION OF FEDERAL FUNDS.

       No Federal funds may be obligated to carry out this Act.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Utah (Mr. Chaffetz) and the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia 
(Ms. Norton) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Utah.


                             General Leave

  Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their 
remarks and include extraneous materials on the bill under 
consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Utah?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, we're about to come up on a very 
important date regarding World War I, and this bill, sponsored by the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe), H.R. 6364, is a very worthy undertaking 
that the Congress, I believe, should enact.
  So in the spirit of that, I would like to actually recognize and 
yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. 
Poe).
  Mr. POE of Texas. I appreciate the gentleman from Utah yielding time.
  Madam Speaker, Frank Buckles was the epitome of an American hero and 
a man who would do anything for this great United States of America.
  This is a photograph of him recently taken after he joined the United 
States Army. Frank Buckles wanted to be in the United States Army. He 
volunteered. No one would take him because, you see, he wasn't 18. He 
finally continued to lie about his age, convinced a recruiter he was 
21, and at the age of 16 joined the United States Army in the great 
World War I.
  He wanted to get to France as soon as he could, so he volunteered to 
be in

[[Page 16981]]

the ambulance service. What he did when he got to Europe was rescue and 
pick up other doughboys in Europe out of those trenches and take them 
back behind American lines so their wounds could be taken care of. He 
also picked up many of our Americans--114,000 to be exact--that died in 
the great World War I.
  He was able to come back to America alive. He made it through the 
war, although many, as I mentioned, did not. Many Americans when they 
came home from the great war over there, as Mr. Cohen said, died of the 
flu they picked up in Europe. In fact, a great number of them died from 
the Spanish flu, almost as many as died in Europe itself.
  Frank Buckles then went to work. During his work, it took him to the 
Philippines; but when he was in the Philippines, the Japanese invaded 
in World War II and Frank Buckles again was captured by the Japanese in 
the Philippines and put in a prisoner-of-war camp for 3\1/2\ years. He 
was about to be executed, and the Americans came and liberated the 
camp; and he, along with the other prisoners of war, came back to 
America. Frank Buckles then went back to West Virginia where he worked 
his farm and drove the tractor until he was 107.
  Madam Speaker, it was his decision and his life goal that he would be 
instrumental in helping build a memorial on the Mall for all of the 
veterans who served in the great World War I. I met him in 2007, and 
this project has been going on now for 5 years to try to get approval 
to build this memorial for all veterans of World War I on the Mall, 
almost as long as the war took.
  He came to Washington, D.C., a few years ago. This is a picture of 
him that was taken recently before he died at the age of 110 at the 
D.C. memorial on the Mall. That is a monument and a memorial to all of 
the veterans from the District of Columbia that served in World War I. 
I went with him to this memorial where we talked about expanding our 
honor of all veterans and having a memorial for everybody in the great 
World War I.
  That was his goal, and he worked with many Members of Congress on 
this issue. Although he lived to 110, he didn't live long enough to see 
the memorial created. Madam Speaker, he was the very last American 
doughboy that lived in the great World War I. They're all gone, every 
one of them. So it is up to us, Members of Congress and the public, to 
speak for them and honor them on the Mall right across the street as 
would be appropriate. In the Mall, we have three of the four great wars 
of the last century that we honor. We honor those in World War II, the 
Korean war, and Vietnam. Now it's time to honor all of those who served 
in the great World War I.
  I must compliment a little school down in Texas, Creekwood Middle 
School, and Jan York, who works there. It was the project of eighth 
graders years ago to find all of the World War I survivors and do a 
history project on them throughout the world from all countries; and 
they did a project, of course, on Frank Buckles, as well. In fact, we 
were able to get him on the phone, and the eighth grade class at 
Creekwood Middle School on one of his birthdays sang happy birthday to 
him.
  Those kids who are seniors in high school now will be able to 
hopefully see this memorial built and the approval of it to be built on 
the Mall. But I want to thank her and her eighth graders for the 
history project concept and delving into American history in depth and 
finding out what had happened in our great American Nation.
  I also want to thank my friend, Emanuel Cleaver from Missouri, for 
his help on this legislation; the gentlelady from D.C., Ms. Norton; 
also the subcommittee chairman, Mr. Bishop; and the committee chairman, 
Doc Hastings, as well.
  It is important that we pass this legislation. If we get this 
legislation passed, it will do three things: it will build a memorial 
on the Mall, it will set up a commission to honor World War I; as this 
Nation is approaching the 100th year; and it will also recognize--which 
my friend, Mr. Cleaver, will talk about--the work of the museum and the 
national work of the World War I memorial in Kansas City. It's time we 
passed this to honor those great World War I veterans.

                              {time}  1510

  Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to 
the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Huizenga).
  Mr. HUIZENGA of Michigan. I appreciate my friend from Utah for 
yielding.
  I'm glad we could keep this photograph up. Here is how I got involved 
and engaged in this. It's very personal. Actually, the man who took 
this photograph, David de Young, is a constituent and a friend of mine 
back from west Michigan. He was actually part of a project that went 
out to try to then photograph all of the remaining World War I 
survivors. He traveled to Europe, to Australia, and then had met Frank 
Buckles along the way and had gotten to know him very well.
  Unfortunately, I was not able to meet him in person, but I attended 
his funeral in Arlington, where we said good-bye as a Nation. I can 
tell you that it was his desire--Frank's desire--and David's desire, 
his family's desire, my desire, and I think now, finally, this body's 
desire to properly say thank you.
  The other reason this is very personal and very important to me is 
that I get to talk about a man named Bill Huizenga--not I, Bill 
Huizenga, but my grandfather, Bill Huizenga--who happened to fight in 
World War I. He was part of a group called the Polar Bears. They were 
men who were chosen from Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan because 
they figured they'd be used to the cold, so they sent them all the way 
up around Norway to Archangel, Russia, to fight in an undeclared 
portion of World War I. In fact, Grandpa Bill was there after Armistice 
Day and where British, Canadian, and American troops remained well into 
the spring of that following year after Armistice. It wasn't until 
much, much later that we were actually even officially recognized as 
being part of that. I can tell you that one of my prized possessions is 
in having my grandfather's old doughboy helmet, which hangs in our 
family's home.
  It's just a fitting, timely thing that we finally say thank you and 
that we finally recognize this group of men who fought a terrible war, 
who fought a war that so many had hoped would be the war to end all 
wars. Unfortunately, we know that isn't the case.
  I would like to commend our friends across the aisle--the gentlelady 
from the District and the gentleman from Missouri--for working on this 
and led by my friend from Texas (Mr. Poe) to get this done. This is an 
important statement for us and is a fitting tribute to that generation.
  Frank, we thank you for your service, and we thank all of those 
families.
  Ms. NORTON. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, may I say that we will miss seeing you occasionally in 
that chair, and I know I speak for my colleagues on both sides of the 
aisle when I say we will especially miss you sitting in the chair as 
chair of Financial Services of the Appropriations Committee and as a 
Member of this body, which you have so graciously served.
  I rise in support of this important legislation. H.R. 6364 
establishes a commission to ensure the suitable observation of the 
centennial of World War I. It further provides for the designation of a 
memorial to the service of the members of the United States Armed 
Forces throughout the United States who participated in World War I, 
and it finally protects the District of Columbia World War I Memorial 
on The Mall.
  This bill had to do three things, and I want to express my 
appreciation to all of the Members who were party to the agreement that 
finally resulted in this bill--my colleagues Mr. Poe of Texas, Mr. 
Cleaver of Missouri, Mr. Bishop of Utah and Mr. Grijalva of Arizona--
for working with me to preserve the District of Columbia World War I 
Memorial. In particular, the bill that is before us, Madam Speaker, is 
an example of what can be done when Members work together to achieve a 
resolution of their individual concerns.

[[Page 16982]]

  Earlier in this Congress, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe) 
introduced H.R. 938. It would have, among other things, nationalized 
the DC war memorial by designating it as the District of Columbia and 
National World War I Memorial. We were all in agreement that there 
should be a suitable memorial on Federal land as we now approach this 
extraordinary anniversary in 2014; but of course, I had to oppose 
altering the integrity of the DC war memorial. That memorial was built 
with not one Federal dollar but, rather, with the blood and treasure of 
DC residents, including funds from school children. Of the more than 
26,000 DC residents who served in World War I, the 499 who died--more 
than the number from three States--have their names individually carved 
on that memorial. Our memorial is deeply symbolic of the historic and 
continuing concerns of District residents, particularly of our 
veterans, who continue to serve without equal representation in the 
Congress, equal rights as citizens, and equal local government control.
  I am very happy this afternoon to report that H.R. 6364 protects the 
integrity of the DC war memorial and goes further. It meets the concern 
for a World War I memorial here for all veterans, which is the concern 
that Mr. Poe spoke of; and it meets Mr. Cleaver's concern and the 
concern of Members from Missouri--like you, Madam Speaker--for a 
designation of that extraordinarily beautiful memorial there as a 
national World War I memorial.
  The bill establishes a commission to ensure a suitable observance of 
the centennial of World War I, and it designates memorials to the 
service of members of the United States Armed Forces in World War I, 
including a national World War I Memorial.
  H.R. 6364 protects the DC memorial because it complies with the 
provision of the Commemorative Works Act, which prohibits a new 
memorial from ``interfer[ing] with or encroach[ing] on, an existing 
commemorative work.'' The bill goes further by saying that the site of 
the national World War I Memorial on Federal land may not ``infringe 
upon or otherwise adversely impact the District of Columbia World War I 
Memorial.'' This preservation is, of course, critical to DC residents, 
who deserve to have a memorial dedicated to their veterans as, I might 
mention, every single State has as to its World War I veterans because, 
at that time, most Americans thought it preferable to have memorials in 
their own States, so each and every State has a World War I Memorial. 
Today, in contrast, people insist on memorials to their veterans on 
Federal land here.
  It has always been our position that a national memorial dedicated to 
all Americans who served in World War I should be located in the 
Nation's Capital, and I have been committed and remain committed to 
working with my colleagues to find suitable locations in the District 
of Columbia for a national World War I Memorial. I am happy that H.R. 
6364 allows for such a memorial, that it does not interfere with the DC 
war memorial, and that it appropriately commemorates the beautiful 
memorial in Missouri.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this 
bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6364, the Frank 
Buckles World War I Memorial Act, as amended. I would like to thank my 
colleagues, Representatives Ted Poe, Emanuel Cleaver, Raul M. Grijalva, 
and Chairman Rob Bishop for working with me to preserve the District of 
Columbia War Memorial.
  Earlier this Congress, Representative Ted Poe introduced H.R. 938, 
which would have nationalized the D.C. memorial by re-designating it as 
the ``District of Columbia and National World War I Memorial.'' While I 
very much support commemorating all of the service men and women who 
fought in World War I, I had to oppose altering the integrity of the 
D.C. memorial. The D.C. memorial was built with the blood and treasure 
of D.C. residents, including funds from school children. Of the more 
than 26,000 D.C. residents who served in World War I, the 499 who died, 
more than the number from three states, have their names engraved on 
the memorial. Our memorial is deeply symbolic of the historic and 
continuing concerns of District residents, particularly our veterans, 
who continue to serve without equal congressional representation, equal 
rights as citizens, and equal local government control.
  I am happy to report that H.R. 6364 protects the integrity of the 
D.C. memorial, and I believe it identifies the desires of the other 
members involved. The bill establishes a commission to ensure a 
suitable observance of the centennial of World War I and designates 
memorials to the service of members of the United States Armed Forces 
in World War I, including a National World War I Memorial. H.R. 6364 
protects the D.C. memorial because it complies with the provision of 
the Commemorative Works Act (40 U.S.C. Sec. 9505 (b)(2)) that prohibits 
a new memorial from ``interfere[ing] with, or encroach[ing] on, an 
existing commemorative work,'' and the bill goes further by saying that 
the site of the national World War I memorial on federal land may not 
``infringe upon or adversely impact the District of Columbia War 
Memorial.'' This preservation is critical to D.C. residents, who 
deserve to have a memorial dedicated to their veterans.
  It has always been my position that a national memorial dedicated to 
all Americans who served in World War I should be located in the 
Nation's capital, and I have been committed to working with my 
colleagues to suggest suitable locations in D.C. for a national World 
War I memorial. I am happy that H.R. 6364 allows for such a memorial 
while not interfering with the integrity of the D.C. memorial.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this 
bill.
  Mr. CHAFFETZ. I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Cleaver), who has worked so hard on this 
bill and has been so creative and diligent and committed.
  Mr. CLEAVER. We are here today in an unprecedented show of 
bipartisanship with this piece of legislation. H.R. 6364 is the product 
of both sides of the aisle working together to do what is right to 
honor the memory of our veterans.
  I especially want to thank Representative Ted Poe for his efforts in 
bringing this bill to the floor today as well as to thank 
Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton for her work on the legislation. 
Of course, I'd also like to thank Majority Leader Cantor for his 
support along the way.

                              {time}  1520

  Frank Buckles, who was on the stage of the Liberty Memorial in Kansas 
City just 4 years ago during the Veterans Day program, was the last 
surviving veteran from World War I, and he was from the State of 
Missouri. Unfortunately, he passed away during the drafting of this 
very bill. However, even with Mr. Buckles' passing, our commitment 
remains strong as it is never too late to demonstrate our appreciation 
to the veterans of the Great War for their service and sacrifices.
  This bill will honor that service by establishing a centennial 
commission that would see to it that the 100th anniversary of the Great 
War did not slip away, as many things slip away in this place where 
there is sometimes more partisan bickering than is necessary. Not only 
does this bill serve to honor the memory of our great veterans; but it 
stands, I think, as a symbol that bipartisanship and cooperation are, 
indeed, possible.
  The United States formally joined the war in April of 1917; and 
during that time, more than 4.7 million Americans served. Now it's our 
job to serve their memory.
  The Fifth District of Missouri, which I proudly serve, includes 
Kansas City, the home of the Liberty Memorial. This is the Liberty 
Memorial. I think it is always important for people to see it because I 
think when people hear Liberty Memorial, if they are not from the area, 
if they are not visiting Kansas City, they may think it's just some 
little something. You can see it in terms of the Kansas City skyline, 
and I would also take this opportunity to remind people that this is 
the largest city in the State of Missouri.
  This Liberty Memorial is one of the great treasures of our community 
and our State. It sits atop the World War I Museum. In 1919, the people 
of Kansas City raised $2.5 million, mainly through children, in 10 days 
to create

[[Page 16983]]

the Liberty Memorial. The dedication ceremony was the only time in 
history that the Supreme Allied Commanders were together in one place. 
The dedication of this memorial was held on November 1, 1921.
  In 1994, during my first term as mayor of Kansas City, the museum 
added greater majesty to the site with the construction of a 
municipally funded restoration project. The Liberty Memorial operates 
the only American museum solely dedicated to preserving the objects, 
history, and personal experiences of a war whose impact still echoes 
today. This bill would also redesignate this facility as the National 
World War I Memorial and Museum and give it the distinction it richly 
deserves.
  Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, I would like to yield such time as he 
may consume to the distinguished gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Yoder), one 
of the cosponsors of the bill.
  Mr. YODER. I thank the gentleman from Utah, and I want to echo the 
comments of my friend and colleague from Missouri, across the Kansas 
City border, who so eloquently described the majesty and beauty of the 
World War I Museum and Memorial that we have in Kansas City. It is 
truly a national tribute. And to spend time today on the House floor, 
to take a moment to pay tribute to the men and women who sacrificed in 
World War I and to designate this World War I museum the National World 
War I Memorial is a wonderful moment that I have a chance to take part 
in, and I want to thank my colleague from Missouri, Mr. Cleaver, and my 
colleague from Texas, Mr. Poe, and others who have put so much time and 
work into this legislation.
  As has been said, 2014 will mark the 100th anniversary, the 
centennial anniversary of the Great War. The Frank Buckles World War I 
Memorial Act establishes this centennial commission to ensure that 
those who served and sacrificed to promote the ideals of liberty and 
freedom are properly honored for their bravery, and to honor the World 
War I hero Frank Buckles that Ted Poe and others have so appropriately 
described today.
  It's sometimes difficult for Kansas City and Missouri, as Madam 
Speaker knows, and my colleague from Missouri, Mr. Cleaver, knows to 
agree on many things. But it's a nice opportunity for a Kansan to come 
down and join with my colleague from Missouri, Mr. Cleaver, and others, 
to take this moment to honor the World War I Museum and Memorial in 
Kansas City which does such a great job of paying tribute to the 
service and sacrifice of the men and women in World War II.
  I actually had a chance recently to join Mr. Cleaver on Veterans Day 
when we addressed veterans from multiple wars to talk about the service 
and sacrifice and, really, the legacy that has continued on for 
generations in this country of serving our country and many people 
paying the ultimate sacrifice.
  So to have a chance to take part in that on Veterans Day with Mr. 
Cleaver was great, and to be here today to recognize the Kansas City 
memorial and museum as the National World War I Memorial is a great 
opportunity. And I want to encourage all of my colleagues to take the 
time to go out to Kansas City and see this museum. It is top-notch 
quality; I think you all will be very impressed. I'm pleased to support 
this legislation today and to recognize that museum and memorial and to 
ultimately recognize the service and sacrifice of the men and women who 
served in World War I.
  Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I am not only pleased with the outcome of 
this bill; I am proud of the way it was achieved. This bill about war 
dead, about war heroes, had emotional content. But the Members reasoned 
together and in a collegial fashion agreed upon an outcome that is 
satisfactory to all of us.
  There are going to be three ways in which World War I heroes are 
remembered: for sure here in the District of Columbia with the existing 
memorial, and now in Kansas City with the majestic memorial that is 
there, and of course this bill authorizes a second memorial here in the 
District of Columbia, the Nation's Capital.
  The Members cooperated and achieved the kind of resolution that we 
hope will, during this lame duck session, become a model for how to 
reach the ultimate agreement this year and start off next year.
  Without any more speakers, Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of 
my time.
  Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  I appreciate Ms. Norton and Mr. Cleaver for this very bipartisan 
approach to something that should live in the memories of all 
Americans, the sacrifices that were given in this country to provide so 
much for us. As you know, the United States entered World War I in 
April of 1917 to support Great Britain, France, Belgium, and other 
allies. It was the first time that American soldiers went abroad in 
defense of liberty against foreign aggression. More than 4 million men 
and women served in uniform during the Great War. There were 375,000 
American casualties during World War I, including 116,516 fatalities.
  The upcoming centennial is an opportunity for the United States to 
honor the sacrifices of these great Americans. H.R. 6364 creates a 
World War I commission to commemorate the upcoming centennial. The bill 
would establish a memorial in the District of Columbia to honor those 
who fought during the Great War. I would also note that there are no 
Federal funds that are attached to the building of this. H.R. 6364 was 
favorably reported by unanimous consent in the Committee on Natural 
Resources last week, and I again want to thank Congressman Poe from the 
State of Texas for introducing this piece of legislation and the 
numerous individuals on both sides of the aisle. It is a very 
bipartisan approach, and I urge all of my colleagues to support this 
piece of legislation.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Madam Speaker, H.R. 6364 would authorize 
the World War I Memorial Foundation to create a commemorative work on 
federal land in the District of Columbia. From 1914 to 1918, World War 
I took 116,516 American lives. However, despite the existence of 
memorials to the fallen of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam 
War on the National Mall, a national WWI memorial has never been 
authorized.
  The author of this legislation, Mr. Poe, has worked for many years to 
construct a proposal that adequately recognizes Americans who served in 
the Great War and addresses the concerns of a multitude of 
stakeholders.
  This proposal is modest, will have a minimal footprint, and expressly 
prohibits federal funds. The memorial needs a specific exemption from 
current law to be permitted on the National Mall. This is not something 
this Congress should take lightly. The Natural Resources Committee held 
two hearings on this specific memorial and another hearing on the 
overall future of the National Mall to better understand the short-term 
and long-term implications of granting this authorization.
  As with other commemorative works, the World War I Memorial will pass 
through a rigorous, public approval process which may place it on the 
National Mall. However, it is not the intention to undermine the 
current prohibition under the Commemorative Works Act, but instead 
close the book on the collection of war memorials and proceed with a 
careful examination of what the future holds for the mall.
  To reiterate, approval of this legislation is not a signal that the 
Mall should be opened up for construction. The existing prohibition has 
served us well for the last decade and will serve us in the future. 
With this authorization we will raise the bar higher, even beyond the 
standard of the Great War.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of 
the House Amendment to H.R. 6364, the ``Frank Buckles World War I 
Memorial Act,'' which establishes the World War I Centennial Commission 
to oversee projects and programs which commemorates the centennial of 
World War I and to establish a commemorative work in the District of 
Columbia to serve as the National World War I Memorial.
  As an experienced legislator representing the people of Houston I 
have fought hard to protect the honor and the rights of our veterans. I 
hold our men and women of the armed services in the highest regard. As 
one of the bloodiest wars of the 20th century, World War I represented 
the entrance of the United States onto the international stage as

[[Page 16984]]

the champion of the West, western ideals such as security, liberty, and 
democracy.
  We still mourn the loss of the 115,000 American soldiers who died 
during the war and extend our deepest gratitude to 205,000 who returned 
home with serious injuries. Frank Buckles was one of the fine men and 
women who survived the war.
  Born on February 1st, 1901, Frank Woodruff Buckles was the last 
surviving American veteran of the First World War. In 1917, he enlisted 
in the Army and served with a detachment from Fort Riley. He drove 
ambulances and motorcycles near the front lines.
  He served in both World War I and II. In World War II he became a 
prisoner of war (POW) and for 39 months was held captive in the 
Philippines.
  Mr. Buckles was a quiet hero, he moved to West Virginia, married, and 
tended to his farm until the age of 105. In the twilight of his life, 
Mr. Buckles never forgot the men and women who served in World War I.
  He became the honorary Chairman of the World War I Memorial 
Foundation. He strongly advocated for establishment of a World War I 
memorial in our Nation's Capital.
  Mr. Buckles was World News Tonight's `Person of the Week' in 2009, in 
recognition for his efforts to establish the World War I memorial. This 
quiet hero became the oldest person to speak before Congress. On 
December 3, 2009, he implored Congress to honor the sacrifice of the 
brave men and women of World War I. He stated:

       We still do not have a national memorial in Washington, 
     D.C. to honor the Americans who sacrificed with their lives 
     during World War 1 . . . I call upon the American people and 
     the world to help me in asking our elected officials to pass 
     the law for a memorial to World War I in our Nation's 
     capital. These are difficult times, and we are not asking for 
     anything elaborate. What is fitting and right is a memorial 
     that can take its place among those commemorating the other 
     great conflicts of the past century . . . it is time to move 
     forward with honor, gratitude, and resolve.

  Frank Buckles asked this country to honor those who fought to protect 
our way of life. This bill, named in his honor, will serve to ensure 
that these men and women will never be forgotten and will continue to 
receive the respect and honor they deserve from future generations.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Utah (Mr. Chaffetz) that the House suspend the rules and 
pass the bill, H.R. 6364, as amended.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
  The title was amended so as to read: ``A bill to establish a 
commission to ensure a suitable observance of the centennial of World 
War I, to provide for the designation of memorials to the service of 
members of the United States Armed Forces in World War I, and for other 
purposes.''.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________