[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 7]
[House]
[Pages 10235-10238]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        UNITED STATES SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL COMMISSION ACT OF 2016

  Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 4875) to establish the United States Semiquincentennial 
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. 4875

       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 ``United States 
     Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS; PURPOSE.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds that July 4, 2026, the 250th 
     anniversary of the founding of the United States, as marked 
     by the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and the historic 
     events preceding that anniversary--
       (1) are of major significance in the development of the 
     national heritage of the United States of individual liberty, 
     representative government, and the attainment of equal and 
     inalienable rights; and
       (2) have had a profound influence throughout the world.
       (b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to establish a 
     Commission to provide for the observance and commemoration of 
     the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States 
     and related events through local, State, national, and 
     international activities planned, encouraged, developed, and 
     coordinated by a national commission representative of 
     appropriate public and private authorities and organizations.

     SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act:
       (1) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the United 
     States Semiquincentennial Commission established by section 
     4(a).
       (2) Private citizen.--The term ``private citizen'' means an 
     individual who is not an officer or employee of--
       (A) the Federal Government; or
       (B) a State or local government.
       (3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Interior.

     SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION.

       (a) In General.--There is established a commission, to be 
     known as the ``United States Semiquincentennial Commission'', 
     to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration 
     of the history of the United States leading up to the 250th 
     anniversary of the founding of the United States.
       (b) Composition.--The Commission shall be composed of the 
     following members:
       (1) 4 members of the Senate, of whom--
       (A) 2 shall be appointed by the majority leader of the 
     Senate; and
       (B) 2 shall be appointed by the minority leader of the 
     Senate.
       (2) 4 members of the House of Representatives, of whom--
       (A) 2 shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of 
     Representatives; and
       (B) 2 shall be appointed by the minority leader of the 
     House of Representatives.
       (3) 16 members who are private citizens, of whom--
       (A) 4 shall be appointed by the majority leader of the 
     Senate;
       (B) 4 shall be appointed by the minority leader of the 
     Senate;
       (C) 4 shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of 
     Representatives;
       (D) 4 shall be appointed by the minority leader of the 
     House of Representatives; and
       (E) 1 of whom shall be designated by the President as the 
     Chairperson.
       (4) The following nonvoting ex officio members:
       (A) The Secretary.
       (B) The Secretary of State.
       (C) The Attorney General.
       (D) The Secretary of Defense.
       (E) The Secretary of Education.
       (F) The Librarian of Congress.
       (G) The Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.
       (H) The Archivist of the United States.
       (I) The presiding officer of the Federal Council on the 
     Arts and the Humanities.
       (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) Meetings.--All meetings of the Commission shall be 
     convened at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 
     to honor the historical significance of the building as

[[Page 10236]]

     the site of deliberations and adoption of both the United 
     States Declaration of Independence and Constitution.
       (e) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Commission 
     shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number of members may 
     hold hearings.

     SEC. 5. DUTIES.

       (a) In General.--The Commission shall--
       (1) prepare an overall program for commemorating the 250th 
     anniversary of the founding of the United States and the 
     historic events preceding that anniversary; and
       (2) plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate observances 
     and activities commemorating the historic events that 
     preceded, and are associated with, the United States 
     Semiquincentennial.
       (b) Requirements.--
       (1) In general.--In preparing plans and an overall program, 
     the Commission--
       (A) shall give due consideration to any related plans and 
     programs developed by State, local, and private groups; and
       (B) may designate special committees with representatives 
     from groups described in subparagraph (A) to plan, develop, 
     and coordinate specific activities.
       (2) Emphasis.--The Commission shall--
       (A) emphasize the planning of events in locations of 
     historical significance to the United States, especially in 
     those locations that witnessed the assertion of American 
     liberty, such as--
       (i) the 13 colonies; and
       (ii) leading cities, including Boston, Charleston, New York 
     City, and Philadelphia; and
       (B) give special emphasis to--
       (i) the role of persons and locations with significant 
     impact on the history of the United States during the 250-
     year period beginning on the date of execution of the 
     Declaration of Independence; and
       (ii) the ideas associated with that history, which have 
     been so important in the development of the United States, in 
     world affairs, and in the quest for freedom of all mankind.
       (3) Infrastructure.--The Commission shall--
       (A) evaluate existing infrastructure;
       (B) include in the report required under subsection (c) 
     recommendations for what infrastructure should be in place 
     for the successful undertaking of an appropriate celebration 
     in accordance with this Act; and
       (C) coordinate with State and local bodies to make 
     necessary infrastructure improvements.
       (c) Report Submitted to the President.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the 
     President a comprehensive report that includes the specific 
     recommendations of the Commission for the commemoration of 
     the 250th anniversary and related events.
       (2) Recommended activities.--The report may include 
     recommended activities such as--
       (A) the production, publication, and distribution of books, 
     pamphlets, films, and other educational materials focusing on 
     the history, culture, and political thought of the period of 
     the American Revolution;
       (B) bibliographical and documentary projects and 
     publications;
       (C) conferences, convocations, lectures, seminars, and 
     other programs, especially those located in the 13 colonies, 
     including the major cities and buildings of national 
     historical significance of the 13 colonies;
       (D) the development of libraries, museums, historic sites, 
     and exhibits, including mobile exhibits;
       (E) ceremonies and celebrations commemorating specific 
     events, such as--
       (i) the signing of the Declaration of Independence;
       (ii) programs and activities focusing on the national and 
     international significance of the United States 
     Semiquincentennial; and
       (iii) the implications of the Semiquincentennial for 
     present and future generations; and
       (F) encouraging Federal agencies to integrate the 
     celebration of the Semiquincentennial into the regular 
     activities and execution of the purpose of the agencies 
     through such activities as the issuance of coins, medals, 
     certificates of recognition, stamps, and the naming of 
     vessels.
       (3) Requirements.--The report shall include--
       (A) the recommendations of the Commission for the 
     allocation of financial and administrative responsibility 
     among the public and private authorities and organizations 
     recommended for participation by the Commission; and
       (B) proposals for such legislative enactments and 
     administrative actions as the Commission considers necessary 
     to carry out the recommendations.
       (d) Report Submitted to Congress.--The President shall 
     submit to Congress a report that contains--
       (1) the complete report of the Commission; and
       (2) such comments and recommendations for legislation and 
     such a description of administrative actions taken by the 
     President as the President considers appropriate.
       (e) Point of Contact.--The Commission, acting through the 
     secretariat of the Commission described in section 9(b), 
     shall serve as the point of contact of the Federal Government 
     for all State, local, international, and private sector 
     initiatives regarding the Semiquincentennial of the founding 
     of the United States, with the purpose of coordinating and 
     facilitating all fitting and proper activities honoring the 
     250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

     SEC. 6. COORDINATION.

       (a) In General.--In carrying out this Act, the Commission 
     shall consult and cooperate with, and seek advice and 
     assistance from, appropriate Federal agencies, State and 
     local public bodies, learned societies, and historical, 
     patriotic, philanthropic, civic, professional, and related 
     organizations.
       (b) Responsibility of Other Federal Agencies.--
       (1) In general.--Federal agencies shall cooperate with the 
     Commission in planning, encouraging, developing, and 
     coordinating appropriate commemorative activities.
       (2) Department of the interior.--
       (A) In general.--The Secretary shall undertake a study of 
     appropriate actions that might be taken to further preserve 
     and develop historic sites and battlefields, at such time and 
     in such manner as will ensure that fitting observances and 
     exhibits may be held at appropriate sites and battlefields 
     during the 250th anniversary celebration.
       (B) Report.--The Secretary shall submit to the Commission a 
     report that contains the results of the study and the 
     recommendations of the Secretary, in time to afford the 
     Commission an opportunity--
       (i) to review the study; and
       (ii) to incorporate in the report described in section 5(c) 
     such findings and recommendations as the Commission considers 
     appropriate.
       (3) Arts and humanities.--
       (A) In general.--The presiding officer of the Federal 
     Council on the Arts and the Humanities, the Chairperson of 
     the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Chairperson of 
     the National Endowment for the Humanities shall cooperate 
     with the Commission, especially in the encouragement and 
     coordination of scholarly works and artistic expressions 
     focusing on the history, culture, and political thought of 
     the period predating the United States Semiquincentennial.
       (B) Library of congress, smithsonian institution, and 
     archives.--
       (i) In general.--The Librarian of Congress, the Secretary 
     of the Smithsonian Institution, and the Archivist of the 
     United States shall cooperate with the Commission, especially 
     in the development and display of exhibits and collections 
     and in the development of bibliographies, catalogs, and other 
     materials relevant to the period predating the United States 
     Semiquincentennial.
       (ii) Location.--To the maximum extent practicable, displays 
     described in subparagraph (A) shall be located in, or in 
     facilities near to, buildings of historical significance to 
     the American Revolution, so as to promote greater public 
     awareness of the heritage of the United States.
       (C) Submission of recommendations.--Each of the officers 
     described in this paragraph shall submit to the Commission a 
     report containing recommendations in time to afford the 
     Commission an opportunity--
       (i) to review the reports; and
       (ii) to incorporate in the report described in section 5(c) 
     such findings and recommendations as the Commission considers 
     appropriate.
       (4) Department of state.--The Secretary of State shall 
     coordinate the participation of foreign nations in the 
     celebration of the United States Semiquincentennial, 
     including by soliciting the erection of monuments and other 
     cultural cooperations in founding cities of the United States 
     so as--
       (A) to celebrate the shared heritage of the United States 
     with the many peoples and nations of the world; and
       (B) to provide liaison and encouragement for the erection 
     of international pavilions to showcase the spread of 
     democratic institutions abroad in the period following the 
     American Revolution.

     SEC. 7. POWERS.

       (a) Hearings.--The Commission may hold such hearings, meet 
     and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and 
     receive such evidence as the Commission considers advisable 
     to carry out this Act.
       (b) 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.
       (c) Postal Services.--The Commission may use the United 
     States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions 
     as other agencies of the Federal Government.
       (d) Gifts.--The Commission may accept, use, and dispose of 
     gifts or donations of money, property, or personal services.
       (e) Additional Powers.--As determined necessary by the 
     Commission, the Commission may--
       (1) procure supplies, services, and property;
       (2) make contracts;
       (3) expend in furtherance of this Act funds donated or 
     received in pursuance of contracts entered into under this 
     Act; and

[[Page 10237]]

       (4) take such actions as are necessary to enable the 
     Commission to carry out efficiently and in the public 
     interest the purposes of this Act.
       (f) Use of Materials.--
       (1) Time capsule.--A representative portion of all books, 
     manuscripts, miscellaneous printed matter, memorabilia, 
     relics, and other materials relating to the United States 
     Semiquincentennial shall be deposited in a time capsule--
       (A) to be buried in Independence Mall, Philadelphia, on 
     July 4, 2026; and
       (B) to be unearthed on the occasion of the 500th 
     anniversary of the United States of America on July 4, 2276.
       (2) Other materials.--All other books, manuscripts, 
     miscellaneous printed matter, memorabilia, relics, and other 
     materials relating to the United States Semiquincentennial, 
     whether donated to the Commission or collected by the 
     Commission, may be deposited for preservation in national, 
     State, or local libraries or museums or be otherwise disposed 
     of by the Commission, in consultation with the Librarian of 
     Congress, the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, the 
     Archivist of the United States, and the Administrator of 
     General Services.
       (g) Property.--Any property acquired by the Commission 
     remaining on termination of the Commission may be--
       (1) used by the Secretary for purposes of the National Park 
     Service; or
       (2) disposed of as excess or surplus property.

     SEC. 8. COMMISSION PERSONNEL MATTERS.

       (a) Compensation of Members.--The members of the Commission 
     shall receive no compensation for service on the Commission.
       (b) 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.
       (c) Staff.--
       (1) 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.
       (2) 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.
       (d) Detail of Federal Government Employees.--
       (1) In general.--An employee of the Federal Government may 
     be detailed to the Commission without reimbursement.
       (2) Civil service status.--The detail of the employee shall 
     be without interruption or loss of civil service status or 
     privilege.
       (e) Procurement of Temporary and Intermittent Services.--
     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.
       (f) Advisory Committees.--The Commission may appoint such 
     advisory committees as the Commission determines necessary.

     SEC. 9. EXPENDITURES OF COMMISSION.

       (a) In General.--All expenditures of the Commission shall 
     be made solely from donated funds.
       (b) Administrative Secretariat.--The Secretary of the 
     Interior shall, through a competitive process, seek to enter 
     into an arrangement with a nonprofit organization, the 
     mission of which is consistent with the purpose of this Act. 
     Under such arrangement, such nonprofit organization shall--
       (1) serve as the secretariat of the Commission, including 
     by serving as the point of contact under section 5(e);
       (2) house the administrative offices of the Commission;
       (3) assume responsibility for funds of the Commission; and
       (4) provide to the Commission financial and administrative 
     services, including services related to budgeting, 
     accounting, financial reporting, personnel, and procurement.
       (c) Payment for Financial and Administrative Services.--
       (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), payment for 
     services provided under subsection (b)(4) shall be made in 
     advance, or by reimbursement, from funds of the Commission in 
     such amounts as may be agreed on by the Chairperson of the 
     Commission and the secretariat of the Commission.
       (2) Relationship to regulations.--
       (A) Erroneous payments.--The regulations under section 5514 
     of title 5, United States Code, relating to the collection of 
     indebtedness of personnel resulting from erroneous payments 
     shall apply to the collection of erroneous payments made to, 
     or on behalf of, a Commission employee.
       (B) No promulgation by commission.--The Commission shall 
     not be required to prescribe any regulations relating to the 
     matters described in subparagraph (A).
       (d) Annual Report.--Once each year during the period 
     beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on 
     December 31, 2027, the Commission shall submit to Congress a 
     report of the activities of the Commission, including an 
     accounting of funds received and expended during the year 
     covered by the report.

     SEC. 10. TERMINATION OF COMMISSION.

       The Commission shall terminate on December 31, 2027.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Utah (Mr. Chaffetz) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Brendan F. 
Boyle) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Utah.


                             General Leave

  Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to 
include any extraneous material 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. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4875, as 
introduced by Congressman Patrick Meehan of Pennsylvania.
  I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Meehan) to talk about this bill.
  Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, one of my favorite Founding Fathers, 
Benjamin Franklin, once said that ``by failing to prepare, you are 
preparing to fail.''
  H.R. 4875, the United States Semiquincentennial Act of 2016 
establishes a commission to facilitate the national plans leading up to 
America's 250th birthday on July 4, 2026. This is the same process that 
was used in planning for the bicentennial celebrations all across the 
Nation in 1976.
  There is much to do, so we are following Ben Franklin's advice here 
and starting the planning 10 years ahead of what should be an historic 
celebration.
  To develop these plans, the 32-member body of private citizens and 
public officials will meet in historic Independence Hall in 
Philadelphia, the very place where our new Nation was declared. Within 
2 years of its formation, the commission is charged with reporting 
recommendations on plans to the President and to Congress. Importantly, 
this legislation does not appropriate any funds toward the commission 
activities. The commission will rely solely on generous donations from 
private citizens.

                              {time}  2100

  While the United States was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 
the commission will not be limited to planning events just in our great 
city. H.R. 4875 encourages the commission to develop event plans at 
sites of historical significance, at battlefields and important 
locations all across the Nation that will truly celebrate the birth of 
the United States of America.
  I want to thank my colleague Bob Brady for his leadership and the 
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform for their work on the 
measure.
  Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BRENDAN F. BOYLE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 
such time as I may consume.
  I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4875, the United States 
Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016. The bill, as we just heard, 
was introduced in the House by my colleague and friend, Representative 
Patrick Meehan, and I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this 
legislation.
  Yesterday in my district, in Philadelphia, like all of the districts 
around the country, we were proudly celebrating the 240th birthday of 
the United States. On July 4, 2026, we will be celebrating the 250th 
anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 
founding of our country.

[[Page 10238]]

  H.R. 4875 would establish a commission to plan, develop, and 
coordinate the commemoration of this important anniversary across the 
country. The commission's events would highlight locations of 
historical significance, including key cities such as Boston, 
Charleston, New York, and of course the Nation's birthplace of 
Philadelphia, my hometown.
  The commission would also emphasize the roles of individuals who have 
made significant impacts on American history.
  Under this legislation, the Department of the Interior would be 
required to study and report on actions to further the preservation of 
historic sites and develop fitting commemoration exhibits.
  Other Federal agencies would coordinate the development of scholarly 
works on, and artistic expressions of, American history, culture, and 
political thought; and the Secretary of State would facilitate the 
participation of foreign countries in the celebration.
  Mr. Speaker, we should pass this bill to begin the planning of this 
special event only a decade away. I urge Members to support this 
resolution.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, I would urge the passage of H.R. 4875. I 
appreciate the good work of Mr. Meehan, who helped champion this 
through in a bipartisan way. I appreciate Mr. Boyle and his passion on 
this issue as well.
  All Americans are grateful for this Nation. And certainly celebrating 
its history is appropriate. I urge the passage of this bill.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  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. 4875, 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.

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