[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[August 17, 1992]
[Pages 1362-1363]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on Signing the Thomas Jefferson Commemoration Commission Act
August 17, 1992

    Today I am signing into law S. 959, the ``Thomas Jefferson 
Commemoration Commission Act.'' This bill would establish the Thomas 
Jefferson Commemoration Commission, which would be responsible for 
planning and developing programs to commemorate the 250th anniversary of 
Jefferson's birth. In doing so, it is my understanding that in light of 
the constitutional requirement that all executive functions be exercised 
by officers of the United States appointed in conformity with the 
Appointments Clause, Buckley v. Valeo, 424 U.S. 1 (1976), only those 
Commission members so appointed may exercise the executive authority 
granted in this bill. In addition, the

[[Page 1363]]

Archivist of the United States, the Secretary of the Interior, the 
Secretary of Education, the Chairman of the National Endowment for the 
Humanities, and the Librarian of Congress are members of the Commission 
who also are officers of the United States properly appointed for this 
purpose. Other members may directly participate only in the ceremonial 
or advisory functions of the Commission.

                                                             George Bush

The White House,
August 17, 1992.

                    Note: S. 959, approved August 17, was assigned 
                        Public Law No. 102-343.