CHAPTER 1 - PATRIOTIC AND NATIONAL OBSERVANCES

Title 36 > CHAPTER 1

Sections (142)

“SECTION 1 SHORT TITLE.

“This Act may be cited as the ‘Route 66 Centennial Commission Act’.

“SEC. 2 FINDINGS.

“Congress finds that— Route 66 was the first all-weather highway in the United States connecting the Midwest to California, and has played a major role in the history of the United States; Route 66 has become a symbol of the heritage of travel and the legacy of seeking a better life shared by the people of the United States, and has been enshrined in the popular culture of the United States; and the year 2026 will be the centennial anniversary of Route 66, and a commission should be established to study and recommend in a report to Congress activities that are fitting and proper to celebrate that anniversary in a manner that appropriately honors the Mother Road of the United States.

“SEC. 3 ESTABLISHMENT.

“There is established a commission to be known as the ‘Route 66 Centennial Commission’ (referred to in this Act as the ‘Commission’).

“SEC. 4 DUTIES.

“The Commission shall— study activities that may be carried out by the Federal Government to determine whether the activities are fitting and proper to honor Route 66 on the occasion of the centennial anniversary of Route 66, including activities such as— the issuance of commemorative coins, medals, certificates of recognition, and postage stamps; ceremonies and celebrations commemorating specific events; and the production, publication, and distribution of books, pamphlets, films, electronic publications, and other educational materials; and recommend to Congress— the activities that the Commission considers most fitting and proper to honor Route 66 on the occasion described in paragraph (1); and 1 or more entities in the Federal Government that the Commission considers most appropriate to carry out those activities.

“SEC. 5 MEMBERSHIP.

(“(a) Number and Appointment.— The Commission shall be composed of 15 members appointed as follows: 3 members, each of whom shall be an eligible individual described in subsection (b), appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the Secretary of Transportation. 1 member, who shall be an eligible individual described in subsection (b), appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the Governor of Illinois. 1 member, who shall be an eligible individual described in subsection (b), appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the Governor of Missouri. 1 member, who shall be an eligible individual described in subsection (b), appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the Governor of Kansas. 1 member, who shall be an eligible individual described in subsection (b), appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the Governor of Oklahoma. 1 member, who shall be an eligible individual described in subsection (b), appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the Governor of Texas. 1 member, who shall be an eligible individual described in subsection (b), appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the Governor of New Mexico. 1 member, who shall be an eligible individual described in subsection (b), appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the Governor of Arizona. 1 member, who shall be an eligible individual described in subsection (b), appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the Governor of California. 1 member, who shall be an eligible individual described in subsection (b), appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. 1 member, who shall be an eligible individual described in subsection (b), appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives. 1 member, who shall be an eligible individual described in subsection (b), appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the Majority Leader of the Senate. 1 member, who shall be an eligible individual described in subsection (b), appointed by the President based on the recommendation of the Minority Leader of the Senate.

(“(b) Eligible Individual.— An eligible individual referred to in subsection (a) is an individual with— a demonstrated dedication to educating others about the importance of historical figures and events; and substantial knowledge and appreciation of Route 66.

(“(c) Time of Appointment.— Each initial appointment of a member of the Commission shall be made before the expiration of the 120-day period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 23, 2020 ].

(“(d) Terms.— Each member shall be appointed for the life of the Commission.

(“(e) Vacancies.— A vacancy in the Commission shall not affect the powers of the Commission but shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made.

(“(f) Basic Pay.— Members shall serve on the Commission without pay.

(“(g) Travel Expenses.— Each member shall receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with sections 5702 and 5703 of title 5, United States Code.

(“(h) Quorum.— 7 members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold hearings.

(“(i) Chair and Vice Chair.— The Commission shall select a Chair and Vice Chair from among the members of the Commission.

(“(j) Meetings.— The Commission shall meet at the call of the Chair.

“SEC. 6 DIRECTOR AND STAFF.

(“(a) Director.— The Commission may appoint and fix the pay of a Director and such additional personnel as the Commission considers to be appropriate.

(“(b) Applicability of Certain Civil Service Laws.— The Director of the Commission shall— be appointed without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service; and be paid without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates, except that the rate of pay for the Director may not exceed the rate payable for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of that title. The staff of the Commission shall— be appointed without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service; and be paid without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates.

(“(c) Source of Compensation.— In accordance with section 10— no Federal funds may be expended to compensate a Director or staff member of the Commission under this section; and any compensation paid to a Director or any staff of the Commission appointed under this section shall be derived solely from donated funds.

“SEC. 7 POWERS.

(“(a) Hearings and Sessions.— The Commission may hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the Commission considers to be appropriate to carry out this Act.

(“(b) Powers of Members and Agents.— Any member or agent of the Commission may, if authorized by the Commission, take any action that the Commission is authorized to take under this Act.

(“(c) Mails.— The Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other Federal departments and agencies.

(“(d) Administrative Support Services.— On the request of the Commission, the Administrator of General Services shall provide to the Commission, on a reimbursable basis, the administrative support services necessary for the Commission to carry out this Act. At the request of the Commission, the head of any Federal agency or department may detail to the Commission, on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis, any employee of the agency or department. The detail of an employee under clause (i) shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege. A Federal employee who is detailed to the Commission under this subparagraph may not receive any additional pay, allowances, benefits, or other compensation by reason of the detail of the employee to the Commission or any services performed by the employee for the Commission. The Commission may— accept the services of personnel detailed from a State; and reimburse the State for the services of the detailed personnel.

(“(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 to be necessary.

(“(f) Gifts.— The Commission may accept, use, and dispose of gifts, grants, bequests, or devises of money, services, or property from any public or private source for the purpose of covering the costs incurred by the Commission in carrying out this Act.

“SEC. 8 REPORTS.

(“(a) Interim Reports.— The Commission may submit to Congress such interim reports as the Commission considers to be appropriate.

(“(b) Final Report.— Not later than 2 years after the date on which all members of the Commission are appointed, the Commission shall submit to Congress a final report containing— a detailed statement of the findings and conclusions of the Commission; the recommendations of the Commission; and any other information that the Commission considers to be appropriate.

“SEC. 9 TERMINATION.

“The Commission shall terminate on December 31, 2026 .

“SEC. 10 EXPENDITURES OF COMMISSION.

(“(a) In General.— All expenditures of the Commission, including any reimbursement required under this Act, shall be made solely from donated funds.

(“(b) No Additional Funds Authorized.— No additional funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act.”

“SECTION 1 SHORT TITLE.

“This Act may be cited as the ‘75th Anniversary of World War II Commemoration Act’.

“SEC. 2 PROGRAM TO COMMEMORATE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF WORLD WAR II.

(“(a) Commemorative Program Authorized.— The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a program to commemorate the 75th anniversary of World War II. In conducting the commemorative program, the Secretary shall support and facilitate other programs and activities of the Federal Government, State and local governments, and not-for-profit organizations in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of World War II. The Secretary shall conduct the commemorative program in accordance with applicable Department of Defense policy and using resources available to the Secretary, including amounts in the Fund under subsection (d).

(“(b) Commemorative Activities and Objectives.— The commemorative program may include activities and ceremonies to achieve the following objectives: To thank and honor veterans of World War II, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war or listed as missing in action, for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States and to thank and honor the families of these veterans. To educate the public about the history of World War II and highlight the service of the Armed Forces during World War II and the contributions of Federal agencies and governmental and nongovernmental organizations that served with, or in support of, the Armed Forces. To pay tribute to the contributions made on the home front by the people of the United States during World War II. To recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by the allies of the United States during World War II. To remember the Holocaust, the annihilation of 6,000,000 Jews by the Nazi regime, and to pay tribute to the Allied troops who liberated Nazi concentration camps during World War II.

(“(c) Names and Symbols.— The Secretary of Defense shall have the sole and exclusive right to use the name ‘The United States of America 75th Anniversary of World War II Commemoration’, and such seal, emblems, and badges incorporating such name as the Secretary may lawfully adopt. Nothing in this section may be construed to supersede rights that are established or vested before the date of the enactment of this Act [ Jan. 10, 2019 ].

(“(d) Commemorative Fund.— Upon the Secretary establishing the commemorative program under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Treasury shall establish in the Treasury of the United States an account to be known as the ‘Department of Defense World War II Commemoration Fund’ (in this section referred to as the ‘Fund’). The Fund shall be administered by the Secretary of Defense. The Secretary of Defense shall use the assets of the Fund only for the purpose of conducting the commemorative program and providing grants to State and local governments and not-for-profit organizations for commemorative activities, and shall prescribe such regulations regarding the use of the Fund as the Secretary considers to be necessary. The following shall be deposited into the Fund: Amounts appropriated to the Fund. Proceeds derived from the Secretary’s use of the exclusive rights described in subsection (c). Donations made in support of the commemorative program by private and corporate donors. Funds transferred to the Fund by the Secretary from funds appropriated for fiscal year 2019 and subsequent years for the Department of Defense. Subject to subsection (g)(2) and except as provided in subparagraph (B), amounts deposited under paragraph (3) shall constitute the assets of the Fund and remain available until expended. Amounts transferred to the Fund under paragraph (3)(D) from amounts appropriated for fiscal year 2019 may be obligated only during fiscal year 2019. The Secretary of Defense may establish a separate budget line for the commemorative program. In the budget justification materials submitted by the Secretary in support of the budget of the President for any fiscal year for which the Secretary establishes the separate budget line, the Secretary shall— identify and explain any amounts expended for the commemorative program in the fiscal year preceding the budget request; identify and explain the amounts being requested to support the commemorative program for the fiscal year of the budget request; and present a summary of the fiscal status of the Fund.

(“(e) Acceptance of Voluntary Services.— Notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31 , United States Code, the Secretary of Defense may accept from any person voluntary services to be provided in furtherance of the commemorative program. The Secretary of Defense shall prohibit the solicitation of any voluntary services if the nature or circumstances of such solicitation would compromise the integrity or the appearance of integrity of any program of the Department of Defense or of any individual involved in the program. The Secretary may provide for reimbursement of incidental expenses incurred by a person providing voluntary services under this subsection. The Secretary shall determine which expenses are eligible for reimbursement under this paragraph.

(“(f) Consultation With Director of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.— In designing the commemorative program conducted under this section, the Secretary of Defense shall consult with the Director of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

(“(g) Final Report.— Not later than 60 days after the end of the commemorative program established by the Secretary of Defense under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report containing an accounting of— all of the funds deposited into and expended from the Fund; any other funds expended under this section; and any unobligated funds remaining in the Fund. Unobligated amounts remaining in the Fund as of the end of the commemorative period shall be held in the Fund until transferred by law.

(“(h) Limitation on Expenditures.— Total expenditures from the Fund, using amounts appropriated to the Department of Defense, may not exceed $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2019 or for any subsequent fiscal year to carry out the commemorative program.

(“(i) Sunset.— The commemorative program shall terminate on December 31, 2021 . The Fund shall terminate 60 days after the termination of the commemorative program.”

“SECTION 1 SHORT TITLE.

“This Act may be cited as the ‘400 Years of African-American History Commission Act’.

“SEC. 2 DEFINITIONS.

“In this Act: The term ‘commemoration’ means the commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Africans in the English colonies, at Point Comfort, Virginia, in 1619. The term ‘Commission’ means the 400 Years of African-American History Commission established by section 3(a). The term ‘Secretary’ means the Secretary of the Interior.

“SEC. 3 ESTABLISHMENT.

(“(a) In General.— There is established a commission, to be known as the ‘400 Years of African-American History Commission’.

(“(b) Membership.— The Commission shall be composed of 15 members, of whom— three members shall be appointed by the Secretary after considering recommendations of Governors, including the Governor of Virginia; six members shall be appointed by the Secretary after considering recommendations of civil rights organizations and historical organizations; one member shall be an employee of the National Park Service having experience relative to the historical and cultural resources related to the commemoration, to be appointed by the Secretary; two members shall be appointed by the Secretary after considering the recommendations of the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution; and three members shall be individuals who have an interest in, support for, and expertise appropriate to the commemoration, appointed by the Secretary after considering the recommendations of Members of Congress. Each appointment of an initial member of the Commission shall be made before the expiration of the 120-day period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act [ Jan. 8, 2018 ]. A member of the Commission shall be appointed for the life of the Commission. A vacancy on the Commission shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made. A member appointed to fill a vacancy on the Commission shall serve for the remainder of the term for which the predecessor of the member was appointed. If a member of the Commission was appointed to the Commission as an employee of the National Park Service, and ceases to be an employee of the National Park Service, that member may continue to serve on the Commission for not longer than the 30-day period beginning on the date on which that member ceases to be an employee of the National Park Service.

(“(c) Duties.— The Commission shall— plan, develop, and carry out programs and activities throughout the United States— appropriate for the commemoration; to recognize and highlight the resilience and contributions of African-Americans since 1619; to acknowledge the impact that slavery and laws that enforced racial discrimination had on the United States; and to educate the public about— the arrival of Africans in the United States; and the contributions of African-Americans to the United States; encourage civic, patriotic, historical, educational, artistic, religious, economic, and other organizations throughout the United States to organize and participate in anniversary activities to expand understanding and appreciation of— the significance of the arrival of Africans in the United States; and the contributions of African-Americans to the United States; provide technical assistance to States, localities, and nonprofit organizations to further the commemoration; coordinate and facilitate for the public scholarly research on, publication about, and interpretation of— the arrival of Africans in the United States; and the contributions of African-Americans to the United States; ensure that the commemoration provides a lasting legacy and long-term public benefit by assisting in the development of appropriate programs; and help ensure that the observances of the commemoration are inclusive and appropriately recognize the experiences and heritage of all individuals present at the arrival of Africans in the United States.

“SEC. 4 COMMISSION MEETINGS.

(“(a) Initial Meeting.— Not later than 30 days after the date on which all members of the Commission have been appointed, the Commission shall hold the initial meeting of the Commission.

(“(b) Meetings.— The Commission shall meet— at least three times each year; or at the call of the Chairperson or the majority of the members of the Commission.

(“(c) Quorum.— A majority of the voting members shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold meetings.

(“(d) Chairperson and Vice Chairperson.— The Commission shall elect the Chairperson and the Vice Chairperson of the Commission on an annual basis. The Vice Chairperson shall serve as the Chairperson in the absence of the Chairperson.

(“(e) Voting.— The Commission shall act only on an affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Commission.

“SEC. 5 COMMISSION POWERS.

(“(a) Gifts.— The Commission may solicit, accept, use, and dispose of gifts, bequests, or devises of money or other property for aiding or facilitating the work of the Commission.

(“(b) Appointment of Advisory Committees.— The Commission may appoint such advisory committees as the Commission determines to be necessary to carry out this Act.

(“(c) Authorization of Action.— The Commission may authorize any member or employee of the Commission to take any action that the Commission is authorized to take under this Act.

(“(d) Procurement.— The Commission may procure supplies, services, and property, and make or enter into contracts, leases, or other legal agreements, to carry out this Act (except that a contract, lease, or other legal agreement made or entered into by the Commission shall not extend beyond the date of termination of the Commission). The Commission may not purchase real property.

(“(e) 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.

(“(f) Grants and Technical Assistance.— The Commission may— provide grants in amounts not to exceed $20,000 per grant to communities and nonprofit organizations for use in developing programs to assist in the commemoration; provide grants to research and scholarly organizations to research, publish, or distribute information relating to the arrival of Africans in the United States; and provide technical assistance to States, localities, and nonprofit organizations to further the commemoration.

“SEC. 6 COMMISSION PERSONNEL MATTERS.

(“(a) Compensation of Members.— Except as provided in paragraph (2), a member of the Commission shall serve without compensation. A member of the Commission who is an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall serve without compensation other than the compensation received for the services of the member as an officer or employee of the Federal Government.

(“(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) Director and Staff.— The Chairperson of the Commission may, without regard to the civil service laws (including regulations), nominate an executive director to enable the Commission to perform the duties of the Commission. The employment of an executive director shall be subject to confirmation by the Commission.

(“(d) Compensation.— Except as provided in paragraph (2), 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. 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.

(“(e) Detail of Government Employees.— 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. The detail of an employee under subparagraph (A) shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege. The Commission may— accept the services of personnel detailed from the State; and reimburse the State for services of detailed personnel.

(“(f) 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 such title.

(“(g) 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 to be necessary.

(“(h) Support Services.— The Secretary shall provide to the Commission, on a reimbursable basis, such administrative support services as the Commission may request. Any reimbursement under this paragraph shall be credited to the appropriation, fund, or account used for paying the amounts reimbursed.

(“(i) No Effect on Authority.— Nothing in this section supersedes the authority of the National Park Service with respect to the commemoration.

“SEC. 7 PLANS; REPORTS.

(“(a) Strategic Plan.— The Commission shall prepare a strategic plan for the activities of the Commission carried out under this Act.

(“(b) Final Report.— Not later than July 1, 2025 , the Commission shall complete and submit to Congress a final report that contains— a summary of the activities of the Commission; a final accounting of funds received and expended by the Commission; and the findings and recommendations of the Commission.

“SEC. 8 TERMINATION OF COMMISSION.

(“(a) Date of Termination.— The Commission shall terminate on July 1, 2025 .

(“(b) Transfer of Documents and Materials.— Before the date of termination specified in subsection (a), the Commission shall transfer all documents and materials of the Commission to the National Archives or another appropriate Federal entity.

“SEC. 9 EXPENDITURES OF COMMISSION.

“All expenditures of the Commission shall be made solely from donated funds.”

“SECTION 1 SHORT TITLE.

“This Act may be cited as the ‘Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Commission Act’.

“SEC. 2 FINDINGS.

“Congress makes the following findings: Born into slavery on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in 1818 and given the name Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey after his mother Harriet Bailey, Frederick Douglass has been called the father of the civil rights movement. Douglass rose through determination, brilliance, and eloquence to shape the American Nation. He was an abolitionist, human rights and women’s rights activist, orator, author, journalist, publisher, and social reformer. Taught basic reading skills by his mistress until she was forced to stop, Douglass continued to teach himself to read and write and taught other slaves to read despite risks including death. During the course of his remarkable life Frederick Douglass escaped from slavery, became internationally renowned for his eloquence in the cause of liberty, and went on to serve the national government in several official capacities. Forced to leave the country to avoid arrest as an escaped slave, he returned to become a staunch advocate of the Union cause and helped recruit African-American troops for the Union Army, including two of his sons, Charles and Lewis Douglass. His personal relationship with Abraham Lincoln helped persuade the President to make emancipation a cause of the Civil War. With the abolition of slavery at the close of the Civil War, Douglass then turned his attention to the full integration of African-Americans into the political and economic life of the United States. Committed to freedom, Douglass dedicated his life to achieving justice for all Americans, in particular African-Americans, women, and minority groups. He envisioned America as an inclusive Nation strengthened by diversity and free of discrimination. Douglass served as an advisor to Presidents. Abraham Lincoln referred to him as the most meritorious man of the nineteenth century. Douglass was appointed to several offices. He served as the United States Marshal of the District of Columbia under Rutherford B. Hayes’ administration; President James Garfield appointed Douglass the District of Columbia Recorder of Deeds. In 1889, President Benjamin Harrison appointed Frederick Douglass to be the United States minister to Haiti. He was also appointed by President Grant to serve as Assistant Secretary of the Commission of Inquiry to Santo Domingo. Douglass lived in the District of Columbia for 23 of his 57 years as a free man, and in recognition of his leadership and continuous fight for justice and freedom, his home, Cedar Hill, was established as a National Historic Site in Anacostia, in Southeast Washington, DC. The statue of Frederick Douglass in the United States Capitol is a gift from the almost 700,000 residents of the District of Columbia. All Americans could benefit from studying the life of Frederick Douglass, for Douglass dedicated his own life to ensuring freedom and equality for future generations of Americans. This Nation should ensure that his tireless struggle, transformative words, and inclusive vision of humanity continue to inspire and sustain us. The year 2018 marks the bicentennial anniversary of the birth of Frederick Douglass, and a commission should be established to plan, develop, and carry out, and to recommend to Congress, programs and activities that are fitting and proper to celebrate that anniversary in a manner that appropriately honors Frederick Douglass.

“SEC. 3 ESTABLISHMENT.

“There is established a commission to be known as the Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Commission (referred to in this Act as the ‘Commission’).

“SEC. 4 DUTIES.

“The Commission shall have the following duties: To plan, develop, and carry out programs and activities that are fitting and proper to honor Frederick Douglass on the occasion of the bicentennial anniversary of Douglass’ birth. To recommend to Congress programs and activities that the Commission considers fitting and proper to honor Frederick Douglass on such occasion, and the entity or entities in the Federal Government that the Commission considers most appropriate to carry out such programs and activities.

“SEC. 5 MEMBERSHIP.

(“(a) Number and Appointment.— The Commission shall be composed of 16 members appointed as follows: Two members, each of whom shall be a qualified citizen described in subsection (b), appointed by the President. One member, who shall be a qualified citizen described in subsection (b), appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Governor of Maryland. One member, who shall be a qualified citizen described in subsection (b), appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Governor of Massachusetts. One member, who shall be a qualified citizen described in subsection (b), appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Governor of New York. One member, who shall be a qualified citizen described in subsection (b), appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Mayor of the District of Columbia. Three members, at least one of whom shall be a Member of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Three members, at least one of whom shall be a Senator, appointed by the majority leader of the Senate. Two members, at least one of whom shall be a Member of the House of Representatives, appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives. Two members, at least one of whom shall be a Senator, appointed by the minority leader of the Senate.

(“(b) Qualified Citizen.— A qualified citizen described in this subsection is a private citizen of the United States with— a demonstrated dedication to educating others about the importance of historical figures and events; and substantial knowledge and appreciation of Frederick Douglass.

(“(c) Time of Appointment.— Each initial appointment of a member of the Commission shall be made before the expiration of the 60-day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [ Nov. 2, 2017 ].

(“(d) Continuation of Membership.— If a member of the Commission was appointed to the Commission as a Member of Congress, and ceases to be a Member of Congress, that member may continue to serve on the Commission for not longer than the 30-day period beginning on the date that member ceases to be a Member of Congress.

(“(e) Terms.— Each member shall be appointed for the life of the Commission.

(“(f) Vacancies.— A vacancy in the Commission shall not affect the powers of the Commission but shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made.

(“(g) Basic Pay.— Members shall serve on the Commission without pay.

(“(h) Travel Expenses.— Each member shall receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with sections 5702 and 5703 of title 5, United States Code.

(“(i) Quorum.— Six members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum but a lesser number may hold hearings.

(“(j) Chair.— The Commission shall select a Chair from among the members of the Commission.

(“(k) Meetings.— The Commission shall meet at the call of the Chair. Periodically, the Commission shall hold a meeting in Rochester, New York.

“SEC. 6 DIRECTOR AND STAFF.

(“(a) Director.— The Commission may appoint and fix the pay of a Director and such additional personnel as the Commission considers to be appropriate.

(“(b) Applicability of Certain Civil Service Laws.— The Director of the Commission may be appointed without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, and may be paid without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of that title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates. The staff of the Commission shall be appointed subject to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, and shall be paid in accordance with the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of that title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates.

“SEC. 7 POWERS.

(“(a) Hearings and Sessions.— The Commission may, for the purpose of carrying out this Act, hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the Commission considers to be appropriate.

(“(b) Powers of Members and Agents.— Any member or agent of the Commission may, if authorized by the Commission, take any action that the Commission is authorized to take by this Act.

(“(c) Obtaining Official Data.— The Commission may secure directly from any department or agency of the United States information necessary to enable the Commission to carry out this Act. Upon request of the Chair of the Commission, the head of that department or agency shall furnish that information to the Commission.

(“(d) Mails.— The Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the United States.

(“(e) Administrative Support Services.— Upon the request of the Commission, the Administrator of General Services shall provide to the Commission, on a reimbursable basis, the administrative support services necessary for the Commission to carry out its responsibilities under this Act.

(“(f) Gifts.— The Commission may solicit, accept, use, and dispose of gifts, bequests, or devises of money or other property for the purpose of carrying out its duties.

(“(g) Volunteer and Uncompensated Services.— Notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31 , United States Code, the Commission may accept and use voluntary and uncompensated services as the Commission determines necessary.

“SEC. 8 REPORTS.

(“(a) Initial Report.— Not later than August 1, 2018 , the Commission shall submit to Congress an initial report containing its recommendations under section 4(2).

(“(b) Final Report.— Not later than June 1, 2019 , the Commission shall submit a final report to Congress, and shall include in the final report— a summary of its activities and programs; a final accounting of the funds the Commission received and expended; and any other information that the Commission considers to be appropriate.

“SEC. 9 TERMINATION.

“The Commission shall terminate 30 days after submitting the final report pursuant to section 8(b).

“SEC. 10 NO ADDITIONAL FUNDS AUTHORIZED.

“No Federal funds are authorized or may be obligated to carry out this Act.”

“SECTION 1 SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

(“(a) Short Title.— This Act may be cited as the ‘Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission Act’.

(“(b) Table of Contents.—

“SEC. 2 FINDINGS.

“Congress finds the following: From 1919 to 1920, the Sixty-Sixth United States Congress debated, and State legislatures considered, an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to provide suffrage for women. A proposed women’s suffrage amendment was first introduced in the United States Senate in 1878 and was brought to a vote, unsuccessfully, in 1887, 1914, 1918, and 1919. Finally, on May 21, 1919 , the House of Representatives approved a proposed amendment, followed by the Senate a few weeks later on June 4. Within days, the legislatures of Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan had voted to ratify the amendment. On August 18, 1920 , Tennessee became the 36th State to ratify the amendment, providing the support of three-fourths of States necessary under article V of the Constitution of the United States. The introduction, passage, and ultimate ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States were the culmination of decades of work and struggle by advocates for the rights of women across the United States and worldwide. Ratification of the 19th Amendment ensured women could more fully participate in their democracy and fundamentally changed the role of women in the civic life of our Nation. The centennial offers an opportunity for people in the United States to learn about and commemorate the efforts of the women’s suffrage movement and the role of women in our democracy. Commemorative programs, activities, and sites allow people in the United States to learn about the women’s suffrage movement and to commemorate and honor the role of the ratification of the 19th Amendment in further fulfilling the promise of the Constitution of the United States and promoting the core values of our democracy.

“SEC. 3 ESTABLISHMENT OF WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE CENTENNIAL COMMISSION.

(“(a) Establishment.— There is established a commission to be known as the ‘Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission’ (referred to in this Act as the ‘Centennial Commission’).

(“(b) Membership.— The Centennial Commission shall be composed of 14 members, of whom— 2 shall be appointed by the President; 2 shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; 2 shall be appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives; 2 shall be appointed by the majority leader of the Senate; 2 shall be appointed by the minority leader of the Senate; 1 shall be the Librarian of Congress, or the designee of the Librarian; 1 shall be the Archivist of the United States, or the designee of the Archivist; 1 shall be the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, or the designee of the Secretary; and 1 shall be the Director of the National Park Service, or the designee of the Director. The members of the Commission shall be individuals who have knowledge or expertise, whether by experience or training, in matters to be studied by the Commission. The members may be from the public or private sector, and may include Federal, State, or local employees, former Members of Congress, members of academia, nonprofit organizations, or industry, or other interested individuals. It is the intent of Congress that persons appointed to the Commission under paragraph (1) be persons who represent diverse economic, professional, and cultural backgrounds. The President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, minority leader of the House of Representatives, majority leader of the Senate, and minority leader of the Senate shall consult among themselves before appointing the members of the Commission in order to achieve, to the maximum extent practicable, fair and equitable representation of various points of view with respect to the matters to be studied by the Commission. The President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, minority leader of the House of Representatives, majority leader of the Senate, and minority leader of the Senate shall conduct the consultation under subparagraph (A) and make their respective appointments not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act [ May 5, 2017 ]. A vacancy in the membership of the Commission shall not affect the powers of the Commission and shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment not later than 30 days after the vacancy occurs.

(“(c) Meetings.— 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. The Centennial Commission shall meet at the call of the Chair. The Chair shall call a meeting of the members of the Centennial Commission not less frequently than once every 6 months. Seven members of the Centennial Commission shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold hearings. The Centennial Commission shall select a Chair and Vice Chair from among its members.

“SEC. 4 DUTIES OF CENTENNIAL COMMISSION.

(“(a) In General.— The duties of the Centennial Commission are as follows: To encourage, plan, develop, and execute programs, projects, and activities to commemorate the centennial of the passage and ratification of the 19th Amendment. To encourage private organizations and State and local governments to organize and participate in activities commemorating the centennial of the passage and ratification of the 19th Amendment. To facilitate and coordinate activities throughout the United States relating to the centennial of the passage and ratification of the 19th Amendment. To serve as a clearinghouse for the collection and dissemination of information about events and plans for the centennial of the passage and ratification of the 19th Amendment. To develop recommendations for Congress and the President for commemorating the centennial of the passage and ratification of the 19th Amendment.

(“(b) Consultation.— In conducting its work, the Centennial Commission shall consult the Historian of the Senate and the Historian of the House of Representatives when appropriate.

(“(c) Reports.— Not later than the last day of the 6-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [ May 5, 2017 ], 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. 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 the passage and ratification of the 19th Amendment and coordinating related activities.

“SEC. 5 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.

(“(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.— Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Centennial Commission is authorized— to procure supplies, services, and property; and to make or enter into contracts, leases, or other legal agreements. 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 7(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 is authorized to solicit, accept, use, and dispose of gifts, bequests, or devises of money, 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.

(“(h) Grants.— The Centennial Commission is authorized to award grants to States and the District of Columbia to support programs and activities related to commemorating the centennial of the passage and ratification of the 19th Amendment.

“SEC. 6 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.

(“(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) Acceptance of Voluntary Services.— Notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31 , United States Code, the Centennial Commission may accept and use voluntary and uncompensated services as the Centennial Commission deems necessary.

“SEC. 7 TERMINATION OF CENTENNIAL COMMISSION.

(“(a) In General.— The Centennial Commission shall terminate on the earlier of— the date that is 30 days after the date [of] the completion of the activities under this Act honoring the centennial observation of the passage and ratification of the 19th Amendment; or April 15, 2021 .

(“(b) Application of Federal Advisory Committee Act.— Except as provided in paragraph (2), the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act ([former] 5 U.S.C. App.) [see 5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.] shall apply to the activities of the Centennial Commission under this Act. Section 14(a)(2) of such Act ([former] 5 U.S.C. App.) [see 5 U.S.C. 1013(a) ] shall not apply to the Centennial Commission.

“SEC. 8 AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

(“(a) In General.— There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act such sums as may be necessary for the period of fiscal years 2017 through 2021.

(“(b) Amounts Available.— Amounts appropriated in accordance with this section for any fiscal year shall remain available until the termination of the Centennial Commission.”

“SECTION 1 SHORT TITLE.

“This Act may be cited as the ‘John F. Kennedy Centennial Commission Act’.

“SEC. 2 ESTABLISHMENT.

“There is established a commission to be known as the ‘John F. Kennedy Centennial Commission’ (in this Act referred to as the ‘Commission’).

“SEC. 3 DUTIES OF COMMISSION.

“The Commission shall— plan, develop, and carry out such activities as the Commission considers fitting and proper to honor John F. Kennedy on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his birth; provide advice and assistance to Federal, State, and local governmental agencies, as well as civic groups to carry out activities to honor John F. Kennedy on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his birth; develop activities that may be carried out by the Federal Government that are fitting and proper to honor John F. Kennedy on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his birth; and submit to the President and Congress reports pursuant to section 7.

“SEC. 4 MEMBERSHIP.

(“(a) Number and Appointment.— The Commission shall be composed of 11 members as follows: The Secretary of the Interior. Four members appointed by the President after considering the recommendations of the Board of Trustees of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation. Two Members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. One Member of the House of Representatives appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives. Two Members of the Senate appointed by the majority leader of the Senate. One Member of the Senate appointed by the minority leader of the Senate.

(“(b) Ex Officio Member.— The Archivist of the United States shall serve in an ex officio capacity on the Commission to provide advice and information to the Commission.

(“(c) Terms.— Each member shall be appointed for the life of the Commission.

(“(d) Deadline for Appointment.— All members of the Commission shall be appointed not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [ July 29, 2016 ].

(“(e) Vacancies.— A vacancy on the Commission shall— not affect the powers of the Commission; and be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made.

(“(f) Rates of Pay.— Members shall not receive compensation for the performance of their duties on behalf of the Commission.

(“(g) Travel Expenses.— Each member of the Commission shall be reimbursed for travel and per diem in lieu of subsistence expenses during the performance of duties of the Commission while away from home or his or her regular place of business, in accordance with applicable provisions under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code.

(“(h) Quorum.— A majority of the members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum to conduct business, but two or more members may hold hearings.

(“(i) Chairperson.— The chairperson of the Commission shall be elected by a majority vote of the members of the Commission.

“SEC. 5 DIRECTOR AND STAFF OF COMMISSION.

(“(a) Director and Staff.— The Commission shall appoint an executive director and such other additional employees as are necessary to enable the Commission to perform its duties.

(“(b) Applicability of Certain Civil Service Laws.— The executive director and employees of the Commission may be appointed without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, and may be paid without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates, except that the rate of pay for the executive director and other employees may not exceed the rate payable for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of such title.

(“(c) Detail of Federal Employees.— Upon request of the Commission, the Secretary of the Interior or the Archivist of the United States may detail, on a reimbursable basis, any of the employees of that department or agency to the Commission to assist it in carrying out its duties under this Act.

(“(d) Experts and Consultants.— The Commission may procure such temporary and intermittent services as are necessary to enable the Commission to perform its duties.

(“(e) Volunteer and Uncompensated Services.— Notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31 , United States Code, the Commission may accept and use voluntary and uncompensated services as the Commission determines necessary.

“SEC. 6 POWERS OF COMMISSION.

(“(a) Hearings.— The Commission may, for the purpose of carrying out this Act, hold hearings, sit and act at times and places, take testimony, and receive evidence as the Commission considers appropriate.

(“(b) Mails.— The Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the United States.

(“(c) Obtaining Official Data.— The Commission may secure directly from any department or agency of the United States information necessary to enable it to carry out its duties under this Act. Upon request of the chairperson of the Commission, the head of that department or agency shall furnish that information to the Commission.

(“(d) Gifts, Bequests, Devises.— The Commission may solicit, accept, use, and dispose of gifts, bequests, or devises of money, services, or property, both real and personal, for the purpose of aiding or facilitating its work.

(“(e) Available Space.— Upon the request of the Commission, the Administrator of General Services shall make available nationwide to the Commission, at a normal rental rate for Federal agencies, such assistance and facilities as may be necessary for the Commission to carry out its duties under this Act.

(“(f) Contract Authority.— The Commission may enter into contracts with and compensate government and private agencies or persons to enable the Commission to discharge its duties under this Act.

“SEC. 7 REPORTS.

(“(a) Annual Reports.— The Commission shall submit to the President and the Congress annual reports on the revenue and expenditures of the Commission, including 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.

(“(b) Interim Reports.— The Commission may submit to the President and Congress interim reports as the Commission considers appropriate.

(“(c) Final Report.— Not later than August 31, 2017 , the Commission shall submit a final report to the President and the Congress containing— a summary of the activities of the Commission; a final accounting of funds received and expended by the Commission; and the findings, conclusions, and final recommendations of the Commission.

“SEC. 8 TERMINATION.

“The Commission may terminate on such date as the Commission may determine after it submits its final report pursuant to section 7(c), but not later than September 30, 2017 .

“SEC. 9 ANNUAL AUDIT.

“The Inspector General of the Department of the Interior may perform an audit of the Commission, shall make the results of any audit performed available to the public, and shall transmit such results to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform [now Committee on Oversight and Accountability] of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate.

“SEC. 10 PROHIBITION ON OBLIGATION OF FEDERAL FUNDS.

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

“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— 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 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: The term ‘Commission’ means the United States Semiquincentennial Commission established by section 4(a). The term ‘private citizen’ means an individual who is not an officer or employee of— the Federal Government; or a State or local government. 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: Four members of the Senate, of whom— two shall be appointed by the majority leader of the Senate; and two shall be appointed by the minority leader of the Senate. Four members of the House of Representatives, of whom— two shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; and two shall be appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives. Sixteen members who are private citizens, of whom— four shall be appointed by the majority leader of the Senate; four shall be appointed by the minority leader of the Senate; four shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; four shall be appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives; and one of whom shall be designated by the President as the Chairperson. The following nonvoting ex officio members: The Secretary. The Secretary of State. The Attorney General. The Secretary of Defense. The Secretary of Education. The Librarian of Congress. The Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. The Archivist of the United States. The Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Arts. The Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The Chief Justice of the United States; or an Associate Justice or former Associate Justice appointed by the Chief Justice of the United States.

(“(c) Term; Vacancies.— A member shall be appointed for the life of the Commission. A vacancy on the Commission— shall not affect the powers of the Commission; and shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment was made. Following notice and approval of the relevant appointing authority, on an affirmative vote of not less than ⅔ of the members of the Commission, the Commission may remove a member of the Commission appointed under subsection (b)(3).

(“(d) Meetings.— The first meeting of the Commission shall be convened at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to honor the historical significance of the building as the site of deliberations and adoption of both the United States Declaration of Independence and Constitution. At least 1 meeting of the Commission each year shall be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

(“(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— prepare an overall program for commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and the historic events preceding that anniversary; and plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate observances and activities commemorating the historic events that preceded, and are associated with, the United States Semiquincentennial.

(“(b) Requirements.— In preparing plans and an overall program, the Commission— shall give due consideration to any related plans and programs developed by State, local, and private groups; and may designate special committees with representatives from groups described in subparagraph (A) to plan, develop, and coordinate specific activities. The Commission shall— 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— the 13 colonies; and leading cities, including Boston, Charleston, New York City, and Philadelphia; and give special emphasis to— 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 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. The Commission shall— evaluate existing infrastructure; 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 coordinate with State and local bodies to make necessary infrastructure improvements.

(“(c) Report Submitted to the President.— Not later than March 31, 2020 , 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. The report may include recommended activities such as— 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; bibliographical and documentary projects and publications; 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; the development of libraries, museums, historic sites, and exhibits, including mobile exhibits; ceremonies and celebrations commemorating specific events, such as— the signing of the Declaration of Independence; programs and activities focusing on the national and international significance of the United States Semiquincentennial; and the implications of the Semiquincentennial for present and future generations; and 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. The report shall include— 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 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— the complete report of the Commission; and 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.— Federal agencies shall cooperate with the Commission in planning, encouraging, developing, and coordinating appropriate commemorative activities. 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. 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— to review the study; and to incorporate in the report described in section 5(c) such findings and recommendations as the Commission considers appropriate. The Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Arts, the Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services 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. 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. 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. 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— to review the reports; and to incorporate in the report described in section 5(c) such findings and recommendations as the Commission considers appropriate. 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 and other cities of the United States so as— to celebrate the shared heritage of the United States with the many peoples and nations of the world; and 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.— The Commission may secure directly from a Federal agency such information as the Commission considers necessary to carry out this Act. 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— procure supplies, services, and property; make contracts; expend in furtherance of this Act funds donated or received in pursuance of contracts entered into under this Act; and 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.— 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— to be buried in Independence Mall, Philadelphia, on July 4, 2026 ; and to be unearthed on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the United States of America on July 4, 2276 . 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— used by the Secretary for purposes of the National Park Service; or 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.

(“(c) Staff.— 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. The employment of an executive director shall be subject to confirmation by the Commission. 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. 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.— An employee of the Federal Government may be detailed to the Commission without reimbursement. 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 from donations, earned income, and any funds made available to carry out this Act under subsection (f).

(“(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— serve as the secretariat of the Commission, including by serving as the point of contact under section 5(e); house the administrative offices of the Commission; assume responsibility for funds of the Commission; and 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.— 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. 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. The Commission shall not be required to prescribe any regulations relating to the matters described in subparagraph (A).

(“(d) Annual Report.— Annually during the period beginning 1 year after the Commission submits the report to the President under section 5(c)(1) 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.

(“(e) Intellectual Property Protections.— The Commission shall have the exclusive right to use, and to allow others to use, the official marks, imprimaturs, and logos of the Commission.

(“(f) Authorization of Appropriations.— There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act.

“SEC. 10 TERMINATION OF COMMISSION.

“The Commission shall terminate on December 31, 2027 .”

“SECTION 1 SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

(“(a) Short Title.— This Act may be cited as the ‘World War I Centennial Commission Act’.

(“(b) Table of Contents.—

“SEC. 2 FINDINGS.

“Congress makes the following findings: 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. 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’. 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. 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. The events of 1914 through 1918 shaped the world, the United States, and the lives of millions of people. 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. 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.

“SEC. 3 DEFINITIONS.

“In this Act— 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 ). The term ‘Centennial Commission’ means the World War I Centennial Commission established by section 4(a). 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.— The Centennial Commission shall be composed of 12 members as follows: Two members who shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. One member who shall be appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives. Two members who shall be appointed by the majority leader of the Senate. One member who shall be appointed by the minority leader of the Senate. 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). One member who shall be appointed by the executive director of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. One member who shall be appointed by the executive director of the American Legion. One member who shall be appointed by the president of the Liberty Memorial Association. The members of the Centennial Commission shall be appointed not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [ Jan. 14, 2013 ]. Each member shall be appointed for the life of the Centennial Commission. A vacancy in the Centennial Commission shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made.

(“(c) Meetings.— 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. The location for the meeting held under subparagraph (A) shall be the America’s National World War I Museum. The Centennial Commission shall meet at the call of the Chair. The Chair shall call a meeting of the members of the Centennial Commission not less frequently than once each year. Not less frequently than once each year, the Centennial Commission shall meet at the America’s National World War I Museum. 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.

(“(e) Ex Officio and Other Advisory Members.— The individuals listed in paragraphs (2) and (3), or their designated representative, shall serve on the Centennial Commission solely to provide advice and information to the members of the Centennial Commission appointed pursuant to subsection (b)(1), and shall not be considered members for purposes of any other provision of this Act. The following individuals shall serve as ex officio members: The Archivist of the United States. The Librarian of Congress. The Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. The Secretary of Education. The Secretary of State. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The Administrator of General Services. The following individuals shall serve as other advisory members: Four members appointed by the Secretary of Defense in the following manner: One from the Navy, one from the Marine Corps, one from the Army, and one from the Air Force. Two members appointed by the Secretary of Homeland Security in the following manner: One from the Coast Guard and one from the United States Secret Service. Two members appointed by the Secretary of the Interior, including one from the National Park Service. A vacancy in a member position under paragraph (3) shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made.

“SEC. 5 DUTIES OF CENTENNIAL COMMISSION.

(“(a) In General.— The duties of the Centennial Commission are as follows: To plan, develop, and execute programs, projects, and activities to commemorate the centennial of World War I. To encourage private organizations and State and local governments to organize and participate in activities commemorating the centennial of World War I. To facilitate and coordinate activities throughout the United States relating to the centennial of World War I. To serve as a clearinghouse for the collection and dissemination of information about events and plans for the centennial of World War I. To develop recommendations for Congress and the President for commemorating the centennial of World War I.

(“(b) Reports.— Not later than the last day of the 6-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [ Jan. 14, 2013 ], 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. 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.

(“(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.

(“(c) Staff.— 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. 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), without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates. 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 [sic] for level II of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5 , United States Code. 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.

“SEC. 8 TERMINATION OF CENTENNIAL COMMISSION.

(“(a) In General.— Except as provided in subsection (c), the Centennial Commission shall terminate on the earlier of— 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 July 28, 2019 .

(“(b) Application of Chapter 10 of Title 5, United States Code.— Except as provided in paragraph (2), the provisions of chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code, shall apply to the activities of the Centennial Commission under this Act. Section 1013(a) of title 5 , United States Code, shall not apply to the Centennial Commission.

(“(c) Exception for Completion of World War I Memorial.— The Centennial Commission may perform such work as is necessary to complete the rededication of a World War I Memorial and enhancement of the General Pershing Commemorative Work under section 3091(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 [ Pub. L. 113–291 , set out above], subject to section 8903 of title 40 , United States Code.

“SEC. 9 LIMITATION ON OBLIGATION OF FEDERAL FUNDS.

“No Federal funds may be obligated or expended for the designation, establishment, or enhancement of a memorial or commemorative work by the World War I Centennial Commission.”

“SECTION 1 SHORT TITLE.

“This Act may be cited as the ‘Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission Act’.

“SEC. 2 ESTABLISHMENT.

“There is established a commission to be known as the ‘Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission’ (in this Act referred to as the ‘Commission’).

“SEC. 3 DUTIES OF COMMISSION.

“The Commission shall— plan, develop, and carry out such activities as the Commission considers fitting and proper to honor Ronald Reagan on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his birth; provide advice and assistance to Federal, State, and local governmental agencies, as well as civic groups[,] to carry out activities to honor Ronald Reagan on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his birth; develop activities that may be carried out by the Federal Government to determine whether the activities are fitting and proper to honor Ronald Reagan on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his birth; and submit to the President and Congress reports pursuant to section 7.

“SEC. 4 MEMBERSHIP.

(“(a) Number and Appointment.— The Commission shall be composed of 11 members as follows: The Secretary of the Interior. Four members appointed by the President after considering the recommendations of the Board of Trustees of the Ronald Reagan Foundation. Two Members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. One Member of the House of Representatives appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives. Two Members of the Senate appointed by the majority leader of the Senate. One Member of the Senate appointed by the minority leader of the Senate.

(“(b) Ex Officio Member.— The Archivist of the United States shall serve in an ex officio capacity on the Commission to provide advice and information to the Commission.

(“(c) Terms.— Each member shall be appointed for the life of the Commission.

(“(d) Deadline for Appointment.— All members of the Commission shall be appointed not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [ June 2, 2009 ].

(“(e) Vacancies.— A vacancy on the Commission shall— not affect the powers of the Commission; and be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made.

(“(f) Rates of Pay.— Members shall not receive compensation for the performance of their duties on behalf of the Commission.

(“(h) Quorum.— A majority of the members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum to conduct business, but two or more members may hold hearings.

(“(i) Chairperson.— The chairperson of the Commission shall be elected by a majority vote of the members of the Commission.

“SEC. 5 DIRECTOR AND STAFF OF COMMISSION.

(“(a) Director and Staff.— The Commission shall appoint an executive director and such other additional personnel as are necessary to enable the Commission to perform its duties.

(“(b) Applicability of Certain Civil Service Laws.— The executive director and staff of the Commission may be appointed without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, and may be paid without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates, except that the rate of pay for the executive director and other staff may not exceed the rate payable for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of such title.

(“(c) Detail of Federal Employees.— Upon request of the Commission, the Secretary of the Interior or the Archivist of the United States may detail, on a reimbursable basis, any of the personnel of that department or agency to the Commission to assist it in carrying out its duties under this Act.

(“(d) Experts and Consultants.— The Commission may procure such temporary and intermittent services as are necessary to enable the Commission to perform its duties.

“SEC. 6 POWERS OF COMMISSION.

(“(b) Mails.— The Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the United States.

“SEC. 7 REPORTS.

(“(b) Interim Reports.— The Commission may submit to the President and Congress interim reports as the Commission considers appropriate.

(“(c) Final Report.— Not later than November 30, 2011 , the Commission shall submit a final report to the President and the Congress containing— a summary of the activities of the Commission; a final accounting of funds received and expended by the Commission; and the findings, conclusions, and final recommendations of the Commission.

“SEC. 8 TERMINATION.

“The Commission may terminate on such date as the Commission may determine after it submits its final report pursuant to section 7(c), but not later than December 31, 2011 .

“SEC. 9 ANNUAL AUDIT.

“SEC. 10 PROHIBITION ON OBLIGATION OF FEDERAL FUNDS.

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

“SEC. 201 SHORT TITLE.

“This title may be cited as the ‘225th Anniversary of the American Revolution Commemoration Act’.

“SEC. 202 FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.

(“(a) FINDINGS.— Congress finds the following: The American Revolution, inspired by the spirit of liberty and independence among the inhabitants of the original 13 colonies of Great Britain, was an event of global significance having a profound and lasting effect upon American Government, laws, culture, society, and values. The years 2000 through 2008 mark the 225th anniversary of the Revolutionary War. Every generation of American citizens should have an opportunity to understand and appreciate the continuing legacy of the American Revolution. This 225th anniversary provides an opportunity to enhance public awareness and understanding of the impact of the American Revolution’s legacy on the lives of citizens today. Although the National Park Service administers battlefields, historical parks, historic sites, and programs that address elements of the story of the American Revolution, there is a need to establish partnerships that link sites and programs administered by the National Park Service with those of other Federal and non-Federal entities in order to place the story of the American Revolution in the broad context of its causes, consequences, and meanings. The story and significance of the American Revolution can best engage the American people through a national program of the National Park Service that links historic structures and sites, routes, activities, community projects, exhibits, and multimedia materials, in a manner that is both unified and flexible.

(“(b) Purposes.— The purposes of this Act [probably should be “title”] are as follows: To recognize the enduring importance of the American Revolution in the lives of American citizens today. To authorize the National Park Service to coordinate, connect, and facilitate Federal and non-Federal activities to commemorate, honor, and interpret the history of the American Revolution, its significance, and its relevance to the shape and spirit of American Government and society.

“SEC. 203 225TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION COMMEMORATION PROGRAM.

(“(a) In General.— The Secretary of the Interior (hereinafter in this Act [title] referred to as the ‘Secretary’) shall establish a program to be known as the ‘225th Anniversary of the American Revolution Commemoration’ (hereinafter in this Act [title] referred to as the ‘225th Anniversary’). In administering the 225th Anniversary, the Secretary shall— produce and disseminate to appropriate persons educational materials, such as handbooks, maps, interpretive guides, or electronic information related to the 225th Anniversary and the American Revolution; enter into appropriate cooperative agreements and memoranda of understanding to provide technical assistance under subsection (c); assist in the protection of resources associated with the American Revolution; enhance communications, connections, and collaboration among the National Park Service units and programs related to the Revolutionary War; expand the research base for American Revolution interpretation and education; and create and adopt an official, uniform symbol or device for the theme ‘Lighting Freedom’s Flame: American Revolution, 225th Anniversary’ and issue regulations for its use.

(“(b) Elements.— The 225th Anniversary shall encompass the following elements: All units and programs of the National Park Service determined by the Secretary to pertain to the American Revolution. Other governmental and nongovernmental sites, facilities, and programs of an educational, research, or interpretive nature that are documented to be directly related to the American Revolution. Through the Secretary of State, the participation of the Governments of the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and Canada.

(“(c) Cooperative Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding.— To achieve the purposes of this Act [title] and to ensure effective coordination of the Federal and non-Federal elements of the 225th Anniversary with National Park Service units and programs, the Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements and memoranda of understanding with, and provide technical assistance to, the following: The heads of other Federal agencies, States, units of local government, and private entities. In cooperation with the Secretary of State, the Governments of the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and Canada.

(“(d) Authorization of Appropriations.— There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this Act [title] $500,000 for each of fiscal years 2004 through 2009.”

§ 101 American Heart Month

The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation— designating February as American Heart Month; inviting the chief executive officers of the States, territories, and possessions of the United States to issue proclamations designating February as American Heart Month; and urging the people of the United States to recognize the nationwide problem of heart and blood vessel diseases and to support all essential programs required to solve the problem. ( Pub. L. 105–225 , Aug. 12, 1998 , 112 Stat. 1254 .)

§ 102 Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month

(a) Designation.— May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.

(b) Proclamations.— The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation calling on the people of the United States, and the chief executive officers of each State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau are requested to issue each year proclamations calling on the people of their respective jurisdictions, to observe Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

§ 103 Cancer Control Month

(a) General.— The President is requested— to issue each year a proclamation designating April as Cancer Control Month; and to invite each year the chief executive officers of the States, territories, and possessions of the United States to issue proclamations designating April as Cancer Control Month.

(b) Contents of Proclamations.— As part of those proclamations, the chief executive officers and President are requested to invite the medical profession, the press, and all agencies and individuals interested in a national program for the control of cancer by education and other cooperative means to unite during Cancer Control Month in a public dedication to the program and in a concerted effort to make the people of the United States aware of the need for the program.

§ 104 Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day

(a) Designation.— The first Saturday after Labor Day is Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day.

(b) Proclamation.— The President shall issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. However, activities may be undertaken in individual States on a day other than the first Saturday after Labor Day if a manager of Federal land decides that an alternative date is more appropriate because of climatological or other factors.

§ 105 Child Health Day

The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation— designating the first Monday in October as Child Health Day; and inviting all agencies and organizations interested in child welfare to unite on Child Health Day in observing exercises that will make the people of the United States aware of the fundamental necessity of a year-round program to protect and develop the health of the children of the United States. ( Pub. L. 105–225 , Aug. 12, 1998 , 112 Stat. 1255 .)

§ 106 Constitution Day and Citizenship Day

(a) Designation.— September 17 is designated as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.

(b) Purpose.— Constitution Day and Citizenship Day commemorate the formation and signing on September 17, 1787 , of the Constitution and recognize all who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become citizens.

(c) Proclamation.— The President may issue each year a proclamation calling on United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on Constitution Day and Citizenship Day and inviting the people of the United States to observe Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies.

(d) State and Local Observances.— The civil and educational authorities of States, counties, cities, and towns are urged to make plans for the proper observance of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day and for the complete instruction of citizens in their responsibilities and opportunities as citizens of the United States and of the State and locality in which they reside.

§ 107 Columbus Day

The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation— designating the second Monday in October as Columbus Day; calling on United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on Columbus Day; and inviting the people of the United States to observe Columbus Day, in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies that express the public sentiment befitting the anniversary of the discovery of America. ( Pub. L. 105–225 , Aug. 12, 1998 , 112 Stat. 1256 .)

§ 108 Constitution Week

The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation— designating September 17 through September 23 as Constitution Week; and inviting the people of the United States to observe Constitution Week, in schools, churches, and other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies and activities. ( Pub. L. 105–225 , Aug. 12, 1998 , 112 Stat. 1256 .)

§ 109 Father’s Day

(a) Designation.— The third Sunday in June is Father’s Day.

(b) Proclamation.— The President is requested to issue a proclamation— calling on United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on Father’s Day; inviting State and local governments and the people of the United States to observe Father’s Day with appropriate ceremonies; and urging the people of the United States to offer public and private expressions of Father’s Day to the abiding love and gratitude they have for their fathers.

§ 110 Flag Day

(a) Designation.— June 14 is Flag Day.

(b) Proclamation.— The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation— calling on United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on Flag Day; and urging the people of the United States to observe Flag Day as the anniversary of the adoption on June 14, 1777 , by the Continental Congress of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States.

§ 111 Gold Star Mother’s Day

(a) Designation.— The last Sunday in September is Gold Star Mother’s Day.

(b) Proclamation.— The President is requested to issue a proclamation calling on United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings, and the people of the United States to display the flag and hold appropriate meetings at homes, churches, or other suitable places, on Gold Star Mother’s Day as a public expression of the love, sorrow, and reverence of the people for Gold Star Mothers.

§ 112 Honor America Days

(a) Designation.— The 21 days from Flag Day through Independence Day is a period to honor America.

(b) Congressional Declaration.— Congress declares that there be public gatherings and activities during that period at which the people of the United States can celebrate and honor their country in an appropriate way.

§ 113 Law Day, U.S.A.

(a) Designation.— May 1 is Law Day, U.S.A.

(b) Purpose.— Law Day, U.S.A., is a special day of celebration by the people of the United States— in appreciation of their liberties and the reaffirmation of their loyalty to the United States and of their rededication to the ideals of equality and justice under law in their relations with each other and with other countries; and for the cultivation of the respect for law that is so vital to the democratic way of life.

(c) Proclamation.— The President is requested to issue a proclamation— calling on all public officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on Law Day, U.S.A.; and inviting the people of the United States to observe Law Day, U.S.A., with appropriate ceremonies and in other appropriate ways, through public entities and private organizations and in schools and other suitable places.

§ 114 Leif Erikson Day

The President may issue each year a proclamation designating October 9 as Leif Erikson Day. ( Pub. L. 105–225 , Aug. 12, 1998 , 112 Stat. 1257 .)

§ 115 Loyalty Day

(a) Designation.— May 1 is Loyalty Day.

(b) Purpose.— Loyalty Day is a special day for the reaffirmation of loyalty to the United States and for the recognition of the heritage of American freedom.

(c) Proclamation.— The President is requested to issue a proclamation— calling on United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on Loyalty Day; and inviting the people of the United States to observe Loyalty Day with appropriate ceremonies in schools and other suitable places.

§ 116 Memorial Day

(a) Designation.— The last Monday in May is Memorial Day.

(b) Proclamation.— The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation— calling on the people of the United States to observe Memorial Day by praying, according to their individual religious faith, for permanent peace; designating a period of time on Memorial Day during which the people may unite in prayer for a permanent peace; calling on the people of the United States to unite in prayer at that time; and calling on the media to join in observing Memorial Day and the period of prayer.

“SECTION 1 SHORT TITLE.

“This Act may be cited as the ‘National Moment of Remembrance Act’.

“SEC. 2 FINDINGS.

“Congress finds that— it is essential to remember and renew the legacy of Memorial Day, which was established in 1868 to pay tribute to individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States and their families; greater strides must be made to demonstrate appreciation for those loyal people of the United States whose values, represented by their sacrifices, are critical to the future of the United States; the Federal Government has a responsibility to raise awareness of and respect for the national heritage, and to encourage citizens to dedicate themselves to the values and principles for which those heroes of the United States died; the relevance of Memorial Day must be made more apparent to present and future generations of people of the United States through local and national observances and ongoing activities; in House Concurrent Resolution 302, agreed to May 25, 2000 , Congress called on the people of the United States, in a symbolic act of unity, to observe a National Moment of Remembrance to honor the men and women of the United States who died in the pursuit of freedom and peace; in Presidential Proclamation No. 7315 of May 26, 2000 (65 Fed. Reg. 34907), the President proclaimed Memorial Day, May 29, 2000 , as a day of prayer for permanent peace, and designated 3:00 p.m. local time on that day as the time to join in prayer and to observe the National Moment of Remembrance; and a National Moment of Remembrance and other commemorative events are needed to reclaim Memorial Day as the sacred and noble event that that day is intended to be.

“SEC. 3 DEFINITIONS.

“In this Act: The term ‘Alliance’ means the Remembrance Alliance established by section 9(a). The term ‘Commission’ means the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance established by section 5(a). The term ‘Executive Director and White House Liaison’ means the Executive Director and White House Liaison appointed under section 10(a)(1). The term ‘Memorial Day’ means the legal public holiday designated as Memorial Day by section 6103(a) of title 5 , United States Code. The term ‘tribal government’ means the governing body of an Indian tribe (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 450b ) [now 25 U.S.C. 5304 ][)].

“SEC. 4 NATIONAL MOMENT OF REMEMBRANCE.

“The minute beginning at 3:00 p.m. (local time) on Memorial Day each year is designated as the ‘National Moment of Remembrance’.

“SEC. 5 ESTABLISHMENT OF WHITE HOUSE COMMISSION ON THE NATIONAL MOMENT OF REMEMBRANCE.

(“(a) Establishment.— There is established a commission to be known as the ‘White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance’.

(“(b) Membership.— The Commission shall be composed of the following: 4 members appointed by the President, including at least 1 representative of tribal governments. The Secretary of Defense (or a designee). The Secretary of Veterans Affairs (or a designee). The Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution (or a designee). The Director of the Office of Personnel Management (or a designee). The Administrator of General Services (or a designee). The Secretary of Transportation (or a designee). The Secretary of Education (or a designee). The Secretary of the Interior (or a designee). The Executive Director of the President’s Commission on White House Fellows (or a designee). The Secretary of the Army (or a designee). The Secretary of the Navy (or a designee). The Secretary of the Air Force (or a designee). The Commandant of the Marine Corps (or a designee). The Commandant of the Coast Guard (or a designee). The Executive Director and White House Liaison (or a designee). The Chief of Staff of the Army. The Chief of Naval Operations. The Chief of Staff of the Air Force. Any other member, the appointment of whom the Commission determines is necessary to carry out this Act. The members appointed to the Commission under subparagraphs (K) through (T) of paragraph (1) shall be nonvoting members. All appointments under paragraph (1) shall be made not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 28, 2000 ].

(“(c) Term; Vacancies.— A member shall be appointed to the Commission for the life of the Commission. A vacancy on the Commission— shall not affect the powers of the Commission; and shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment was made.

(“(d) Initial Meeting.— Not later than 30 days after the date specified in subsection (b)(3) for completion of appointments, the Commission shall hold the initial meeting of the Commission.

(“(e) Meetings.— The Commission shall meet at the call of the Chairperson.

(“(f) Quorum.— A majority of the voting members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number of members may hold hearings.

(“(g) Chairperson and Vice Chairperson.— The Commission shall select a Chairperson and a Vice Chairperson from among the members of the Commission at the initial meeting of the Commission.

“SEC. 6 DUTIES.

(“(a) In General.— The Commission shall— encourage the people of the United States to give something back to their country, which provides them so much freedom and opportunity; encourage national, State, local, and tribal participation by individuals and entities in commemoration of Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance, including participation by— national humanitarian and patriotic organizations; elementary, secondary, and higher education institutions; veterans’ societies and civic, patriotic, educational, sporting, artistic, cultural, and historical organizations; Federal departments and agencies; and museums, including cultural and historical museums; and provide national coordination for commemorations in the United States of Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance.

(“(b) Reports.— For each fiscal year in which the Commission is in existence, the Commission shall submit to the President and Congress a report describing the activities of the Commission during the fiscal year. A report under paragraph (1) may include— recommendations regarding appropriate activities to commemorate Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance, including— the production, publication, and distribution of books, pamphlets, films, and other educational materials; bibliographical and documentary projects and publications; conferences, convocations, lectures, seminars, and other similar programs; the development of exhibits for libraries, museums, and other appropriate institutions; ceremonies and celebrations commemorating specific events that relate to the history of wars of the United States; and competitions, commissions, and awards regarding historical, scholarly, artistic, literary, musical, and other works, programs, and projects related to commemoration of Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance; recommendations to appropriate agencies or advisory bodies regarding the issuance by the United States of commemorative coins, medals, and stamps relating to Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance; recommendations for any legislation or administrative action that the Commission determines to be appropriate regarding the commemoration of Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance; an accounting of funds received and expended by the Commission in the fiscal year covered by the report, including a detailed description of the source and amount of any funds donated to the Commission in that fiscal year; and a description of cooperative agreements and contracts entered into by the Commission.

“SEC. 7 POWERS.

(“(a) Hearings.— The Commission may hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the Commission considers advisable to carry out this Act. The Commission shall provide for reasonable public participation in matters before 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 solicit, accept, use, and dispose of, without further Act of appropriation, gifts, bequests, devises, and donations of services or property.

(“(e) Powers of Members and Agents.— Any member or agent of the Commission may, if authorized by the Commission, take any action that the Commission is authorized to take under this Act.

(“(f) Authority To Procure and To Make Legal Agreements.— Subject to the availability of appropriations, to carry out this Act, the Chairperson or Vice Chairperson of the Commission or the Executive Director and White House Liaison may, on behalf of the Commission— procure supplies, services, and property; and enter into contracts, leases, and other legal agreements. Except as provided in paragraph (1), nothing in this Act authorizes a member of the Commission to procure any item or enter into any agreement described in that paragraph. A contract, lease, or other legal agreement entered into by the Commission may not extend beyond the date of termination of the Commission. Any supply, property, or other asset that is acquired by, and, on the date of termination of the Commission, remains in the possession of, the Commission shall be considered property of the General Services Administration.

(“(g) Exclusive Right to Name, Logos, Emblems, Seals, and Marks.— The Commission may devise any logo, emblem, seal, or other designating mark that the Commission determines— to be required to carry out the duties of the Commission; or to be appropriate for use in connection with the commemoration of Memorial Day or the National Moment of Remembrance. The Commission— shall have the sole and exclusive right to use the name ‘White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance’ on any logo, emblem, seal, or descriptive or designating mark that the Commission lawfully adopts; and shall have the sole and exclusive right to allow or refuse the use by any other entity of the name ‘White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance’ on any logo, emblem, seal, or descriptive or designating mark. Unless otherwise provided by law, all rights of the Commission under subparagraph (A) shall be transferred to the Administrator of General Services on the date of termination of the Commission. Nothing in this subsection affects any right established or vested before the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 28, 2000 ]. The Commission may, without further Act of appropriation, use funds received from licensing royalties under this section to carry out this Act.

“SEC. 8 COMMISSION PERSONNEL MATTERS.

(“(a) Compensation of Members.— A member of the Commission who is not an officer or employee of the Federal Government may be compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5 , United States Code, for each day (including travel time) during which the member is engaged in the performance of the duties of the 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) Travel Expenses.— A member of the Commission may 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.— The Chairperson of the Commission or the Executive Director and White House Liaison may, without regard to the civil service laws (including regulations), appoint and terminate such additional personnel as are necessary to enable the Commission to perform the duties of the Commission. Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the Chairperson of the Commission may fix the compensation of the Executive Director and White House Liaison 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. The rate of pay for the Executive Director and White House Liaison and other personnel shall not exceed the rate equal to the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5 , United States Code, for each day (including travel time) during which the member is engaged in the performance of the duties of the Commission.

(“(d) Detail of Federal Government Employees.— In addition to the details under paragraph (2), on request of the Chairperson, the Vice Chairperson, or the Executive Director and White House Liaison, an employee of the Federal Government may be detailed to the Commission without reimbursement. The Secretary of the Army and the Secretary of the Air Force shall each detail a commissioned officer above the grade of captain to assist the Commission in carrying out this Act. The Secretary of the Navy shall detail a commissioned officer of the Navy above the grade of lieutenant and a commissioned officer of the Marine Corps above the grade of captain to assist the Commission in carrying out this Act. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Education shall each detail an officer or employee compensated above the level of GS–12 in accordance with subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code to assist the Commission in carrying out this Act. The detail of any officer or employee under this subsection shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege.

(“(f) Cooperative Agreements.— The Commission may enter into a cooperative agreement with another entity, including any Federal agency, State or local government, or private entity, under which the entity may assist the Commission in— carrying out the duties of the Commission under this Act; and contributing to public awareness of and interest in Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance. On the request of the Commission, the Administrator of General Services shall provide to the Commission, on a reimbursable basis, any administrative support services and any property, equipment, or office space that the Commission determines to be necessary to carry out this Act.

(“(g) Support From Nonprofit Sector.— The Commission may accept program support from nonprofit organizations.

“SEC. 9 REMEMBRANCE ALLIANCE.

(“(a) Establishment.— There is established the Remembrance Alliance.

(“(b) Composition.— The Alliance shall be composed of individuals, appointed by the Commission, that are representatives or members of— the print, broadcast, or other media industry; the national sports community; the recreation industry; the entertainment industry; the retail industry; the food industry; the health care industry; the transportation industry; the education community; national veterans organizations; and families that have lost loved ones in combat. On recommendation of the Alliance, the Commission may appoint honorary, nonvoting members to the Alliance. Any vacancy in the membership of the Alliance shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made. The Alliance shall conduct meetings in accordance with procedures approved by the Commission.

(“(c) Term.— The Commission may fix the term of appointment for members of the Alliance.

(“(d) Duties.— The Alliance shall assist the Commission in carrying out this Act by— planning, organizing, and implementing an annual White House Conference on the National Moment of Remembrance and other similar events; promoting the observance of Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance through appropriate means, subject to any guidelines developed by the Commission; establishing necessary incentives for Federal, State, and local governments and private sector entities to sponsor and participate in programs initiated by the Commission or the Alliance; evaluating the effectiveness of efforts by the Commission and the Alliance in carrying out this Act; and carrying out such other duties as are assigned by the Commission.

(“(e) Alliance Personnel Matters.— A member of the Alliance shall serve without compensation for the services of the member to the Alliance. A member of the Alliance may be allowed reimbursement for 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.

(“(f) Termination.— The Alliance shall terminate on the date of termination of the Commission.

“SEC. 10 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND WHITE HOUSE LIAISON.

(“(a) Appointment.— The Director of the Committee Management Secretariat Staff of the General Services Administration shall appoint an individual as Executive Director and White House Liaison. The Executive Director and White House Liaison may be appointed without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service.

(“(b) Duties.— The Executive Director and White House Liaison shall— serve as a liaison between the Commission and the President; serve as chief of staff of the Commission; and coordinate the efforts of the Commission and the President on all matters relating to this Act, including matters relating to the National Moment of Remembrance.

(“(c) Compensation.— The Executive Director and White House Liaison may be compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5 , United States Code, for each day (including travel time) during which the Executive Director and White House Liaison is engaged in the performance of the duties of the Commission.

“[SEC. 11

Repealed. Pub. L. 110–161, div. H, title I, § 1502(e) , Dec. 26, 2007 , 121 Stat. 2250 .]

“SEC. 12 AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

“There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act, to remain available until expended— $500, 000 f or f i sc a l ye a r 2001; an d$ 250,000 for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2009.

“SEC. 13 TERMINATION.

“The Commission shall terminate on the earlier of— a date specified by the President that is at least 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act [ Dec. 28, 2000 ]; or the date that is 10 years after the date of enactment of this Act.”

§ 117 Mother’s Day

(a) Designation.— The second Sunday in May is Mother’s Day.

(b) Proclamation.— The President is requested to issue a proclamation calling on United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings, and on the people of the United States to display the flag at their homes or other suitable places, on Mother’s Day as a public expression of love and reverence for the mothers of the United States.

§ 118 National Aviation Day

The President may issue each year a proclamation— designating August 19 as National Aviation Day; calling on United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on National Aviation Day; and inviting the people of the United States to observe National Aviation Day with appropriate exercises to further stimulate interest in aviation in the United States. ( Pub. L. 105–225 , Aug. 12, 1998 , 112 Stat. 1258 .)

§ 119 National Day of Prayer

The President shall issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals. ( Pub. L. 105–225 , Aug. 12, 1998 , 112 Stat. 1258 .)

§ 120 National Defense Transportation Day

The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation— designating the third Friday in May as National Defense Transportation Day; and urging the people of the United States, including labor, management, users, and investors, in all communities served by the various forms of transportation to observe National Defense Transportation Day by appropriate ceremonies that will give complete recognition to the importance to each community and its people of the transportation system of the United States and the maintenance of the facilities of the system in the most modern state of adequacy to serve the needs of the United States in times of peace and in national defense. ( Pub. L. 105–225 , Aug. 12, 1998 , 112 Stat. 1258 .)

§ 121 National Disability Employment Awareness Month

(a) Designation.— October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

(b) Ceremonies.— Appropriate ceremonies shall be held throughout the United States during National Disability Employment Awareness Month to enlist public support for, and interest in, the employment of workers with disabilities who are otherwise qualified. Governors, mayors, heads of other governmental entities, and interested organizations and individuals are invited to participate in the ceremonies.

(c) Proclamation.— The President is requested to issue each year a suitable proclamation.

§ 122 National Flag Week

The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation— designating the week in which June 14 falls as National Flag Week; and calling on citizens to display the flag of the United States during National Flag Week. ( Pub. L. 105–225 , Aug. 12, 1998 , 112 Stat. 1259 .)

§ 123 National Forest Products Week

(a) Designation.— The week beginning on the third Sunday in October is National Forest Products Week.

(b) Proclamation.— The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe National Forest Products Week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

§ 124 National Freedom Day

The President may issue each year a proclamation designating February 1 as National Freedom Day to commemorate the signing by Abraham Lincoln on February 1, 1865 , of the joint resolution adopted by the Senate and the House of Representatives that proposed the 13th amendment to the Constitution. ( Pub. L. 105–225 , Aug. 12, 1998 , 112 Stat. 1259 .)

§ 125 National Grandparents Day

The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation— designating the first Sunday in September after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day; and calling on the people of the United States and interested groups and organizations to observe National Grandparents Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. ( Pub. L. 105–225 , Aug. 12, 1998 , 112 Stat. 1259 .)

§ 126 National Hispanic Heritage Month

The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation— designating September 15 through October 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month; and calling on the people of the United States, especially the educational community, to observe National Hispanic Heritage Month with appropriate ceremonies and activities. ( Pub. L. 105–225 , Aug. 12, 1998 , 112 Stat. 1259 .)

§ 127 National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day

(a) Designation.— July 27 of each year until 2003 is National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day.

(b) Proclamation.— The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation calling on— the people of the United States to observe National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities; and all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States Government, and interested organizations, groups, and individuals, to fly the flag of the United States at halfstaff on July 27 of each year until 2003 in honor of the individuals who died as a result of their service in Korea.

§ 128 National Maritime Day

(a) Designation.— May 22 is National Maritime Day.

(b) Proclamation.— The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation calling on— the people of the United States to observe National Maritime Day by displaying the flag of the United States at their homes or other suitable places; and United States Government officials to display the flag on all Government buildings on National Maritime Day.

§ 129 National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

(a) Designation.— December 7 is National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

(b) Proclamation.— The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation calling on— the people of the United States to observe National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities; and all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States Government, and interested organizations, groups, and individuals, to fly the flag of the United States at halfstaff each December 7 in honor of the individuals who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.

§ 130 National Poison Prevention Week

The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation designating the third week in March as National Poison Prevention Week to aid in encouraging the people of the United States to learn of the dangers of accidental poisoning and to take preventive measures that are warranted by the seriousness of the danger. ( Pub. L. 105–225 , Aug. 12, 1998 , 112 Stat. 1260 .)

§ 131 National Safe Boating Week

The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation designating the 7-day period ending on the last Friday before Memorial Day as National Safe Boating Week. ( Pub. L. 105–225 , Aug. 12, 1998 , 112 Stat. 1260 .)

§ 132 National School Lunch Week

(a) Designation.— The week beginning on the second Sunday in October is National School Lunch Week.

(b) Proclamation.— The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe National School Lunch Week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

§ 133 National Transportation Week

The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation— designating the week that includes the third Friday of May as National Transportation Week; and inviting the people of the United States to observe National Transportation Week with appropriate ceremonies and activities as a tribute to the men and women who, night and day, move goods and individuals throughout the United States. ( Pub. L. 105–225 , Aug. 12, 1998 , 112 Stat. 1260 .)

§ 134 Pan American Aviation Day

The President may issue each year a proclamation— designating December 17 as Pan American Aviation Day; and calling on all officials of the United States Government, the chief executive offices of the States, territories, and possessions of the United States, and all citizens to participate in the observance of Pan American Aviation Day to further, and stimulate interest in, aviation in the American countries as an important stimulus to the further development of more rapid communications and a cultural development between the countries of the Western Hemisphere. ( Pub. L. 105–225 , Aug. 12, 1998 , 112 Stat. 1261 .)

§ 135 Parents’ Day

(a) Designation.— The fourth Sunday in July is Parents’ Day.

(b) Recognition.— All private citizens, organizations, and Federal, State, and local governmental and legislative entities are encouraged to recognize Parents’ Day through proclamations, activities, and educational efforts in furtherance of recognizing, uplifting, and supporting the role of parents in bringing up their children.

§ 136 Peace Officers Memorial Day

The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation— designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day in honor of Federal, State, and local officers killed or disabled in the line of duty; directing United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States at halfstaff on all Government buildings on Peace Officers Memorial Day, as provided by section 7(m) of title 4 , United States Code; and inviting State and local governments and the people of the United States to observe Peace Officers Memorial Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, including the display of the flag at halfstaff. ( Pub. L. 105–225 , Aug. 12, 1998 , 112 Stat. 1261 .)

§ 137 Police Week

The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation— designating the week in which May 15 occurs as Police Week in recognition of the service given by men and women who stand guard to protect the people of the United States through law enforcement; and inviting State and local governments and the people of the United States to observe Police Week with appropriate ceremonies and activities, including the display of the flag at halfstaff. ( Pub. L. 105–225 , Aug. 12, 1998 , 112 Stat. 1261 .)

§ 138 Save Your Vision Week

The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation— designating the first week in March as Save Your Vision Week; inviting the governors and mayors of State and local governments to issue proclamations designating the first week in March as Save Your Vision Week; inviting the communications media, health care professions, and other agencies and individuals concerned with programs for the improvement of vision to unite during Save Your Vision Week in public activities to convince the people of the United States of the importance of vision to their welfare and the welfare of the United States; and urging the media, health care professions, and other agencies and individuals to support programs to improve and protect the vision of the people of the United States. ( Pub. L. 105–225 , Aug. 12, 1998 , 112 Stat. 1261 .)

§ 139 Steelmark Month

(a) Designation.— May is Steelmark Month.

(b) Purpose.— Steelmark Month recognizes the tremendous contribution made by the steel industry in the United States to national security and defense.

(c) Proclamation.— The President is requested to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe Steelmark Month with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

§ 140 Stephen Foster Memorial Day

The President may issue each year a proclamation— designating January 13 as Stephen Foster Memorial Day; and calling on the people of the United States to observe Stephen Foster Memorial Day with appropriate ceremonies, pilgrimages to his shrines, and musical programs featuring his compositions. ( Pub. L. 105–225 , Aug. 12, 1998 , 112 Stat. 1262 .)

§ 141 Thomas Jefferson’s birthday

The President shall issue each year a proclamation— calling on officials of the United States Government to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on April 13; and inviting the people of the United States to observe April 13 in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies in commemoration of Thomas Jefferson’s birthday. ( Pub. L. 105–225 , Aug. 12, 1998 , 112 Stat. 1262 .)

§ 142 White Cane Safety Day

The President may issue each year a proclamation— designating October 15 as White Cane Safety Day; and calling on the people of the United States to observe White Cane Safety Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. ( Pub. L. 105–225 , Aug. 12, 1998 , 112 Stat. 1262 .)

§ 143 Wright Brothers Day

(a) Designation.— December 17 is Wright Brothers Day.

(b) Purpose.— Wright Brothers Day commemorates the first successful flights in a heavier than air, mechanically propelled airplane, that were made by Orville and Wilbur Wright on December 17, 1903 , near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

(c) Proclamation.— The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation inviting the people of the United States to observe Wright Brothers Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

§ 144 Patriot Day

(a) Designation.— September 11 is Patriot Day.

(b) Proclamation.— The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation calling on— State and local governments and the people of the United States to observe Patriot Day with appropriate programs and activities; all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States and interested organizations and individuals to display the flag of the United States at halfstaff on Patriot Day in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001 ; and the people of the United States to observe a moment of silence on Patriot Day in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001 .

§ 145 Veterans Day

The President shall issue each year a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe two minutes of silence on Veterans Day in honor of the service and sacrifice of veterans throughout the history of the Nation, beginning at— 3:11 p.m. Atlantic standard time; 2:11 p.m. eastern standard time; 1:11 p.m. central standard time; 12:11 p.m. mountain standard time; 11:11 a.m. Pacific standard time; 10:11 a.m. Alaska standard time; and 9:11 a.m. Hawaii-Aleutian standard time. (Added Pub. L. 114–240, § 2(a) , Oct. 7, 2016 , 130 Stat. 974 .)

§ 146 National Atomic Veterans Day

The President shall issue each year a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to— observe Atomic Veterans Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities; and remember and honor the atomic veterans of the United States whose brave service and sacrifice played an important role in the defense of the Nation. (Added Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title X, § 1084(a) , Dec. 27, 2021 , 135 Stat. 1924 .)

§ 147 Choose Respect Day

(a) Designation.— October 1 is Choose Respect Day.

(b) Recognition.— All private citizens, organizations, and Federal, State, and local governmental and legislative entities are encouraged to recognize Choose Respect Day through proclamations, activities, and educational efforts in furtherance of changing the culture around the tolerance of violence against women.

§ 148 U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day

(a) Designation.— March 9 is U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day.

(b) Proclamation.— The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

Federal • Lex Graph

Explorer

CHAPTER 1 - PATRIOTIC AND NATIONAL OBSERVANCES

CHAPTER 1 - PATRIOTIC AND NATIONAL OBSERVANCES

Sections (142)

“SECTION 1 SHORT TITLE.

“SEC. 2 FINDINGS.

“SEC. 3 ESTABLISHMENT.

“SEC. 4 DUTIES.

“SEC. 5 MEMBERSHIP.

“SEC. 6 DIRECTOR AND STAFF.

“SEC. 7 POWERS.

“SEC. 8 REPORTS.

“SEC. 9 TERMINATION.

“SEC. 10 EXPENDITURES OF COMMISSION.

“SECTION 1 SHORT TITLE.

“SEC. 2 PROGRAM TO COMMEMORATE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF WORLD WAR II.

“SECTION 1 SHORT TITLE.

“SEC. 2 DEFINITIONS.

“SEC. 3 ESTABLISHMENT.

“SEC. 4 COMMISSION MEETINGS.

“SEC. 5 COMMISSION POWERS.

“SEC. 6 COMMISSION PERSONNEL MATTERS.

“SEC. 7 PLANS; REPORTS.

“SEC. 8 TERMINATION OF COMMISSION.

“SEC. 9 EXPENDITURES OF COMMISSION.

“SECTION 1 SHORT TITLE.

“SEC. 2 FINDINGS.

“SEC. 3 ESTABLISHMENT.

“SEC. 4 DUTIES.

“SEC. 5 MEMBERSHIP.

“SEC. 6 DIRECTOR AND STAFF.

“SEC. 7 POWERS.

“SEC. 8 REPORTS.

“SEC. 9 TERMINATION.

“SEC. 10 NO ADDITIONAL FUNDS AUTHORIZED.

“SECTION 1 SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

“SEC. 2 FINDINGS.

“SEC. 3 ESTABLISHMENT OF WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE CENTENNIAL COMMISSION.

“SEC. 4 DUTIES OF CENTENNIAL COMMISSION.

“SEC. 5 POWERS OF CENTENNIAL COMMISSION.

“SEC. 6 CENTENNIAL COMMISSION PERSONNEL MATTERS.

“SEC. 7 TERMINATION OF CENTENNIAL COMMISSION.

“SEC. 8 AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

“SECTION 1 SHORT TITLE.

“SEC. 2 ESTABLISHMENT.

“SEC. 3 DUTIES OF COMMISSION.

“SEC. 4 MEMBERSHIP.

“SEC. 5 DIRECTOR AND STAFF OF COMMISSION.

“SEC. 6 POWERS OF COMMISSION.

“SEC. 7 REPORTS.

“SEC. 8 TERMINATION.

“SEC. 9 ANNUAL AUDIT.

“SEC. 10 PROHIBITION ON OBLIGATION OF FEDERAL FUNDS.

“SECTION 1 SHORT TITLE.

“SEC. 2 FINDINGS; PURPOSE.

“SEC. 3 DEFINITIONS.

“SEC. 4 ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION.

“SEC. 5 DUTIES.

“SEC. 6 COORDINATION.

“SEC. 7 POWERS.

“SEC. 8 COMMISSION PERSONNEL MATTERS.

“SEC. 9 EXPENDITURES OF COMMISSION.

“SEC. 10 TERMINATION OF COMMISSION.

“SECTION 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 LIMITATION ON OBLIGATION OF FEDERAL FUNDS.

“SECTION 1 SHORT TITLE.

“SEC. 2 ESTABLISHMENT.

“SEC. 3 DUTIES OF COMMISSION.

“SEC. 4 MEMBERSHIP.

“SEC. 5 DIRECTOR AND STAFF OF COMMISSION.

“SEC. 6 POWERS OF COMMISSION.

“SEC. 7 REPORTS.

§ 101 American Heart Month

§ 102 Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month

§ 103 Cancer Control Month

§ 104 Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day

§ 105 Child Health Day

§ 106 Constitution Day and Citizenship Day

§ 107 Columbus Day

§ 108 Constitution Week

§ 109 Father’s Day

§ 110 Flag Day

§ 111 Gold Star Mother’s Day

§ 112 Honor America Days

§ 113 Law Day, U.S.A.

§ 114 Leif Erikson Day

§ 115 Loyalty Day

§ 116 Memorial Day

§ 117 Mother’s Day

§ 118 National Aviation Day

§ 119 National Day of Prayer

§ 120 National Defense Transportation Day

§ 121 National Disability Employment Awareness Month

§ 122 National Flag Week

§ 123 National Forest Products Week

§ 124 National Freedom Day

§ 125 National Grandparents Day

§ 126 National Hispanic Heritage Month

§ 127 National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day

§ 128 National Maritime Day

§ 129 National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

§ 130 National Poison Prevention Week

§ 131 National Safe Boating Week

§ 132 National School Lunch Week

§ 133 National Transportation Week

§ 134 Pan American Aviation Day

§ 135 Parents’ Day

§ 136 Peace Officers Memorial Day

§ 137 Police Week

§ 138 Save Your Vision Week

§ 139 Steelmark Month

§ 140 Stephen Foster Memorial Day

§ 141 Thomas Jefferson’s birthday

§ 142 White Cane Safety Day

§ 143 Wright Brothers Day

§ 144 Patriot Day

§ 145 Veterans Day

§ 146 National Atomic Veterans Day

§ 147 Choose Respect Day

§ 148 U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day