[114th Congress Public Law 196]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[[Page 130 STAT. 685]]
Public Law 114-196
114th Congress
An Act
To establish the United States Semiquincentennial Commission, and for
other purposes. <<NOTE: July 22, 2016 - [H.R. 4875]>>
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, <<NOTE: United
States Semiquin- centennial Commission Act of 2016. 36 USC 101 note
prec.>>
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``United States Semiquincentennial
Commission Act of 2016''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS; PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that July 4, 2026, the 250th
anniversary of the founding of the United States, as marked by the
Declaration of Independence in 1776, and the historic events preceding
that anniversary--
(1) are of major significance in the development of the
national heritage of the United States of individual liberty,
representative government, and the attainment of equal and
inalienable rights; and
(2) have had a profound influence throughout the world.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to establish a Commission
to provide for the observance and commemoration of the 250th anniversary
of the founding of the United States and related events through local,
State, national, and international activities planned, encouraged,
developed, and coordinated by a national commission representative of
appropriate public and private authorities and organizations.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the United
States Semiquincentennial Commission established by section
4(a).
(2) Private citizen.--The term ``private citizen'' means an
individual who is not an officer or employee of--
(A) the Federal Government; or
(B) a State or local government.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION.
(a) In General.--There is established a commission, to be known as
the ``United States Semiquincentennial Commission'', to plan, encourage,
develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the history of the United
States leading up to the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United
States.
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(b) Composition.--The Commission shall be composed of the following
members:
(1) Four members of the Senate, of whom--
(A) two shall be appointed by the majority leader of
the Senate; and
(B) two shall be appointed by the minority leader of
the Senate.
(2) Four members of the House of Representatives, of whom--
(A) two shall be appointed by the Speaker of the
House of Representatives; and
(B) two shall be appointed by the minority leader of
the House of Representatives.
(3) Sixteen members who are private citizens, of whom--
(A) four shall be appointed by the majority leader
of the Senate;
(B) four shall be appointed by the minority leader
of the Senate;
(C) four shall be appointed by the Speaker of the
House of Representatives;
(D) four shall be appointed by the minority leader
of the House of Representatives; and
(E) <<NOTE: President.>> one of whom shall be
designated by the President as the Chairperson.
(4) The following nonvoting ex officio members:
(A) The Secretary.
(B) The Secretary of State.
(C) The Attorney General.
(D) The Secretary of Defense.
(E) The Secretary of Education.
(F) The Librarian of Congress.
(G) The Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.
(H) The Archivist of the United States.
(I) The presiding officer of the Federal Council on
the Arts and the Humanities.
(c) Term; Vacancies.--
(1) Term.--A member shall be appointed for the life of the
Commission.
(2) Vacancies.--A vacancy on the Commission--
(A) shall not affect the powers of the Commission;
and
(B) shall be filled in the same manner as the
original appointment was made.
(d) <<NOTE: Pennsylvania.>> Meetings.--All meetings 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.
(e) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Commission shall
constitute a quorum, but a lesser number of members may hold hearings.
SEC. 5. DUTIES.
(a) In General.--The Commission shall--
(1) prepare an overall program for commemorating the 250th
anniversary of the founding of the United States and the
historic events preceding that anniversary; and
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(2) plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate observances and
activities commemorating the historic events that preceded, and
are associated with, the United States Semiquincentennial.
(b) Requirements.--
(1) In general.--In preparing plans and an overall program,
the Commission--
(A) shall give due consideration to any related
plans and programs developed by State, local, and
private groups; and
(B) may designate special committees with
representatives from groups described in subparagraph
(A) to plan, develop, and coordinate specific
activities.
(2) Emphasis.--The Commission shall--
(A) emphasize the planning of events in locations of
historical significance to the United States, especially
in those locations that witnessed the assertion of
American liberty, such as--
(i) the 13 colonies; and
(ii) leading cities, including Boston,
Charleston, New York City, and Philadelphia; and
(B) give special emphasis to--
(i) the role of persons and locations with
significant impact on the history of the United
States during the 250-year period beginning on the
date of execution of the Declaration of
Independence; and
(ii) the ideas associated with that history,
which have been so important in the development of
the United States, in world affairs, and in the
quest for freedom of all mankind.
(3) Infrastructure.--The Commission shall--
(A) <<NOTE: Evaluation.>> evaluate existing
infrastructure;
(B) <<NOTE: Recommenda- tions.>> include in the
report required under subsection (c) recommendations for
what infrastructure should be in place for the
successful undertaking of an appropriate celebration in
accordance with this Act; and
(C) <<NOTE: Coordination.>> coordinate with State
and local bodies to make necessary infrastructure
improvements.
(c) Report Submitted to the President.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the
President a comprehensive report that includes the specific
recommendations of the Commission for the commemoration of the
250th anniversary and related events.
(2) Recommended activities.--The report may include
recommended activities such as--
(A) the production, publication, and distribution of
books, pamphlets, films, and other educational materials
focusing on the history, culture, and political thought
of the period of the American Revolution;
(B) bibliographical and documentary projects and
publications;
(C) conferences, convocations, lectures, seminars,
and other programs, especially those located in the 13
colonies, including the major cities and buildings of
national historical significance of the 13 colonies;
(D) the development of libraries, museums, historic
sites, and exhibits, including mobile exhibits;
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(E) ceremonies and celebrations commemorating
specific events, such as--
(i) the signing of the Declaration of
Independence;
(ii) programs and activities focusing on the
national and international significance of the
United States Semiquincentennial; and
(iii) the implications of the
Semiquincentennial for present and future
generations; and
(F) encouraging Federal agencies to integrate the
celebration of the Semiquincentennial into the regular
activities and execution of the purpose of the agencies
through such activities as the issuance of coins,
medals, certificates of recognition, stamps, and the
naming of vessels.
(3) Requirements.--The report shall include--
(A) <<NOTE: Recommenda- tions.>> the
recommendations of the Commission for the allocation of
financial and administrative responsibility among the
public and private authorities and organizations
recommended for participation by the Commission; and
(B) proposals for such legislative enactments and
administrative actions as the Commission considers
necessary to carry out the recommendations.
(d) <<NOTE: President.>> Report Submitted to Congress.--The
President shall submit to Congress a report that contains--
(1) the complete report of the Commission; and
(2) <<NOTE: Recommenda- tions.>> 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) <<NOTE: Consultation.>> In General.--In carrying out this Act,
the Commission shall consult and cooperate with, and seek advice and
assistance from, appropriate Federal agencies, State and local public
bodies, learned societies, and historical, patriotic, philanthropic,
civic, professional, and related organizations.
(b) Responsibility of Other Federal Agencies.--
(1) In general.--Federal agencies shall cooperate with the
Commission in planning, encouraging, developing, and
coordinating appropriate commemorative activities.
(2) Department of the interior.--
(A) <<NOTE: Study.>> In general.--The Secretary
shall undertake a study of appropriate actions that
might be taken to further preserve and develop historic
sites and battlefields, at such time and in such manner
as will ensure that fitting observances and exhibits may
be held at appropriate sites and battlefields during the
250th anniversary celebration.
(B) <<NOTE: Recommenda- tions.>> Report.--The
Secretary shall submit to the Commission a report that
contains the results of the study
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and the recommendations of the Secretary, in time to
afford the Commission an opportunity--
(i) to review the study; and
(ii) to incorporate in the report described in
section 5(c) such findings and recommendations as
the Commission considers appropriate.
(3) Arts and humanities.--
(A) In general.--The presiding officer of the
Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities, the
Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Arts, and
the Chairperson of the National Endowment for the
Humanities shall cooperate with the Commission,
especially in the encouragement and coordination of
scholarly works and artistic expressions focusing on the
history, culture, and political thought of the period
predating the United States Semiquincentennial.
(B) Library of congress, smithsonian institution,
and archives.--
(i) In general.--The Librarian of Congress,
the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, and
the Archivist of the United States shall cooperate
with the Commission, especially in the development
and display of exhibits and collections and in the
development of bibliographies, catalogs, and other
materials relevant to the period predating the
United States Semiquincentennial.
(ii) Location.--To the maximum extent
practicable, displays described in subparagraph
(A) shall be located in, or in facilities near to,
buildings of historical significance to the
American Revolution, so as to promote greater
public awareness of the heritage of the United
States.
(C) <<NOTE: Reports.>> Submission of
recommendations.--Each of the officers described in this
paragraph shall submit to the Commission a report
containing recommendations in time to afford the
Commission an opportunity--
(i) to review the reports; and
(ii) to incorporate in the report described in
section 5(c) such findings and recommendations as
the Commission considers appropriate.
(4) Department of state.--The Secretary of State shall
coordinate the participation of foreign nations in the
celebration of the United States Semiquincentennial, including
by soliciting the erection of monuments and other cultural
cooperations in founding cities of the United States so as--
(A) to celebrate the shared heritage of the United
States with the many peoples and nations of the world;
and
(B) to provide liaison and encouragement for the
erection of international pavilions to showcase the
spread of democratic institutions abroad in the period
following the American Revolution.
SEC. 7. POWERS.
(a) Hearings.--The Commission may hold such hearings, meet and act
at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive
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such evidence as the Commission considers advisable to carry out this
Act.
(b) Information From Federal Agencies.--
(1) In general.--The Commission may secure directly from a
Federal agency such information as the Commission considers
necessary to carry out this Act.
(2) Provision of information.--On request of the Chairperson
of the Commission, the head of the agency shall provide the
information to the Commission.
(c) Postal Services.--The Commission may use the United States mails
in the same manner and under the same conditions as other agencies of
the Federal Government.
(d) Gifts.--The Commission may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or
donations of money, property, or personal services.
(e) Additional Powers.--As determined necessary by the Commission,
the Commission may--
(1) procure supplies, services, and property;
(2) make contracts;
(3) expend in furtherance of this Act funds donated or
received in pursuance of contracts entered into under this Act;
and
(4) take such actions as are necessary to enable the
Commission to carry out efficiently and in the public interest
the purposes of this Act.
(f) Use of Materials.--
(1) Time capsule.--A representative portion of all books,
manuscripts, miscellaneous printed matter, memorabilia, relics,
and other materials relating to the United States
Semiquincentennial shall be deposited in a time capsule--
(A) to be buried in Independence Mall, Philadelphia,
on July 4, 2026; and
(B) to be unearthed on the occasion of the 500th
anniversary of the United States of America on July 4,
2276.
(2) Other materials.--All other books, manuscripts,
miscellaneous printed matter, memorabilia, relics, and other
materials relating to the United States Semiquincentennial,
whether donated to the Commission or collected by the
Commission, may be deposited for preservation in national,
State, or local libraries or museums or be otherwise disposed of
by the Commission, in consultation with the Librarian of
Congress, the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, the
Archivist of the United States, and the Administrator of General
Services.
(g) Property.--Any property acquired by the Commission remaining on
termination of the Commission may be--
(1) used by the Secretary for purposes of the National Park
Service; or
(2) disposed of as excess or surplus property.
SEC. 8. COMMISSION PERSONNEL MATTERS.
(a) Compensation of Members.--The members of the Commission shall
receive no compensation for service on the Commission.
(b) Travel Expenses.--A member of the Commission shall be allowed
travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates
authorized for an employee of an agency under subchapter I of chapter 57
of title 5, United States Code, while away from
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the home or regular place of business of the member in the performance
of the duties of the Commission.
(c) Staff.--
(1) In general.--The Chairperson of the Commission may,
without regard to the civil service laws (including
regulations), appoint and terminate an executive director and
such other additional personnel as are necessary to enable the
Commission to perform the duties of the Commission.
(2) Confirmation of executive director.--The employment of
an executive director shall be subject to confirmation by the
Commission.
(3) Compensation.--
(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph
(B), the Chairperson of the Commission may fix the
compensation of the executive director and other
personnel without regard to the provisions of chapter 51
and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United
States Code, relating to classification of positions and
General Schedule pay rates.
(B) Maximum rate of pay.--The rate of pay for the
executive director and other personnel shall not exceed
the rate payable for level V of the Executive Schedule
under section 5316 of title 5, United States Code.
(d) Detail of Federal Government Employees.--
(1) In general.--An employee of the Federal Government may
be detailed to the Commission without reimbursement.
(2) Civil service status.--The detail of the employee shall
be without interruption or loss of civil service status or
privilege.
(e) Procurement of Temporary and Intermittent Services.--The
Chairperson of the Commission may procure temporary and intermittent
services in accordance with section 3109(b) of title 5, United States
Code, at rates for individuals that do not exceed the daily equivalent
of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level V of the Executive
Schedule under section 5316 of that title.
(f) Advisory Committees.--The Commission may appoint such advisory
committees as the Commission determines necessary.
SEC. 9. EXPENDITURES OF COMMISSION.
(a) In General.--All expenditures of the Commission shall be made
solely from donated funds.
(b) Administrative Secretariat.--The Secretary of the Interior
shall, through a competitive process, seek to enter into an arrangement
with a nonprofit organization, the mission of which is consistent with
the purpose of this Act. Under such arrangement, such nonprofit
organization shall--
(1) serve as the secretariat of the Commission, including by
serving as the point of contact under section 5(e);
(2) house the administrative offices of the Commission;
(3) assume responsibility for funds of the Commission; and
(4) provide to the Commission financial and administrative
services, including services related to budgeting, accounting,
financial reporting, personnel, and procurement.
(c) Payment for Financial and Administrative Services.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), payment for
services provided under subsection (b)(4) shall be made in
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advance, or by reimbursement, from funds of the Commission in
such amounts as may be agreed on by the Chairperson of the
Commission and the secretariat of the Commission.
(2) Relationship to regulations.--
(A) <<NOTE: Applicability.>> Erroneous payments.--
The regulations under section 5514 of title 5, United
States Code, relating to the collection of indebtedness
of personnel resulting from erroneous payments shall
apply to the collection of erroneous payments made to,
or on behalf of, a Commission employee.
(B) No promulgation by commission.--The Commission
shall not be required to prescribe any regulations
relating to the matters described in subparagraph (A).
(d) <<NOTE: Time period.>> Annual Report.--Once each year during
the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on
December 31, 2027, the Commission shall submit to Congress a report of
the activities of the Commission, including an accounting of funds
received and expended during the year covered by the report.
SEC. 10. TERMINATION OF COMMISSION.
The Commission shall terminate on December 31, 2027.
Approved July 22, 2016.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--H.R. 4875 (S. 2815):
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CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 162 (2016):
July 5, considered and passed House.
July 12, considered and passed Senate.
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