89–006 

111TH CONGRESS REPT. 111–329 " ! HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 1st Session Part 1 

WORLD WAR I MEMORIAL AND CENTENNIAL ACT OF 2009 

NOVEMBER 5, 2009.—Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State 

of the Union and ordered to be printed 

Mr. TOWNS, from the Committee on Oversight and Government 

Reform, submitted the following 

R E P O R T 

[To accompany H.R. 1849] 

[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office] 

The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, to whom 

was referred the bill (H.R. 1849) to designate the Liberty Memorial 

at the National World War I Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, as 

the National World War I Memorial, to establish the World War I 

centennial commission to ensure a suitable observance of the centennial of World War I, and for other purposes, having considered 

the same, report favorably thereon with an amendment and recommend that the bill as amended do pass. 

CONTENTS 

Page 

Purpose and Summary ............................................................................................ 5 

Background and Need for Legislation .................................................................... 5 

Legislative History .................................................................................................. 10 

Section-by-Section .................................................................................................... 10 

Explanation of Amendments ................................................................................... 11 

Committee Consideration ........................................................................................ 12 

Roll Call Votes ......................................................................................................... 12 

Application of Law to the Legislative Branch ....................................................... 12 

Statement of General Performance Goals and Objectives .................................... 12 

Constitutional Authority Statement ...................................................................... 12 

Federal Advisory Committee Act ............................................................................ 12 

Unfunded Mandate Statement ............................................................................... 12 

Earmark Identification ............................................................................................ 12 

Committee Estimate ................................................................................................ 12 

Budget Authority and Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate .................... 13 

Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported ..................................... 14 

The amendment is as follows: 


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Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the following: 

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 

This Act may be cited as the ‘‘World War I Memorial and Centennial Act of 2009’’. 

SEC. 2. FINDINGS. 

Congress finds the following: 

(1) More than 4,000,000 men and women from the United States served in 

uniform in the defense of liberty during World War I, among them two future 

presidents, Harry S. Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower. 

(2) 2,000,000 individuals from the United States served overseas during 

World War I, including 200,000 naval personnel who served on the seas. 

(3) The United States suffered 375,000 casualties during World War I. 

(4) The events of 1914 through 1918 shaped the world, our country, and the 

lives of millions of people in countless ways. 

(5) The centennial of World War I offers an opportunity for people in the 

United States to learn about the sacrifices of their predecessors. 

(6) Commemorative efforts allow people in the United States to gain a historical understanding of the type of conflicts that cause countries to go to war and 

how those conflicts are resolved. 

(7) Kansas City is home to the Liberty Memorial and America’s National 

World War I Museum (as so recognized in the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 (Public Law 108–375)). 

(8) America’s National World War I Museum seeks— 

(A) to preserve the history of World War I; and 

(B) to educate and enlighten people about this significant event, the consequences of which are still with us. 

(9) Kansas City is home to the national headquarters for the Veterans of Foreign Wars. 

(10) Missouri is the home State of General John Joseph Pershing, who commanded the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe during World War I. 

(11) The Kansas City area is the home of the Harry S. Truman Presidential 

Library and Museum. 

(12) The Dwight David Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum is located close to Kansas City in the neighboring State of Kansas. 

(13) There is no nationally recognized memorial honoring the service of Americans who served in World War I. 

(14) In 1919, the people of Kansas City, Missouri, expressed an outpouring 

of support and raised more than $2,000,000 in two weeks for a memorial to the 

service of Americans in World War I. That fundraising was an accomplishment 

unparalleled by any other city in the United States irrespective of population 

and reflected the passion of public opinion about World War I, which had so 

recently ended. 

(15) Following the drive, a national architectural competition was held by the 

American Institute of Architects for designs for a memorial to the service of 

Americans in World War I, and the competition yielded a design by architect 

H. Van Buren Magonigle. 

(16) On November 1, 1921, more than 100,000 people witnessed the dedication of the site for the Liberty Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri. That dedication marked the only time in history that the five allied military leaders; Lieutenant General Baron Jacques of Belgium, General Armando Diaz of Italy, Marshal Ferdinand Foch of France, General John J. Pershing of the United States, 

and Admiral Lord Earl Beatty of Great Britain, were together at one place. 

(17) General Pershing noted at the November 1, 1921, dedication that ‘‘[t]he 

people of Kansas City, Missouri, are deeply proud of the beautiful memorial, 

erected in tribute to the patriotism, the gallant achievements, and the heroic 

sacrifices of their sons and daughters who served in our country’s armed forces 

during the World War. It symbolized their grateful appreciation of duty well 

done, an appreciation which I share, because I know so well how richly it is 

merited’’. 

(18) During an Armistice Day ceremony in 1924, President Calvin Coolidge 

marked the beginning of a three-year construction project for the Liberty Memorial by the laying of the cornerstone of the memorial. 

(19) The 217-foot Liberty Memorial Tower has an inscription that reads ‘‘In 

Honor of Those Who Served in the World War in Defense of Liberty and Our 

Country’’ as well as four stone ‘‘Guardian Spirits’’ representing courage, honor, 

patriotism, and sacrifice, which rise above the observation deck, making the 

Liberty Memorial a noble tribute to all who served in World War I. 


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(20) During a rededication for the Liberty Memorial in 1961, World War I veterans and former Presidents Harry S. Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower recognized the memorial as a constant reminder of the sacrifices during World War 

I and the progress that followed. 

(21) The 106th Congress recognized the Liberty Memorial as a national symbol of World War I. 

(22) The National World War I Museum is the only public museum in the 

United States specifically dedicated to the history of World War I. 

(23) The National World War I Museum is known throughout the world as 

a major center of World War I remembrance. 

SEC. 3. DESIGNATION OF THE LIBERTY MEMORIAL AT THE NATIONAL WORLD WAR I MUSEUM 

IN KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI, AS THE NATIONAL WORLD WAR I MEMORIAL. 

The Liberty Memorial at the National World War I Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, is hereby designated as the ‘‘National World War I Memorial’’. 

SEC. 4. COMMISSION ON THE COMMEMORATION OF THE CENTENNIAL OF WORLD WAR I. 

(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established a commission to be known as the World 

War I Centennial Commission (in this Act referred to as the ‘‘Commission’’). 

(b) PURPOSE.—The purpose of the Commission is to ensure a suitable observance 

of the centennial of World War I that promotes the values of honor, courage, patriotism, and sacrifice, in keeping with the representation of these values through the 

four Guardian Spirits sculpted on the Liberty Memorial Monument at America’s National World War I Museum. 

(c) DUTIES.—The Commission shall have the following duties: 

(1) To plan, develop, and execute programs, projects, and activities to commemorate the centennial of World War I. 

(2) To encourage private organizations and State and local governments to organize and participate in activities commemorating the centennial of World War 

I. 

(3) To facilitate and coordinate activities throughout the United States related 

to the centennial of World War I. 

(4) To serve as a clearinghouse for the collection and dissemination of information about events and plans for the centennial of World War I. 

(d) MEMBERSHIP.— 

(1) NUMBER AND APPOINTMENT.—The Commission shall be composed of 24 

members as follows: 

(A) Four members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. 

(B) Three members appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives. 

(C) Four members appointed by the Senate majority leader. 

(D) Three members appointed by the Senate minority leader. 

(E) Seven members who are broadly representative of the people of the 

United States (including members of the armed services and veterans), appointed by the President. 

(F) The executive director of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United 

States (or the director’s delegate). 

(G) The executive director of the American Legion (or the director’s delegate). 

(H) The president of the Liberty Memorial Association, the nonprofit entity responsible for the management of America’s National World War I Museum (or the president’s delegate). 

(2) EX OFFICIO MEMBERS.—The Archivist of the United States and the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution shall serve in an ex officio capacity on the 

Commission to provide advice and information to the Commission. 

(3) CONTINUATION OF MEMBERSHIP.—If a member of the Commission under 

subparagraph (F), (G), or (H) of paragraph (1) ceases to hold a position named 

in such subparagraph, that member must resign from the Commission as of the 

date that the member ceases to hold that position. 

(4) TERMS.—Each member shall be appointed for the life of the Commission. 

(5) 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. 

(6) VACANCIES.—A vacancy on the Commission shall— 

(A) not affect the powers of the Commission; and 

(B) be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made. 

(7) PAY.—Members shall not receive compensation for the performance of 

their duties on behalf of the Commission. 


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(8) TRAVEL EXPENSES.—Each member shall receive travel expenses, including 

per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with the applicable provisions 

under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code. 

(9) QUORUM.—A majority of members of the Commission plus one shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold hearings. 

(10) CHAIRPERSON; VICE CHAIRPERSON.—The Commission shall elect the 

Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Commission by a majority vote of the 

members of the Commission. 

(11) MEETINGS.— (A) IN GENERAL.—The Commission shall meet at the call of the Chairperson, except that the first meeting shall be held before the end of the 120- 

day period beginning on the effective date of this Act. 

(B) LOCATION.—The Commission shall hold the first meeting at America’s 

National World War I Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, and thereafter 

shall hold at least one meeting per year at such location. 

(e) DIRECTOR AND ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL OF THE COMMISSION; EXPERTS AND

CONSULTANTS.— (1) DIRECTOR AND STAFF.— (A) APPOINTMENT.—The Chairperson of the Commission shall, in consultation with the members of the Commission, appoint an executive director and such other additional personnel as may be necessary to enable the 

Commission to perform its duties. 

(B) PAY.—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) WORK LOCATION.—If the city government for Kansas City, Missouri, 

and the nonprofit organization which administers America’s National World 

War I Museum make space available, the executive director and any additional personnel appointed under subparagraph (A) shall work in the building that houses that museum. 

(2) EXPERTS AND CONSULTANTS.—The Commission may procure temporary 

and intermittent services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code. 

(3) STAFF OF FEDERAL AGENCIES.—Upon request of the Commission, the head 

of any Federal department or agency may detail, on a reimbursable basis, any 

personnel of that department or agency to the Commission to assist it in carrying out its duties under this Act. 

(f) POWERS OF THE COMMISSION.— 

(1) HEARINGS AND SESSIONS.—For the purpose of carrying out this Act, the 

Commission may hold hearings, sit and act at times and places, take testimony, 

and receive evidence as the Commission considers appropriate. 

(2) POWERS OF MEMBERS AND AGENTS.—If authorized by the Commission, any 

member or agent of the Commission may take any action which the Commission 

is authorized to take by this section. 

(3) OBTAINING OFFICIAL DATA.—The Commission shall secure directly from 

any department or agency of the United States information necessary to enable 

it to carry out this Act. Upon the request of the Chairperson of the Commission, 

the head of that department or agency shall furnish that information to the 

Commission. 

(4) GIFTS, BEQUESTS, AND DEVISES.— 

(A) ACCEPTANCE BY COMMISSION.—The Commission may accept, use, and 

dispose of gifts, bequests, or devises of services or property, both real and 

personal, for the purpose of aiding or facilitating the work of the Commission. 

(B) DEPOSIT AND AVAILABILITY.—Gifts, bequests, or devises of money and 

proceeds from sales of other property received as gifts, bequests, or devises 

shall be deposited in the Treasury and shall be available for disbursement 

upon order of the Commission. 

(5) 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. 

(6) 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. 


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(7) CONTRACT AUTHORITY.—The Commission is authorized to procure supplies, 

services, and property and to make or enter in contracts, leases, or other legal 

agreements; except that any contract, lease, or other legal agreement made or 

entered into by the Commission may not extend beyond the date of termination 

of the Commission. 

(g) REPORTS.— 

(1) PERIODIC REPORT.—Beginning not later than the last day of the 3-month 

period beginning on the effective date of this Act, and the last day of each 3- 

month period thereafter, the Commission shall submit to Congress and the 

President a report on the activities and plans of the Commission. 

(2) ANNUAL REPORTS.—The Commission shall submit to the President and 

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. 

(3) RECOMMENDATIONS.—Not later than 2 years after the effective date of this 

Act, the 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. 

(h) FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACT WAIVER.—Section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.), relating to the termination of advisory committees, shall not apply to the Commission. 

(i) AUTHORIZATION OF FUNDS.— 

(1) IN GENERAL.—There is authorized to be appropriated to the Commission 

to carry out this Act $500,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2019. 

(2) AVAILABILITY.—Amounts made available under this subsection shall remain available until the termination of the Commission as described in subsection (k). 

(j) ANNUAL AUDIT.—For any fiscal year for which the Commission receives an appropriation of funds, the Inspector General of the Department of the Interior shall 

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 of the House of Representatives and the Committee 

on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate. 

(k) TERMINATION.—The Commission shall terminate on the earlier of the date that 

is 30 days after the activities honoring the centennial observation of World War I 

are carried out, or July 28, 2019. 

(l) EFFECTIVE DATE.—This section shall take effect on January 1, 2010. 

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY

H.R. 1849, the World War I Memorial and Centennial Act of 

2009, was introduced by Reps. Emanuel Cleaver, Todd Akin, Roy 

Blunt, Russ Carnahan, Wm. Lacy Clay, Jo Ann Emerson, Sam 

Graves, Blaine Luetkemeyer, and Ike Skelton on April 1, 2009. The 

bill designates the Liberty Memorial at the National World War I 

Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, as the National World War I 

Memorial. It also establishes a commission, the World War I Centennial Commission, to ensure a suitable observance of the centennial of World War I. 

BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR LEGISLATION

This bill would designate a nationally-recognized memorial honoring the service of Americans who served in World War I. No such 

memorial currently exists. The bill also establishes a commission to 

plan, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the centennial 

of the conflict. 

The following letters from the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial express the groups’ support for the measure. 


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LEGISLATIVE HISTORY

H.R. 1849, the World War I Memorial and Centennial Act of 

2009, was introduced by Reps. Emanuel Cleaver, Todd Akin, Roy 

Blunt, Russ Carnahan, Wm. Lacy Clay, Jo Ann Emerson, Sam 

Graves, Blaine Luetkemeyer, and Ike Skelton on April 1, 2009, and 

was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Committee on Natural Resources. The Committee on 

Oversight and Government Reform ordered the bill, as amended, to 

be favorably reported by unanimous consent. 

SECTION-BY-SECTION

Section 1. Short title 

The short title of this bill is the World War I Memorial and Centennial Act of 2009. 

Section 2. Findings 

This section outlines the findings of Congress on the history of 

World War I and the lack of a nationally recognized memorial to 

the service of Americans in that conflict. 

Section 3. Designation of the Liberty Memorial at the National 

World War I Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, as the National 

World War I Memorial 

This section designates the Liberty Memorial at the National 

World War I Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, as the ‘‘National 

World War I Memorial’’. 

Section 4. Commission on the Commemoration of the Centennial of 

World War I 

Subsection (a) establishes a commission to be known as the 

World War I Centennial Commission. Subsection (b) states the 

Commission’s purpose, ‘‘to ensure a suitable observance of the centennial of World War I that promotes the values of honor, courage, 

patriotism, and sacrifice, in keeping with the representation of 

these values through the four Guardian Spirits sculpted on the Liberty Memorial Monument at America’s National World War I Museum.’’ 

Subsection (c) lists the duties of the Commission: to plan and 

execute programming and activities for the commemoration of the 

centennial, to encourage private organizations to take part in activities to commemorate the centennial, to facilitate and coordinate 

activities throughout the country, and to collect and disseminate 

information about events and plans for the centennial. 

Subsection (d) outlines the membership of the Commission, setting it at 24 members and detailing their appointment. It also details the terms and conditions of membership, the filling of vacancies, and Commission meetings. 

Subsection (e) directs the Chairperson of the Commission to appoint an executive director and other necessary personnel. It also 

outlines the terms and conditions of their employment. 

Subsection (f) outlines the powers of the Commission, including 

the power to hold hearings, take testimony, and to obtain any official data necessary to carry out the Act. The Commission may also 

accept, use, and dispose of gifts, bequests, or devises of services or 


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property, both real and personal, for the purpose of aiding or facilitating the work of the Commission. Gifts, bequests, or devises of 

money and proceeds from the sale of property shall be deposited in 

the Treasury and shall be available for disbursement upon the 

order of the Commission. This subsection also gives the Commission the same authority to use the United States mails as other departments and agencies of the United States. It directs GSA to provide to the Commission, on a reimbursable basis, administrative 

support services necessary to carry out its responsibilities under 

this Act, and authorizes the procurement of supplies, services, and 

property through contracts that may not extend beyond the date of 

termination of the Commission. 

Subsection (g) directs the Commission to submit to the President 

and the Congress reports on the activities and plans of the Commission, reports on the revenue and expenditures of the Commission, and reports with recommendations to the President and the 

Congress for commemorating the centennial of World War I and coordinating related activities. 

Subsection (h) waives the application of Section 14 of the Federal 

Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) to the Commission. 

Subsection (i) authorizes the appropriation to the Commission of 

$500,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2019, until the termination of the Commission as described in subsection (k). 

Subsection (j) directs the Inspector General of the Department of 

the Interior to perform an audit of the Commission for any fiscal 

year in which the Commission receives an appropriation of funds. 

Subsection (k) states that the Commission shall terminate on the 

earlier of the date that is 30 days after the activities honoring the 

centennial observation of World War I are carried out, or July 28, 

2019. 

Subsection (l) states that this section shall take effect on January 

1, 2010. 

EXPLANATION OF AMENDMENTS

An amendment in the nature of a substitute was adopted by 

unanimous consent. The amendment made several technical 

changes to the measure. It adds the Archivist of the United States 

and the Secretary of the Smithsonian as ex officio members of the 

Commission. It extends the deadline for the appointment of members of the Commission to 90 days. It clarifies that vacancies on the 

Commission shall not affect the Commission’s powers. It states 

that members of the Commission shall not receive compensation for 

the performance of their duties. It clarifies that a majority of members of the Commission plus one shall constitute a quorum. It 

states that the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Commission shall be elected by majority vote of the members of the Commission. It waives the provisions of title 5, U.S.C., governing appointments in the competitive service, for the appointment of the 

executive director and staff of the Commission. It directs the Commission to submit annual reports on the revenue and expenditures 

of the Commission to the President and the Congress. It directs the 

Inspector General of the Department of the Interior to perform audits of the Commission for any fiscal year in which the Commission 

receives an appropriation of funds. 


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COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION

On Thursday, October 29, 2009, the Committee met in open session and favorably ordered H.R. 1849 to be reported to the House 

by unanimous consent. 

ROLL CALL VOTES

No roll call votes were held. 

APPLICATION OF LAW TO THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

Section 102(b)(3) of Public Law 104–1 requires a description of 

the application of this bill to the legislative branch where the bill 

relates to terms and conditions of employment or access to public 

services and accommodations. The bill does not relate to employment or access to public services and accommodations. 

STATEMENT OF GENERAL PERFORMANCE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

In accordance with clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 

House of Representatives, the Committee’s performance goals and 

objectives are reflected in the descriptive portions of this report, including the finding that there is no nationally recognized memorial 

to the service of Americans in World War I. 

CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY STATEMENT

Under clause 3(d)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of 

Representatives, the Committee must include a statement citing 

the specific powers granted to Congress to enact the law proposed 

by H.R. 1849. Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 of the Constitution of 

the United States grants the Congress the power to enact this law. 

FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACT

The Committee finds that the legislation establishes an advisory 

committee within the definition of 5 U.S.C. App., Section 5(b). 

UNFUNDED MANDATE STATEMENT

Section 423 of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act (as amended by Section 101(a)(2) of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, P.L. 104–4) requires a statement on whether the 

provisions of the report include unfunded mandates. In compliance 

with this requirement the Committee has received a letter from the 

Congressional Budget Office included herein. 

EARMARK IDENTIFICATION

H.R. 1849 does not include any congressional earmarks, limited 

tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9(e), 9(f), 

or 9(g) of rule XXI. 

COMMITTEE ESTIMATE

Clause 3(d)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives requires an estimate and a comparison by the Committee of the costs that would be incurred in carrying out H.R. 

1849. However, clause 3(d)(3)(B) of that rule provides that this requirement does not apply when the Committee has included in its 

report a timely submitted cost estimate of the bill prepared by the 


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Director of the Congressional Budget Office under section 402 of 

the Congressional Budget Act. 

BUDGET AUTHORITY AND CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE COST

ESTIMATE

With respect to the requirements of clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of 

the Rules of the House of Representatives and section 308(a) of the 

Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and with respect to requirements 

of clause 3(c)(3) of rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives and section 402 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the 

Committee has received the following cost estimate for H.R. 1849 

from the Director of the Congressional Budget Office: 

NOVEMBER 2, 2009. 

Hon. EDOLPHUS TOWNS, 

Chairman, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, 

U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC. 

DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 1849, the World War I 

Memorial and Centennial Act of 2009. 

If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be pleased 

to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Matthew Pickford. 

Sincerely, 

DOUGLAS W. ELMENDORF. 

Enclosure. 

H.R. 1849—World War I Memorial and Centennial Act of 2009 

H.R. 1849 would designate the Liberty Memorial at the National 

World War I Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, as the National 

World War I Memorial. In addition, the legislation would establish 

a commission to plan, develop, and execute programs, projects, and 

activities to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World 

War. The 24-member commission would have to submit various reports to the Congress on its activities and recommendations for 

commemorating the event. The commission would terminate by 

July 28, 2019. All commission members would serve without pay 

but would be reimbursed for travel expenses. In addition, the commission could hire staff and use personnel detailed from other federal agencies. Finally, the bill would authorize the appropriation of 

$500,000 annually over the 2010–2019 period for the commission’s 

expenses. 

Assuming appropriation of the specified amount, CBO estimates 

that the commission would spend about $2 million over the 2010– 

2014 period to plan, develop, and carry out commemorative activities and to prepare reports. Because H.R. 1849 would authorize the 

commission to accept and use gifts, enacting the legislation could 

have a negligible impact on offsetting receipts and associated direct 

spending. 

H.R. 1849 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and would 

not affect the budgets of state, local, or tribal governments. 

The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Matthew Pickford. 

This estimated was approved by Theresa Gullo, Deputy Assistant 

Director for Budget Analysis. 


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CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW MADE BY THE BILL, AS REPORTED

The bill as reported makes no changes to existing law. 

Æ 


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