I
107TH CONGRESS
2D SESSION
H. R. 4956
To establish a National Commission on the Bicentennial of the Louisiana
Purchase.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
JUNE 18, 2002
Mr. CARSON of Oklahoma (for himself and Mr. BORSKI) introduced the
following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Resources
A BILL
To establish a National Commission on the Bicentennial
of the Louisiana Purchase.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Louisiana Purchase
Bicentennial Commission Act’’.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that—
(1) the Bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase
occurs in 2003, 200 years after the United States,
under the leadership of President Thomas Jefferson
and after due consideration and approval by Con-
gress, paid $15,000,000 to France in order to ac-
quire the vast area in the western half of the Mis-
sissippi River Basin;
(2) the Louisiana Purchase was the largest
peaceful land transaction in history, virtually dou-
bling the size of the United States;
(3) the Louisiana Purchase opened the heart-
land of the North American continent for explo-
ration, settlement, and achievement to the people of
the United States;
(4) in the wake of the Louisiana Purchase, the
new frontier attracted immigrants from around the
world and became synonymous with the search for
spiritual, economic, and political freedom;
(5) today the States of Arkansas, Colorado,
Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Mon-
tana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South
Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming make up what was the
Louisiana Territory; and
(6) commemoration of the Louisiana Purchase
and the opening of the West would—
(A) enhance public understanding of the
impact of westward expansion on the society of
the United States; and
(B) provide lessons for continued demo-
cratic governance in the United States.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) BICENTENNIAL.—The term ‘‘Bicentennial’’
means the 200th anniversary of the Louisiana Pur-
chase.
(2) COMMISSION.—The term ‘‘Commission’’
means the National Commission on the Bicentennial
of the Louisiana Purchase established under section
4(a).
SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established a com-
mission to be known as the ‘‘National Commission on the
Bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase’’.
(b) DUTIES.—The Commission shall plan, encourage,
coordinate, and conduct the commemoration of the Bicen-
tennial.
(c) MEMBERSHIP.—
(1) NUMBERS AND APPOINTMENT.—The Com-
mission 
shall 
be 
composed 
of 
members,
including—
(A) 14 members consisting of the gov-
ernor, or their designee, of each State that
made up the Louisiana Territory;
(B) the Director of the National Museum
of American History of the Smithsonian Insti-
tution or his designee;
(C) the Librarian of Congress or his des-
ignee;
(D) as chosen by the Commission, the
president or head of 2 United States historical
societies, foundations, or organizations of Na-
tional stature or prominence;
(E) the Secretary of Education or his des-
ignee; and
(F) 2 members from the largest Federally
recognized Native American tribes within the
territory.
(2) 
INTERNATIONAL
PARTICIPATION.—The
President may invite the Governments of France
and Spain to appoint 1 individual each to serve as
a nonvoting member of the Commission.
(3) DATE
OF
APPOINTMENTS.—The appoint-
ment of a member of the Commission described in
paragraph (1) shall be made not later than 120 days
after the date of enactment of this Act.
(d) TERM; VACANCIES.—
(1) TERM.—A member shall be appointed for
the life of the Commission.
(2) 
VACANCY.—A 
vacancy 
on 
the
Commission—
(A) shall not affect the powers of the Com-
mission; and
(B) shall be filled in the same manner as
the original appointment was made.
(e) ORGANIZATION AND INITIAL MEETING.—No later
than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Commission shall meet and select a Chairperson, Vice
Chairperson, and Executive Director.
(f) MEETINGS.—The Commission shall meet at the
call of the Chairperson described under subsection (h).
(g) QUORUM.—A quorum of the Commission for deci-
sion-making purposes shall be 11 members, except that
a lesser number of members, as determined by the Com-
mission, may conduct meetings.
(h) CHAIRPERSON.—The Commission shall select a
Chairperson of the Commission from the members des-
ignated under subsection (c)(1). The Chairperson may be
removed by a vote of a majority of the Commission’s mem-
bers.
SEC. 5. DUTIES.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Commission shall—
(1) plan and develop activities appropriate to
commemorate the Bicentennial including a limited
number of proposed projects to be undertaken by the
appropriate Federal departments and agencies that
commemorate the Bicentennial by seeking to har-
monize and balance the important goals of ceremony
and celebration with the equally important goals of
scholarship and education;
(2) consult with and encourage Indian tribes,
appropriate Federal departments and agencies, State
and local governments, elementary and secondary
schools, colleges and universities, foreign govern-
ments, and private organizations to organize and
participate in Bicentennial activities commemorating
or examining—
(A) the history of the Louisiana Territory;
(B) the negotiations of the Louisiana Pur-
chase;
(C) voyages of discovery;
(D) frontier movements; and
(E) the westward expansion of the United
States;
(3) coordinate activities throughout the United
States and internationally that relate to the history
and influence of the Louisiana Purchase; and
(4) encourage the publication of popular and
scholarly works related to the Louisiana purchase.
(b) REPORTS.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year before
the Bicentennial date, the Commission shall submit
to the President and Congress a comprehensive re-
port that includes specific recommendations for—
(A) the allocation of financial and adminis-
trative responsibility among participating enti-
ties and persons with respect to commemoration
of the Bicentennial; and
(B) the commemoration of the Bicenten-
nial and related events through programs and
activities, such as—
(i) the production, publication, and
distribution of books, pamphlets, films,
electronic publications, and other edu-
cational materials focusing on the history
and impact of the Louisiana Purchase on
the United States and the world;
(ii) bibliographical and documentary
projects, publications, and electronic re-
sources;
(iii) conferences, convocations, lec-
tures, seminars, and other programs;
(iv) the development of programs by
and for libraries, museums, parks and his-
toric sites, including international and na-
tional traveling exhibitions;
(v) ceremonies and celebrations com-
memorating specific events;
(vi) the production, distribution, and
performance of artistic works, and of pro-
grams and activities, focusing on the inter-
national and national significance of the
Louisiana Purchase and the westward
movement opening the frontier for present
and future generations; and
(vii) the issuance of commemorative
coins, medals, certificates of recognition,
and stamps.
(2) ANNUAL REPORT.—In each fiscal year in
which the Commission is in existence, the Commis-
sion shall prepare and submit to Congress a report
describing the activities of the Commission during
the fiscal year. Each annual report shall also
include—
(A) recommendations regarding appro-
priate activities to commemorate the centennial
of the Louisiana Purchase, including—
(i) the production, publication, and
distribution of books, pamphlets, films, and
other educational materials;
(ii) bibliographical and documentary
projects and publications;
(iii) conferences, convocations, lec-
tures, seminars, and other similar pro-
grams;
(iv) the development of exhibits for li-
braries, museums, and other appropriate
institutions;
(v) ceremonies and celebrations com-
memorating specific events that relate to
the Louisiana Purchase;
(vi) programs focusing on the history
of the Louisiana Purchase and its benefits
to the United States and humankind; and
(vii) competitions, commissions, and
awards regarding historical, scholarly, ar-
tistic, literary, musical, and other works,
programs, and projects related to the cen-
tennial of the Louisiana Purchase;
(B) recommendations to appropriate agen-
cies or advisory bodies regarding the issuance of
commemorative coins, medals, and stamps by
the United States relating to aviation or the
centennial of the Louisiana Purchase;
(C) recommendations for any legislation or
administrative action that the Commission de-
termines to be appropriate regarding the com-
memoration of the centennial of the Louisiana
Purchase;
(D) an accounting of funds received and
expended by the Commission in the fiscal year
that the report concerns, including a detailed
description of the source and amount of any
funds donated to the Commission in the fiscal
year; and
(E) an accounting of any cooperative
agreements and contract agreements entered
into by the Commission.
(3) FINAL REPORT.—Not later than 1 year
after the Bicentennial date, the Commission shall
submit to the President and Congress a final report.
The final report shall contain—
(A) a summary of the activities of the
Commission;
(B) a final accounting of funds received
and expended by the Commission;
(C) any findings and conclusions of the
Commission; and
(D) specific recommendations concerning
the final disposition of any historically signifi-
cant items acquired by the Commission, includ-
ing items donated to the Commission.
(c) ASSISTANCE.—In carrying out this Act, the Com-
mission shall consult, cooperate with, and seek advice and
assistance from appropriate Federal departments and
agencies.
SEC. 6. POWERS OF THE COMMISSION.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Commission may provide
for—
(1) the preparation, distribution, dissemination,
exhibition, and sale of historical, commemorative,
and informational materials and objects that will
contribute to public awareness of, and interest in,
the Bicentennial, except that any commemorative
coin, medal, or postage stamp recommended to be
issued by the United States shall be sold only by a
Federal department or agency;
(2) competitions and awards for historical,
scholarly, artistic, literary, musical, and other works,
programs, and projects relating to the Bicentennial;
(3) a Bicentennial calendar or register of pro-
grams and projects, and in other ways provide a
central clearinghouse for information and coordina-
tion regarding dates, events, places, documents, arti-
facts, and personalities of Bicentennial historical
and commemorative significance; and
(4) the design and designation of logos, sym-
bols, or marks for use in connection with the com-
memoration of the Bicentennial shall establish proce-
dures regarding their use.
(b) FEDERAL COOPERATION.—To ensure the overall
success of the Commission’s efforts, the Commission may
call upon various Federal departments and agencies to as-
sist in and give support to the programs of the Commis-
sion. The head of the Federal department or agency,
where appropriate, shall furnish the information or assist-
ance requested by the Commission, unless prohibited by
law.
(c) PROHIBITION OF PAY OTHER THAN TRAVEL EX-
PENSES.—Members of an advisory committee or task
force of the Commission shall not receive pay, but may
receive travel expenses pursuant to policies adopted by the
Commission. Members who are Federal employees shall
not receive travel expenses if otherwise reimbursed by the
Federal Government.
(d) POWERS OF MEMBERS AND AGENTS.—Any mem-
ber or agent of the Commission may, if authorized by the
Commission, take any action that the Commission is au-
thorized to take under this Act.
(e) AUTHORITY TO PROCURE AND TO MAKE LEGAL
AGREEMENTS.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any other
provision in this Act, only the Commission may pro-
cure supplies, services, and property, and make or
enter into leases and other legal agreements in order
to carry out this Act.
(2) RESTRICTION.—
(A) IN
GENERAL.—A contract, lease, or
other legal agreement made or entered into by
the Commission may not extend beyond the
date of the termination of the Commission.
(B) FEDERAL SUPPORT.—The Commission
shall obtain property, equipment, and office
space from the General Services Administration
or the Smithsonian Institution, unless other of-
fice space, property, or equipment is less costly.
(3) SUPPLIES AND PROPERTY POSSESSED BY
COMMISSION AT TERMINATION.—Any supplies and
property, except historically significant items, that
are acquired by the Commission under this Act and
remain in the possession of the Commission on the
date of the termination of the Commission shall be-
come the property of the General Services Adminis-
tration upon the date of termination.
(f) ADVISORY COMMITTEE.—The Commission may
appoint such advisory committees as the Commission de-
termines necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
SEC. 7. ADMINISTRATION.
(a) LOCATION OF OFFICE.—
(1) CENTRAL
OFFICE.—The central office of
the Commission shall be in Washington, D.C.
(2) ADDITIONAL
OFFICES.—The Commission
shall establish 2 additional offices in New Orleans,
Louisiana, and St. Louis, Missouri.
(b) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.—There shall be an Exec-
utive Director appointed by the Commission and chosen
from among detailees from the agencies and organizations
represented on the Commission. The Executive Director
may be paid at a rate not to exceed the maximum rate
of basic pay payable for the Senior Executive Service.
(c) STAFF.—The Commission may appoint and fix
the pay of any additional personnel that it considers ap-
propriate, except that an individual appointed under this
subsection may not receive pay in excess of the maximum
rate of basic pay payable for GS–14 of the General Sched-
ule.
(d) INAPPLICABILITY OF CERTAIN CIVIL SERVICE
LAWS.—The Executive Director and staff of the Commis-
sion 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 chap-
ter 53 of such title, relating to classification and General
Schedule pay rates, except as provided under subsections
(a) and (b) of this section.
(e) MERIT SYSTEM PRINCIPLES.—The appointment
of the Executive Director or any personnel of the Commis-
sion under subsection (a) or (b) shall be made consistent
with the merit system principles under section 2301 of
title 5, United States Code.
(f) STAFF OF FEDERAL AGENCIES.—Upon request
by the Chairperson of the Commission, the head of any
Federal department or agency may detail, on either a non-
reimbursable or reimbursable basis, any of the personnel
of the department or agency to the Commission to assist
the Commission to carry out its duties under this Act.
(g) ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES.—The Sec-
retary of the Smithsonian Institution may provide to the
Commission on a reimbursable basis any administrative
support services that are necessary to enable the Commis-
sion to carry out this Act.
(h) COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS.—The Commission
may enter into cooperative agreements with other Federal
agencies, State and local governments, and nonprofit orga-
nizations that will contribute to public awareness of and
interest in the centennial of the Louisiana Purchase and
toward furthering the goals and purposes of this Act.
(i) PROGRAM SUPPORT.—The Commission may re-
ceive program support from the nonprofit sector.
(j) MEMBERS’ COMPENSATION.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—A member of the Commis-
sion shall serve without compensation.
(2) TRAVEL EXPENSES.—The Commission may
adopt a policy, only by unanimous vote, for members
of the Commission and related advisory panels to re-
ceive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of
subsistence. The policy may not exceed the levels es-
tablished under sections 5702 and 5703 of title 5,
United States Code. Members who are Federal em-
ployees shall not receive travel expenses if otherwise
reimbursed by the Federal Government.
(k) OTHER REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES.—The
Commission may procure supplies, services, and property,
enter into contracts, and expend funds appropriated, do-
nated, or received to carry out contracts.
(l) POSTAL SERVICES.—The Commission may use
the United States mail to carry out this Act in the same
manner and under the same conditions as other agencies
of the Federal Government.
SEC. 8. CONTRIBUTIONS.
(a) DONATIONS.—The Commission may solicit, ac-
cept, and use donations of money, property, or personal
services and historic materials relating to the implementa-
tion of its responsibilities under the provisions of this Act.
The Commission shall not accept donations the value of
which exceeds—
(1) $50,000 annually with respect to an indi-
vidual; and
(2) $250,000 annually with respect to any per-
son other than an individual.
(b) VOLUNTEER SERVICES.—Notwithstanding sec-
tion 1342 of title 31, United States Code, the Commission
may accept and use voluntary and uncompensated services
as the Commission determines necessary.
(c) REMAINING FUNDS.—Any funds (including funds
received from licensing royalties) remaining with the Com-
mission on the date of the termination of the Commission
may be used to ensure proper disposition, as specified in
the final report required under section 10(b), of histori-
cally significant property which was donated to or ac-
quired by the Commission. Any funds remaining after
such disposition shall be transferred to the Secretary of
the Treasury for deposit into the general fund of the
Treasury of the United States.
(d) ACQUIRED ITEMS.—Any book, manuscript, mis-
cellaneous printed matter, memorabilia, relic, and other
material or property relating to the time period of the
Louisiana Purchase acquired by the Commission may be
deposited for preservation in national, State, or local li-
braries, museums, archives, or other agencies with the
consent of the depositary institution.
SEC. 9. EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO NAME, LOGOS, EMBLEMS,
SEALS, AND MARKS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Commission may devise any
logo, emblem, seal, or descriptive or designating mark that
is required to carry out its duties or that it determines
is appropriate for use in connection with the commemora-
tion of the Bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase.
(b) LICENSING.—The Commission shall have the sole
and exclusive right to use, or to allow or refuse the use
of, the name ‘‘National Commission on the Bicentennial
of the Louisiana Purchase’’ on any logo, emblem, seal, or
descriptive or designating mark that the Commission law-
fully adopts.
(c) EFFECT ON OTHER RIGHTS.—No provision of
this section may be construed to conflict or interfere with
established or vested rights.
(d) USE OF FUNDS.—Funds from licensing royalties
received pursuant to this section shall be used by the Com-
mission to carry out the duties of the Commission speci-
fied by this Act.
(e) LICENSING
RIGHTS.—All exclusive licensing
rights, unless otherwise specified, shall revert to the Na-
tional Museum of American History upon termination of
the Commission.
SEC. 10. AUDIT OF FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—
(1) AUDIT.—The Comptroller General of the
United States shall audit on an annual basis the fi-
nancial transactions of the Commission, including fi-
nancial transactions involving donated funds, in ac-
cordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
(2) ACCESS.—In conducting an audit under
this section, the Comptroller General.—
(A) shall have access to all books, ac-
counts, financial records, reports, files, and
other papers, items, or property in use by the
Commission, as necessary to facilitate the audit;
and
(B) shall be afforded full facilities for
verifying the financial transactions of the Com-
mission, including access to any financial
records or securities held for the Commission by
depositories, fiscal agents, or custodians.
(b) FINAL REPORT.—Not later than 120 days after
the date on which the Commission submits its final report,
the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit
to the President and to Congress a report detailing the
results of any audit of the financial transactions of the
Commission conducted by the Comptroller General.
SEC. 11. TERMINATION OF THE COMMISSION.
Not later than 60 days after the submission of the
final report, the Commission shall terminate.
SEC. 12. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Subject to subsections (b) and (c),
there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the
purposes of this Act $250,000 for each of the fiscal years
2002, 2003, and 2004.
(b) AVAILABILITY
OF
FUNDS.—Amounts appro-
priated under this section for any fiscal year shall remain
available until March 31, 2004.
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