I 
112TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. R. 294 
To create a commission to develop a plan for establishing a Museum of 
Ideas. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
JANUARY 12, 2011 
Mr. STEARNS introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Com-
mittee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on House 
Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speak-
er, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the ju-
risdiction of the committee concerned 
A BILL 
To create a commission to develop a plan for establishing 
a Museum of Ideas. 
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 ‘‘Museum of Ideas Act 
of 2011’’. 
SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT. 
There is established a commission to be known as the 
‘‘Museum of Ideas Commission’’ (hereinafter in this Act 
referred to as the ‘‘Commission’’). 
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SEC. 3. DUTIES OF COMMISSION. 
(a) PLAN.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Commission shall de-
velop a plan for establishing in Washington, DC, a 
museum that presents the history and evolution of 
human ideas. 
(2) SPECIFICALLY.—The plan must address the 
following issues: 
(A) How to present the history and evo-
lution of human ideas, including ideas in the 
fields of science, sociology, philosophy, econom-
ics, and politics. 
(B) The cost of establishing such a mu-
seum. 
(C) Possible locations for such a museum. 
(D) Whether such a museum should be es-
tablished within the Smithsonian Institution. 
(b) REPORT.—The Commission shall, not later than 
1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, submit a 
report to Congress and the President setting forth the 
plan developed under subsection (a). 
SEC. 4. MEMBERSHIP AND MEETINGS. 
(a) NUMBER AND APPOINTMENT.—The Commission 
shall be composed of 11 members, to be appointed as fol-
lows: 
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(1) The President shall appoint 2 members, one 
of whom shall serve as chairperson of the Commis-
sion. 
(2) The majority leader of the House of Rep-
resentatives shall appoint 2 members. 
(3) The minority leader of the House of Rep-
resentatives shall appoint 2 members. 
(4) The majority leader of the Senate shall ap-
point 2 members. 
(5) The minority leader of the Senate shall ap-
point 2 members. 
(6) The Secretary of the Interior shall appoint 
1 member. 
(b) CRITERIA FOR MEMBER.— 
(1) NO MEMBER OF CONGRESS.—A Member of 
Congress may not be a member of the Commission. 
(2) CONSULTATION
WITH
APPOINTING
AU-
THORITIES.—Prior to making an appointment, each 
appointing authority should consult with the other 
appointing authorities to ensure that the members 
appointed to the Commission represent a wide range 
of expertise that would assist the Commission in car-
rying out the required duties under this Act, includ-
ing academic leaders, industrial leaders, and individ-
uals familiar with establishing museums. 
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(c) DATE FOR ORIGINAL APPOINTMENT.—The ap-
pointing authorities described in subsection (a) shall ap-
point the initial members of the Commission not later than 
90 days after the date of enactment of this Act. 
(d) TERMS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The term of each member is 
for the life of the Commission. 
(2) VACANCIES.—A vacancy in the Commission 
shall be filled not later than 30 days after such va-
cancy occurs and in the manner in which the origi-
nal appointment was made. 
(e) PAY AND REIMBURSEMENT.— 
(1) NO PAY FOR MEMBERS.—Members of the 
Commission shall serve without pay. 
(2) TRAVEL
EXPENSES.—Each member shall 
receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of 
subsistence under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 
5, United States Code. 
(f) MEETINGS.—The Commission shall meet upon 
the call of the chairperson or a majority of its members. 
(g) QUORUM.—Six members of the Commission shall 
constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold hear-
ings. 
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SEC. 5. POWERS OF COMMISSION. 
(a) HEARINGS
AND EVIDENCE.—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 appropriate. 
(b) POWERS OF MEMBERS AND AGENTS.—Any mem-
ber or agent of the Commission may, if authorized by the 
Commission, take any action which the Commission is au-
thorized to take by this section. 
(c) MAILS.—The Commission may use the United 
States mails in the same manner and under the same con-
ditions as other departments and agencies of the United 
States. 
(d) GIFTS.—To the extent provided in advance in ap-
propriation Acts, the Commission may accept, use, and 
dispose of gifts or donations of services or property. 
SEC. 6. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY. 
The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to— 
(1) provide assistance to the Commission, in-
cluding advice on collections, storage, and archives; 
(2) provide assistance in conducting any public 
hearings or forums held by the Commission; and 
(3) provide staff assistance and support to the 
Commission. 
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SEC. 7. TERMINATION. 
The Commission shall terminate 60 days after sub-
mitting its final report under section 3. 
Æ 
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