A joint resolution to designate the period commencing January 1, 1983, and ending December 31, 1983, as the "Tricentennial Anniversary Year of German Settlement in America".
PL 97-472 (S.J.Res.260), enacted 01/14/1983

PUBLIC LAW 97-472—JAN. 14, 1983 
96 STAT. 2603 
Public Law 97-472 
97th Congress 
Joint Resolution 
To designate the period commencing January 1,1983, and ending December 31,1983, 
as the "Tricentennial Anniversary Year of German Settlement in America". 
Whereas October 6, 1983, is the three hundredth anniversary of 
German settlement in America at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; 
Whereas such date marks the beginning of the immeasurable 
human, economic, political, social, and cultural contributions to 
this country by millions of German immigrants over the past 
three centuries; 
Whereas today the United States of America and the Federal 
Republic of Germany continue their close friendship based on the 
common values of democracy, guaranteed individual liberties, 
tolerance of personal differences, and opposition to totalitarian-
ism; and 
Whereas it is fitting that this historic event be commemorated in 
such a manner as to celebrate German-American friendship and 
to focus on the democratic values that bind us together: Now, 
therefore, be it 
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, That the period commenc-
ing January 1, 1983, and ending December 31, 1983, is hereby 
designated as the "Tricentennial Anniversary Year of German Set-
tlement in America", and the President is authorized and requested 
to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States 
to observe the year with appropriate ceremonies and activities. 
SEC. 2. AS a concrete demonstration of our commitment to the 
enduring United State&<jerman relationship, and as an act of cele-
bration to inaugurate the Tricentennial Year, we express our strong 
support for the President's Youth Exchange Initiative, and espe-
cially the concept of a United States^German teenage exchange 
sponsored by the Members of the United States Congress and the 
West German Bundestag, and emphasizing home stays with 
families. 
SEC. 3. (a) There ia hereby established a Commission to be known 
as the Presidential Commission for the German-American Tricen-
tennial (hereinafter referred to as the "Commission*') to plan, 
encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the 
German-American Tricentennial. In preparing its plans and carry-
ing out its program, the Commission shall give due consideration to 
any related plans and programs developed by State, local, private, 
and foreign groups. 
(b) The Commission shall be composed of not more than 40 
members, appointed by the President, ten of whom shall be 
appointed upon the recommendation of the Speaker of the House of 
Representatives, and ten of whom shall be appointed upon the 
recommendation of the President pro tempore of the Senate, in 
consultation with the majority leader and minority leader of the 
Senate. One member shall be the Chief Justice of the United States 
Jan. 14, 1983 
[S.J. Res. 260] 
Tricentennial 
Anniversary 
Year of German 
Settlement in 
America. 
Presidential 
Commission for 
the German-
American 
Tricentennial. 
Establishment. 
96 STAT. 2604 
PUBLIC LAW 97-472-JAN. 14, 1983 
or his designee. The members shall be from the public and private 
sectors and the President shall designate a member from the private 
sector as Chairman. The members of the Commission shall receive 
no compensation for their services as such but may be allowed 
necessary travel expenses, as authorized by law, to carry out Com-
mission activities. 
(c) The Commission is authorized to encourage the participation 
of, and receive donations of money, property and personal services 
from, public and private organizations and individuals to assist the 
Commission in carrying out its responsibilities. The Director of the 
United States Information Agency is authorized to provide adminis-
trative services and staff support to the Commission, as necessary, 
for which reimbursement shall be made from funds of the Commis-
sion under section 686 of title 31, United States Code, in such 
amounts as may be agreed upon by the Chairman of the Commission 
and the Director. The heads of other Executive agencies and depart-
ments are also authorized and requested to cooperate with and 
assist the Commission in fulfilling its responsibilities. 
(d) The Commission shall have power to appoint and fix the 
compensation of such personnel as it deems advisable and to appoint 
such advisory committees as it deems necessary. The Commission 
may also procure temporary and intermittent services as authorized 
by section 3109(b) of title 6, United States Code. The Commission 
shall have authority to make contracts and grants as necessary and 
appropriate to cany out its program. 
(e) 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. 
(0 All expenditures of the Commission shall be made from 
donated funds. 
Report to 
(g) A report of the Commission's activities shall be made to 
terSSion 
Ck)ngress no later than January 31, 1984, upon which date the 
Commission shall terminate. 
Approved January 14, 1983. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S.J. Res. 260: 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 128 (1982): 
Oct. 1, considered and passed Senate. 
Dec. 17, considered and passed House, amended. 
Dec. 19, Senate concurred in House amendment. 
WEEKLY COMPILATION OF PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS, Vol. 19, No. 2 (1983): 
Jan. 14, Presidential statement.