Thomas Jefferson Commemoration Commission Act
PL 102-343 (S.959), enacted 08/17/1992

PUBLIC LAW 102-343—AUG. 17, 1992 
106 STAT. 915 
Public Law 102-343 
102d Congress 
An Act 
To establish a commission to commemorate the 250th anniversaiy of the birth 
ofThomas Jefferson. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
the United States of 
America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 
This Act may be cited as the "Thomas Jefferson Commemoration 
Commission Act". 
SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL FINDINGS. 
The Congress finds that— 
(1) April 13, 1993, marks the 250th anniversary of the birth 
ofThomas Jefferson; 
(2) as author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas 
Jefferson conceived and executed an affirmation of democratic 
government unequaled in both its eloquence and clarity; 
(3) in an age of democratic awakening, Thomas Jefferson 
worked to promote government based on the consent of the 
people, to hold rulers continually responsible to the ruled, and 
to secure fundamental rights and liberties of free citizens; 
(4) Thomas Jefferson was elected 3d President of the United 
States in 1801 and helped to establish the process by which 
ongoing poHtical change is carried forward through pubUc 
debate and free elections; 
(5) with the Louisiana Purchase, Thomas Jefferson virtually 
doubled the size of the United States; 
(6) the genius ofThomas Jefferson extended beyond the realm 
of poUtics and government to the adaptation of classic architec-
ture, as exemplified by his home at Monticello and the grounds 
of the University of Virginia, which set an American standard 
of dignity, simplicity, and elegance; 
(7) Thomas Jefferson encouraged American science in its 
infancy, and with his friend James Madison, laid the comer-
stone of the American tradition of religious freedom and separa-
tion of church and state; 
(8) Thomas Jefferson also championed imiversal public edu-
cation, believing such education essential to democratic govern-
ment as well as to advancement of knowledge and the pursuit 
of happiness; 
(9) it is appropriate to remember and renew the legacy of 
Thomas Jefferson for the American people and, indeed for all 
mankind, during a time when the light of democracy is again 
bursting upon the world; and 
(10) as the Nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the 
birth of Thomas Jefferson, it is appropriate to celebrate and 
commemorate this anniversary througn local, national, and 
international observances and activities planned and coordi-
nated by a national commission. 
Aug. 17, 1992 
[S. 959] 
Thom£us 
Jefferson 
Ck>mmemoration 
Commission 
Act 
36 u s e 149 
note. 
36 u s e 149 
note. 
106 STAT. 916 
PUBLIC LAW 102-343—AUG. 17, 1992 
36 use 149 
SEC. 3. ESTABUSHMENT. 
. 
; ' 
There is established a commission to be known as the Thomas 
Jefferson Commemoration Commission (in this Act referred to as 
the "Commission"). 
36 use 149 
SEC. 4. DUTIES. 
""*'• 
The Commission Shall-
(1) plan and develop programs and activities appropriate 
to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Thomas 
Jefferson, including a limited nimiber of projects to be imder-
taken by the Federal Government that harmonize and balance 
the important goals of ceremony and celebration with the 
equally important goals of scholarship and education; 
(2) generally coordinate activities throughout the several 
States; 
(3) honor historical locations associated with the life of 
Thomas Jefferson; 
(4) recognize individuals and organizations that have signifi-
cantly contributed to the preservation of Jefferson's ideals, 
writings, architectural designs, and other professional accom-
pKshments, by the award and presentation of medals and cer-
tificates; 
(5) encourage civic, patriotic, £ind historical organizations, 
and State and local governments, to organize and participate 
in anniversary activities commemorating the birth of Thomas 
Jefferson; and 
(6) develop and coordinate any other activities relating to 
the anniversary of the birth of Thomas Jefferson as may be 
appropriate. 
36 use 149 
SEC. 5. MEMBERSHIP. 
"°*®' 
(a) NUMBER AND APPOINTMENT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—^The Commission shall be composed of 21 
members, including— 
(A) the Chief Justice of the United States or such individ-
ual's delegate; 
(B) the Librarian of Congress or such individual's dele-
gate; 
(C) the Archivist of the United States or such individual's 
delegate; 
(D) the President pro tempore of the Senate or such 
individual's delegate; 
(E) the Speaker of the House of Representatives or such 
individual's delegate; 
(F) the Secretary of the Interior or such individual's 
delegate; 
(Gr) the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution or such 
individual's delegate; 
(H) the Secretary of Education or such individual's dele-
gate; 
(I) the Chairman of the National Endowment for the 
Humanities or such individual's delegate; 
(J) the Executive Director of the Thomas Jefferson Memo-
rial Foundation or such individual's delegate; and 
(K) 11 citizens of the United States who are not officers 
or employees of any government, except to the extent they 
PUBLIC LAW 102-343—AUG. 17, 1992 
106 STAT. 917 
are considered such officers or employees by virtue of their 
membership on the Commission. 
(2) APPOINTMENTS BY PRESIDENT.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—The individuals referred to in para-
graph (1)(K) shall be appointed by the President. The 
individuals shall be chosen based on their distinctive quali-
fications or experience in the fields of history, government, 
architecture, tiie applied sciences, or other professions that 
would enhance the work of the Commission and reflect 
the professional accomplishments of Thomas Jefferson. 
(B) POLITICAL AFFILIATION.—Not more than 6 of the 
individuals appointed under subparagraph (A) may be 
affiUated with the same political party. 
(C) RECOMMENDATIONS.—Of the individuals appointed 
under subparagraph (A)— 
(i) 3 shaQ be appointed from among individuals who 
are recommended by the majority leader of the Senate 
in consultation with the minority leader of the Senate; 
and 
(ii) 3 shall be appointed from among individuals 
who are recommended by the Speaker of the House 
of Representatives in consultation with the minority 
leader of the House of Representatives. 
(b) TERMS.—^Each member of the Commission shall be appointed 
not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this 
Act for the life of the Commission. 
(c) VACANCIES.—^A vacancy in the Commission shall be filled 
in the same memner in which the original appointment was made. 
(d) CHAIRPERSON.—^The President shall designate the chairperson President, 
of the Commission from among the individuals appointed imder 
subsection (a)(2). 
(e) COMPENSATION.— 
^ 
(1) RATES OF PAY.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), 
members of the Commission shall serve without pay. 
(2) TRAVEL EXPENSES.—^Each member of the Commission may 
receive travel expenses, including per diem in Ueu of subsist-
ence, in accordance with sections 5702 and 5703 of title 5, 
United States Code. 
(f) MEETINGS.—^The Commission shall meet at the call of the 
chairperson or a majority of its members. 
(g) APPROVAL OF ACTIONS.—^All official actions of the Commission 
under this Act shall be approved by the affirmative vote of not 
less than a majority of the members. 
SEC. 6. POWERS. 
36 USC 149 
(a) ADVISORY COMMITTEES.—^The Commission may appoint such 
advisory committees as it determines to be necessary to carry 
out this Act. 
(b) DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY.—^Any member or employee of 
the Commission may, if authorized by the Commission, take any 
action that the Commission is authorized to take by this Act. 
(c) CONTRACT AUTHORITY.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—^The Commission may procure supplies, 
services, and property, and make or enter into contracts, leases, 
or other legal agreements, in order to carry out this Act. 
106 STAT. 918 
PUBLIC LAW 102-343—AUG. 17, 1992 
(2) RESTRICTION.—^The contracts, leases, or other legal agree-
ments made or entered into by the Commission shall not extend 
beyond the date of termination of the Commission. 
(3) TERMINATION.—^All supplies and property acquired by the 
Commission under this Act that remain in the possession of 
the Commission on the date of termination of the Commission 
shall become the property of the General Services Administra-
tion upon the date of the termination. 
(d) INFORMATION.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—^The Commission may secure directly from 
£iny Federal agency information necessary to enable it to carry 
out this Act. Upon request of the chairperson of the Commis-
sion, the head of the Federal agency shall furnish the informa-
tion to the Commission. 
(2) EXCEPTION.—Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any 
information that the Commission is prohibited to secure or 
request by another law. 
(e) MAILS.—^The Commission may use the United States mails 
in the same manner and under the same conditions as other Federal 
agencies. 
36 use 149 
SEC. 7. STAFF AND SUPPORT SERVICES. 
(a) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.—^The Commission shall have an execu-
tive director appointed by the chairperson of the Commission with 
the advice of the Commission. The executive director may be paid 
at a rate not to exceed the maximum rate of basic pay payable 
for GS-15 of the General Schedule. 
(b) STAFF.—^The Commission may appoint and fix the pay of 
additional personnel as it considers appropriate, except that an 
individual so appointed may not receive pay in excess of the maxi-
mum rate of basic pay payable for GS-13 of the General Schedule. 
(c) APPLICABILITY OF CERTAIN CIVIL SERVICE LAWS.—The execu-
tive 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 that title relating to classification and General Schedule 
pay rates, except as provided in subsections (a) and (b). 
(d) STAFF OF FEDERAL AGENCIES.—Upon request of the chair-
person of the Commission, the head of any Federal agency may 
detgiil, on a nonreimbursable basis, any of the personnel of the 
agency to the Commission to assist it in carrying out its duties 
under this Act. 
(e) EXPERTS AND CONSULTANTS.—The chairperson of the Commis-
sion may procure temporary and intermittent services under section 
3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, at a rate which does not 
exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay pre-
scribed for level V of the Executive Schedule xinder section 5316 
of such title. 
(f) ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES.—The Administrator of 
Greneral Services shall provide to the Commission on a reimbursable 
basis such administrative support services as the Commission may 
request. 
36 use 149 
SEC. 8. CONTRIBUTIONS. 
(a) DONATIONS.—^The Commission may accept donations of money, 
personal services, and property, both real and personal, including 
PUBLIC LAW 102-343—AUG. 17, 1992 
106 STAT. 919 
books, manuscripts, miscellaneousprinted matter, memorabilia, rel-
ics and other materials related to Thomas Jefferson. 
(b) USE OF FUNDS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Any funds donated to the Commission may 
be used by the Commission to C£irry out this Act. The source 
and amount of such funds shall be listed in the interim and 
final reports required under section 9. 
(2) PROCUREMENT REQUIREMENTS.—In addition to any pro-
curement requirement otherwise applicable to the Commission, 
the Commission shall conduct procurements of property or serv-
ices involving donated funds pursuant to the small purchase 
procedures required by section 303(g) of the Federal Property 
and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (41 U.S.C. 253(g)). 
Section 15(j) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 644(j)) shall 
not apply to such procurements. 
(3) DEFINITION.—For purposes of paragraph (2), the term 
"donated fiinds" mecuis any funds of which 50 percent or more 
derive 
fi-om 
funds donated to the Commission. 
(c) VOLUNTEER SERVICES.—Notwithstanding section 1342 of title 
31, United States Code, the Commission may accept and use vol-
untary and uncompensated services as the Commission determines 
necessary. 
(d) REMAINING FUNDS.—Funds remaining upon the date of termi-
nation of the Commission shall be used to ensure the proper dis-
position of property donated to the Commission as specified in 
the final report required by section 9. 
SEC. 9. REPORTS. 
36 USC 149 
(a) INTERIM REPORT.—Not later than December 31, 1992, the "
°
*
® 
Commission shall prepare and submit to the President and the 
Congress a report detailing the activities of the Commission, includ-
ing an accounting of funds received and expended by the Commis-
sion, during the period beginning on the date of the enactment 
of this Act and ending not earlier than 30 days prior to the submis-
sion of the interim report. 
(b) FINAL REPORT.—Not later than December 31, 1993, the Com-
mission shall submit to the President and to the Congress a final 
report. The final report shall contain— 
(1) a summary of the activities of the Commission; 
(2) a final accounting of funds received and expended by 
the Commission; 
(3) the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the 
Commission; 
(4) specific recommendations concerning the final disposition 
of historically significant items donated to the Commission 
under section 8(a); and 
(5) any additional views of £iny member of the Commission 
concerning the Commission's recommendations that such mem-
ber requests to be included in the final report. 
SEC. 10. AUDIT OF FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS. 
36 USC 149 
(a) IN GENERAL.-The Inspector General of the General Services "°*^ 
Administration shall audit financial transactions of the Commission, 
including financial transactions involving donated funds, in accord-
ance with generally accepted auditing standards. In conducting 
an audit pursuant to this section, the Inspector General shall have 
access to all books, accounts, financial records, reports, files, and 
other papers, items, or property in use by the Commission, as 
106 STAT. 920 
PUBLIC LAW 102-343—AUG. 17, 1992 
necessary to facilitate the audit, and shall be afforded full facilities 
for verifying transactions with the balances or securities held by 
depositories, fiscal agents, and custodisins. 
(b) REPORTS.—Not later than December 31, 1992, the Inspector 
General of the General Services Administration shall submit to 
the President and to the Congress a report detailing the results 
of any audit of the financial transactions of the Commission con-
ducted before such date. Not later than March 4, 1994, such Inspec-
tor General shall submit to the President and to the Congress 
a report detailing the results of £iny audit of the financial trans-
actions of the Commission conducted during the period beginning 
on December 31,1992, and ending on December 31,1993. 
36 u s e 149 
SEC. 11. TERMINATION. 
The Commission shall terminate not later than 60 days following 
submission of the final report required by section 9. 
36 u s e 149 
SEC. 12. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act 
$250,000 for fiscal year 1993 and $62,500 for fiscal year 1994. 
Approved August 17, 1992. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S. 959 (H.R. 5056): 
HOUSE REPORTS: No. 102-690 accompanying H.R. 5056 (Comm. on Post Office and 
Civil Service). 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD: 
Vol. 137 (1991): Nov. 15, considered and passed Senate. 
Vol. 138 (1992): July 28, H.R. 5056 considered and passed House; S. 959, 
amended, passed in lieu. 
July 30, Senate concurred in House amendment. 
WEEKLY COMPILATION OF PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS, Vol. 28 (1992): 
Aug. 17, Presidential statement.