H.R. 4875 — what changed

Composition— The Commission shall be composed of the following members:

The following nonvoting ex officio members:

The Secretary.

The Secretary of State.

The Attorney General.

The Secretary of Defense.

The Secretary of Education.

The Librarian of Congress.

The Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.

The Archivist of the United States.

The presiding officer of the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities.

Term— A member shall be appointed for the life of the Commission.

Vacancies— A vacancy on the Commission—

shall not affect the powers of the Commission; and

shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment was made.

Meetings— All meetings of the Commission shall be convened at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to honor the historical significance of the building as the site of deliberations and adoption of both the United States Declaration of Independence and Constitution.

Quorum— A majority of the members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number of members may hold hearings.

In general— The Commission shall—

prepare an overall program for commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and the historic events preceding that anniversary; and

plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate observances and activities commemorating the historic events that preceded, and are associated with, the United States Semiquincentennial.

In general— In preparing plans and an overall program, the Commission—

shall give due consideration to any related plans and programs developed by State, local, and private groups; and

may designate special committees with representatives from groups described in subparagraph (A) to plan, develop, and coordinate specific activities.

Emphasis— The Commission shall—

emphasize the planning of events in locations of historical significance to the United States, especially in those locations that witnessed the assertion of American liberty, such as—

the 13 colonies; and

leading cities, including Boston, Charleston, New York City, and Philadelphia; and

give special emphasis to—

the role of persons and locations with significant impact on the history of the United States during the 250-year period beginning on the date of execution of the Declaration of Independence; and

the ideas associated with that history, which have been so important in the development of the United States, in world affairs, and in the quest for freedom of all mankind.

Infrastructure— The Commission shall—

evaluate existing infrastructure;

include in the report required under subsection (c) recommendations for what infrastructure should be in place for the successful undertaking of an appropriate celebration in accordance with this Act; and

coordinate with State and local bodies to make necessary infrastructure improvements.

In general— Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the President a comprehensive report that includes the specific recommendations of the Commission for the commemoration of the 250th anniversary and related events.

the production, publication, and distribution of books, pamphlets, films, and other educational materials focusing on the history, culture, and political thought of the period of the American Revolution;

bibliographical and documentary projects and publications;

conferences, convocations, lectures, seminars, and other programs, especially those located in the 13 colonies, including the major cities and buildings of national historical significance of the 13 colonies;

the development of libraries, museums, historic sites, and exhibits, including mobile exhibits;

ceremonies and celebrations commemorating specific events, such as—

the signing of the Declaration of Independence;

programs and activities focusing on the national and international significance of the United States Sem­i­quin­cen­ten­ni­al; and

the implications of the Sem­i­quin­cen­ten­ni­al for present and future generations; and

encouraging Federal agencies to integrate the celebration of the Semiquincentennial into the regular activities and execution of the purpose of the agencies through such activities as the issuance of coins, medals, certificates of recognition, stamps, and the naming of vessels.

Requirements— The report shall include—

the recommendations of the Commission for the allocation of financial and administrative responsibility among the public and private authorities and organizations recommended for participation by the Commission; and

proposals for such legislative enactments and administrative actions as the Commission considers necessary to carry out the recommendations.

Report submitted to Congress— The President shall submit to Congress a report that contains—

the complete report of the Commission; and

such comments and recommendations for legislation and such a description of administrative actions taken by the President as the President considers appropriate.

Point of contact— The Commission, acting through the secretariat of the Commission described in section 9(b), shall serve as the point of contact of the Federal Government for all State, local, international, and private sector initiatives regarding the Semiquincentennial of the founding of the United States, with the purpose of coordinating and facilitating all fitting and proper activities honoring the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

Hearings— The Commission may hold such hearings, meet and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the Commission considers advisable to carry out this Act.

In general— The Commission may secure directly from a Federal agency such information as the Commission considers necessary to carry out this Act.

Provision of information— On request of the Chairperson of the Commission, the head of the agency shall provide the information to the Commission.

Postal services— The Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other agencies of the Federal Government.

Gifts— The Commission may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations of money, property, or personal services.

Additional powers— As determined necessary by the Commission, the Commission may—

procure supplies, services, and property;

make contracts;

take such actions as are necessary to enable the Commission to carry out efficiently and in the public interest the purposes of this Act.

Time capsule— A representative portion of all books, manuscripts, miscellaneous printed matter, memorabilia, relics, and other materials relating to the United States Semiquincentennial shall be deposited in a time capsule—

to be buried in Independence Mall, Philadelphia, on July 4, 2026; and

to be unearthed on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the United States of America on July 4, 2276.

Other materials— All other books, manuscripts, miscellaneous printed matter, memorabilia, relics, and other materials relating to the United States Semiquincentennial, whether donated to the Commission or collected by the Commission, may be deposited for preservation in national, State, or local libraries or museums or be otherwise disposed of by the Commission, in consultation with the Librarian of Congress, the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, the Archivist of the United States, and the Administrator of General Services.

Property— Any property acquired by the Commission remaining on termination of the Commission may be—

used by the Secretary for purposes of the National Park Service; or

disposed of as excess or surplus property.

serve as the secretariat of the Commission, including by serving as the point of contact under section 5(e);

house the administrative offices of the Commission;

assume responsibility for funds of the Commission; and

provide to the Commission financial and administrative services, including services related to budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, personnel, and procurement.

In general— Subject to paragraph (2), payment for services provided under subsection (b)(4) shall be made in advance, or by reimbursement, from funds of the Commission in such amounts as may be agreed on by the Chairperson of the Commission and the secretariat of the Commission.

Erroneous payments— The regulations under section 5514 of title 5, United States Code, relating to the collection of indebtedness of personnel resulting from erroneous payments shall apply to the collection of erroneous payments made to, or on behalf of, a Commission employee.

Annual report— Once each year during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on December 31, 2027, the Commission shall submit to Congress a report of the activities of the Commission, including an accounting of funds received and expended during the year covered by the report.