HR 6696 IH
110th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 6696
To authorize the American Battle Monuments Commission to establish a memorial, in the District of Columbia or its environs, to honor members of the Armed Forces who served in World War I, and for other purposes.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
July 31, 2008
Mr. POE introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources
A BILL
To authorize the American Battle Monuments Commission to establish a memorial, in the District of Columbia or its environs, to honor members of the Armed Forces who served in World War I, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
SEC. 2. AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH MEMORIAL.
(a) In General- The American Battle Monuments Commission (hereinafter in this Act referred to as the ‘Commission’) is authorized to establish a memorial to honor members of the Armed Forces who served in World War I and to commemorate the participation of the United States in that war.
(b) Location of Memorial- The memorial established pursuant to this Act shall be--
(1) located generally on and abutting the Federal land in the District of Columbia where the District of Columbia War Memorial is currently located; and
(2) incorporated with the District of Columbia War Memorial.
(c) Compliance With Standards for Commemorative Works- The establishment of the memorial shall be in accordance with chapter 89 of title 40, United States Code.
(d) Handicapped Access- The plan, design, construction, and operation of the memorial pursuant to this section shall provide for accessibility by, and accommodations for, the physically handicapped.
SEC. 3. ADVISORY BOARD.
(a) Establishment of Board- There is hereby established a World War I Memorial Advisory Board, consisting of 12 members, who shall be appointed by the President from among veterans of World War I, historians of World War I, and representatives of veterans organizations, historical associations, and groups knowledgeable about World War I.
(b) Appointments- Members of the Board shall be appointed not later than 3 months after the date of the enactment of this Act and shall serve for the life of the Board. The President shall make appointments to fill such vacancies as may occur on the Board.
(c) Responsibilities of the Board- The Board shall--
(1) in the manner specified by the Commission, promote establishment of the memorial and encourage donation of private contributions for the memorial; and
(2) upon the request of the Commission, advise the Commission on the site and design for the memorial.
(d) Sunset- The Board shall cease to exist on the last day of the third month after the month in which the memorial is completed or the month of the expiration of the authority for the memorial under chapter 89 of title 40, United States Code, whichever first occurs.
SEC. 4. PRIVATE CONTRIBUTIONS.
SEC. 5. FUND IN THE TREASURY FOR THE MEMORIAL.
(a) In General- There is hereby created in the Treasury a fund which shall be available to the Commission for the expenses of establishing the memorial. The fund shall consist of--
(1) amounts deposited, and interest and proceeds credited, under subsection (b); and
(2) obligations obtained under subsection (c).
(b) Deposits and Credits- The Chairman of the Commission shall deposit in the fund the amounts accepted as contributions under section 4. The Secretary of the Treasury shall credit to the fund the interest on, and the proceeds from sale or redemption of, obligations held in the fund.
(c) Obligations- The Secretary of the Treasury shall invest any portion of the fund that, as determined by the Chairman of the Commission, is not required to meet current expenses. Each investment shall be made in an interest bearing obligation of the United States or an obligation guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States that, as determined by the Chairman of the Commission, has a maturity suitable for the fund.
(d) Abolition- Upon the final settlement of the accounts of the fund, the Secretary of the Treasury shall submit to the Congress a draft of legislation (including technical and conforming provisions) recommended by the Secretary for the abolition of the fund.
SEC. 6. DEPOSIT OF EXCESS FUNDS.
If, upon payment of all expenses of the establishment of the memorial (including the maintenance and preservation amount provided for in chapter 89 of title 40, United States Code), or upon expiration of the authority for the memorial under chapter 89 of title 40, United States Code, there remains a balance in the fund created by section 5, the Chairman of the Commission shall transmit the amount of the balance to the Secretary of the Treasury for deposit in the account provided for in chapter 89 of title 40, United States Code.
U.S. Congress - Text of H.R.6696 as Introduced in House Frank Buckles World War I Memorial Act
