HR 202 IHCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To create a commission to develop a plan for establishing a Museum of Ideas.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

January 6, 2009CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Mr. STEARNS introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

To create a commission to develop a plan for establishing a Museum of Ideas.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ‘Museum of Ideas Act of 2009’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

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’).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 3. DUTIES OF COMMISSION.

(a) Plan-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- The Commission shall develop a plan for establishing in Washington, DC, a museum that presents the history and evolution of human ideas.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) SPECIFICALLY- The plan must address the following issues:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(A) How to present the history and evolution of human ideas, including ideas in the fields of science, sociology, philosophy, economics, and politics.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(B) The cost of establishing such a museum.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(C) Possible locations for such a museum.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(D) Whether such a museum should be established within the Smithsonian Institution.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(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).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 4. MEMBERSHIP AND MEETINGS.

(a) Number and Appointment- The Commission shall be composed of 11 members, to be appointed as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) The President shall appoint 2 members, one of whom shall serve as chairperson of the Commission.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) The majority leader of the House of Representatives shall appoint 2 members.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) The minority leader of the House of Representatives shall appoint 2 members.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(4) The majority leader of the Senate shall appoint 2 members.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(5) The minority leader of the Senate shall appoint 2 members.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(6) The Secretary of the Interior shall appoint 1 member.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Criteria for Member-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) NO MEMBER OF CONGRESS- A Member of Congress may not be a member of the Commission.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) CONSULTATION WITH APPOINTING AUTHORITIES- 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 carrying out the required duties under this Act, including academic leaders, industrial leaders, and individuals familiar with establishing museums.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Date for Original Appointment- The appointing authorities described in subsection (a) shall appoint the initial members of the Commission not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Terms-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) IN GENERAL- The term of each member is for the life of the Commission.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) VACANCIES- A vacancy in the Commission shall be filled not later than 30 days after such vacancy occurs and in the manner in which the original appointment was made.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(e) Pay and Reimbursement-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) NO PAY FOR MEMBERS- Members of the Commission shall serve without pay.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(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.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(f) Meetings- The Commission shall meet upon the call of the chairperson or a majority of its members.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(g) Quorum- Six members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold hearings.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

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.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(b) Powers of Members and Agents- Any member or agent of the Commission may, if authorized by the Commission, take any action which the Commission is authorized to take by this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(c) Mails- 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.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(d) Gifts- To the extent provided in advance in appropriation Acts, the Commission may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations of services or property.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 6. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY.

The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(1) provide assistance to the Commission, including advice on collections, storage, and archives;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(2) provide assistance in conducting any public hearings or forums held by the Commission; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink





(3) provide staff assistance and support to the Commission.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

SEC. 7. TERMINATION.

The Commission shall terminate 60 days after submitting its final report under section 3.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink