1619: the HR 4539 & S 2548 legislation

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114th Congress } { Report
SENATE
2d Session } { 114-341

======================================================================




400 YEARS OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY COMMISSION ACT

_______


September 6, 2016.--Ordered to be printed

_______


Ms. Murkowski, from the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources,
submitted the following

R E P O R T

[To accompany H.R. 4539]

The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, to which was
referred the bill (H.R. 4539) to establish the 400 Years of
African-American History Commission, and for other purposes,
having considered the same, reports favorably without amendment
and recommends that the bill do pass.

PURPOSE

The purpose of H.R. 4539 is to establish the 400 Years of
African-American History Commission.

BACKGROUND AND NEED

In August 1619, the first documented Africans arrived in
the English colony of Virginia. The group, recorded upon
arrival as ``20 and odd Negros,'' was part of a larger group of
West Africans enslaved by Portugese slavetraders. They were on
their way to Vera Cruz aboard a Portugese ship, when they were
captured off the coast of Mexico by the White Lion, an English
warship, flying a Dutch flag, and operating under Dutch letters
of marque. The White Lion transported them to Virginia, where
they were put ashore at Old Point Comfort, in what is now
Hampton, Virginia, and sold as involuntary laborers or
indentured servants. Slavery had not been institutionalized at
that point so these Africans were informed they would work
under contract for a certain period of time before being
granted freedom and the rights afforded other settlers. White
indentured servants were listed along with their year of
expected freedom whereas no such year accompanied the names of
the African indentured servants.
The historic arrival of the group of ``20 and odd Negros'''
marked the beginning of the trend in colonial America where
people of Africa were taken unwillingly from their homeland,
transplanted, and committed to lifelong slavery and racial
discrimination.
August 2019 will mark 400 years since the first arrival of
Africans to present day America. There is an interest in
commemorating the contributions that Americans of African
descent have made to help shape the cultural, academic, social,
economic, and moral attributes of this nation. A federal ``400
Years of African-American History Commission'' would mark this
historic heritage.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY

Representative Scott introduced H.R. 4539 on February 11,
2016. H.R. 4539 passed the House of Representatives by voice
vote on July 5, 2016.
Senator Kaine introduced similar legislation, S. 2548, in
the Senate on February 11, 2016. The Subcommittee on National
Parks held a hearing on S. 2548 on June 15, 2016.
The Committee on Energy and Natural Resources met in open
business session on July 13, 2016, and ordered H.R. 4539
favorably reported.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, in
open business session on July 13, 2016, by a majority voice
vote of a quorum present, recommends that the Senate pass H.R.
4539.

SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS

Section 1. Short title

Section 1 contains the short title.

Section 2. Definitions

Section 2 contains key definitions.

Section 3. Establishment

Section 3(a) establishes the ``400 Years of African-
American History Commission''.
Subsection (b) designates the composition of the 15-member
Commission, appointed by the Secretary of the Interior and in
consultation with various entities such as State Governors;
civil rights and historical organizations; the National Park
Service (NPS); the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution;
and Members of Congress. The subsection specifies initial
members of the Commission must be appointed within 120 days
after the Act's enactment; appointment terms are for the life
of the Commission; vacancies are to be filled in the same
manner as an original appointment; and those appointed to fill
a vacancy shall serve the remainder of the term for which the
predecessor was appointed. In addition, the subsection
restricts the service of a member appointed as the NPS employee
to no more than 30 days after the members ceases to be an NPS
employee.
Subsection (c) sets from the Commission's duties, including
the requirements to plan, develop, and carry out a wide array
of programs; encourage civic, patriotic, historical,
educational, artistic, religious, economic, and other
organizations throughout the country to commemorate
contributions made by African-Americans to the nation since
1619; develop appropriate programs and anniversary activities;
ensure that commemoration observances are inclusive; and
educate the public on the impact of slavery and laws that
enforced racial discrimination on the U.S.

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Section 4. Commission meetings

Section 4(a) directs the Commission to hold its initial
meeting not later than 30 days after all members are appointed.
Subsection (b) instructs the Commission to meet at least
three times each year or at the call of the Chairperson or the
majority of Commission members.
Subsection (c) specifies that a majority of the voting
members shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold
meetings.
Subsection (d) directs the Commission to elect a
Chairperson and Vice Chairperson on an annual basis, with the
Vice Chairperson serving as Chairperson in the absence of the
Chairperson.
Subsection (e) states the Commission shall act only on an
affirmative vote of a majority of the Commission members.

Section 5. Commission powers

Section 5(a) allows the Commission to accept, use, and
dispose of gifts or devises of money or other property in
support of the Commission's work.
Subsection (b) permits the Commission to appoint advisory
committees as needed to carry out the Act.
Subsection (c) grants any member or employee of the
Commission to take any action authorized under the Act.
Subsection (d) authorizes the Commission to enter into
contracts, leases or other legal agreements that cannot extend
beyond the date of termination of the Commission for the
purpose of procuring supplies, services, and property in
support of the Act.
Subsection (e) enables the Commission to utilize the U.S.
Postal Service under the same conditions and manner as used by
other federal government agencies.
Subsection (f) permits the Commission to provide grants of
up to $20,000 to communities and non-profit organizations,
research and scholarly organizations, and State and localities
to assist with and further the commemoration.

Section 6. Commission personnel matters

Section 6(a) specifies that a member of the Commission
shall serve without compensation and that members who are
federal employees shall receive only compensation for their
service with the federal government.
Subsection (b) allows a member of the Commission travel
expenses while performing duties of the Commission away from
the regular place of business, including a per diem.
Subsection (c) authorizes the Chairperson of the Commission
to nominate an executive director, to be confirmed by the
Commission, to perform the duties of the Commission.
Subsection (d) sets forth the compensation and maximum rate
of pay for the executive director.
Subsection (e) specifies that any federal agency, on a
reimbursable or non-reimbursable basis and at the request of
the Commission, may detail any personnel of the agency, without
interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege, to
the Commission to assist in carrying out the duties of the
Commission under the Act. The subsection also allows the
Commission to accept detail services from state employees with
reimbursement to the state for those services.
Subsection (f) permits the Chairperson of the Commission to
procure temporary and intermittent services.
Subsection (g) allows the Commission to accept and use
voluntary and uncompensated services as deemed necessary.
Subsection (h) requires the Secretary to provide
administrative support to the Commission as requested on a
reimbursable basis to be credited to the account used for
paying the amount reimbursed.
Subsection (i) states that nothing in this section
supersedes the authority of the NPS with respect to the
commemoration.

Section 7. Plans; reports

Section 7(a) requires the Commission to complete a
strategic plan for the activities.
Subsection (b) directs the Commission to submit a final
report to Congress, no later than July 1, 2020, that summarizes
the activities of the Commission, gives a final accounting of
the funds received and expended by the Commission, and lists
all findings and recommendations.

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Section 8. Termination of commission

Section 8(a) terminates the Commission on July 1, 2020.
Subsection (b) requires the Commission to transfer all
documents and materials of the Commission to the National
Archives or another appropriate federal entity before the
termination date.

COST AND BUDGETARY CONSIDERATIONS

The following estimate of the costs of this measure has
been provided by the Congressional Budget Office:

H.R. 4539--400 Years of African-American History Commission Act

H.R. 4539 would establish a commission to plan activities
and provide grants to develop programs and events to
commemorate 400 years of Africian American history in the
United States. The act would authorize the appropriation of
whatever sums are necessary for those purposes. The commission
would consist of 15 members and would have four years to report
to the Congress on its activities. Members would serve without
pay but would be reimbursed for travel expenses. The
legislation would allow the commission to make grants to
communities, nonprofit organizations, and other groups to
conduct activities that commemorate the anniversary. In
addition, the commission could hire staff, use personnel from
other federal agencies or state governments, and accept
volunteers to perform its work. The commission would submit a
final report to the Congress and terminate on July 1, 2020.
Based on the cost of similar commissions, CBO estimates
that implementing the bill would cost about $2 million annually
and a total of $8 million over the 2017-2020 period, assuming
appropriation of the necessary amounts. Enacting H.R. 4539
would affect direct spending because it would authorize the
commission to accept and spend monetary gifts; therefore, pay-
as-you-go procedures apply. However, CBO estimates that the net
effect on direct spending would be negligible. Enacting H.R.
4539 would not affect revenues.
CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 4539 would not increase
net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four
consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2027.
H.R. 4539 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector
mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and
would impose no costs on state, local, or tribal governments.
On August 11, 2016, CBO transmitted a cost estimate for S.
2548, the 400 Years of African-American History Commission Act,
as ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Energy and
Natural Resources on July 13, 2016. The two pieces of
legislation are similar and CBO's estimates of their cost are
the same.
The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Matthew
Pickford. This estimate was approved by Theresa Gullo,
Assistant Director for Budget Analysis.

REGULATORY IMPACT EVALUATION

In compliance with paragraph 11(b) of rule XXVI of the
Standing Rules of the Senate, the Committee makes the following
evaluation of the regulatory impact which would be incurred in
carrying out H.R. 4539. The bill is not a regulatory measure in
the sense of imposing Government-established standards or
significant economic responsibilities on private individuals
and businesses.
No personal information would be collected in administering
the program. Therefore, there would be no impact on personal
privacy.
Little, if any, additional paperwork would result from the
enactment of H.R. 4539, as ordered reported.

CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED SPENDING

H.R. 4539, as ordered reported, does not contain any
congressionally directed spending items, limited tax benefits,
or limited tariff benefits as defined in rule XLIV of the
Standing Rules of the Senate.

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EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS

The testimony provided by the National Park Service at the
June 15, 2016, hearing on S. 2548, the companion bill to H.R.
4539, follows:

Statement of Dr. Stephanie Toothman, Associate Director for Cultural
Resources, Partnerships, and Science, National Park Service, U.S.
Department of the Interior

Mr. Chairman and members of the subcommittee, thank you for
the opportunity to present the views of the Department of the
Interior on S. 2548, a bill to establish the 400 Years of
African-American History Commission.
The Department supports S. 2548, however, we would like to
work with the committee on the composition of the commission.
S. 2548 would create the 400 Years of African-American
History Commission (Commission) to commemorate four centuries
of African-American history in the United States. Through
programs, activities, education, and outreach, the Commission
would honor the arrival of Africans in the United States and
the contributions of African-Americans throughout the nation.
The Commission would consist of 15 members appointed by the
Secretary of the Interior, including an employee of the
National Park Service (NPS). It also authorizes the Commission
to provide grants of up to $20,000 and technical assistance to
communities and nonprofit organizations for the development of
programs, projects, and activities to assist in the
commemoration. It would also provide grants to research and
scholarly organizations to research, publish, and distribute
information relating to the arrival of Africans in the United
States. The bill would allow federal employees to be detailed
to the Commission, at the Commission's request. Finally, the
bill provides the authorization of funds until the Commission
terminates on July 1, 2020.
When the first African people arrived in the English
colonies at Point Comfort, Virginia, in 1619, it was not in the
pursuit of a new life, wealth, or freedom from oppression; it
was in bondage, against their will, with a loss of their
freedom. Their arrival marked the beginning of a long and
difficult narrative of slavery, resistance, reconstruction, and
civil rights, with the story still being written today.
However, in all the tragedy and hardship that is interwoven
into the history of slavery in America, there is a greater
narrative of resilience and perseverance, making it one of the
greatest survival stories rarely told and not fully understood.
The work of this Commission would support the research,
preservation, and commemoration of this 400-year history of
courage, determination, and great accomplishment in the face of
brutal oppression.
There are several units in the National Park System that
help to tell the story of the African-American struggle and
triumph, including the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad
National Monument, the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National
Monument, and the African Burial Ground National Monument.
However, the NPS recognizes that there are countless sites
outside of the system that deserve recognition. These sites and
stories related to African-American history have not always
been fully recognized or preserved, and are often in danger of
being lost or destroyed. If enacted, S. 2548 would establish a
Commission that could prevent further loss through partnership
coordination, research, educational outreach efforts, technical
assistance, and commemoration activities leading up the 400-
year anniversary of African-American history. Establishing a
commission to commemorate and recognize the resilience and
contributions of African-Americans since 1619, as envisioned in
S. 2548, would provide the nation an opportunity to reflect
upon their struggles and successes within an environment that
would be inclusive and contemplative. The Department of the
Interior and the National Park Service stand ready to
contribute their resources and expertise to this important
commemoration. Ultimately, the Commission would create greater
public insight, foster preservation, and promote increased
awareness of this 400-year narrative of great resilience and
immeasurable contribution to our American story.
While we support establishment of this Commission, we would
like to work with the committee to ensure that the Commission
represents a diverse composition of national, state, local, and
private individuals.
Mr. Chairman, this concludes my testimony. I would be happy
to answer any questions you or other members of the
subcommittee may have.

CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW

In compliance with paragraph 12 of rule XXVI of the
Standing Rules of the Senate, the Committee notes that no
changes in existing law are made by the bill as ordered
reported.

[all]

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Sponsor: Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA] (Introduced 02/11/2016)
Committees: Senate - Energy and Natural Resources
Committee Reports: S. Rept. 114-350
Latest Action: Senate - 09/13/2016 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 626. (All Actions)


Reported to Senate (09/13/2016)
Calendar No. 626

114th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 2548
[Report No. 114–350]


To establish the 400 Years of African-American History Commission, and for other purposes.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
February 11, 2016
Mr. Kaine (for himself, Mr. Warner, Mr. Casey, Mr. Coons, Mr. Booker, Ms. Hirono, and Mr. Blunt) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

September 13, 2016
Reported by Ms. Murkowski, with an amendment

[Omit the part struck through and insert the part printed in italic]

A BILL
To establish the 400 Years of African-American History Commission, 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.

This Act may be cited as the “400 Years of African-American History Commission Act”.

SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act:

(1) COMMEMORATION.—The term “commemoration” means the commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Africans in the English colonies, at Point Comfort, Virginia, in 1619.

(2) COMMISSION.—The term “Commission” means the 400 Years of African-American History Commission established by section 3(a).

(3) SECRETARY.—The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of the Interior.

SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT.

(a) In General.—There is established a commission, to be known as the “400 Years of African-American History Commission”.

(b) Membership.—

(1) COMPOSITION.—The Commission shall be composed of 15 members, of whom—

(A) 3 members shall be appointed by the Secretary, after considering the recommendations of the Governor of Virginia;

(B) 1 member shall be appointed by the Secretary, after considering the recommendations of the Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate;

(C) 4 members shall be appointed by the Secretary, after considering the recommendations of—

(i) civil rights organizations; and

(ii) historical organizations;

(D) 1 member shall be an employee of the National Park Service having experience relevant to the historical resources relating to the commemoration, to be appointed by the Secretary;

(E) 2 members shall be appointed by the Secretary, after considering the recommendations of the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution; and

(F) 4 members shall be individuals who have an interest in, support for, and expertise appropriate to the commemoration, to be appointed by the Secretary, after considering the recommendations of Members of Congress.

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1) COMPOSITION.—The Commission shall be composed of 15 members, of whom—

(A) 3 members shall be appointed by the Secretary, after considering the recommendations of Governors of States, including the Governor of Virginia;

(B) 6 members shall be appointed by the Secretary, after considering the recommendations of civil rights organizations and historical organizations;

(C) 1 member shall be an employee of the National Park Service having experience relating to the historical and cultural resources related to the commemoration, to be appointed by the Secretary;

(D) 2 members shall be appointed by the Secretary, after considering the recommendations of the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution; and

(E) 3 members shall be individuals who have an interest in, support for, and expertise appropriate to the commemoration, to be appointed by the Secretary, after considering the recommendations of Members of Congress.

(2) TIME OF APPOINTMENT.—Each appointment of an initial member of the Commission shall be made before the expiration of the 120-day period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act.

(3) TERM; VACANCIES.—

(A) TERM.—A member of the Commission shall be appointed for the life of the Commission.

(B) VACANCIES.—

(i) IN GENERAL.—A vacancy on the Commission shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made.

(ii) PARTIAL TERM.—A member appointed to fill a vacancy on the Commission shall serve for the remainder of the term for which the predecessor of the member was appointed.

(C) CONTINUATION OF MEMBERSHIP.—If a member of the Commission was appointed to the Commission as an employee of the National Park Service, and ceases to be an employee of the National Park Service, that member may continue to serve on the Commission for not longer than the 30-day period beginning on the date on which that member ceases to be an employee of the marginal Park Service.

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(c) Duties.—The Commission shall—

(1) plan, develop, and carry out programs and activities throughout the United States—

(A) appropriate for the commemoration;

(B) to recognize and highlight the resilience and contributions of African-Americans since 1619;

(C) to acknowledge the impact that slavery and laws that enforced racial discrimination had on the United States; and

(D) to educate the public about—

(i) the arrival of Africans in the United States; and

(ii) the contributions of African-Americans to the United States;

(2) encourage civic, patriotic, historical, educational, artistic, religious, economic, and other organizations throughout the United States to organize and participate in anniversary activities to expand understanding and appreciation of—

(A) the significance of the arrival of Africans in the United States; and

(B) the contributions of African-Americans to the United States;

(3) provide technical assistance to States, localities, and nonprofit organizations to further the commemoration;

(4) coordinate and facilitate for the public scholarly research on, publication about, and interpretation of—

(A) the arrival of Africans in the United States; and

(B) the contributions of African-Americans to the United States;

(5) ensure that the commemoration provides a lasting legacy and long-term public benefit by assisting in the development of appropriate programs; and

(6) help ensure that the observances of the commemoration are inclusive and appropriately recognize the experiences and heritage of all individuals present at the arrival of Africans in the United States.

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SEC. 4. COMMISSION MEETINGS.

(a) Initial Meeting.—Not later than 30 days after the date on which all members of the Commission have been appointed, the Commission shall hold the initial meeting of the Commission.

(b) Meetings.—The Commission shall meet—

(1) at least 3 times each year; or

(2) at the call of the Chairperson or the majority of the members of the Commission.

(c) Quorum.—A majority of the voting members shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold meetings.

(d) Chairperson And Vice Chairperson.—

(1) ELECTION.—The Commission shall elect the Chairperson and the Vice Chairperson of the Commission on an annual basis.

(2) ABSENCE OF THE CHAIRPERSON.—The Vice Chairperson shall serve as the Chairperson in the absence of the Chairperson.

(e) Voting.—The Commission shall act only on an affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Commission.

SEC. 5. COMMISSION POWERS.

(a) Gifts.—The Commission may solicit, accept, use, and dispose of gifts, bequests, or devises of money or other property for aiding or facilitating the work of the Commission.

(b) Appointment Of Advisory Committees.—The Commission may appoint such advisory committees as the Commission determines to be necessary to carry out this Act.

(c) Authorization Of Action.—The Commission may authorize any member or employee of the Commission to take any action that the Commission is authorized to take under this Act.

(d) Procurement.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—The Commission may procure supplies, services, and property, and make or enter into contracts, leases, or other legal agreements, to carry out this Act (except that a contract, lease, or other legal agreement made or entered into by the Commission shall not extend beyond the date of termination of the Commission).

(2) LIMITATION.—The Commission may not purchase real property.

(e) 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.

(f) Grants And Technical Assistance.—The Commission may—

(1) provide grants in amounts not to exceed $20,000 per grant to communities and nonprofit organizations for use in developing programs to assist in the commemoration;

(2) provide grants to research and scholarly organizations to research, publish, or distribute information relating to the arrival of Africans in the United States; and

(3) provide technical assistance to States, localities, and nonprofit organizations to further the commemoration.

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SEC. 6. COMMISSION PERSONNEL MATTERS.

(a) Compensation Of Members.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), a member of the Commission shall serve without compensation.

(2) FEDERAL EMPLOYEES.—A member of the Commission who is an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall serve without compensation other than the compensation received for the services of the member as an officer or employee of the Federal Government.

(b) Travel Expenses.—A member of the Commission shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for an employee of an agency under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from the home or regular place of business of the member in the performance of the duties of the Commission.

(c) Director And Staff.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—The Chairperson of the Commission may, without regard to the civil service laws (including regulations), nominate an executive director to enable the Commission to perform the duties of the Commission.

(2) CONFIRMATION OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.—The employment of an executive director shall be subject to confirmation by the Commission.

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(d) Compensation.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Commission may fix the compensation of the executive director and other personnel without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, relating to classification of positions and General Schedule pay rates.

(2) MAXIMUM RATE OF PAY.—The rate of pay for the executive director and other personnel shall not exceed the rate payable for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of title 5, United States Code.

(e) Detail Of Government Employees.—

(1) FEDERAL EMPLOYEES.—

(A) DETAIL.—At the request of the Commission, the head of any Federal agency may detail, on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis, any of the personnel of the agency to the Commission to assist the Commission in carrying out the duties of the Commission under this Act.

(B) CIVIL SERVICE STATUS.—The detail of an employee under subparagraph (A) shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege.

(2) STATE EMPLOYEES.—The Commission may—

(A) accept the services of personnel detailed from the State; and

(B) reimburse the State for services of detailed personnel.

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(f) Procurement Of Temporary And Intermittent Services.—The Chairperson of the Commission may procure temporary and intermittent services in accordance with section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, at rates for individuals that do not exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of such title.

(g) Volunteer And Uncompensated Services.—Notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, the Commission may accept and use such voluntary and uncompensated services as the Commission determines to be necessary.

(h) Support Services.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall provide to the Commission, on a reimbursable basis, such administrative support services as the Commission may request.

(2) REIMBURSEMENT.—Any reimbursement under this paragraph shall be credited to the appropriation, fund, or account used for paying the amounts reimbursed.

(i) No Effect On Authority.—Nothing in this section supersedes the authority of the National Park Service with respect to the commemoration.

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SEC. 7. PLANS; REPORTS.

(a) Strategic Plan.—The Commission shall prepare a strategic plan for the activities of the Commission carried out under this Act.

(b) Final Report.—Not later than July 1, 2020, the Commission shall complete and submit to Congress a final report that contains—

(1) a summary of the activities of the Commission;

(2) a final accounting of funds received and expended by the Commission; and

(3) the findings and recommendations of the Commission.

SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

(a) In General.—There are authorized to be appropriated to the Commission such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act.

(b) Availability.—Amounts made available under subsection (a) shall remain available until July 1, 2020.

SEC. 9. TERMINATION OF COMMISSION.

(a) Date Of Termination.—The Commission shall terminate on July 1, 2020.

(b) Transfer Of Documents And Materials.—Before the date of termination specified in subsection (a), the Commission shall transfer all documents and materials of the Commission to the National Archives or another appropriate Federal entity.

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Calendar No. 626

114th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 2548
[Report No. 114–350]
A BILL
To establish the 400 Years of African-American History Commission, and for other purposes.
September 13, 2016
Reported with an amendment
Congress.gov

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H.R. 4539, 400 Years of African-American History Commission Act

August 29, 2016 Cost Estimate
As ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on July 13, 2016
View Document
19 KB
Summary
H.R. 4539 would establish a commission to plan activities and provide grants to develop programs and events to commemorate 400 years of Africian American history in the United States. The act would authorize the appropriation of whatever sums are necessary for those purposes. The commission would consist of 15 members and would have four years to report to the Congress on its activities. Members would serve without pay but would be reimbursed for travel expenses. The legislation would allow the commission to make grants to communities, nonprofit organizations, and other groups to conduct activities that commemorate the anniversary. In addition, the commission could hire staff, use personnel from other federal agencies or state governments, and accept volunteers to perform its work. The commission would submit a final report to the Congress and terminate on July 1, 2020.
Based on the cost of similar commissions, CBO estimates that implementing the bill would cost about $2 million annually and a total of $8 million over the 2017-2020 period, assuming appropriation of the necessary amounts. Enacting H.R. 4539 would affect direct spending because it would authorize the commission to accept and spend monetary gifts; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures apply. However, CBO estimates that the net effect on direct spending would be negligible. Enacting H.R. 4539 would not affect revenues.
CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 4539 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2027.
H.R. 4539 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and would impose no costs on state, local, or tribal governments.
On August 11, 2016, CBO transmitted a cost estimate for S. 2548, the 400 Years of African-American History Commission Act, as ordered reported by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on July 13, 2016. The two pieces of legislation are similar and CBO’s estimates of their cost are the same.

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HR 1242

www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CRPT-115hrpt105/html/CRPT-115hrpt105.htm