S. 1157 Text
6-23-03
Passed Senate by Unanimous Consent
108th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 1157
To establish within the Smithsonian Institution the National Museum
of African American History and Culture, and for other purposes.
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
May 23, 2003
Mr. BROWNBACK (for himself, Mr. DODD, Mr. STEVENS, Mr. AKAKA, Mr. ALLARD,
Mr. ALLEN, Mr. BIDEN, Mrs. BOXER, Mr. CAMPBELL, Mr. CHAFEE, Mrs. CLINTON,
Ms. COLLINS, Mr. CORNYN, Mr. CORZINE, Mr. DASCHLE, Mr. DEWINE, Mrs. DOLE,
Mr. DURBIN, Mr. EDWARDS, Mr. FRIST, Mr. GRAHAM of Florida, Mr. GRAHAM of South
Carolina, Mr. GRASSLEY, Mr. HOLLINGS, Mrs. HUTCHISON, Mr. JEFFORDS, Mr. KENNEDY,
Mr. KERRY, Ms. LANDRIEU, Mr. LAUTENBERG, Mr. LEVIN, Mr. LIEBERMAN, Mrs. LINCOLN,
Mr. LOTT, Ms. MIKULSKI, Mr. MILLER, Mr. NELSON of Nebraska, Mr. NELSON of
Florida, Mr. PRYOR, Mr. REID, Mr. SANTORUM, Mr. SCHUMER, Mr. SMITH, Ms. STABENOW,
Mr. CRAIG, and Mr. LEAHY) introduced the following bill; which was read twice
and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration
A BILL
To establish within the Smithsonian Institution the National Museum
of African American History and Culture, 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 `National Museum of African American History
and Culture Act'.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
(1) since its founding, the United States has grown into a symbol of democracy
and freedom around the world, and the legacy of African Americans is rooted
in the very fabric of the democracy and freedom of the United States;
(2) there exists no national museum within the Smithsonian Institution located
on the National Mall that--
(A) is devoted to the documentation of African American life, art, history,
and culture; and
(B) encompasses, on a national level--
(i) the period of slavery;
(ii) the era of reconstruction;
(iii) the Harlem renaissance;
(iv) the civil rights movement; and
(v) other periods associated with African American life, art, history,
and culture; and
(3) a National Museum of African American History and Culture would be dedicated
to the collection, preservation, research, and exhibition of African American
historical and cultural material reflecting the breadth and depth of the
experiences of individuals of African descent living in the United States.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
(1) BOARD OF REGENTS- The term `Board of Regents' means the Board of Regents
of the Smithsonian Institution.
(2) COUNCIL- The term `Council' means the National Museum of African American
History and Culture Council established by section 5.
(3) MUSEUM- The term `Museum' means the National Museum of African American
History and Culture established by section 4.
(4) SECRETARY- The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of the Smithsonian
Institution.
SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF MUSEUM.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT- There is established within the Smithsonian Institution
a museum to be known as the `National Museum of African American History and
Culture'.
(b) PURPOSE- The purpose of the Museum shall be to provide for--
(1) the collection, study, and establishment of programs relating to African
American life, art, history, and culture that encompass--
(A) the period of slavery;
(B) the era of reconstruction;
(C) the Harlem renaissance;
(D) the civil rights movement; and
(E) other periods of the African American diaspora;
(2) the creation and maintenance of permanent and temporary exhibits documenting
the history of slavery in America and African American life, art, history,
and culture during the periods referred to in paragraph (1);
(3) the collection and study of artifacts and documents relating to African
American life, art, history, and culture; and
(4) collaboration between the Museum and other museums, historically black
colleges and universities, historical societies, educational institutions,
and other organizations that promote the study or appreciation of African
American life, art, history, or culture, including collaboration concerning--
(A) development of cooperative programs and exhibitions;
(B) identification, management, and care of collections; and
(C) training of museum professionals.
SEC. 5. COUNCIL.
(a) ESTABLISHMENT- There is established within the Smithsonian Institution
a council to be known as the `National Museum of African American History
and Culture Council'.
(1) IN GENERAL- The Council shall--
(A) make recommendations to the Board of Regents concerning the planning,
design, and construction of the Museum;
(B) advise and assist the Board of Regents on all matters relating to
the administration, operation, maintenance, and preservation of the Museum;
(C) recommend annual operating budgets for the Museum to the Board of
Regents;
(D) report annually to the Board of Regents on the acquisition, disposition,
and display of objects relating to African American life, art, history,
and culture; and
(E) adopt bylaws for the operation of the Council.
(2) PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES- The Council, subject to the general policies
of the Board of Regents, shall have sole authority to--
(A) purchase, accept, borrow, and otherwise acquire artifacts and other
property for addition to the collections of the Museum;
(B) loan, exchange, sell, and otherwise dispose of any part of the collections
of the Museum, but only if the funds generated by that disposition are
used for--
(i) additions to the collections of the Museum; or
(ii) programs carried out under section 7(a); and
(C) specify criteria with respect to the use of the collections and resources
of the Museum, including policies on programming, education, exhibitions,
and research with respect to--
(i) the life, art, history, and culture of African Americans;
(ii) the role of African Americans in the history of the United States
from the period of slavery to the present; and
(iii) the contributions of African Americans to society.
(3) OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES- The Council, subject to the general policies
of the Board of Regents, shall have authority--
(A) to provide for preservation, restoration, and maintenance of the collections
of the Museum; and
(B) to solicit, accept, use, and dispose of gifts, bequests, and devises
of services and property, both real and personal, for the purpose of aiding
and facilitating the work of the Museum.
(c) COMPOSITION AND APPOINTMENT-
(1) IN GENERAL- The Council shall be composed of 19 voting members as provided
under paragraph (2).
(2) VOTING MEMBERS- The Council shall include the following voting members:
(A) The Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.
(B) 1 member of the Board of Regents, appointed by the Board of Regents.
(C) 17 individuals appointed by the Board of Regents--
(i) taking into consideration individuals recommended by organizations
and entities that are committed to the advancement of knowledge of African
American life, art, history, and culture; and
(ii) taking into consideration individuals recommended by the other
members of the Council.
(3) INITIAL APPOINTMENTS- The Board of Regents shall make initial appointments
to the Council under paragraph (2) not later than 180 days after the date
of enactment of this Act.
(4) SPECIAL RULE FOR CERTAIN MEMBERS- Of the total number of members of
the Council appointed under subparagraph (C) of paragraph (2), not fewer
than 9 shall be of African-American descent.
(1) IN GENERAL- Except as provided in this subsection, each appointed member
of the Council shall be appointed for a term of 6 years.
(2) INITIAL APPOINTEES- As designated by the Board of Regents at the time
of appointment, of the voting members first appointed under subparagraph
(C) of subsection (c)(2)--
(A) 6 members shall be appointed for a term of 2 years;
(B) 6 members shall be appointed for a term of 4 years; and
(C) 5 members shall be appointed for a term of 6 years.
(3) REAPPOINTMENT- A member of the Council may be reappointed, except that
no individual may serve on the Council for a total of more than 2 terms.
(A) IN GENERAL- A vacancy on the Council--
(i) shall not affect the powers of the Council; and
(ii) shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment
was made.
(B) TERM- Any member of the Council appointed to fill a vacancy occurring
before the expiration of the term for which the member's predecessor was
appointed shall be appointed for the remainder of that term.
(1) IN GENERAL- Except as provided in paragraph (2), a member of the Council
shall serve without pay.
(2) TRAVEL EXPENSES- A member of the Council 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 Council.
(f) CHAIRPERSON- By a majority vote of its voting members, the Council shall
elect a chairperson from its members.
(1) IN GENERAL- The Council shall meet at the call of the chairperson or
on the written request of a majority of the voting members of the Council,
but not fewer than twice each year.
(2) INITIAL MEETINGS- During the 1-year period beginning on the date of
the first meeting of the Council, the Council shall meet not fewer than
4 times for the purpose of carrying out the duties of the Council under
this Act.
(h) QUORUM- A majority of the voting members of the Council holding office
shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting business, but a lesser
number may receive information on behalf of the Council.
(i) VOLUNTARY SERVICES- Notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, United States
Code, the chairperson of the Council may accept for the Council voluntary
services provided by a member of the Council.
SEC. 6. DIRECTOR AND STAFF OF THE MUSEUM.
(1) IN GENERAL- The Museum shall have a Director who shall be appointed
by the Secretary, taking into consideration individuals recommended by the
Council.
(2) DUTIES- The Director shall manage the Museum subject to the policies
of the Board of Regents.
(b) STAFF- The Secretary may appoint 2 additional employees to serve under
the Director, except that such additional employees may be appointed without
regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments
in the competitive service.
(c) PAY- The employees appointed by the Secretary under subsection (b) may
be paid 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.
SEC. 7. OFFICE OF EDUCATION AND LIAISON PROGRAMS.
(1) ESTABLISHMENT- There is established within the Museum the Office of
Education and Liaison Programs.
(2) FUNCTIONS- The Office of Education and Liaison Programs shall--
(A) carry out educational programs relating to African American life,
art, history, and culture, including--
(i) programs using digital, electronic, and interactive technologies;
and
(ii) programs carried out in collaboration with elementary schools,
secondary schools, and postsecondary schools; and
(B) consult with the Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services
concerning the grant and scholarship programs carried out under subsection
(b).
(b) GRANT AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS-
(1) IN GENERAL- In consultation with the Council and the Office of Education
and Liaison Programs, the Director of the Institute of Museum and Library
Services shall establish--
(A) a grant program with the purpose of improving operations, care of
collections, and development of professional management at African American
museums;
(B) a grant program with the purpose of providing internship and fellowship
opportunities at African American museums;
(C) a scholarship program with the purpose of assisting individuals who
are pursuing careers or carrying out studies in the arts, humanities,
and sciences in the study of African American life, art, history, and
culture;
(D) in cooperation with other museums, historical societies, and educational
institutions, a grant program with the purpose of promoting the understanding
of modern-day practices of slavery throughout the world; and
(E) a grant program under which an African-American museum (including
a nonprofit education organization the primary mission of which is to
promote the study of African-American diaspora) may use the funds provided
under the grant to increase an endowment fund established by the museum
(or organization) as of May 1, 2003, for the purposes of--
(i) enhancing educational programming; and
(ii) maintaining and operating traveling educational exhibits.
(2) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- There are authorized to be appropriated
to the Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services to carry
out this subsection--
(A) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2004; and
(B) such sums as are necessary for each fiscal year thereafter.
SEC. 8. BUILDING FOR THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND
CULTURE.
(A) IN GENERAL- Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Board of Regents shall designate a site for the Museum.
(B) SITES FOR CONSIDERATION- In designating a site under subparagraph
(A), the Board of Regents shall select from among the following sites
in the District of Columbia:
(i) The area bounded by Constitution Avenue, Pennsylvania Avenue, and
1st and 3rd Streets, Northwest.
(ii) The Arts and Industries Building of the Smithsonian Institution,
located on the National Mall at 900 Jefferson Drive, Southwest, Washington,
District of Columbia.
(iii) The area bounded by Constitution Avenue, Madison Drive, and 14th
and 15th Streets, Northwest.
(iv) The site known as the `Liberty Loan site', located on 14th Street
Southwest at the foot of the 14th Street Bridge.
(C) AVAILABILITY OF SITE-
(i) IN GENERAL- A site described in subparagraph (B) shall remain available
until the date on which the Board of Regents designates a site for the
Museum under subparagraph (A)(i).
(ii) TRANSFER TO SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION- Except with respect to a site
described in clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph (B), if the site designated
for the Museum is in an area that is under the administrative jurisdiction
of a Federal agency, as soon as practicable after the date on which
the designation is made, the head of
the Federal agency shall transfer to the Smithsonian Institution administrative
jurisdiction over the area.
(D) CONSULTATION- The Board of Regents shall carry out its duties under
this paragraph in consultation with--
(i) the Chair of the National Capital Planning Commission;
(ii) the Chair of the Commission on Fine Arts;
(iii) the Chair and Vice Chair of the Presidential Commission referred
to in section 10;
(iv) the Chair of the Building and Site Subcommittee of the Presidential
Commission referred to in section 10; and
(v) the Chairman and Ranking Member of each of--
(I) the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate;
(II) the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives;
(III) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House
of Representatives;
(IV) the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives;
and
(V) the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.
(2) CONSIDERATION- The Board of Regents shall take into consideration the
recommendations of the Council concerning the planning, design, and construction
of the Museum.
(3) CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDING- The Board of Regents, in consultation with
the Council, may plan, design, and construct a building for the Museum,
which shall be located at the site designated by the Board of Regents under
this paragraph.
(b) COST SHARING- The Board of Regents shall pay--
(1) 50 percent of the costs of carrying out this section from Federal funds;
and
(2) 50 percent of the costs of carrying out this section from non-Federal
sources.
(c) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- There are authorized to be appropriated
such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.
SEC. 9. CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET ACT COMPLIANCE.
Authority under this Act to enter into contracts or to make payments shall
be effective in any fiscal year only to the extent provided in advance in
an appropriations Act, except as provided under section 11(b).
SEC. 10. CONSIDERATION OF RECOMMENDATIONS OF PRESIDENTIAL COMMISSION.
In carrying out their duties under this Act, the Council and the Board of
Regents shall take into consideration the reports and plans submitted by the
National Museum of African American History and Culture Plan for Action Presidential
Commission under the National Museum of African American History and Culture
Plan for Action Presidential Commission Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-106).
SEC. 11. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) IN GENERAL- There are authorized to be appropriated to the Smithsonian
Institution to carry out this Act, other than sections 7(b) and 8--
(1) $17,000,000 for fiscal year 2004; and
(2) such sums as are necessary for each fiscal year thereafter.
(b) AVAILABILITY- Amounts made available under subsection (a) shall remain
available until expended.
END
