[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 230 Introduced in House (IH)]
110th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 230
To create a commission to develop a plan for establishing a Museum of
Ideas.
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IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 4, 2007
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 concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To create a commission to develop a plan for establishing a Museum of
Ideas.
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 ``Museum of Ideas Act of 2007''.
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'').
SEC. 3. DUTIES OF COMMISSION.
(a) Plan.--
(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.
(2) Specifically.--The plan must address the following
issues:
(A) How to present the history and evolution of
human ideas, including ideas in the fields of science,
sociology, philosophy, economics, and politics.
(B) The cost of establishing such a museum.
(C) Possible locations for such a museum.
(D) Whether such a museum should be established
within the Smithsonian Institution.
(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).
SEC. 4. MEMBERSHIP AND MEETINGS.
(a) Number and Appointment.--The Commission shall be composed of 11
members, to be appointed as follows:
(1) The President shall appoint 2 members, one of whom
shall serve as chairperson of the Commission.
(2) The majority leader of the House of Representatives
shall appoint 2 members.
(3) The minority leader of the House of Representatives
shall appoint 2 members.
(4) The majority leader of the Senate shall appoint 2
members.
(5) The minority leader of the Senate shall appoint 2
members.
(6) The Secretary of the Interior shall appoint 1 member.
(b) Criteria for Member.--
(1) No member of congress.--A Member of Congress may not be
a member of the Commission.
(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.
(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.
(d) Terms.--
(1) In general.--The term of each member is for the life of
the Commission.
(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.
(e) Pay and Reimbursement.--
(1) No pay for members.--Members of the Commission shall
serve without pay.
(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.
(f) Meetings.--The Commission shall meet upon the call of the
chairperson or a majority of its members.
(g) Quorum.--Six members of the Commission shall constitute a
quorum, but a lesser number may hold hearings.
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.
(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.
(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.
(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.
SEC. 6. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY.
The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to--
(1) provide assistance to the Commission, including advice
on collections, storage, and archives;
(2) provide assistance in conducting any public hearings or
forums held by the Commission; and
(3) provide staff assistance and support to the Commission.
SEC. 7. TERMINATION.
The Commission shall terminate 60 days after submitting its final
report under section 3.
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