National Museum of African American History and Culture Act - (Sec. 4) Establishes within the Smithsonian Institution (SI) the National Museum of African American History and Culture, to be operated as a center for scholarship and a location for museum training, public education, exhibits, and collection and study of items and materials relating to the life, art, history, and culture of African Americans that encompass the period of slavery, the era of reconstruction, the Harlem renaissance, the civil rights movement, and other periods of the African American diaspora.
(Sec. 5) Establishes the National Museum of African American History and Culture Council to: (1) advise and assist the SI Board of Regents on Museum planning, design, construction, operation, and budgets; and (2) have responsibility and authority with respect to the Museum's collections and work, subject to the Board of Regents' general policies.
(Sec. 6) Requires the Secretary of SI to appoint a Director to manage the Museum.
(Sec. 7) Establishes the Office of Education and Liaison Programs within the Museum to work with educational institutions and museums throughout the Nation. Requires the Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services to establish specified grant, scholarship, internship, and fellowship programs relating to African American museums.
(Sec. 8) Directs the Board of Regents to select the Museum's site from one of four specified sites on or adjacent to the national mall. Requires the Board of Regents to pay costs of planning, design, and construction of the Museum on the chosen site as follows: 50 percent from Federal funds and 50 percent from non-Federal sources.
(Sec. 9) Provides for Congressional Budget Act compliance by declaring that 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 that mounts made available under section 11 of this Act shall remain available until expended.
(Sec. 10) Directs the Council and the Board of Regents, in carrying out their duties under this Act, to consider 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) Authorizes appropriations in a specified amount for FY 2004, and in necessary amounts for subsequent fiscal years.
[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1157 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
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.
Congress finds that--
(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.
In this Act:
(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''.
(b) Duties.--
(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.
(d) Terms.--
(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.
(4) Vacancies.--
(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.
(e) Compensation.--
(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.
(g) Meetings.--
(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.
(a) Director.--
(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.
(a) In General.--
(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.--
(1) Location.--
(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.
<all>
Introduced in Senate
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S7155-7156)
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration. (text of measure as introduced: CR S7156-1158)
Senate Committee on Rules and Administration discharged by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S8378-8380)
Senate Committee on Rules and Administration discharged by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8378-8380)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S8378-8380; text of measure as passed Senate: CR S8378-8380)
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8378-8380; text of measure as passed Senate: CR S8378-8380)
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Received in the House.
Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, 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.
Llama 3.2 · runs locally in your browser
Ask anything about this bill. The AI reads the full text to answer.
Enter to send · Shift+Enter for new line
Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, 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.
Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, 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.