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Week Ending May 25, 2006

S.1079 A bill to establish the Star-Spangled Banner and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission, and for other purposes.

Established under the bill is the Star-Spangled Banner and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission to encourage, plan, develop, coordinate, and execute programs, observances, and activities commemorating the historic events that preceded and are associated with the War of 1812, reports the Congressional Research Service. The committee will terminate in 2012.

The War of 1812 is selected because it is seen to have been a crucial test for the US Constitution. The War affected what is now Maryland, the Gulf of Mexico, the Niagara area as well as most States. The war was with the British. During one battle the Battle of Baltimore Francis Scott Key wrote the poem titled the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ that led to making the flag and icon. The verse became the lyrics of the national anthem in 1932.

Such commissions concern themselves with ensuring a national observance of the event at hand usually through creating facilities in the areas of the battles for visitors to come and learn about the event.

A commemorative coin is ordered and that will further promote the event but will also produce funds for the Commission to use, usually for specific spending. The primary efforts will be made in Alabama, Kentucky, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Vermont, Virginia, New York, Maine, Michigan, and Ohio.

The Commission will be made up of  22 members most from participating states and some others will be appointed by the House and the Secretary of Interior. An explanation of who can be on the Commission and how can be read below.

Sponsor:  Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD)

Vote: Passed Senate by Unanimous Consent may 22, 2007.

Cost to the taxpayers: $500,000 yearly 2008 through 2015.

Earmark Certification:   Not applicable to this bill

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MORE INFORMATION

11 members shall be qualified citizens appointed by the Secretary after consideration of nominations submitted by the Governors of Alabama, Kentucky, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Vermont, and Virginia;

(B) 3 members shall be qualified citizens appointed by the Secretary after consideration of nominations submitted by the Mayors of the District of Columbia, the City of Baltimore, and the City of New Orleans;

(C) 2 members shall be employees of the National Park Service, of whom--

(i) 1 shall be the Director of the National Park Service (or a designee); and

(ii) 1 shall be an employee of the National Park Service having experience relevant to the commemoration;

(D) 4 members shall be qualified citizens appointed by the Secretary with consideration of recommendations--

(i) 1 of which are submitted by the majority leader of the Senate;

(ii) 1 of which are submitted by the minority leader of the Senate;

(iii) 1 of which are submitted by the majority leader of the House of Representatives;

(iv) 1 of which are submitted by the minority leader of the House of Representatives; and

(E) 2 members shall be appointed by the Secretary from among individuals with expertise in the history of the War of 1812.

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