Public Law 102–343

April 13, 1993, marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Jefferson;

as author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson conceived and executed an affirmation of democratic government unequaled in both its eloquence and clarity;

in an age of democratic awakening, Thomas Jefferson worked to promote government based on the consent of the people, to hold rulers continually responsible to the ruled, and to secure fundamental rights and liberties of free citizens;

Thomas Jefferson was elected 3d President of the United States in 1801 and helped to establish the process by which ongoing political change is carried forward through public debate and free elections;

with the Louisiana Purchase, Thomas Jefferson virtually doubled the size of the United States;

the genius of Thomas Jefferson extended beyond the realm of politics and government to the adaptation of classic architecture, as exemplified by his home at Monticello and the grounds of the University of Virginia, which set an American standard of dignity, simplicity, and elegance;

Thomas Jefferson encouraged American science in its infancy, and with his friend James Madison, laid the cornerstone of the American tradition of religious freedom and separation of church and state;

Thomas Jefferson also championed universal public education, believing such education essential to democratic government as well as to advancement of knowledge and the pursuit of happiness;

it is appropriate to remember and renew the legacy of Thomas Jefferson for the American people and, indeed for all mankind, during a time when the light of democracy is again bursting upon the world; and

as the Nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Jefferson, it is appropriate to celebrate and commemorate this anniversary through local, national, and international observances and activities planned and coordinated by a national commission.

plan and develop programs and activities appropriate to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Jefferson, including a limited number of projects to be undertaken by the Federal Government that harmonize and balance the important goals of ceremony and celebration with the equally important goals of scholarship and education;

generally coordinate activities throughout the several States;

honor historical locations associated with the life of Thomas Jefferson;

recognize individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to the preservation of Jefferson’s ideals, writings, architectural designs, and other professional accomplishments, by the award and presentation of medals and certificates;

encourage civic, patriotic, and historical organizations, and State and local governments, to organize and participate in anniversary activities commemorating the birth of Thomas Jefferson; and

develop and coordinate any other activities relating to the anniversary of the birth of Thomas Jefferson as may be appropriate.

Number and Appointment.—

Terms.—

Each member of the Commission shall be appointed not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act for the life of the Commission.

Vacancies.—

A vacancy in the Commission shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made.

Chairperson.—

The President shall designate the chairperson

President.

of the Commission from among the individuals appointed under subsection (a)(2).

Compensation.—

Meetings.—

The Commission shall meet at the call of the chairperson or a majority of its members.

Approval of Actions.—

All official actions of the Commission under this Act shall be approved by the affirmative vote of not less than a majority of the members.

Advisory Committees.—

The Commission may appoint such advisory committees as it determines to be necessary to carry out this Act.

Delegation of Authority.—

Any member or employee of the Commission may, if authorized by the Commission, take any action that the Commission is authorized to take by this Act.

Contract Authority.—

Information.—

Mails.—

The Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other Federal agencies.

Executive Director.—

The Commission shall have an executive director appointed by the chairperson of the Commission with the advice of the Commission. The executive director may be paid at a rate not to exceed the maximum rate of basic pay payable for GS–15 of the General Schedule.

Staff.—

The Commission may appoint and fix the pay of additional personnel as it considers appropriate, except that an individual so appointed may not receive pay in excess of the maximum rate of basic pay payable for GS–13 of the General Schedule.

Applicability of Certain Civil Service Laws.—

The executive director and staff of the Commission may be appointed without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, and may be paid without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of that title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates, except as provided in subsections (a) and (b).

Staff of Federal Agencies.—

Upon request of the chairperson of the Commission, the head of any Federal agency may detail, on a non-reimbursable basis, any of the personnel of the agency to the Commission to assist it in carrying out its duties under this Act.

Experts and Consultants.—

The chairperson of the Commission may procure temporary and intermittent services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, at a rate which does 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.

Administrative Support Services.—

The Administrator of General Services shall provide to the Commission on a reimbursable basis such administrative support services as the Commission may request.

Donations.—

The Commission may accept donations of money, personal services, and property, both real and personal, including books, manuscripts, miscellaneous printed matter, memorabilia, relics and other materials related to Thomas Jefferson.

Use of Funds.—

Volunteer Services.—

Notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, the Commission may accept and use voluntary and uncompensated services as the Commission determines necessary.

Remaining Funds.—

Funds remaining upon the date of termination of the Commission shall be used to ensure the proper disposition of property donated to the Commission as specified in the final report required by section 9.

Interim Report.—

Not later than December 31, 1992, the Commission shall prepare and submit to the President and the Congress a report detailing the activities of the Commission, including an accounting of funds received and expended by the Commission, during the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act and ending not earlier than 30 days prior to the submission of the interim report.

Final Report.—

Not later than December 31, 1993, the Commission shall submit to the President and to the Congress a final report. The final report shall contain—

In General.—

The Inspector General of the General Services Administration shall audit financial transactions of the Commission, including financial transactions involving donated funds, in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. In conducting an audit pursuant to this section, the Inspector General shall have access to all books, accounts, financial records, reports, files, and other papers, items, or property in use by the Commission, as necessary to facilitate the audit, and shall be afforded full facilities for verifying transactions with the balances or securities held by depositories, fiscal agents, and custodians.

Reports.—

Not later than December 31, 1992, the Inspector General of the General Services Administration shall submit to the President and to the Congress a report detailing the results of any audit of the financial transactions of the Commission conducted before such date. Not later than March 4, 1994, such Inspector General shall submit to the President and to the Congress a report detailing the results of any audit of the financial transactions of the Commission conducted during the period beginning on December 31, 1992, and ending on December 31, 1993.