Volume 96 · 2603
Public Law 97–472
To designate the period commencing January 1, 1983, and ending December 31, 1983, as the “Tricentennial Anniversary Year of German Settlement in America”.
Approved January 14, 1983
Statutory text
Joint Resolution
To designate the period commencing January 1, 1983, and ending December 31, 1983, as the “Tricentennial Anniversary Year of German Settlement in America”.
Whereas October 6, 1983, is the three hundredth anniversary of German settlement in America at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
Whereas such date marks the beginning of the immeasurable human, economic, political, social, and cultural contributions to this country by millions of German immigrants over the past three centuries;
Whereas today the United States of America and the Federal Republic of Germany continue their close friendship based on the common values of democracy, guaranteed individual liberties, tolerance of personal differences, and opposition to totalitarianism; and
Whereas it is fitting that this historic event be commemorated in such a manner as to celebrate German-American friendship and to focus on the democratic values that bind us together: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
That the period commencing
Tricentennial Anniversary Year of German Settlement in America.
January 1, 1983, and ending December 31, 1983, is hereby designated as the “Tricentennial Anniversary Year of German Settlement in America”, and the President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe the year with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
Sec. 2.
As a concrete demonstration of our commitment to the enduring United States-German relationship, and as an act of celebration to inaugurate the Tricentennial Year, we express our strong support for the President’s Youth Exchange Initiative, and especially the concept of a United States-German teenage exchange sponsored by the Members of the United States Congress and the West German Bundestag, and emphasizing home stays with families.
Sec. 3.
There is hereby established a Commission to be known
Presidential Commission for the German-American Tricentennial.
Establishment.
as the Presidential Commission for the German-American Tricentennial (hereinafter referred to as the “Commission”) to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the German-American Tricentennial. In preparing its plans and carrying out its program, the Commission shall give due consideration to any related plans and programs developed by State, local, private, and foreign groups.
The Commission shall be composed of not more than 40 members, appointed by the President, ten of whom shall be appointed upon the recommendation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and ten of whom shall be appointed upon the recommendation of the President pro tempore of the Senate, in consultation with the majority leader and minority leader of the Senate. One member shall be the Chief Justice of the United States or his designee. The members shall be from the public and private sectors and the President shall designate a member from the private sector as Chairman. The members of the Commission shall receive no compensation for their services as such but may be allowed necessary travel expenses, as authorized by law, to carry out Commission activities.
The Commission is authorized to encourage the participation of, and receive donations of money, property and personal services from, public and private organizations and individuals to assist the Commission in carrying out its responsibilities. The Director of the United States Information Agency is authorized to provide administrative services and staff support to the Commission, as necessary, for which reimbursement shall be made from funds of the Commission under section 686 of title 31, United States Code, in such amounts as may be agreed upon by the Chairman of the Commission and the Director. The heads of other Executive agencies and departments are also authorized and requested to cooperate with and assist the Commission in fulfilling its responsibilities.
The Commission shall have power to appoint and fix the compensation of such personnel as it deems advisable and to appoint such advisory committees as it deems necessary. The Commission may also procure temporary and intermittent services as authorized by section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code. The Commission shall have authority to make contracts and grants as necessary and appropriate to carry out its program.
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.
All expenditures of the Commission shall be made from donated funds.
(g) Report to Congress, termination.
A report of the Commission’s activities shall be made to Congress no later than January 31, 1984, upon which date the Commission shall terminate.
Approved January 14, 1983.