H.R. 2121: Commission to Study the Creation of a National Museum of Irish American History

This bill, titled the "Commission to Study the Creation of a National Museum of Irish American History," seeks to establish a commission that will explore the potential for creating a national museum dedicated to Irish American history and culture. The following outlines the key components of the bill:

Commission Establishment

The bill establishes a Commission consisting of 23 members who will be appointed to study the feasibility of the museum. Key points include:

• The President will appoint 7 voting members.
• Leadership from both the House and Senate will each appoint 3 voting members and 1 non-voting member.
• Members will be chosen based on their expertise in areas related to Irish-American studies, museum administration, or public service.

Duties of the Commission

The Commission will have several responsibilities, which include:

• Submitting a report with recommendations for establishing and maintaining the museum.
• Assessing various issues, such as the availability and cost of potential collections, impact on existing Irish-American museums, and possible locations for the new museum.
• Developing a fundraising plan to support the museum’s operations without relying solely on federal appropriations.
• Conducting an independent review to evaluate the feasibility of the fundraising plan.
• Collecting input from the Irish-American community to engage them in the museum's development.

Reports and Timeframes

The Commission is required to submit different reports and proposals:

• The plan for the museum and an evaluation of community engagement must be submitted within 24 months of the first meeting of the Commission.
• Legislative recommendations for creating the museum must be submitted within 12 months after the initial reports.

Budget and Funding

The bill authorizes funding for the Commission with the following appropriations:

• $2,100,000 for the first fiscal year following the enactment.
• $1,100,000 for the second fiscal year following the enactment.

Administration and Operation

The Commission will have the authority to hire staff, including an executive director, and will not be considered a federal agency under current employment laws. Additionally, the Commission may accept donations or other contributions to assist with its work.

Termination of the Commission

The Commission will dissolve 30 days after submitting the final reports and plans required by the bill.

Relevant Companies

None found.