House bill introduced to honor Ronald Reagan
Commission would plan activities for 100th anniversary of former president's birth

U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly (RThousand Oaks) recently introduced a bill to honor President Ronald Reagan on the 100th anniversary of his birth. This year marks the 97th anniversary of Reagan's birth.

The Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission Act would create a commission to plan and implement activities to honor Reagan. Six of the 11 commissioners would be appointed by the board of trustees of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Foundation. Three others would be appointed by the president. The other two members would be the archivist of the United States and the secretary of the interior or his designee.

Ex-officio members would include the chief justice of the United States. In addition, the Speaker of the House, the House minority leader, the Senate majority leader and the Senate minority leader would each appoint one ex-officio member.

The bill appropriates $4 million for the commission to carry out its duties. After the first $500,000 is spent, the remainder would only be available if the commission receives matching funds. The commission would dissolve on May 30, 2012.

Commissioners would not be paid for their service but would be reimbursed for expenses.

U.S. Rep. Roy Blunt, the Republican Whip, is an original cosponsor of the bill.

Previous commissions have been instituted to honor presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman and Abraham Lincoln.