PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Congressional Research Service
Version 36 · Passed House amended · Sep 24, 2007
Star-spangled Banner and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission Act - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Star-spangled Banner and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission to plan, coordinate, and execute programs and activities commemorating the historic events that preceded and are associated with the War of 1812. Directs the Commission to: (1) encourage organizations to organize and participate in the commemoration to expand the understanding and appreciation of the significance of the War; (2) provide technical assistance to states, localities, the National Park System's units, and nonprofit organizations to further the commemoration; (3) coordinate and facilitate research on, publication about, and interpretation of the people and events associated with the War; (4) design, develop, and maintain a traveling exhibit that interprets the War's events; (5) ensure that the commemorations provide a lasting legacy and long-term public benefit leading to protection of the natural and cultural resources associated with the War; and (6) examine and review essential facilities and infrastructure at War sites and identify possible improvements that could enhance and maximize visitor experience at the sites.
Requires the Commission to: (1) prepare a strategic plan and annual performance plans; (2) report annually on gifts, bequests, or devises to the Commission with a value of more than $250; and (3) submit a final report on activities, receipts, expenditures, and dispositions of any historically significant items and other properties.
Sets forth provisions concerning the Commission's membership.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2015.
Terminates the Commission on December 31, 2015.
Requires the Inspector General of the Department of the Interior to: (1) perform an annual audit of the Commission; (2) make the results available to the public; and (3) transmit such results to specified congressional committees.
People & committees
Rep. Sarbanes, John P. [D-MD-3] · D–MD
Legislative record
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Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H10713-10715)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H10713-10715)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1389.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H10713-10716)
Mr. Davis (IL) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H2268)
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.1389 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.1389 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
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