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Congressional Research Service
Version 35 · Passed Senate amended · Oct 10, 2004
Ponce de Leon Discovery of Florida Quincentennial Commission Act - Establishes the National Commission on the Quincentennial of the discovery of Florida by Ponce de Leon to plan, encourage, coordinate, and conduct the commemoration of the Quincentennial (500th anniversary) of the discovery of Florida by the Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon.
Sets forth the membership composition of the Commission. Requires the appointment of Commission members not later than 60 days after the enactment of this Act.
Directs the Commission to: (1) plan and develop activities for commemorating the Quincentennial; (2) consult with public and private agencies to organize and participate in Quincentennial activities; and (3) coordinate activities throughout the United States and internationally that relate to the history and influence of the discovery of Florida.
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Directs the Commission to submit a comprehensive report to the President, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate, and the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives not later than one year after the enactment of this Act, that includes specific recommendations for: (1) the allocation of financial and administrative responsibility among entities participating in the commemoration; and (2) the commemoration of the Quincentennial and related events through various publications, programs, and activities. Requires the Commission to submit annual reports on activities, programs, expenditures and donations, and a final report by December 31, 2013.
Enumerates the powers of the Commission, including powers to: (1) prepare and disseminate historical, commemorative, and informational materials and objects to promote awareness of, and interest in, the Quincentennial; (2) create competitions and awards for historical, artistic, and other works relating to the Quincentennial; and (3) establish a central clearinghouse for information relating to the Quincentennial.
Sets forth administrative provisions for the Commission, including the establishment of a principal office in St. Augustine, Florida, and a satellite office in Washington, D.C. Provides for the staffing of the Commission, compensation of Commission employees, procurement authority, and authority to solicit donations.
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a feasibility study for designating an area in the State of Florida as a unit of the National Park System to commemorate the discovery of Florida by Ponce de Leon, and to submit a report to Congress, with recommendations, on the findings of the study.
Authorizes appropriations.
Terminates the authority provided by this Act on December 31, 2013.
People & committees
Sen. Graham, Bob [D-FL] · D–FL
Legislative record
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Referred to the House Committee on Government Reform.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Received in the House.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S11183-11184)
Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 108-739.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (text of measure as introduced: CR S8132-8134)
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S8132)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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