Digest for H.R. 1849
111th Congress, 1st Session
H.R. 1849
World War I Memorial and Centennial Act of 2009
Sponsor Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel
Committee Oversight and Government Reform
Date November 4, 2009 (111th Congress, 1st Session)
Staff Contact Sarah Makin

H.R. 1849 is expected to be considered under suspension of the rules, requiring a two-thirds majority for passage. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO) on April 1, 2009. The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform marked up the bill and ordered the bill to be reported by unanimous consent on September 28, 2009.

H.R. 1849 designate the Liberty Memorial at the National World War I Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, as the National World War I Memorial. The bill also establishes the World War I Centennial Commission to: (1) plan, develop, and execute programs, projects, and activities to commemorate the centennial of World War I; (2) encourage private organizations and state and local governments to organize and participate in such activities; (3) facilitate and coordinate such activities throughout the United States; and (4) serve as a clearinghouse for the collection and dissemination of information about centennial events and plans.

The bill determines that the purpose of the Commission is to ensure a suitable observance of the centennial of World War I that promotes the values of honor, courage, patriotism, and sacrifice, in keeping with the representation of these values through the four Guardian Spirits sculpted on the Liberty Memorial Monument at America's National World War I Museum.

A CBO score for H.R. 1849 is not yet available.