World War I Centennial Commission Act Passes Both Houses of Congress

Today, the World War I Centennial Commission Act passed the House of Representatives with overwhelming support, by a vote of 401-5. Congressman Cleaver spoke on the House Floor about this issue earlier this month. Video is available here.  

"With this legislation, which reflects the original bill I first introduced in 2008, we have honored the memory of our veterans, and ensured that the upcoming centennial will be appropriately and auspiciously remembered," stated Congressman Cleaver. "I believe this bill is a symbol of bipartisanship and cooperation, and I have been pleased to work with both sides of the aisle to see it enacted. Millions served in World War I, many of them making the ultimate sacrifice, and now it is our job to serve their memory. Kansas City is home to the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial and I am thrilled this Commission will benefit from their contributions to our country."

"We look forward to working closely with the Centennial Commission to inspire citizens throughout the nation to learn more about this important time in history and discover ways in which they can honor the past," stated Dr. Mary Cohen, Board of Trustees Chair, National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial.

The World War I Centennial Commission Act will now be presented to President Obama for his signature. This legislation, which Congressman Cleaver introduced with Congressman Ted Poe and Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, would establish a commission to ensure a suitable observance of the centennial of World War I. The centennial commission would meet initially and regularly at the Liberty Memorial. On December 12, a version of the legislation was reported out of the Committee on Natural Resources, and on that same day, it passed the House by a unanimous voice vote. On December 21, the Senate passed an amended version of the legislation by Unanimous Consent.  Today, the House approved the amended language.

You can read the bill for yourself by clicking here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Belton, Raymore and Peculiar, Missouri. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and a member of the Congressional Black Caucus. Congressman Cleaver also serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus.