Congressional authorization of commemorative works

§ 8903. Congressional authorization of commemorative works (a) In general.—Commemorative works— (1) may be established on federal lands referred to in section 8901(4) of this title only as specifically authorized by law; and (2) are subject to applicable provisions of this chapter. (b) Military Commemorative Works.—A military commemorative work may be authorized only to commemorate a war or similar major military conflict or a branch of the armed forces. A commemorative work commemorating a lesser conflict or a unit of an armed force may not be authorized. Commemorative works to a war or similar major military conflict may not be authorized until at least 10 years after the officially designated end of the event. (c) Works Commemorating Events, Individuals, or Groups.— A commemorative work commemorating an event, individual, or group of individuals, except a military commemorative work as described in subsection (b), may not be authorized until after the 25th anniversary of the event, death of the individual, or death of the last surviving member of the group. (d) Consultation With National Capital Memorial Commission.—In considering legislation authorizing commemorative works in the District of Columbia and its environs, the Committee on House Administration of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate shall solicit the views of the National Capital Memorial Commission. (e) Expiration of Legislative Authority.—Legislative authority for a commemorative work expires at the end of the seven-year period beginning on the date the authority is enacted unless the Secretary of the Interior or Administrator of General Services, as appropriate, has issued a construction permit for the commemorative work during that period. 116 STAT. 1229