ESTABLISHMENT OF A NATIONAL COMMISSION.

SEC. 203. ESTABLISHMENT OF A NATIONAL COMMISSION. (a) Establishment.—There is established the National Commission to Prevent Infant Mortality (hereinafter referred to as the “Commission”). (b) Composition.—The Commission shall be composed of fifteen members, as follows: (1) Two members of the Senate, one to be selected by the majority leader of the Senate, the other to be selected by the minority leader of the Senate. (2) Two members of the House, one to be selected by the Speaker of the House, the other to be selected by the minority leader of the House. (3) Three representatives of State government shall be jointly selected by the majority leader of the Senate and the Speaker of the House. One shall be a Governor; one shall be a chief State official responsible for administering the State medicaid program; and one shall be the chief State official responsible for administering the State maternal and child health programs. (4) The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall be a member. (5) The Comptroller General of the United States shall be a member. (6) Six at large members, with demonstrated expertise in maternal and child health, including representatives of health care consumer and provider organizations, shall be jointly selected by the majority leader of the Senate and the Speaker of the House. (c) Chairman and Vice Chairman.—The Commission shall select a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson from among its members. (d) Quorum.—Eight members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold hearings. (e) Meetings.—The Commission shall meet at the call of the Chairperson. (f) Vacancies.—Members shall be appointed for the life of the Commission. Any vacancy in the Commission shall not affect its powers, but shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. [42 U.S.C. 285g note]