UPDATE:

 

President Signs Bill Establishing Quadricentennial Commission

To Help Organize Commemoration Of Champlain’s Exploration

 

WASHINGTON (Thursday, May 8) – President Bush Thursday signed into law legislation authored by the Vermont Congressional Delegation -- Sen. Patrick Leahy (D), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I), Rep. Peter Welch (D) -- and by their New York congressional counterparts, that will establish a commission to help organize next year’s commemoration of the 400^th anniversary of Samuel de Champlain’s first voyage on Lake Champlain.  Other sponsors of the commission legislation include Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Sen. Chuck Schumer (both D-N.Y.).

 

The bill – part of a natural resources package passed by Congress – charters a new, temporary Champlain Quadricentennial Commemoration Commission, which will help coordinate educational, cultural and historical projects while cooperating and assisting the programs and activities conceived by Vermont and New York.  The commission will also be responsible for facilitating nationwide and international celebration efforts.  

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