President Signs Gallegly Bill to Extend Reagan Commission

Press Release

President Obama today signed a bill by U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties) to extend the termination date of the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission.

"Extending the commission through the end of 2011 allows it to accomplish several key goals," Gallegly said. "These include supporting official international events occurring the week of June 27 in Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and the United Kingdom; serving as a resource for federal government centennial activities; and supporting state Reagan centennial commissions."

Gallegly authored the original bill that created the commission. In a White House ceremony attended by Gallegly and former First Lady Nancy Reagan, President Obama signed that bill into law on June 2, 2009. Gallegly was subsequently appointed to the commission.

The 11-member commission oversaw the planning and execution of activities to honor Ronald Reagan on his 100th birthday, which fell on Feb. 6, 2011. It was set to terminate no later than May 30.

Gallegly noted that -- as in the original bill -- no government funds will be spent on commission activities. The bill to extend the commission passed the House on a 383-17 vote on April 12. The Senate approved it by unanimous consent the next day.

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