S. 1359 – John F. Kennedy Center Reauthorization Act of 2017

AI-Generated Summary

Updated April 15, 2026 at 4:33 PM UTC

The John F. Kennedy Center Reauthorization Act of 2017 updates the Kennedy Center’s funding and marks two historic anniversaries. It authorizes specific federal funds for the Center’s maintenance, security and capital projects for fiscal years 2018 through 2021, and it directs the Center to create commemorative displays for its 60th and 50th anniversaries. The bill affects the Center’s Board of Trustees, staff, and the public who use the facility.

Key Provisions

Appropriates $24‑$26 million each year (FY 2018‑2021) for maintenance, repair and security of the Center.
Appropriates $13‑$14 million each year (FY 2018‑2021) for capital projects such as building improvements.
Directs the Center to install a plaque commemorating the 60th anniversary of the National Cultural Center Act, with design and installation funded by private donations, not federal money.
Expresses Congress’s sense that 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of the Center’s opening and authorizes the Center to create displays and programs to honor that milestone.

Legislative Activity

Stay on top of the latest movement without scrolling through every action

8 earlier actions

HouseFloor Latest Action

Held at the desk.

September 7, 2017 • 6:06 PM

View full timeline

SenateIntro Referral

Introduced in Senate

June 14, 2017

SenateIntro Referral

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Environment and Public Works Committee

June 14, 2017

SenateCommittee

Committee on Environment and Public Works. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.

Environment and Public Works Committee

July 12, 2017

SenateCommittee

Committee on Environment and Public Works. Reported by Senator Barrasso without amendment. With written report No. 115-144.

Environment and Public Works Committee

August 3, 2017

SenateCalendars

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 201.

August 3, 2017

SenateFloor

Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5020; text as passed Senate: CR S5020)

September 6, 2017

SenateFloor

Message on Senate action sent to the House.

September 7, 2017

HouseFloor

Received in the House.

September 7, 2017 • 12:04 PM

HouseFloor

Held at the desk.

September 7, 2017 • 6:06 PM

Floor Debate

2 members

What members said about S. 1359 on the floor

2 Republicans

Sen. Cory GardnerR-CO · Sep 6, 2017

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 201, S. 1359. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a…

Sen. Mitch McConnellR-KY · Sep 6, 2017

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Bill Text

3 versions available

Reading Mode

Raw Text PDF XML

Engrossed in SenateIssued September 6, 2017

115th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. 1359

AN ACT

To amend the John F. Kennedy Center Act to authorize appropriations for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the John F. Kennedy Center Reauthorization Act of 2017.

2.

Authorization of appropriations

Section 13 of the John F. Kennedy Center Act (20 U.S.C. 76r) is amended by striking subsections (a) and (b) and inserting the following:

(a)

Maintenance, repair, and security

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Board to carry out section 4(a)(1)(H)—

(1)

$24,000,000 for fiscal year 2018;

(2)

$25,000,000 for fiscal year 2019;

(3)

$25,000,000 for fiscal year 2020; and

(4)

$26,000,000 for fiscal year 2021.

(b)

Capital projects

There are authorized to be appropriated to the Board to carry out subparagraphs (F) and (G) of section 4(a)(1)—

(1)

$13,000,000 for fiscal year 2018;

(2)

$13,000,000 for fiscal year 2019;

(3)

$14,000,000 for fiscal year 2020; and

(4)

$14,000,000 for fiscal year 2021.

.

3.

Authorization for plaque

(a)

Sense of Congress

It is the sense of Congress that the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (referred to in this Act as the Center) should—

(1)

recognize the year 2018 as the 60th anniversary of the National Cultural Center Act (now known as the John F. Kennedy Center Act) (20 U.S.C. 76h et seq.), signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on September 2, 1958; and

(2)

establish commemorative displays honoring President Dwight D. Eisenhower and the history of the National Cultural Center Act (20 U.S.C. 76h et seq.) during the year 2018.

(b)

Authorization for plaque

The Center shall place within the Center a plaque containing an inscription to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the National Cultural Center Act (20 U.S.C. 76h et seq.) by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

(c)

Specifications

The plaque shall be—

(1)

(A)

not less than 6 square feet in size; and

(B)

not more than 18 square feet in size;

(2)

of any shape that the Trustees of the Center determine to be appropriate; and

(3)

placed at a location within the Center approximate to the Eisenhower Theater that the Trustees of the Center determine to be appropriate.

(d)

Funding

(1)

In general

No Federal funds may be used to design, procure, or install the plaque.

(2)

Exception

Paragraph (1) shall not affect the payment of salaries, expenses, and benefits otherwise authorized by law for members and employees of the Center who participate in carrying out this section.

(e)

Private fundraising authorized

(1)

In general

The Center shall solicit and accept private contributions for the design, procurement, and installation of the plaque.

(2)

Accounting

The Center shall—

(A)

establish an account into which any contributions received pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be deposited; and

(B)

maintain documentation of any contributions received pursuant to paragraph (1).

4.

Commemoration of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

(a)

Sense of Congress

It is the sense of Congress that the Center should—

(1)

recognize the year 2021 as the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Center; and

(2)

appropriately acknowledge and commemorate the mission of the Center as a national center for the performing arts and a national memorial to President John F. Kennedy.

(b)

Authorization for displays and programs

The Center may create displays and programs that memorialize the opening of the Center and the programmatic legacy of the Center since its opening in 1971.

Passed the Senate September 6, 2017.

Secretary