§2802 Federal recognition

Summary

The President may officially recognize an international exposition planned for the United States if he decides it is in the national interest. Before deciding, he must consider a Commerce Department report that evaluates the fair’s purpose and says, in the Secretary’s judgment, that enough guaranteed money and other support has been secured from state and local governments and regional business and civic leaders to make the event viable; a State Department report saying the fair can be considered for registration by the BIE (Bureau of International Expositions); and any other evidence he finds relevant. If the President recognizes the exposition, he may take actions he thinks are proper. These can include asking the United States to register the fair with the BIE, arranging to meet the requirements of the Convention of November 22, 1928, as amended, about international expositions, and inviting U.S. states and foreign governments to take part. He may not invite others until official BIE registration is received. The President must report his actions to Congress promptly.