§2802 Federal Recognition

Summary

The President can give official federal recognition to an international exposition planned in the United States if the exposition’s sponsors ask and he finds recognition is in the national interest. Before deciding, he must consider a Commerce Department report about the expo’s purpose and whether it has guaranteed financial and other backing from state and local governments and regional business and civic leaders in amounts the Commerce Secretary thinks will make the expo successful, a State Department report saying the expo can be considered for registration by the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE), and any other evidence he finds appropriate. If the President finds the expo eligible, he may act for the U.S., including asking the BIE to register the expo, making sure the expo meets the requirements of the Convention of November 22, 1928, as amended, and inviting U.S. States and foreign governments to participate — but he must not invite them until the BIE officially registers the exposition. The President must report his actions to Congress promptly.